In this article, the Top 10 Harlan Coben books will be graded. The author of this piece has read every standalone novel Coben has written, and will provide their expert opinion on which ones are the best. While there are 13 standalone novels currently available, the author will only be focusing on the top 10.
1: Play Dead
In “Play Dead,” Harlan Coben offers a unique perspective on a classic mystery trope. Instead of a whodunit, the reader knows who the killer is from the beginning. However, the characters who could reveal the truth choose to remain silent, creating a tense and suspenseful atmosphere.
Coben’s writing style is masterful, providing just enough information to keep the reader engaged without giving away too much. The plot is intricate, with twists and turns that keep the reader guessing until the very end. Overall, “Play Dead” is a captivating and well-crafted mystery novel that showcases Coben’s talent for storytelling.
2: Missing You
In the novel, “Missing You,” Kat Donovan, an NYPD detective, reconnects with her ex-fiancé Jeff through an online dating site. However, her attempt to reach out to him leads her down a dangerous path where murders keep happening. The story is a thrilling tale with plenty of twists and turns that keep the reader engaged throughout. Despite the lack of excessive plot twists, the story remains captivating and difficult to put down.
3: Caught
The plot of the story revolves around a reporter’s pursuit of sexual predators. The story starts off slow, but gradually builds up suspense and tension, leading to a satisfying ending. The two parallel storylines merge towards the end, adding to the intrigue. The reporter’s relentless pursuit of the predators keeps the reader engaged throughout the story.
4: No Second Chance
Dr. Marc Seidman’s life is turned upside down when he wakes up to find his wife dead and his six-month-old daughter missing. The novel, No Second Chance, takes readers on a thrilling journey filled with unexpected twists and turns.
The book is a masterful display of storytelling, with multiple layers that keep the reader engaged until the very end. It is so captivating that one reader even pulled over on a road trip to finish reading it.
No Second Chance is a testament to the power of a well-crafted mystery novel. The story is expertly written, and the characters are fully realized and relatable. The book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good mystery or thriller.
5: The Woods
In “The Woods” by Harlan Coben, the story revolves around a prosecutor named Paul Copeland who is investigating a major case. However, the past comes back to haunt him when he realizes that the case is related to a series of murders that occurred 20 years ago at a summer camp. The book takes readers on a thrilling ride with twists and turns that lead to a believable yet amazing ending.
6: Gone For Good
Will Klein’s ex-girlfriend is murdered and his brother is the prime suspect. However, his brother disappears and is presumed dead. After 11 years, evidence surfaces that his brother is still alive. The twist at the end of this story is mind-blowing. The reader is left in awe and may need to reread the last few chapters a few times to fully appreciate the brilliance of the ending.
7: Just One Look
In “Just One Look,” the main character, Grace Lawson, discovers a mysterious photograph that sets the plot in motion. The mystery begins early on and keeps readers guessing throughout the book. As with all of Coben’s works, readers can expect to be constantly surprised by the twists and turns of the plot. This book is a great choice for anyone who enjoys a thrilling mystery that keeps them guessing until the very end.
8: Six Years
Six years ago, Jake Fisher watched his soulmate walk down the aisle with the promise of never contacting her again. However, after finding out that her new husband has passed away, he attempts to contact her but is unable to do so.
Surprisingly, there is no record of her or their wedding. It turns out that the person who passed away was married to someone else for 20 years, leaving Jake confused and determined to uncover the truth. This incredible story is one that captivates readers and keeps them engaged from beginning to end.
9: Tell No One
“Tell No One” is a novel written by Harlan Coben. It tells the story of David Beck, whose wife was murdered eight years prior. One day, he receives a mysterious message on his computer that only he and his wife knew about.
This leads him to question whether his wife is actually alive. The book was initially ranked #2 on the list but ended up at #10 due to the high quality of the other books.
The book’s popularity is evident as it was also adapted into a French subtitled movie, which the author personally watched despite having a dislike for subtitled movies. “Tell No One” is a thrilling page-turner that keeps readers guessing until the very end.
10: Stay Close
In Harlan Coben’s novel, “Stay Close,” readers are introduced to Megan, a seemingly ordinary mother of two living in the suburbs. However, Megan’s past comes back to haunt her in unexpected ways, leading to a shocking twist that sets this book apart from others in the Coben collection.
The novel’s title, “Stay Close,” takes on a new meaning as Megan struggles to keep her secrets hidden and protect her family from the consequences of her past actions. Through intricate plot twists and turns, readers are kept on the edge of their seats as they try to unravel the mystery.
Overall, “Stay Close” is a thrilling read that showcases Coben’s talent for crafting intricate and surprising plotlines.