Quick Synopsis

A man presumed dead is suddenly wanted for murder in this thriller of secrets, lies, and dangerous conspiracies that threaten to cover up the truth.

Publisher’s Synopsis

Three years ago, sports agent Myron Bolitar gave a eulogy at the funeral of his client, renowned basketball coach Greg Downing. Myron and Greg had history: initially as deeply personal rivals, and later as unexpected business associates. Myron made peace and moved on – until now, when twofederal agents walked into his office, demanding to know where Greg Downing is.

According to the agents, Greg is still alive—and has been placed at the scene of a double homicide, making him their main suspect. Shocked, Myron needs answers.

Myron and Win, longtime friends and colleagues, set out to find the truth, but the more they discover about Greg, the more dangerous their world becomes. Secrets, lies, and a murderous conspiracy that stretches back into the past churn at the heart of Harlan Coben’s blistering new novel.

Book Review

If you have read my reviews for awhile, you know that Harlan Coben is one of my go-to authors. I especially pick up his novels when I am having a difficult time getting interested in any books. Coben’s fast-paced plots usually draw me in immediately and urge me to finish the book in one sitting.

Think Twice is the first novel I have read from Harlan Coben’s Myron Bolitar series, which happens to be novel number 12. I was hoping that I could pick up this new release without needing to read the eleven prior books. After all, I have had a brief introduction to the two main characters in Win (2021).

Think Twice begins at a brisk pace with Myron approached by the FBI who demands he tell them where his former friend and client, Greg, is hiding. Greg’s DNA has been found at a high-profile murder scene. The only problem is Greg has been dead for 3 years. Myron and his bestie, Win, set off to get answers and stumble upon a serial killer.

Think Twice is the first Harlan Coben novel that I have been truly disappointed by. Perhaps if I read the entire series, I would have been more enamored with this new title. (It seems everyone on Goodreads is.) However, Think Twice lacked the elements that I love about Coben’s books: well-developed characters; a fast, steady pace; and solid writing that does not scream, “I am man.”

Although Think Twice has Coben’s signature twist and turns that keep you guessing, the plot itself is difficult to buy into and drags in the middle. Apparently, no one cares that it is wildly inappropriate for a sports agent and a trust funder to jet around the country trying to solve a murder. The FBI and local police departments just shrug off the serious interference and obstructions of justice. Instead, the odd pair – Bolitar and Win – solve a slew of serial murders complicated enough to require four chapters of explanation but without motivation.

Coben is one of the few male authors that I read. Often times, particularly in crime or thriller books, male authors write in a way that exudes testosterone and cluelessness about the other sex. This has never been a problem for me with Coben’s novels. However, Think Twice is led by Bolitar who speaks in a way I would call characteristically male and “boomer cringey.” (I promise that no one needs to read “bitching view” multiple times in the first few chapters.) For me, the writing is atypical of Coben and worse for it.

I realize that Think Twice is a an entry in a long-standing series; however, I think it is a reasonable expectation for writers to expect readers to pick up any novel as a standalone. Yet, it is taken for granted that readers know the characters. Or at least, there is little introduction to the characters, their backgrounds, and their personalities. In addition, the novel lacks the interactions between main characters that are a hallmark and strength of the series.

Overall, Think Twice is unevenly paced and far-fetched. From reading this novel alone, I would argue the Myron Bolitar series is past its prime and should be retired. I only recommend Think Twice to avid fans of the series who are devoted to its characters.

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