• Author: Harlan Coben
• Expected Publication September 26th 2017
• Category: Mystery, Suspense, Crime, Thriller, Book Review, Books, Reading
• 

With unmatched suspense and emotional insight, Harlan Coben explores the big secrets and little lies that can destroy a relationship, a family, and even a town in this powerful new thriller.

Napoleon ‘Nap’ Dumas, a New Jersey Detective, has never quite come to terms with his twin brother’s death, and has carried that baggage with him since Leo and his girlfriend, Diana, were found dead on the railroad tracks back when they were all in high school. Nap’s girlfriend, Maura, disappeared from his life at the same time and for the last fifteen years Nap has been consumed with wanting to know the circumstances behind his brother’s death and the sudden and mysterious disappearance of his girlfriend, Maura. 

When Nap learns about the murder of a police officer, another of their high school friends, and the fact that Maura’s prints were found in the perpetrator’s rental car, a chain of devastating events is set in motion as Nap starts to dig into the past. Pins worn on his friends lapels and an abandoned military base hidden in the woods are significant and seem to Nap to hold the key.

I have heard the expression “the hairs on my neck stood up” but I don’t think I ever quite got it until now. Now Reynolds waits, but I won’t give her the satisfaction. She’s carrying this ball now. I’ll let her take it to the goal line.

“The prints got a hit,” she continues, “because ten years ago you, Detective Dumas, put them in the database, describing her as a ‘person of interest.’ Ten years ago, when you first joined the force, you asked to be notified if there was ever a hit.”

I try not to show the shock, but I don’t think I’m doing too good a job. I’m flashing back, Leo. I’m flashing back fifteen years.

The author’s note explains how story was inspired because of a legend, which turned out to be true, surrounding his hometown; that behind barbed wire and no trespassing signs there was a Nike missile control center.  For me, this gives a strong sense of realism to the narrative and I loved the way the story was built around the legend. I can imagine such a place being used for morally questionable purposes.

Inventive and excellently written, Don’t Let Go engages from the start with the past impacting on the present in a huge way. I found myself totally caught up in the story, right through to the unexpected conclusion.

Why has it taken me so long to read a Harlan Coben book! Don’t Let Go is filled with suspense, emotion and is a fast paced, gripping read. With several compelling, well defined characters, the plot is put together brilliantly. Each time I thought I knew where it was going there was another unexpected twist. Nap’s quest for answers and his desire to get to the bottom of the secrets surrounding the original group of high school friends leads to more questions than answers. Maybe he didn’t know them as well as he thought…

I chose to read and review Don’t Let Go based on an advanced copy of the book supplied by NetGalley and the author/publisher.

Book links ~ Amazon UK | Amazon US

About the author

With over 60 million books in print worldwide, Harlan Coben’s last seven consecutive novels, MISSING YOU, SIX YEARS, STAY CLOSE, LIVE WIRE, CAUGHT, LONG LOST and HOLD TIGHT all debuted at #1 on the New York Times bestseller list and lists around the world. His books are published in 43 languages around the globe.

Coben is the winner of the Edgar Award, Shamus Award and Anthony Award – the first author to win all three – and he has received an eclectic variety of honors from all over the world. His novel TELL NO ONE has been turned into a hit French film of the same name. His essays and columns have appeared in many top publications.

Harlan was born in Newark, New Jersey. He still lives in New Jersey with his wife, Anne Armstrong-Coben MD, a pediatrician, and their four children.

Author links ~ Website | Twitter | Facebook