The Innocent by Harlan Coben Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The Innocent
Book Review: Coben weaves an excellent tale...
Summary: 5 Stars
I just got done reading the latest from an author I look forward to reading with each new release... Harlan Coben's The Innocent. And as usual, Coben delivers a great read...
Matt Hunter has finally "paid his debt" to society. He was convicted of killing a fellow student during a drunken brawl at a frat party. It was a defense reaction, but the jury decided otherwise. Now that he's out, he's trying hard to rebuild his life as a paralegal at his brother's law firm. Even better, he's met a woman who he first met a long time ago during a brief visit to Las Vegas. They've reconnected, gotten married, and she's pregnant. But Hunter's fragile world comes crashing down when he gets a picture and video on his cell phone that appears to show his wife in a hotel room with another man while on a "business trip". And the man in the picture is also tailing him. Hunter has to figure out what his wife is up to, and who the guy is that's making his life a living hell. Meanwhile, a local investigator for the county cops is asked to look into the death of a nun in a local convent. It looks like natural causes, except that the nun has breast implants, and that doesn't mesh with her official background. The more the investigator digs, the more things appear to be covered up at a very high federal level. And when Hunter's wife becomes part of the mystery and Hunter's mystery tail is killed, Matt looks to be the fall guy for whoever is pulling the strings.
As with most of Coben's novels, I devoured this book. The writing is tight, the mystery is deep and twisting, and he reveals just enough detail every so often to keep you turning the pages. This book was also unusual in that I didn't have a clue as to the story line when I started reading. Normally, I have the jacket flaps to give me a general idea of the plot and direction. But this library version of the book didn't have that, nor did I look to Amazon for a quick overview of the story. So instead of having a framework for the characters, I had to let it all be revealed page by page. It's sort of like watching a movie you've never heard of, and you don't know what you're getting when you sit down. I'm not sure I'd take that risk with every novel I read, but it worked well here.
While I still like Coben's Myron Bolitar character best, his other novels (like this one) are just as good. A definite recommended novel...
Book Review: Coben's Streak Continues
Summary: 5 Stars
Someone once described Harlan Coben's books as "domestic mysteries". I believe that is an apt description for this mystery that involved both husband and wife--and children born and unborn.
I read this overnight and am still upset at myself that I was unable to make it last longer. Sometimes that Evelyn Wood speed-reading course is a curse.
Having once worked at the Newark Airport, I can relate to the Howard Johnsons there and the well-described landscape that surrounds it. Mr. Coben's descriptions are lush and he pulls no punches. He describes what he sees and it is obvious he has been there. I like that in an author. Saves me the trip back.
I highly recommend this book, but advise you to savor it slowly like a fine wine.
One question: What about the felon-"borrowed" white Isuzu left in the Harrisburg Airport parking lot? I want my loose ends tied up!
Book Review: Couldnt put it down
Summary: 5 Stars
I had heard of Harlan Coben of course, but had never read one of his books until I got one as a present last night. And now I havent been to sleep, as I couldnt stop reading it. The plot (which is well summarized above so I wont do it here) races along,
with more twists and turns than Space Mountain and yet I was never lost, only the edge of my chair and then my bed. And unlike so many thriller writers, Coben's characters seem like real people-they could be your neighbors, yet they are faced with terrible crises revolving around simple questions of love and family. And Coben's writing is both terrific and funny in a way only a few other others, like Spillane and MacDonald, have achieved. Read The Innocent for the great plot, the fascinating character portrayls, the incredible suspense or the humor, but dont miss it. Im going to get another Harlan Coben for this weekend when I dont have to get up early.
Book Review: Decent mystery about a simple twist of fate......
Summary: 4 Stars
Matt Hunter is an ex con who is trying to start his life over. He has a nice wife, is about to have his first baby and is in the process of moving to a nice neighborhood and living the American Dream. Then one day, in a simple twist of fate, everything goes haywire. Matt is sent a message on his cell phone that turns his life upside down. The message sends Matt searching for who may want to set him up and see him back in prison for another murder he didn't commit. There are a lot of characters in this book and sometimes it is hard to keep them straight and figure out their relationships to one another. But perhaps this is what makes for a good mystery novel - the way the reader must constantly think about the plot and try to figure out the hook. I have not read any of Mr. Coben's Myron Bolitar novels although I did read another one of his stand alones, Gone for Good. One thing I found about him is that he is also willing to answer "fan" type emails about his novels. The Innocent is quite good and makes one want to explore more into the works of Coben.Book Review: Doesn't disapoint
Summary: 5 Stars
Harlan Coben is, in my view, an excellent writer. His stories always grab me from the first page and don't let go until the last. This book is a bit better then the last one (Just one look). The story is that of Matt Hunter, an ex-con trying to get his life back together. He gets involved in some strange things when he receives a picture of his wife with another man. It's all "go-go-go" from then on. I don't want to say more because it would give away the story.
As a good read for the summer, you can't go wrong with this one.