Harlan Coben stands as a New York Times bestseller, a name synonymous with the world of mystery novels and thrillers. Boasting a remarkable achievement of over 75 million books in print globally, including renowned titles such as The Boy From the Woods, Run Away, The Stranger, and Fool Me Once, Harlan Coben’s books stand as a literary powerhouse when it comes to suspenseful storytelling.
Beyond his remarkable success in print, Harlan has extended his influence to the screen, serving as the creator and executive producer of several highly successful Netflix television dramas, including The Stranger, Safe, The Five, and The Woods. Notably, his novel Tell No One also made its mark on the cinematic landscape as a celebrated French film.
Let’s explore Harlan Coben’s books in this blog and look at why his name is so renowned.
About Harlan Coben
Harlan Coben is an American author renowned for his mysterious storylines. His novels and thrillers typically centre around the rediscovery or reinterpretation of past events, involving elements such as mysteries, murders, and fatal accidents, often with multiple surprising twists. Coben has created two series featuring the same protagonist, set in and around New York and New Jersey. Some characters even make appearances in both series.
Coben’s literary achievements include winning an Edgar Award, a Shamus Award, and an Anthony Award, making him the first author to receive all three prestigious honours. His widespread success is reflected in the fact that his books have been translated into 43 languages and have collectively sold over 60 million copies worldwide.
Top Books written by Harlan Coben on WHSmith
The following are some books by Harlan Coben full of gripping thriller plots and twists, that will surely keep you on the edge of your seats.
1. Fool Me Once
Fool Me Once is a gripping thriller by Harlan Coben. Imagine this: You believe you know the truth, but it turns out you know nothing. If your husband was murdered, and you witnessed it, how do you explain seeing him alive on your nanny cam? The story is full of dark secrets, and it’s a thrilling hunt for the truth. Many readers love it for being a spine-tingling page-turner with a fast-paced and captivating plot, full of clever twists and turns. It has also been adapted into an exciting Netflix series with Michelle Keegan, Joanna Lumley, and Richard Armitage!
2. Seconds Away
This is the second book in the thrilling Mickey Bolitar series. Mickey Bolitar, along with his clever friend Ema and the charming Spoon, faces another challenge when tragedy hits close to home. Their friend Rachel is involved in a murder investigation, putting Mickey and his friends at the centre of the mystery. While continuing his quest to uncover the truth about his father’s mysterious death, Mickey must also unravel the secrets surrounding Rachel’s case. Willing to sacrifice anything for his loved ones, Mickey now grapples with protecting them when he’s uncertain about the dangers they face.
3. Promise Me
It all started with a phone call. Myron Bolitar receives a 2 am call from a frightened girl named Aimee Biel. She reached out to the one person who promised to help in times of trouble—Myron. Despite his better judgment, Myron picks her up from a cold street corner and reluctantly agrees to drop her off at an unknown address. This decision becomes a regrettable mistake when Aimee’s final wave turns out to be the last time anyone sees her.
Haunted by guilt and moved by the desperation of Aimee’s family, Myron breaks his vow of six years and gets involved in the search for the missing girl. However, Myron soon realizes that his past won’t be easily buried, and he must confront it to have any chance of rescuing both Aimee and himself. The novel unfolds as Myron grapples with the consequences of his actions and faces tough decisions about what he’s willing to stand up for.
4. Caught
The story revolves around Haley McWaid, a seventeen-year-old girl who never caused her parents any worry—until one morning when she doesn’t return home. The community is shocked by her disappearance, and after three months with no sign of her, everyone fears the worst.
The novel has received acclaim, described as a superb thriller, and praised for being brilliantly tense and beautifully written. The author is commended as the modern master of the hook and twist, with a riveting, twisty, and surprising narrative that has a big, beating heart at its core, according to Gillian Flynn.
5. Play Deadharlan coben books
In this fast-paced and suspenseful thriller, Laura Ayars, a former fashion model and successful businesswoman, experiences the shattering of her perfect world during what should have been the happiest time of her life – her honeymoon. After taking a swim, her husband, a sports superstar, doesn’t come back. The question looms: Is David really dead?
As Laura grapples with overwhelming grief, she is haunted by doubts and questions. Was it an accident, suicide, or a cruel hoax? While struggling to uncover the truth behind David’s mysterious disappearance, Laura stumbles upon a conspiracy that has deep roots in the past and is now slowly tearing apart everyone involved. As events unfold, Laura realises she can’t trust anyone, and someone is determined to keep her away from the disturbing truth. The story unfolds as Laura races against time to unravel the mystery and find out who she can truly trust.
Books similar to Harlan Coben’s books
If you’re a Harlan Coben fan and have already devoured most of his books, here’s a compilation of twisty, plot-driven novels for you to consider other than Harlan Coben’s books:
- Chaos by Patricia Cornwell
- Michael Connelly’s The Wrong Side of Goodbye
- No Man’s Land by David Baldacci
- The Fall Guy by James Lasdun
- Safe with Me by K.L. Slater
- The Twenty-Three by Linwood Barclay
- Little Boy Blue by M. J. Arlidge
- Mindy Mejia’s Everything You Want Me to Be
- The Old Man by Thomas Perry
- Her Every Fear by Peter Swanson
Conclusion
Harlan Coben’s books have a knack for taking everyday nightmares and playing with life’s endless what ifs. The acclaimed author of numerous thrillers holds the prestigious title of being the worldwide number 1 bestselling author with over seventy million books in print across the globe. Browse these titles on WHSmith’s website and get them at exciting prices today! Get ready to immerse yourself in a world of thrillers! For more information on Harlan Coben’s books, visit Savewithnerds.
