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Tell No One / Gone For Good
From New York Times bestselling author Harlan Coben comes an unforgettable duet of classic novels—two top-notch thrillers filled with the author’s signature storytelling genius.TELL NO ONEFor Dr. David Beck, the loss was shattering. And every day for the past eight years, he has relived the horror of what happened. The gleaming lake. The pale moonlight. The piercing screams. The night his wife was taken. The last night he saw her alive. Everyone tells him it’s time to move on, to forget the past once and for all. But for David Beck, there can be no closure. A message has appeared on his computer, a phrase only he and his dead wife know. Suddenly Beck is taunted with the impossible—that somewhere, somehow, his wife is alive…and he’s been warned to tell no one.“A COMPELLING AND ORIGINAL SUSPENSE THRILLER.” —Los Angeles Times GONE FOR GOOD As a boy, Will Klein had a his older brother, Ken. Then, on a warm suburban night in the Kleins’ affluent New Jersey neighborhood, a young woman—a girl Will had once loved—was found brutally murdered in her family’s basement. The prime Ken Klein. With the evidence against him overwhelming, Ken simply vanished. And when his shattered family never heard from Ken again, they were sure he was gone for good. Now eleven years have passed. Will has found proof that Ken is alive. And this is just the first in a series of stunning revelations as Will is forced to confront startling truths about his brother, and even himself.“RIVETING…HAS MORE TWISTS AND TURNS THAN AN AMUSEMENT PARK RIDE.” —USA Today
744 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2002
760 people are currently reading
2101 people want to read
About the author
Harlan Coben
248 books44k 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 107 reviews
February 18, 2020
AMAZING/PAGE-TURNER/SHOCKING UNTIL THE VERY END... I cannot get enough of his books! I have loved every one that I've read so far.
September 8, 2008
Not the first time I've totally devoured airport fiction, and I hope not the last, because this was GREAT! Seriously. It gave me a whole new appreciation for airport suspense - I can totally see (finally) why people buy and read these books by the hundreds of thousands. It reminds me a little of my early attitude toward reality tv (irritatingly cheap and easy), which later turned into a sincere appreciation of its finer qualities (wonderfully cheap and easy). I can't wait to start reading more suspense novels - seriously. I'm already on my next one - called No Time for Goodbye, or something like that. No Way Out? Gone Out of Time? Whatever - I can't put it down.
August 14, 2018
This was my first book of Harlan Coben and I loved it so much that I read many others of his work too.
August 18, 2020
It was sooo good and then it was not a great ending. But I raced through it because the plot moved quickly and I was intrigued.
September 21, 2019
I admit I fell for these books because of their high rating and I must admit I was dearly disappointed.
First of all, as I read them in this order, in the end of the second story it was hard to tell them apart - "Weren't they together in college? No, it was the first story" - I had to remind myself. Though, I must admit "Tell no one" had far, far better ending than "Gone for good".
The books were described as fast-paced, though I can't say so for myself, especially for "Gone for Good".
The main character in "Tell no one" admitted a love story being highly unbelievable, the main character in "Gone for good" often referred to his actions as illogical, so then why did you write them this way? It sounds silly to suspect that the author mentioning these flaws as something cute hoped to flatten them out. It doesn't work like that, especially for a dedicated reader.
To my taste, it is a serious lack of imagination to build not one but 2 books around some omnipotent, extremely rich bad guy with army of supernatural gorilla killers. Like, with that kind of resources, how hard could it be? Also, referring to "Gone for good" I don't believe in such changes - shy guy turning superman out of grief and guilt, notorius all over the world hitman giving justice to the family whose not one, but 2 members ruined his life. (I get there is the part with the child of his friend, but this isn't enough for me to buy it).
The endings were both disappointing, but as I mentioned one less than the other.
"Tell no one" had interesting unravelling, however at some point it was enough already with the twists - it was one suspect, then Elizabeth, then no, her father, then no, the husband himself. Instead of prolonging the thrill it was boring and tedious and it was like is there more to the book or you actually msde your mind around who the killer you want to be?
"Gone for good" was disappointing to the point of no return. First, the baby thing was super obvious but it was both shoved in your face and tiptoed around making it all the more annoying. Second, I can almost swear that on literally every page there was something like " Ken didn't do it ". Well, guess what - Ken did do it. Instead of being some kind of a wow-twist it left you with the (if I may refer to a popular meme) - "Am I a joke to you?" feeling.
On the hindsight, I know that every author has a catchphrase or word, but the bizarre "potpourri" from all over "Gone for good" just gnawed my mind.
Overall, I would say these pieces are highly overrated and not worth even a beach read, definitely a no-recommend for me.
First of all, as I read them in this order, in the end of the second story it was hard to tell them apart - "Weren't they together in college? No, it was the first story" - I had to remind myself. Though, I must admit "Tell no one" had far, far better ending than "Gone for good".
The books were described as fast-paced, though I can't say so for myself, especially for "Gone for Good".
The main character in "Tell no one" admitted a love story being highly unbelievable, the main character in "Gone for good" often referred to his actions as illogical, so then why did you write them this way? It sounds silly to suspect that the author mentioning these flaws as something cute hoped to flatten them out. It doesn't work like that, especially for a dedicated reader.
To my taste, it is a serious lack of imagination to build not one but 2 books around some omnipotent, extremely rich bad guy with army of supernatural gorilla killers. Like, with that kind of resources, how hard could it be? Also, referring to "Gone for good" I don't believe in such changes - shy guy turning superman out of grief and guilt, notorius all over the world hitman giving justice to the family whose not one, but 2 members ruined his life. (I get there is the part with the child of his friend, but this isn't enough for me to buy it).
The endings were both disappointing, but as I mentioned one less than the other.
"Tell no one" had interesting unravelling, however at some point it was enough already with the twists - it was one suspect, then Elizabeth, then no, her father, then no, the husband himself. Instead of prolonging the thrill it was boring and tedious and it was like is there more to the book or you actually msde your mind around who the killer you want to be?
"Gone for good" was disappointing to the point of no return. First, the baby thing was super obvious but it was both shoved in your face and tiptoed around making it all the more annoying. Second, I can almost swear that on literally every page there was something like " Ken didn't do it ". Well, guess what - Ken did do it. Instead of being some kind of a wow-twist it left you with the (if I may refer to a popular meme) - "Am I a joke to you?" feeling.
On the hindsight, I know that every author has a catchphrase or word, but the bizarre "potpourri" from all over "Gone for good" just gnawed my mind.
Overall, I would say these pieces are highly overrated and not worth even a beach read, definitely a no-recommend for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 16, 2012
The first of Cobens' books that I read and it got me hooked. This writer is amazing.....he even keeps me interested with his detailed discriptions of basketball and golf! A major feat!
June 24, 2017
I read and reviewed these two novels separately, so this is basically just for my own records. I'm not surprised the two stories were grouped together - they're very similar, both dealing with missing (presumed dead) family members and secrets unravelling.
The collection rates three stars from me, as it's the average of the two individual ratings: three stars each for Tell No One and Gone For Good. Both were fast-paced enjoyable reads, but both had a twist ending that I didn't love. The former because it was deeply irritating, the latter because it was just too obvious. I am not, perhaps, the best audience for twist endings - I very rarely like them - but if they're your thing then you'll probably enjoy these two thrillers.
The collection rates three stars from me, as it's the average of the two individual ratings: three stars each for Tell No One and Gone For Good. Both were fast-paced enjoyable reads, but both had a twist ending that I didn't love. The former because it was deeply irritating, the latter because it was just too obvious. I am not, perhaps, the best audience for twist endings - I very rarely like them - but if they're your thing then you'll probably enjoy these two thrillers.
September 15, 2025
Tell No One, written by Harlan Coben, is a fast-paced, twist-heavy thriller that kept me turning the pages. Coben’s ability to layer suspense with emotional depth is undeniable, and the story is filled with constant surprises that make it difficult to put down.
At times, the introduction of so many characters made it a little challenging to track every thread, especially with the rapid-fire twists unfolding throughout the book. Still, that complexity adds to the intensity, and once the pieces begin to connect, the payoff is strong.
The conclusion lands in a way I didn’t anticipate—unexpected, yet satisfying—and it tied the story together with both heart and shock value. A smart, engaging thriller for anyone who enjoys being kept off balance until the very end.
At times, the introduction of so many characters made it a little challenging to track every thread, especially with the rapid-fire twists unfolding throughout the book. Still, that complexity adds to the intensity, and once the pieces begin to connect, the payoff is strong.
The conclusion lands in a way I didn’t anticipate—unexpected, yet satisfying—and it tied the story together with both heart and shock value. A smart, engaging thriller for anyone who enjoys being kept off balance until the very end.
March 13, 2021
My first foray into the genre and this author. Let me start with the positives. Both books are well written and the style is very readable. Overall the story lines are enjoyable. Now for the bad. Although well written with a decent storyline and premise, for me these were never page turners and I never felt immersed in the story. The characters will not stick with me for long, but for me what I found mos tproblematic was the feeling that these were written from the same template. I kept thinking didn't I just read this? These two will do it for me, sorry Mr. Coben.
October 8, 2017
Beck's wife has been dead for eight years, or so he thinks. Now he is getting mysterious emails and seeing footage that leads him to believe that she is still alive.
This is a very well-woven suspense novel. I especially enjoyed the strength of commitment between the two main characters. We have good and evil people here and every hue in between. We see despicable drug dealers showing a human side and upright police showing their failings.
This is a very well-woven suspense novel. I especially enjoyed the strength of commitment between the two main characters. We have good and evil people here and every hue in between. We see despicable drug dealers showing a human side and upright police showing their failings.
January 11, 2018
This is the second Harlan Coben novel I've read, but it certainly won’t be the last. I'm finding that his books are true page turners and you can't look away or you'll miss something. This book, in particular, was intriguing and fast-paced with many unexpected plot twists that kept me entertained. It’s definitely one I’ll recommend to my reading friends as a terrific book to consider when choosing a novel solely for its entertainment value.
September 4, 2018
Two Novels in One
This is my first experience with reading Harlan Coben. I love a good thriller, and "Tell No One" and "Gone for Good" are among the best. Great twists in both, and an unexpected ending for each. Lots of action too. I also appreciate the lack of foul language and smut. Many authors think that sort of thing enhances a novel. Mr. Coben proves how unnecessary that is. I will be reading more by this author.
This is my first experience with reading Harlan Coben. I love a good thriller, and "Tell No One" and "Gone for Good" are among the best. Great twists in both, and an unexpected ending for each. Lots of action too. I also appreciate the lack of foul language and smut. Many authors think that sort of thing enhances a novel. Mr. Coben proves how unnecessary that is. I will be reading more by this author.
June 7, 2020
I just finished Tell No One, an excellent thriller by Harlan Coben. I have read his other books, all very good and exciting. This one kept you guessing after the doctor's wife was kidnapped and a body found, suppose to be her, but tell tale messages subject she may still be alive after eight years. A great book to keep you up until the last page. Alot of interesting characters in the story too.
April 28, 2021
This is the world of Harlan Coben, where every woman is swan-necked, no one is ever really dead, your parents never tell you the truth, and the person you love most is never the person you really think they are. Oh, and Springsteen will play in the background.
And yet, I’m hooked and read through in a day or two. It’s a formula that keeps you turning the pages.
And yet, I’m hooked and read through in a day or two. It’s a formula that keeps you turning the pages.
October 20, 2024
Not sure how to rate this one, when I borrowed it from Libby I didn’t realize it was two books 🤷🏻♀️ tell no one was great! Gone for good went on for ages and I felt like I needed a family tree to reference for every page. So many storylines, obviously all coming together eventually, but woof. It was a little too much for me 😅
October 19, 2025
A hard read at times but we'll worth it
I found it hard to get into at first, but I realize that's because I'm a slow reader and I typically read just before bed. Once I sat down to spend the time reading, I couldn't put it down. Both endings surprised me. Definitely worth reading.
I found it hard to get into at first, but I realize that's because I'm a slow reader and I typically read just before bed. Once I sat down to spend the time reading, I couldn't put it down. Both endings surprised me. Definitely worth reading.
January 20, 2021
Why has it taken me so long to read Harlan Coben?
I just read a double novel by Harlan Cohen and very impressed! Deep characters, lots of twisty story lines and two surprise endings. I'm a fan!
I just read a double novel by Harlan Cohen and very impressed! Deep characters, lots of twisty story lines and two surprise endings. I'm a fan!
August 24, 2025
Stunner
Harlan Coben's done it yet again with Gone for Good. He has woven his believable characters into a tale of intrigue and emotional tsunamis that boggle the mind then he ties every single strand together with a final, totally unexpected twist. A masterful work!
Harlan Coben's done it yet again with Gone for Good. He has woven his believable characters into a tale of intrigue and emotional tsunamis that boggle the mind then he ties every single strand together with a final, totally unexpected twist. A masterful work!
October 4, 2025
A twisted plot with A very unexpected ending. Very well done!
Harlan does it again! He goes one way and then a different way and brings you totally a different way in the end. Well written
Harlan does it again! He goes one way and then a different way and brings you totally a different way in the end. Well written
November 11, 2019
Quite entertaining and surprising
February 7, 2020
"Tell No One" was a Fantastic beach read! I got a bad sunburn I was so engrossed in this book. Such intelligently written twists and turns.
April 14, 2020
A twist on every page, couldn't put it down until it was finished.
April 15, 2020
Great read . Several great twists
July 25, 2020
One of my favorite authors
I really didn’t want to put this book down. It has lots of twists and turns and kept me not sure what would be next.
I really didn’t want to put this book down. It has lots of twists and turns and kept me not sure what would be next.
October 3, 2021
wow amazing. little slow in the beginning but once it picked up i couldn’t put it down
January 23, 2022
Four and a half stars, five for Gone For Good, four for Tell No One. Coben at his best!
February 20, 2022
Goodness my head is a mess with the twists and turns. What a fantastic ending. I never saw that coming. Definitely, Definitely put it on your reading list
January 13, 2023
Both great books
As usual both Conan books were great reads. Totally different stories and both very interesting. Gone for Good has an unexpected ending.
As usual both Conan books were great reads. Totally different stories and both very interesting. Gone for Good has an unexpected ending.
May 29, 2023
Niceeeee.
April 2, 2024
Could not put either book down. Took a day between to rest my eyes and then off again.... Love Harlan Corben books!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews