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Caught by Harlan Coben
17 year-old Haley McWaid is a good girl, the pride of her suburban New Jersey family, captain of the lacrosse team, headed off to college next year with all the hopes and dreams her doting parents can pin on her. Which is why, when her mother wakes one morning to find that Haley never came home the night before, and three months quickly pass without word from the girl, the community assumes the worst.Wendy Tynes is a reporter on a mission, to identify and bring down sexual predators via elaborate—and nationally televised—sting operations. Working with local police on her news program Caught in the Act, Wendy and her team have publicly shamed dozens of men by the time she encounters her latest target. Dan Mercer is a social worker known as a friend to troubled teens, but his story soon becomes more complicated than Wendy could have imagined.
Paperback
First published February 25, 2010
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About the author
Harlan Coben
241 books43.8k followersHarlan Coben is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and one of the world's leading storytellers. His suspense novels are published in forty-five languages and have been number one bestsellers in more than a dozen countries with seventy-five million books in print worldwide.
His books have earned the Edgar, Shamus, and Anthony Awards, and many have been developed into Netflix Original Drama series, including his adaptations of The Stranger, The Innocent, Gone for Good and The Woods. His most recent adaptation for Netflix, Stay Close, premiered on December 31, 2021 and stars Cush Jumbo, James Nesbitt, and Richard Armitage.
His books have earned the Edgar, Shamus, and Anthony Awards, and many have been developed into Netflix Original Drama series, including his adaptations of The Stranger, The Innocent, Gone for Good and The Woods. His most recent adaptation for Netflix, Stay Close, premiered on December 31, 2021 and stars Cush Jumbo, James Nesbitt, and Richard Armitage.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 5,567 reviews
November 27, 2021
This is a terrific read, and for me, another example of why Coben is so popular.
It begins with the entrapment of a man who appears to have groomed a young woman on the internet. Instead of the girl, he finds a TV crew who film his responses to their sting operation, and soon he is in court. But, he’s found innocent on a technicality – a pretty big technicality, too.
The reporter, Wendy Tynes is very upset that her perfect capture failed to have this paedophile thrown behind bars. There can be little so terribly irritating to a reporter than to find that a perfect open and shut case fails to reach the mark required by the law, and so she is tempted to help when a vigilante decides he wants to remove at least one paedophile from the streets. But she’s about to realise that even paedophiles have some rights.
This is a book that is really difficult to describe, without giving away too much. Is it a good, fast, thrilling read? Undoubtedly, but it’s much more. This book delves into modern American society and brings a spotlight with it. In turns Coben looks at the banking crisis, the misery of senior professionals thrown onto the garbage heap, when they still have a huge amount to offer, the breakdown of family life and the impact on children, and so many other issues it’s impossible to do it all justice in a short review.
Tying all that in with a thriller that works until the very last pages, and you have a magnificent, thrilling and immensely satisfying book!
It begins with the entrapment of a man who appears to have groomed a young woman on the internet. Instead of the girl, he finds a TV crew who film his responses to their sting operation, and soon he is in court. But, he’s found innocent on a technicality – a pretty big technicality, too.
The reporter, Wendy Tynes is very upset that her perfect capture failed to have this paedophile thrown behind bars. There can be little so terribly irritating to a reporter than to find that a perfect open and shut case fails to reach the mark required by the law, and so she is tempted to help when a vigilante decides he wants to remove at least one paedophile from the streets. But she’s about to realise that even paedophiles have some rights.
This is a book that is really difficult to describe, without giving away too much. Is it a good, fast, thrilling read? Undoubtedly, but it’s much more. This book delves into modern American society and brings a spotlight with it. In turns Coben looks at the banking crisis, the misery of senior professionals thrown onto the garbage heap, when they still have a huge amount to offer, the breakdown of family life and the impact on children, and so many other issues it’s impossible to do it all justice in a short review.
Tying all that in with a thriller that works until the very last pages, and you have a magnificent, thrilling and immensely satisfying book!
April 5, 2017
It was hard not to get "caught" up in this novel (excuse my corny pun). If you haven't read a Coben novel you're missing out. This guy can write books like no one's business. He is to mystery writing as Reba is to country music. Coben is one of the best, if not THE BEST mystery authors out there. My life goal is to read all his books! :) his books are my happy place!
This book was another one of his that had twists and turns and at the very end knocks you back and does a one eighty and I FREAKING LOVE THAT!
In the beginning of this Dan Mercer goes to a house with a red door.... and after he opens it he can't shut it. His life spirals out of control as does everyone else's that is somewhat associated with him. Wendy Tynes, a high-profile reporter is who was behind that door... she has something on Dan but Dan says he's innocent... but is he?
From there, Harlan Coben takes you down a yellow brick road that even Dorothy would be confused on. Everything from scandals to murder, to a missing teenager that seems to have nothing to do with the plot, enters the story and it will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page.
Harlan's books make me want to sit down and read them and try as I might I can never figure out his ending, he ALWAYS throws me a curve ball, but that is why I love him!
Highly recommend! I will probably always recommend a Coben! :)
This book was another one of his that had twists and turns and at the very end knocks you back and does a one eighty and I FREAKING LOVE THAT!
In the beginning of this Dan Mercer goes to a house with a red door.... and after he opens it he can't shut it. His life spirals out of control as does everyone else's that is somewhat associated with him. Wendy Tynes, a high-profile reporter is who was behind that door... she has something on Dan but Dan says he's innocent... but is he?
From there, Harlan Coben takes you down a yellow brick road that even Dorothy would be confused on. Everything from scandals to murder, to a missing teenager that seems to have nothing to do with the plot, enters the story and it will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page.
Harlan's books make me want to sit down and read them and try as I might I can never figure out his ending, he ALWAYS throws me a curve ball, but that is why I love him!
Highly recommend! I will probably always recommend a Coben! :)
January 21, 2021
Caught by Harlan Coben is a 2010 Dutton publication.
Remember those shows where pedophiles were lured into a sting operation, thinking they were meeting up with an underage girl, only to find themselves under arrest and embarrassed on national television?
Well, this is the story of Dan Mercer, a man who walks into that same kind of trap- and Wendy Tynes is the reporter who set him up. When things take an unexpected and shocking turn, it leaves Wendy with more questions than answers.
Meanwhile, the case of missing teenager Hayley McWaid suddenly heats up when evidence surfaces connecting Dan Mercer to Hayley. While this stunning development seems to confirm that Dan was exactly the type of man Wendy thought he was, things just aren’t adding up, and Wendy won’t stop until she gets the whole story.
My 2021 reading resolution is to read more books from my TBR list and significantly fewer ARCs. My TBR list was nearing the 4000 mark by the end of last year, so the first thing I did was start culling through the list, purging nearly a thousand books from the pile. Sad, but necessary. But, while I was going through all those books I was surprised to discover this book had been languishing on my shelf for eight years!! I left a Harlan Coben novel on my TBR list all that time? Apparently so. How could that be? 😲😲 ( I'm sure there are still several Coben novels I've never read, but they weren't on my list for eight whole years.)
Naturally, I had to dive into it immediately. I almost read the book in one sitting. Maybe it was the comfort of the familiar style, or the quality of the writing, or that it kept me engaged and challenged enough to loathe putting the book down.
Whatever the reason it reminded me of why I became such big fan of this author. While I can’t say, that compared to his other books, this is one of his very best- in fact, the plausibility meter was almost completely off the charts- but, it was definitely a page-turner, and kept me guessing from start to finish... Oh, and if you like the Myron Bolitar series, Win makes a very brief appearance in the book, which was the icing on the cake for me.
Overall, finding this book tucked deep down on the TBR pile was a pleasant surprise and an entertaining diversion.
4 stars
Remember those shows where pedophiles were lured into a sting operation, thinking they were meeting up with an underage girl, only to find themselves under arrest and embarrassed on national television?
Well, this is the story of Dan Mercer, a man who walks into that same kind of trap- and Wendy Tynes is the reporter who set him up. When things take an unexpected and shocking turn, it leaves Wendy with more questions than answers.
Meanwhile, the case of missing teenager Hayley McWaid suddenly heats up when evidence surfaces connecting Dan Mercer to Hayley. While this stunning development seems to confirm that Dan was exactly the type of man Wendy thought he was, things just aren’t adding up, and Wendy won’t stop until she gets the whole story.
My 2021 reading resolution is to read more books from my TBR list and significantly fewer ARCs. My TBR list was nearing the 4000 mark by the end of last year, so the first thing I did was start culling through the list, purging nearly a thousand books from the pile. Sad, but necessary. But, while I was going through all those books I was surprised to discover this book had been languishing on my shelf for eight years!! I left a Harlan Coben novel on my TBR list all that time? Apparently so. How could that be? 😲😲 ( I'm sure there are still several Coben novels I've never read, but they weren't on my list for eight whole years.)
Naturally, I had to dive into it immediately. I almost read the book in one sitting. Maybe it was the comfort of the familiar style, or the quality of the writing, or that it kept me engaged and challenged enough to loathe putting the book down.
Whatever the reason it reminded me of why I became such big fan of this author. While I can’t say, that compared to his other books, this is one of his very best- in fact, the plausibility meter was almost completely off the charts- but, it was definitely a page-turner, and kept me guessing from start to finish... Oh, and if you like the Myron Bolitar series, Win makes a very brief appearance in the book, which was the icing on the cake for me.
Overall, finding this book tucked deep down on the TBR pile was a pleasant surprise and an entertaining diversion.
4 stars
April 10, 2010
There were two parts to this book. Mind you, I have been anxiously waiting for Coben to come out with a new book. I absolutely love him and think he might be my favorite author of all time.
I always get wrapped up and into the story and literally finish his book within a day or less, and that was the case with this one. Like I said there were two parts to this book.
It kind of threw me because I'm not used to that style of writing from him. There was the dark anticipation and then it spun you for a whirlwind.
I do not want to give away any details from the book, but this was just a little too far-fetched for me. Pedophiles, kidnapping, facebook, one annoying "reporter". I don't know.
The only thing I truly liked about this book was the fact that Win made an appearance. (I have a secret love crush on him. He's from the Myron Bolitar series.)
For me, this book didn't do Coben justice. It was not what I thought it was going to be, then again his twists and turns never are. But this was just TOO far-fetched this time.
One of the best quotes from the book that made me literally laugh out loud and say "so true!" was on page 319:
"I remember one time I heard this English professor asking the class what the world's scariest noise is. Is it a man crying out in pain? A woman's scream of terror? A gunshot? A baby crying? And the professor shakes his head and says, 'No, the scariest noise is, you're all alone in your dark empty house, you KNOW you're all alone, you know that there is NO chance anyone else is home or within MILES - and then, suddenly, from upstairs, you hear the toliet flush.'"
I always get wrapped up and into the story and literally finish his book within a day or less, and that was the case with this one. Like I said there were two parts to this book.
It kind of threw me because I'm not used to that style of writing from him. There was the dark anticipation and then it spun you for a whirlwind.
I do not want to give away any details from the book, but this was just a little too far-fetched for me. Pedophiles, kidnapping, facebook, one annoying "reporter". I don't know.
The only thing I truly liked about this book was the fact that Win made an appearance. (I have a secret love crush on him. He's from the Myron Bolitar series.)
For me, this book didn't do Coben justice. It was not what I thought it was going to be, then again his twists and turns never are. But this was just TOO far-fetched this time.
One of the best quotes from the book that made me literally laugh out loud and say "so true!" was on page 319:
"I remember one time I heard this English professor asking the class what the world's scariest noise is. Is it a man crying out in pain? A woman's scream of terror? A gunshot? A baby crying? And the professor shakes his head and says, 'No, the scariest noise is, you're all alone in your dark empty house, you KNOW you're all alone, you know that there is NO chance anyone else is home or within MILES - and then, suddenly, from upstairs, you hear the toliet flush.'"
November 28, 2020
Although I always like the books from Coben's Myron Bolitar series the best, his stand alones, like this one, are often really good too.
Caught begins with a man being publicly named and shamed as a paedophile and continues apace with a missing teenager, murders and suicides. At first it all seems random but gradually things come together. There is a lot of suspense throughout the book and I found myself very reluctant to put it down.
I enjoyed the characters especially the relationship between Wendy, Charlie and Pop. And then of course there was Win, one of my favourite characters from the Myron Bolitar series, just dropping by to be his normal amazing self.
There were a million twists and turns and no way for me to even guess what was going to happen. And in the last few pages, just when you think it is all sorted, there is a surprise ending. Loved it!
Caught begins with a man being publicly named and shamed as a paedophile and continues apace with a missing teenager, murders and suicides. At first it all seems random but gradually things come together. There is a lot of suspense throughout the book and I found myself very reluctant to put it down.
I enjoyed the characters especially the relationship between Wendy, Charlie and Pop. And then of course there was Win, one of my favourite characters from the Myron Bolitar series, just dropping by to be his normal amazing self.
There were a million twists and turns and no way for me to even guess what was going to happen. And in the last few pages, just when you think it is all sorted, there is a surprise ending. Loved it!
April 11, 2022
Writing: 3/5 | Plot: 4/5 | Ending: 4/5
THE PLOT
Two seemingly unconnected stories intertwine in this fire flame thriller by Netflix's author on speed dial, Harlan Coben.
The first story is about Hayley, the girl everyone wants to be, who goes missing seemingly without a trace. The second story is about Dan, a man exposed by the Wendy, host of the fictional version of To Catch a Predator when he tries to check on a troubled female youth.
Wendy is a clout-chasing journalist who loves to catch pervs and also get her Nancy Drew on. After Dan is murked by a victim's father, Wendy goes full FBI and investigates whether Dan is actually or perv or she slipped up. Along the way, Hayley's body is found and all fingers point to disgraced and presumed dead Dan.
But what will Wendy discover??? The answer: A LOT
MY OPINION
This was my first book by Harlan, but I've watched (and loved) Gone for Good, The Stranger, and most recently, Stay Close on Netflix. The openers for Hayley and Dan's story were absolute BANGERS. It pulled—no, snatched—your ass in, and I was stuck.
The pacing was great. This is definitely Netflix material. Kudos to Harlan for getting that Netflix bag. Yes, you have to suspend your belief, because Wendy being a report who does expert-level sleuthing on the side while the police twiddle their thumbs is simply implausible. Also, not sure why the author needed to include details painting her as MILF material...? Ah, the male gaze.
I was originally pulled in by the description, but stayed for the plot. A twisty, turny read.
PROS AND CONS
Pros: Revelations galore. Every chapter reveals something new. Original plot.
Cons: Writing quality was subpar, tbh.
THE PLOT
Two seemingly unconnected stories intertwine in this fire flame thriller by Netflix's author on speed dial, Harlan Coben.
The first story is about Hayley, the girl everyone wants to be, who goes missing seemingly without a trace. The second story is about Dan, a man exposed by the Wendy, host of the fictional version of To Catch a Predator when he tries to check on a troubled female youth.
Wendy is a clout-chasing journalist who loves to catch pervs and also get her Nancy Drew on. After Dan is murked by a victim's father, Wendy goes full FBI and investigates whether Dan is actually or perv or she slipped up. Along the way, Hayley's body is found and all fingers point to disgraced and presumed dead Dan.
But what will Wendy discover??? The answer: A LOT
MY OPINION
This was my first book by Harlan, but I've watched (and loved) Gone for Good, The Stranger, and most recently, Stay Close on Netflix. The openers for Hayley and Dan's story were absolute BANGERS. It pulled—no, snatched—your ass in, and I was stuck.
The pacing was great. This is definitely Netflix material. Kudos to Harlan for getting that Netflix bag. Yes, you have to suspend your belief, because Wendy being a report who does expert-level sleuthing on the side while the police twiddle their thumbs is simply implausible. Also, not sure why the author needed to include details painting her as MILF material...? Ah, the male gaze.
I was originally pulled in by the description, but stayed for the plot. A twisty, turny read.
PROS AND CONS
Pros: Revelations galore. Every chapter reveals something new. Original plot.
Cons: Writing quality was subpar, tbh.
November 11, 2021
3.5 stars
SPOILER ALERT SPOIRLER ALERT SPOILER ALERT
WARNING: THIS REVIEW MIGHT CONTAIN (WHAT YOU CONSIDER) SPOILERS
Wendy Tynes is a television journalist for the program 'Caught in the Act', a show that lures in and exposes child predators. Dan Mercer, a divorced Princeton graduate who coaches troubled kids, is ensnared by Wendy's machinations and accused of targeting a young girl. However, the evidence is compromised and a judge lets Mercer off.
This infuriates Ed Grayson - whose son was abused - and he shoots and kills Mercer right in front of Wendy.
However Grayson is a former U.S. Marshall - and a very clever guy - who gets rid of the body, obfuscates the evidence, and hires top-notch criminal defense attorney Hester Crimstein. Thus, it looks like Grayson can't even be brought to trial. And even if he could be, the jury would more likely congratulate him than convict him.
Meanwhile, a 17-year-old high school girl named Haley McWaid has been missing for three months.....and new evidence points to Mercer (now dead) as the possible abductor.
There's a problem though. Wendy's been re-examining the evidence that Mercer was a pedophile and - in retrospect - it looks inconclusive. Hence, Wendy fears she may have 'outed' an innocent man.....and indirectly got him killed. Moreover, Wendy's not positive Mercer was involved in Haley's disappearance either.
Wendy's guilty conscience leads her to delve into Mercer's life, going all the way back to his years at Princeton. And lo and behold, Wendy discovers that something bad happened at the Ivy League University a couple of decades back.....something that might be connected to what's occurring now.
As Wendy's trying to uncover the truth she interviews Mercer's family and friends, some of whom have lost lucrative jobs because of the economy. One of Mercer's unemployed buddies - who's fashioned himself into a rapper called Tenafly - provides some comic relief from the darker parts of the story.
Wendy's investigation, helped by playboy/tycoon Windsor Horne Lockwood III (Win)- eventually leads her to the truth.....which is quite twisty and surprising.
Two themes in the book are revenge and forgiveness. Terrible wrongs have been done to some characters, and the issue of whether to forgive or not arises several times. To me the forgiveness motif didn't meld smoothly into the story and felt awkward.
All in all I liked the book pretty well, and it was fun to see Hester Crimstein and Win - who are recurring characters in Coben's books. I think most mystery fans would enjoy 'Caught' and recommend the book to them.
You can follow my reviews at http://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.com/
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 11, 2019
3.75 Stars
Caught by Harlan Coben is a crime mystery. It was my first read by this author and I would like to try his other works. Told in multiple POV, 3rd person, it’s a standalone novel. It was a bit dark, a bit slow for my taste, unpredictable with a shocking ending and satisfying! Overall, it was a good read and hope you enjoy it as well!
Caught by Harlan Coben is a crime mystery. It was my first read by this author and I would like to try his other works. Told in multiple POV, 3rd person, it’s a standalone novel. It was a bit dark, a bit slow for my taste, unpredictable with a shocking ending and satisfying! Overall, it was a good read and hope you enjoy it as well!
March 28, 2016
Wow! When you read this one you will need to take notes, create a flow chart, etc. and I bet you still won't see anything coming. Not only did keep thinking that I had guessed where the story was going, Coben had me convinced I was right and the BAM! nope . . . wrong again! This happened about 10 times. Only 4 stars because it didn't blow me away, but it was very good.
Also, the mid-life crisis men's club was pretty funny. And, bonus appearance by Win from the Bolitar series.
Also, the mid-life crisis men's club was pretty funny. And, bonus appearance by Win from the Bolitar series.
August 27, 2021
I heard Harlan Coben is quite the yarn spinner and this exceeded my expectations. Is it a must read? It depends on how much you love whodunnits. It doesn't do anything ground breaking, but it's fun as hell the whole way through.
It starts off simple enough and quickly complicates things by revealing multiple mysteries. Add in a massive cast of characters and you might need to jot some details down. The entire time I just wanted to know whether they were related in some crazy way.
At the 90% mark I was ready to burst trying to piece everything together, but Coben, the gentleman he is, took my hand and walked me through the entire thing step by step. I swear I googled some things I was confused about (no luck) and literally a few pages later he answered all my concerns.
I don't think there was a single character I didn't like. Even the ones that seemed shitty had some silver linings. The twists don't stop until the final pages. Bravo!
It starts off simple enough and quickly complicates things by revealing multiple mysteries. Add in a massive cast of characters and you might need to jot some details down. The entire time I just wanted to know whether they were related in some crazy way.
At the 90% mark I was ready to burst trying to piece everything together, but Coben, the gentleman he is, took my hand and walked me through the entire thing step by step. I swear I googled some things I was confused about (no luck) and literally a few pages later he answered all my concerns.
I don't think there was a single character I didn't like. Even the ones that seemed shitty had some silver linings. The twists don't stop until the final pages. Bravo!
August 4, 2015
I think if I'd read a paper copy I'd have rated more highly. True to form though, Mr Coben has delivered an enjoyable romp into quite a windy sojourn of twists, turns and cul-de-sacs.
Ultimately this book was quite satisfying in terms of the ending, but in getting there I felt it was just too slow. In a way, it felt like it kept going and going.. In saying that though, I did like the epilogue, that was satisfaction for me.
Whilst this is not my favourite of this author, I still very much look forward to all the books I've yet to read by one of my top authors, probably the paper version! The voices from female to male were just eeew!
Ultimately this book was quite satisfying in terms of the ending, but in getting there I felt it was just too slow. In a way, it felt like it kept going and going.. In saying that though, I did like the epilogue, that was satisfaction for me.
Whilst this is not my favourite of this author, I still very much look forward to all the books I've yet to read by one of my top authors, probably the paper version! The voices from female to male were just eeew!
January 5, 2024
I seem to always be able to rely on Harlan Coben for a fantastic read. I've always loved his work and loved this one - Caught.
This is an extremely engaging mystery/thriller about both a missing 17 year old girl and a seemingly kind man (who cares for children in the system and helps them) accused of paedophilia by a news reporter who brings down such men by setting up "stings". He and his ex-wife, now best friend, defend him, and the news reporter soon starts questioning if she's ruined an innocent man's life.
Both crimes/mysteries involve a similar circle of people within the same small town and intersect that way. It's quite thrilling at times and very hard to put down until the final pages.
I was invested in the characters and their stories, however, I found there were just a few too many characters to start who we didn't know enough about and who I had to flip back to to recall or just move on not caring too much about a few side bits (maybe a me problem!). As for the characters who are essential to the story, they were developed so well I needed to know what would happen for them next right away.
Andddd, it's always fun when Hester Crimstein or Win appear in a Coben novel and you get to enjoy quite a bit of time with them in Caught.
This is an extremely engaging mystery/thriller about both a missing 17 year old girl and a seemingly kind man (who cares for children in the system and helps them) accused of paedophilia by a news reporter who brings down such men by setting up "stings". He and his ex-wife, now best friend, defend him, and the news reporter soon starts questioning if she's ruined an innocent man's life.
Both crimes/mysteries involve a similar circle of people within the same small town and intersect that way. It's quite thrilling at times and very hard to put down until the final pages.
I was invested in the characters and their stories, however, I found there were just a few too many characters to start who we didn't know enough about and who I had to flip back to to recall or just move on not caring too much about a few side bits (maybe a me problem!). As for the characters who are essential to the story, they were developed so well I needed to know what would happen for them next right away.
Andddd, it's always fun when Hester Crimstein or Win appear in a Coben novel and you get to enjoy quite a bit of time with them in Caught.
January 30, 2015
Harlan Coben does not disappoint in this one kept me on the edge of my seat building in every chapter never knowing who did it loved this book a must read for Harlan Coben fans you wont be disappointed
February 1, 2024
This is my first Harlan Coben book and honestly, I don't really know what to feel about it.
First off, this was a revelation. The central theme is a sensitive topic and I really liked how the author worked around with it, I tried really hard to guess where the story is going and I failed at it miserably. I had no idea what to believe anymore, haha. And that's a good thing for a mystery book like this one.
Still, I wouldn't say that this floored me or anything like that but one particular scene really stuck to me and that single monologue made me cry silent tears. It broke my heart and I felt the pain in more ways than one.
I'm pretty sure that I'll be reading more of Harlan.
WHAT HARLAN COBEN DO YOU RECCOMMEND?
First off, this was a revelation. The central theme is a sensitive topic and I really liked how the author worked around with it, I tried really hard to guess where the story is going and I failed at it miserably. I had no idea what to believe anymore, haha. And that's a good thing for a mystery book like this one.
Still, I wouldn't say that this floored me or anything like that but one particular scene really stuck to me and that single monologue made me cry silent tears. It broke my heart and I felt the pain in more ways than one.
I'm pretty sure that I'll be reading more of Harlan.
WHAT HARLAN COBEN DO YOU RECCOMMEND?
March 9, 2011
I finished this book yesterday and as I read the last few lines I couldn't help remarking to myself that this had to be Coben's best one yet. The pacing was break neck, the characters though all different and some as dysfunctional as a human can get - were believable, some even sympathetic, and some NOT, which is as it should be. Our heroine is an investigative news reporter and a single mom who gets embroiled in job related issues (not good ones) and a murder mystery involving a major college, it's alumni, leaders in the community, the feds and local cops, the internet (good social media and techie detail here too), and predators of young girls. As a "plot' this one has it all. Sub-plots to die for, story arcs only a major leaguer like Coben could pull off, just enough narration and description to keep you on the edge of your seat and guessing WHO. I read a lot of mysteries and I gotta' tell ya', Harlan had me wondering until the end. You think you have it figured out and he throws you a 100 mile-an-hour curve ball, bang you're back to zero with no choice but to read on. Only someone with this authors skills could make the suburbs the deepest darkest jungle of the human soul, rip it from the headlines and kick your ass with it. You'll question your own values in areas of your mind, heart and spirit and like the characters in this killer thriller you WILL make choices, choices to live by that stay with you like this book will. Whatever genre you like to read or write in, I can't recommend this book enough. At 388 pages it reads as quick as a short story but you'll be glad it's not. Harlan Coben is at the top of his game with this one fiction fans. I very much look forward to his next release. He's on Twitter too: as @HarlanCoben - http://twitter.com/harlancoben
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I was able to get my hands on Caught by major leaguer Harlan Coben so I'm slotting the reading of it before Kristin Kimball's non-fiction book The Dirty Life. This story, so far, and I'm just a dozen or so pages in, has the pacing and intrigue hints I love about Coben's work. I've read several of his books over the last few years and I'm sure this one will be a great ride. More soon as I dive into this story of a girl who disappears, the reasons WHY and the dirty little secrets revealed in a town, that tell us a bit about ourselves, and some among us, that we may not want to face. But we will.
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I was able to get my hands on Caught by major leaguer Harlan Coben so I'm slotting the reading of it before Kristin Kimball's non-fiction book The Dirty Life. This story, so far, and I'm just a dozen or so pages in, has the pacing and intrigue hints I love about Coben's work. I've read several of his books over the last few years and I'm sure this one will be a great ride. More soon as I dive into this story of a girl who disappears, the reasons WHY and the dirty little secrets revealed in a town, that tell us a bit about ourselves, and some among us, that we may not want to face. But we will.
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September 11, 2025
2.0-Stars for my re-listen to "Caught" by Harlan Coben
- It was barely OK
I listened to this audiobook sometime in October 2016, before I started writing reviews. My rating at the time was 4-Stars. Today I am at a loss to understand why🙄. Almost eleven hours long, the book seemed to go on, and on... until I finally finished it in the early hours of this morning, only because I simply HAD to find out why I had originally rated the book 4-Stars!
The most annoying aspects of the writing were the continuous 'plot' twists, turns, reveals and the like. Annoying, because it seemed as though they were all confected along the way, as though the author wrote the whole bleeding story without an overall plan. It all became frustrating and infuriating, and not in a good way. Even the brief appearances of "Win" ("Windsor Horne Lockwood III": good guy/bad guy of the Myron Bolitar series) seemed contrived and simply too convenient. I was frustrated and annoyed throughout. Even at the end of the story, as I sensed something worthwhile may be coming, my hopes were dashed again by emerging twists and turns.
I'm done whinging about "Caught"! The narration was OK, but certainly not good enough to lift this book above the 2-Star "It Was OK" level.
Commenced Re-listen: August 29, 2025
Extracts from my Listening Activity:
August 29, 2025 @ 14%: "An interesting re-listen so far"😊
August 31, 2025 @ 40%: "I first heard this in 2016 and I cannot remember anything about it, but I am alternating between frustration because of "corny" writing and admiration for the developing theme. I understand that perseverance is the key here, so Onwards..."
September 09, 2025 @ 68%: "This book has not aged well for me. I can't remember why I rated it 4-Stars in 2016, but as I struggle to finish it, at 68% heard I cannot imagine rating it more than 2.5-Stars... this time around."
September 10, 2025 @ 99%: "I stayed awake last night because I just HAD to finish this book. It was published 15 years ago, I last heard it 10 years ago - I have no idea why I gave it a rating of 4-Stars then (no review😐). R+R TC."
Heard in October 2016 - ✔4-Stars
Harlan Coben - Caught 2010
Audiobook: 10:51 Hours - Narrator: Carrington MacDuffie
- It was barely OK
I listened to this audiobook sometime in October 2016, before I started writing reviews. My rating at the time was 4-Stars. Today I am at a loss to understand why🙄. Almost eleven hours long, the book seemed to go on, and on... until I finally finished it in the early hours of this morning, only because I simply HAD to find out why I had originally rated the book 4-Stars!
The most annoying aspects of the writing were the continuous 'plot' twists, turns, reveals and the like. Annoying, because it seemed as though they were all confected along the way, as though the author wrote the whole bleeding story without an overall plan. It all became frustrating and infuriating, and not in a good way. Even the brief appearances of "Win" ("Windsor Horne Lockwood III": good guy/bad guy of the Myron Bolitar series) seemed contrived and simply too convenient. I was frustrated and annoyed throughout. Even at the end of the story, as I sensed something worthwhile may be coming, my hopes were dashed again by emerging twists and turns.
I'm done whinging about "Caught"! The narration was OK, but certainly not good enough to lift this book above the 2-Star "It Was OK" level.
Commenced Re-listen: August 29, 2025
Extracts from my Listening Activity:
August 29, 2025 @ 14%: "An interesting re-listen so far"😊
August 31, 2025 @ 40%: "I first heard this in 2016 and I cannot remember anything about it, but I am alternating between frustration because of "corny" writing and admiration for the developing theme. I understand that perseverance is the key here, so Onwards..."
September 09, 2025 @ 68%: "This book has not aged well for me. I can't remember why I rated it 4-Stars in 2016, but as I struggle to finish it, at 68% heard I cannot imagine rating it more than 2.5-Stars... this time around."
September 10, 2025 @ 99%: "I stayed awake last night because I just HAD to finish this book. It was published 15 years ago, I last heard it 10 years ago - I have no idea why I gave it a rating of 4-Stars then (no review😐). R+R TC."
Heard in October 2016 - ✔4-Stars
Harlan Coben - Caught 2010
Audiobook: 10:51 Hours - Narrator: Carrington MacDuffie
August 8, 2015
I read this book while on holiday last year and really enjoyed it.
Quite a few stories intertwining but focusing primarily on a missing girl and a TV program that carries out live child predator stings. Seemingly normal people hiding some very dark secrets. I have seen a few of the Dateline - To Catch a Predator episodes so I found that story-line quite interesting. There were times I wondered if perhaps the show had read the situation wrong (however unlikely). A person who may in fact be innocent can have their lives irrevocably damaged just by the accusation.
I enjoyed the multiple story-lines and many characters. Full of twists, lies, and shocking revelations. Though not always realistic still entertaining. With all of the different events going on I definitely had to pay close attention but for the most part I could keep up.
"Caught" is very fast paced with interesting story-lines and many dysfunctional yet entertaining characters.
Harlan Coben has a way of pulling you in and not letting go until the last page.
Quite a few stories intertwining but focusing primarily on a missing girl and a TV program that carries out live child predator stings. Seemingly normal people hiding some very dark secrets. I have seen a few of the Dateline - To Catch a Predator episodes so I found that story-line quite interesting. There were times I wondered if perhaps the show had read the situation wrong (however unlikely). A person who may in fact be innocent can have their lives irrevocably damaged just by the accusation.
I enjoyed the multiple story-lines and many characters. Full of twists, lies, and shocking revelations. Though not always realistic still entertaining. With all of the different events going on I definitely had to pay close attention but for the most part I could keep up.
"Caught" is very fast paced with interesting story-lines and many dysfunctional yet entertaining characters.
Harlan Coben has a way of pulling you in and not letting go until the last page.
November 11, 2019
Harlan Coben, the King of mystery/thriller writing, has done it again 👑
I think his books pretty much guarantee a twisty ride with an ending you don't expect - Caught is no exception.
My one thing with this though is that the story wasn't hugely memorable. Even as I'm writing this the day after finishing it, I had to have a good think for a moment to remember what it was actually about... 🤔
But alas, if you need something to fill the thrillometer, Harlan Coben is the go to.
I think his books pretty much guarantee a twisty ride with an ending you don't expect - Caught is no exception.
My one thing with this though is that the story wasn't hugely memorable. Even as I'm writing this the day after finishing it, I had to have a good think for a moment to remember what it was actually about... 🤔
But alas, if you need something to fill the thrillometer, Harlan Coben is the go to.
July 5, 2025
Добър трилър, с няколко интересни обрата на историята.
По едно време се усетих какво става, но авторът умело ме заблуди.
На почитателите на жанра ще се понрави.
Моята оценка - 3,5*.
По едно време се усетих какво става, но авторът умело ме заблуди.
На почитателите на жанра ще се понрави.
Моята оценка - 3,5*.
September 11, 2022
As I've said before Harlan Coben is hit and miss with me. This one was a big hit. The level of creepy in this book was off the charts. And that pushed it over the top for me. Any fan of Harlan Coben should love this one. Five big stars.
October 7, 2025
কাকতালীয়ভাবে বন্ধুত্ব নিয়ে পরপর দুইটি বই পড়া হয়ে গেল। সবচেয়ে বিশ্বস্ত বন্ধুত্ব গড়ে ওঠে ছোটবেলায়। কিন্তু ছোটবেলার বন্ধুগুলো বড় হতে হতে সবারই দিক পাল্টে যায়। এরপর বন্ধু গড়ে তোলা কঠিন। বিশ্ববিদ্যালয় জীবনে আরো কঠিন। তবে একবার একটা গ্ৰুপ হয়ে গেলে এই বন্ধন টিকে থাকে বহু বছর; রুমমেট হলে তো কথাই নেই। তবে ওই যে বললাম, ছোটবেলার বন্ধুত্বের এক অন্যরকম মায়া থাকে। তাই পরবর্তীতে হওয়া বন্ধুদের বিশ্বস্ততা নিয়ে বিশ্বাসহীনতা থেকেই যায়...
এমনই পাঁচ বন্ধুর এক গ্রুপ, তারা সবাই প্রিন্সটনের ছাত্র। বিশ্ববিদ্যালয়ের কালচার অনুযায়ী, এক বিশেষ রাতে এখানে মজার একটা খেলা হয়– স্ক্যাভেঞ্জার হান্ট। দলবদ্ধ এই খেলায় প্রতিটি দলকে একটা লিস্ট ধরিয়ে দেওয়া হয়, লিস্টে থাকা সকল আইটেম তাদের জোগাড় করতে হবে। যে দল যত বেশি আইটেম কালেক্ট করতে পারবে, সে দল বিজয়ী। নিছক আনন্দের এই খেলা পাঁচ বন্ধুর জীবনে জীবন-মরণ সংশয়ের মতো ধাক্কা নিয়ে আসে। উধাও হয়ে যায় এক কিশোরী। আদতে কী ঘটেছিল খেলায়?
▪️▪️▪️
ক্রাইম থ্রিলার। যথেষ্ট ভালো। একটুও সময় নষ্ট না করে গতি ধরে রেখে মসৃণভাবে সময় কাটাবার বই। তবু একটা ব্যাপার কি–হয় না পড়তে পড়তে অমুক চরিত্রের কষ্টে আমিও কষ্ট পেলাম, তমুকের দুঃখে জর্জরিত হয়ে গেলাম। এই গল্পে সেটা হয়নি। এমন একটা চরিত্র ছিল না, যার সাথে মানসিকভাবে আমার সম্পর্ক গড়ে উঠতে পারে। চরিত্রগুলোর আরো একটু ডিটেইল দরকার ছিল। ৩.৯/৫
এমনই পাঁচ বন্ধুর এক গ্রুপ, তারা সবাই প্রিন্সটনের ছাত্র। বিশ্ববিদ্যালয়ের কালচার অনুযায়ী, এক বিশেষ রাতে এখানে মজার একটা খেলা হয়– স্ক্যাভেঞ্জার হান্ট। দলবদ্ধ এই খেলায় প্রতিটি দলকে একটা লিস্ট ধরিয়ে দেওয়া হয়, লিস্টে থাকা সকল আইটেম তাদের জোগাড় করতে হবে। যে দল যত বেশি আইটেম কালেক্ট করতে পারবে, সে দল বিজয়ী। নিছক আনন্দের এই খেলা পাঁচ বন্ধুর জীবনে জীবন-মরণ সংশয়ের মতো ধাক্কা নিয়ে আসে। উধাও হয়ে যায় এক কিশোরী। আদতে কী ঘটেছিল খেলায়?
▪️▪️▪️
ক্রাইম থ্রিলার। যথেষ্ট ভালো। একটুও সময় নষ্ট না করে গতি ধরে রেখে মসৃণভাবে সময় কাটাবার বই। তবু একটা ব্যাপার কি–হয় না পড়তে পড়তে অমুক চরিত্রের কষ্টে আমিও কষ্ট পেলাম, তমুকের দুঃখে জর্জরিত হয়ে গেলাম। এই গল্পে সেটা হয়নি। এমন একটা চরিত্র ছিল না, যার সাথে মানসিকভাবে আমার সম্পর্ক গড়ে উঠতে পারে। চরিত্রগুলোর আরো একটু ডিটেইল দরকার ছিল। ৩.৯/৫
June 15, 2017
3.5 stars
Review to follow
Review to follow
February 11, 2020
⭐️⭐️💫
Almost a DNF, probably should have been 🤷🏻♀️ just not into these “out there” thrillers lately but overall entertaining and the many story lines were well closed out.
Almost a DNF, probably should have been 🤷🏻♀️ just not into these “out there” thrillers lately but overall entertaining and the many story lines were well closed out.
April 13, 2020
April2020 Reading with Action/Adventure Aficionados group here:
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
This was an excellent read again, although I kind of knew what was coming. The first time was better, but this time I could appreciate the foreshadowing & clues better. I've also read most of the Myron Bolivar series, so I appreciated Win more.
Nov2018The first book I read by him was Play Dead, the first he published & it wasn't that great. This author was recommended by my dentist, so I gave him another shot. Then I read Mystery Writers of America Presents Death Do Us Part: New Stories about Love, Lust, and Murder which he edited & wrote the final story in. It was one of the better short story collections, so I thought I'd give him another try & I'm glad I did.
The main theme of trial by public opinion was superbly done. I hate to see public postings of arrests since it assumes guilt before trial. In the case of child molestation, it is especially damaging. All it takes is a believable false accusation to completely ruin a person. I was appalled the show To Catch A Predator since it smacks of entrapment that is all too easily spoofed. That the show was so popular just proves a decadence in our society, a craving for blood & circuses.
I can't recall when I've read a twistier mystery. New bits of information kept coming all the way until the very end that changed the context of the story & the characters from good guys to villains to people who made good or bad decisions & then just got caught up. Excellent foreshadowing this time, too. Wow, what a ride!
There were quite a few false notes peppered throughout the story. No big ones this time, but a number of irritating ones. Most turned out to be part of the twisty story & the heroine picked up on them eventually. The biggest issue I had was that she was supposed to be so good at being an investigative reporter, yet she kept missing & forgetting things. I kept muttering that she should take notes if her memory was that bad, but 2 friends told me they didn't catch these issues either.
The book was very well narrated & I'll definitely look for more by him.
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
This was an excellent read again, although I kind of knew what was coming. The first time was better, but this time I could appreciate the foreshadowing & clues better. I've also read most of the Myron Bolivar series, so I appreciated Win more.
Nov2018The first book I read by him was Play Dead, the first he published & it wasn't that great. This author was recommended by my dentist, so I gave him another shot. Then I read Mystery Writers of America Presents Death Do Us Part: New Stories about Love, Lust, and Murder which he edited & wrote the final story in. It was one of the better short story collections, so I thought I'd give him another try & I'm glad I did.
The main theme of trial by public opinion was superbly done. I hate to see public postings of arrests since it assumes guilt before trial. In the case of child molestation, it is especially damaging. All it takes is a believable false accusation to completely ruin a person. I was appalled the show To Catch A Predator since it smacks of entrapment that is all too easily spoofed. That the show was so popular just proves a decadence in our society, a craving for blood & circuses.
I can't recall when I've read a twistier mystery. New bits of information kept coming all the way until the very end that changed the context of the story & the characters from good guys to villains to people who made good or bad decisions & then just got caught up. Excellent foreshadowing this time, too. Wow, what a ride!
There were quite a few false notes peppered throughout the story. No big ones this time, but a number of irritating ones. Most turned out to be part of the twisty story & the heroine picked up on them eventually. The biggest issue I had was that she was supposed to be so good at being an investigative reporter, yet she kept missing & forgetting things. I kept muttering that she should take notes if her memory was that bad, but 2 friends told me they didn't catch these issues either.
The book was very well narrated & I'll definitely look for more by him.
June 10, 2010
Not one of Coben's best. For one thing, a character who speaks in the first person in the prologue immediately fades into the background after I had become intrigued by his story. I think it would have been stronger if he had been the protagonist, a man trying to get out of his own predicament. Instead, Coben switches to a new character and I couldn't quite get into her. (For one thing, the book changes from first person to third.) He briefly introduces a character from other books of his, but that's unsatisfying, too, because he's a rather colorful character and here he's only given a bit part. In this book, he served only as an easy way for the main character to get information that she would have had trouble getting otherwise.
That was the main weakness of the book: the mystery (there was actually more than one) was convoluted and the main character solved it/them without the reader being able to see all her thought processes or problem-solving actions. She just suddenly "knows." I don't usually care whether I figure the mystery out on my own, but I like to have more clues along the way.
Not exactly a waste of time (it was a quick read), but I certainly wouldn't recommend it as an introduction to Harlan Coben's work.
That was the main weakness of the book: the mystery (there was actually more than one) was convoluted and the main character solved it/them without the reader being able to see all her thought processes or problem-solving actions. She just suddenly "knows." I don't usually care whether I figure the mystery out on my own, but I like to have more clues along the way.
Not exactly a waste of time (it was a quick read), but I certainly wouldn't recommend it as an introduction to Harlan Coben's work.
July 25, 2018
“I knew opening that red door would destroy my life.” Those are the opening words of Harlan Coben’s Caught. Dan Mercer, a dedicated child social worker, is caught in a TV sting operation by Wendy Tynes, a reporter who has made a career of taping and broadcasting supposed pedophiles caught in the act.
Wendy comes off as pretty stereotypical at first, like a female reporter who has no scruples. As the story progresses, however, she seems to find her conscience. Dan claims that he was set up, and Wendy wonders if perhaps Dan really was innocent. Dan is an enigma. I didn’t know what to make of Dan through most of the book. Before long, things become, much more complicated than just Dan’s pedophilia charge.
As the story progresses, it may very well be the reader who is caught. The plot races from Dan to his ex- wife to a missing high school girl to Dan’s college buddies to, back and forth, all with Wendy in the middle. I found this book to be filled with lies, deceit, and characters I wasn’t quite sure I liked but didn’t exactly hate.
While I’ve read much better books, I enjoyed the story telling, and this book was quite a ride. There are folks in this tale who learn some hard lessons. There is also some stuff that is pretty unrealistic. I did get a few laughs at the sarcasm, but the attitude of the lawyers was over the top. All in all, though, I was happy to be caught up in Coben’s Caught for a day.
Wendy comes off as pretty stereotypical at first, like a female reporter who has no scruples. As the story progresses, however, she seems to find her conscience. Dan claims that he was set up, and Wendy wonders if perhaps Dan really was innocent. Dan is an enigma. I didn’t know what to make of Dan through most of the book. Before long, things become, much more complicated than just Dan’s pedophilia charge.
As the story progresses, it may very well be the reader who is caught. The plot races from Dan to his ex- wife to a missing high school girl to Dan’s college buddies to, back and forth, all with Wendy in the middle. I found this book to be filled with lies, deceit, and characters I wasn’t quite sure I liked but didn’t exactly hate.
While I’ve read much better books, I enjoyed the story telling, and this book was quite a ride. There are folks in this tale who learn some hard lessons. There is also some stuff that is pretty unrealistic. I did get a few laughs at the sarcasm, but the attitude of the lawyers was over the top. All in all, though, I was happy to be caught up in Coben’s Caught for a day.
April 19, 2021
I do enjoy Coben’s Myron Bolitar series & his stand-alone books.
This stand-alone novel “Caught“ has a nice plot, number of key characters to follow low & end is not complicated.
*
In NJ, Haley McWaid(17) a “great” high school lacrosse team captain, ready to continue college is her parent’s dreams. One morning Marcia (mom) & Ted (Dan) find Holly’s bed is empty, no initial concerns, but then missing after 3 months with no body found the town assumes death.
*
Wendy Tynes, main character, is a “pedophile” reporter catching sexual “predators” on a TV - news program “Caught in the Act”. She helps capture & shame many men.
*
Dan Mercer is a social worker for troubled teens. Wendy believes Dan has taken advantage of some young girls too? Haley is one. Dan’s exposed, wrongly accused, acquitted in Legal Courts but it’s too late. His reputation/life is ruined, now living in trailers, escaping/beaten - is shot/killed by someone!!
*
Another teenage girl is missing - is a “real monster” out there? A GPS is attached to Wendy’s car & she’s tracked home by a killer that she narrowly escapes.
*
Wendy’s son teaches her how to do Facebook searches in reverse. She finds Dan Mercer graduated Princeton 20 years ago? Wendy uncovers Dan’s 5 Princeton fraternity members, suspects in Dan Mercer’s past “scavenger hunt” for a Princeton Dean’s boxer shorts?
*
Wendy finds Christa Stockwell, the Princeton Personal Assistant hurt in the past “scavenger hunt” - Dan’s 5 Princeton classmates - a broken mirror, used to hurt her face, naming her “SCAR FACE”.
*
Wendy finds the men’s current problems involved in the Princeton “scavenger hunt” - Dan Mercer(“pedophile” charge?), Steve Miciano (drug charges), Farley Parks (out of a political race), Phil Turnball (stock market job - caught stealing), Kelvin Tilfer (Math genius now in a asylum).
The end has a good flow. Did one of these kill Haley intentionally? Was a “scavenger” hunt member or person knowing the hunt try to hurt each member? The ending has a nice twist.
This stand-alone novel “Caught“ has a nice plot, number of key characters to follow low & end is not complicated.
*
In NJ, Haley McWaid(17) a “great” high school lacrosse team captain, ready to continue college is her parent’s dreams. One morning Marcia (mom) & Ted (Dan) find Holly’s bed is empty, no initial concerns, but then missing after 3 months with no body found the town assumes death.
*
Wendy Tynes, main character, is a “pedophile” reporter catching sexual “predators” on a TV - news program “Caught in the Act”. She helps capture & shame many men.
*
Dan Mercer is a social worker for troubled teens. Wendy believes Dan has taken advantage of some young girls too? Haley is one. Dan’s exposed, wrongly accused, acquitted in Legal Courts but it’s too late. His reputation/life is ruined, now living in trailers, escaping/beaten - is shot/killed by someone!!
*
Another teenage girl is missing - is a “real monster” out there? A GPS is attached to Wendy’s car & she’s tracked home by a killer that she narrowly escapes.
*
Wendy’s son teaches her how to do Facebook searches in reverse. She finds Dan Mercer graduated Princeton 20 years ago? Wendy uncovers Dan’s 5 Princeton fraternity members, suspects in Dan Mercer’s past “scavenger hunt” for a Princeton Dean’s boxer shorts?
*
Wendy finds Christa Stockwell, the Princeton Personal Assistant hurt in the past “scavenger hunt” - Dan’s 5 Princeton classmates - a broken mirror, used to hurt her face, naming her “SCAR FACE”.
*
Wendy finds the men’s current problems involved in the Princeton “scavenger hunt” - Dan Mercer(“pedophile” charge?), Steve Miciano (drug charges), Farley Parks (out of a political race), Phil Turnball (stock market job - caught stealing), Kelvin Tilfer (Math genius now in a asylum).
The end has a good flow. Did one of these kill Haley intentionally? Was a “scavenger” hunt member or person knowing the hunt try to hurt each member? The ending has a nice twist.
July 10, 2023
5 Stars
Harlan Coben delivers again. Loved this suspense.
Wendy is a journalist who is checking out the story of Don Mercer.
She doesn't believe what he did and wants to prove it.
The story gets really involved in a good way.
The twist at the end, I didn't see coming.
Excellent writing by one of my favourite authors
Harlan Coben delivers again. Loved this suspense.
Wendy is a journalist who is checking out the story of Don Mercer.
She doesn't believe what he did and wants to prove it.
The story gets really involved in a good way.
The twist at the end, I didn't see coming.
Excellent writing by one of my favourite authors
February 22, 2011
Harlan Coben takes on the issue of vigilantism in this story about a high profile TV reporter, Wendy Tynes, who entraps men suspected of being child molesters. Wendy has been successful with these ploys until she catches one Dan Mercer, who protests his innocence and is acquitted, only to find himself the target of outraged parents. After all, everyone now knows he’s a pedophile. Wendy is fired, and devotes herself to further investigation when Dan is murdered. This promises to be an engaging plot, but it becomes so complicated with a conglomeration of ancillary characters that the plot gets lost in the shuffle. Among these are a middle aged white rapper named “Ten-a-fly”, a missing teenager, a group of Princeton alums who keep getting involved in scandals, a TV judge, and the woman who killed Wendy’s husband in a DWI accident and who wants Wendy’s forgiveness. As a result, no one character, not even Wendy, is given much depth, and it’s difficult to care about what happens to any of them. The point of all this is that Wendy may indeed be guilty of fingering an innocent man, and she longs for his forgiveness, and she must reconcile her anger at the drunk driver with her guilt over her mistaken judgment. This is an honorable theme, but Coben takes his readers all around Robin Hood’s barn to get there.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 11, 2024
Dan Mercer wordt ervan beschuldigd een jong meisje te hebben misbruikt. Het is journaliste Wendy Tynes die hem aan de kaak stelt. Maar Dan wordt vrijgesproken, omdat het zogenaamde bewijs berust op 'uitlokking'.
Een tienermeisje, Haley McWaid, verdwijnt spoorloos. Algauw kan men uitsluiten dat ze van huis weggelopen is. Heeft Dan Mercer hier iets mee te maken?
Maar Dan wordt vermoord voor de ogen van Wendy Tynes, op een afgelegen plek. Ze heeft geen bereik met haar telefoon, en moet een heel eind rijden om de politie te verwttigen. Als ze terugkomen is er geen lijk te vinden, maar wel enkele sporen van geweld.
Wendy bijt zich vast in de zaken. Ze spit het verleden van Dan uit, en komt veel te weten over zijn vrienden op de Princeton Universiteit. Er blijkt met al zijn voormalige flatgenoten iets aan de hand te zijn...
Het lichaam van Haley wordt uiteindelijk gevonden, maar is reeds in een staat van ontbinding dat er geen doodsoorzaak meer kan vastgesteld worden. Haar iPhone was gevonden in de motelkamer waar Dan Mercer zich verscholen hield, voor hij vermoord werd...of verdween...
Het is pas na een lange en moeizame zoektocht dat Wendy de waarheid kan achterhalen.
Heel goed boek, met verschillende plottwists die ik echt niet zag aankomen!
Een tienermeisje, Haley McWaid, verdwijnt spoorloos. Algauw kan men uitsluiten dat ze van huis weggelopen is. Heeft Dan Mercer hier iets mee te maken?
Maar Dan wordt vermoord voor de ogen van Wendy Tynes, op een afgelegen plek. Ze heeft geen bereik met haar telefoon, en moet een heel eind rijden om de politie te verwttigen. Als ze terugkomen is er geen lijk te vinden, maar wel enkele sporen van geweld.
Wendy bijt zich vast in de zaken. Ze spit het verleden van Dan uit, en komt veel te weten over zijn vrienden op de Princeton Universiteit. Er blijkt met al zijn voormalige flatgenoten iets aan de hand te zijn...
Het lichaam van Haley wordt uiteindelijk gevonden, maar is reeds in een staat van ontbinding dat er geen doodsoorzaak meer kan vastgesteld worden. Haar iPhone was gevonden in de motelkamer waar Dan Mercer zich verscholen hield, voor hij vermoord werd...of verdween...
Het is pas na een lange en moeizame zoektocht dat Wendy de waarheid kan achterhalen.
Heel goed boek, met verschillende plottwists die ik echt niet zag aankomen!
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