The 5 Best Harlan Coben Books You Need To Read In August 2022

If you love a good mystery novel, then you need to check out Harlan Coben’s books!

Harlan Coben is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of thirty-three mystery novels and thrillers, with over 75 million books in print worldwide. His stories are consistently filled with suspense and turn, leaving you guessing until the end.

You may find it difficult to pick just one book from his extensive collection, but we have compiled what we feel are the best five of Harlan Coben’s books in this article.

From the first Myron Bolitar books to Coben’s notable stand-alone novels such as Tell No One and Don’t Let Go to the renowned Netflix adaptation series Gone for Good and The Woods, there is something for everyone.

Continue reading to find out which of Harlan Coben’s books you need to get!

How We Choose

You're looking for a great mystery novel to read, but you don't want to waste your time reading something that's not going to keep you entertained. 

Finding a good mystery novel that keeps you guessing until the end, is hard these days. Most of them are either too predictable or lack the excitement you're looking for.

We've done the hard work for you and have found the best Harlan Coben books that will keep you on your toes. With unexpected endings and plenty of suspense, these best Harlan Coben novels will satisfy your need for a good mystery.

Gone For Good
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Why People Love This Book

People love this book because it's unpredictable. The best part is the ending, which takes readers by surprise.

You'll be hooked from the first chapter! The dialogue is realistic and tense, and the characters are complex and believable. 

All the unexpected twists and turns in this page-turning thriller genre will take you aback. Coben's quick-paced and captivating language makes it tough to put this book down.

You'll be on the edge of your seat as a result of the plot's many surprises. When you think you've got it all figured out, something new comes along to trip you up.

And the ending is so satisfying; you'll be glad you stuck with it until the very end. 

Gone For Good is the ideal option if you're seeking a mystery book that will keep you entertained from start to finish.

What You Should Know About The Book

Netflix's Gone for Good is a French adaptation of Harlen Coben's novel of the same name.

The show, which is set in France, follows the story of a man who goes on a quest to find his missing brother. The five-episode, one-season show is available on Netflix.

The book Gone for Good was published in 2002 and adapted into a Netflix show in 2021.

David ElkaĂŻm and Vincent Poymiro created the show, and it stars Louis-Do de Lencquesaing as the man who goes on a quest to find his missing brother.

Gone for Good is a fascinating and suspenseful tale that will keep you hooked from beginning to end.

If you're looking for a new show to watch, or if you're a fan of Harlen Coben's novels, then be sure to check out Gone for Good.

Tell No One
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Why People Love This Book

Readers love this book because it is a great suspense novel with a romantic twist. The characters are quite likable and relatable as well.

You'll be hooked on this fast-paced novel filled with twists and turns from the very first page.

Coben is a pro at creating suspense; you'll never know what will happen next.

This thriller has a twist that will have you guessing until the end. Even when you think you've figured it out, Coben will surprise you.

The clues are all there, but they're hidden in plain sight. But somehow, Coben manages to keep everything concealed until he's ready to reveal all. 

You'll be on the edge of your seat reading Tell No One and wanting more.

This is the book to read if you want to be amused from start to finish.

What You Should Know About The Book

The third standalone book by Coben and his first one since 1991, Tell No One, was released in 2001.

Because he "came up with a brilliant idea that simply would not work for Myron," Coben wrote Tell No One.

The novel was Coben's first to appear on The New York Times Best Seller list and was nominated for the 2002 Anthony Award, Macavity Award, Edgar Award, and Barry Award.

In 2006, it was also made into a French movie of the same name. The book tells the story of Dr. David Beck, who is grief-stricken after his wife, Elizabeth, is murdered eight years prior.

However, his wife's world is turned upside down when he receives an email from Elizabeth that leads him to believe she is still alive.

As David Beck's Wife sets out to find his wife, he discovers that nothing is as it seems and that everyone around him may be hiding secrets.

The Woods
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Why People Love This Book

People love this book because it's a real page-turner. The courtroom drama keeps readers on the edge of their seats, and the family secrets add an element of suspense that keeps people coming back for more.

This novel offers everything you could desire in a page-turner. The chapters are short and fast-paced, the dialogue is quick and engaging, and the plot twists and turns at every turn.

The unexpectedly amusing narration sets this novel apart from other suspenseful thrillers. You may find yourself laughing out loud at the witty conversation between the characters on occasion.

Harlan Coben is a master storyteller who weaves an intricate web of suspense that will keep you hooked from start to finish.

You'll never know what's going to happen next, but one thing is for sure: you won't be able to put this book down until you reach the very last page.

What You Should Know About The Book

The Woods, published in 2007, was adapted by Netflix as a Polish mystery thriller television miniseries that was set in two-time spans (1994 and 2019). 

The series' first season was released on Netflix on June 12, 2020. It is the second Polish-language program to be produced for Netflix, following 1983.

The plot revolved around a cold case from 1994 when a group of young students from Warsaw went camping in the woods.

Two of the students went missing, and their bodies were never found. Twenty-five years later, one of the students who survived the trip, prosecutor Paul Copeland, reopens the case.

He's convinced there's more to what happened than originally reported. Kopinski's investigation leads him to uncover dark secrets and buried betrayals.

With stunning visuals and a tense plot, The Woods is a must-watch for fans of mystery thrillers.

Don't Let Go
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Why People Love This Book

Readers love this book because it is well written and fast-paced. The characters are interesting, and the tale has a twist.

These standalone novels are thrillers inspired by two true events near the author's home, making them some of his most believable and realistic stories to date.

Fans of Coben will enjoy his dry wit and how he can bring levity to even the tensest circumstances.

Don't Let Go is packed with action and suspense and contains a lot of raw emotional power. The characters are fascinating and complex, and you'll find yourself deeply invested in their lives and fortunes. 

The mystery at the story's heart is equally compelling, expertly plotted, and exhilarating. Until you reach the magnificent conclusion, you will not be able to put this book down.

What You Should Know About The Book

In his Author's Note at the beginning of "Don't Let Go," Coben talks about a legend that circulated in his hometown when he was growing up.

According to the legend, there was a secret military base in the town with missile capabilities.

Coben says that this legend inspired him to write this novel. He also reveals that Nap is the darkest character he has ever created.

Writing in the first person, present tense was new for Coben with this novel, and he says that the last forty pages were written in one sitting and barely needed to be rewritten.

This gives the novel a sense of urgency and suspense that draws readers in and keeps them guessing until the very end.

Deal Breaker: The First Myron Bolitar Novel
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Why People Love This Book

People love this book because it is a great introduction to Harlan Coben’s works. With plenty of twists and turns to keep readers interested, it's a fast-paced read with a lot of surprises.

Furthermore, the characters are well-developed and likable, allowing readers to connect with the tale.

The end effect is a gripping tale with witty language and amusing passages that don't seem out of place in a book when a lot of very horrible things are happening, which is how readers appreciate the story.

Coben can masterfully blend humor and realistic violence thanks to his deft touch in this area.

There is some good, catchy dialogue in here, and for a first effort, it's an interesting read with a complex enough story to be satisfying.

He had the readers giggling and cringing in tandem with his witty humor and sarcasm. It's a simple, enjoyable, and entertaining book you can read while relaxing on the pool or porch swing.

What You Should Know About The Book

Harlan Coben's Deal Breaker is a 1995 first novel in his Myron Bolitar series, and it is a thrilling read from start to finish.

The novel won the 1996 Anthony Award and was nominated for an Edgar Award in the "Best Paperback original" category.

Columbia Pictures bought the rights to the Myron Bolitar novels with the intention of making a movie adaptation; however, as of this writing, there is no new development about this.

Even so, Deal Breaker is well worth reading, and fans of suspenseful books will not be disappointed.

The plot follows former professional basketball player turned sports agent Myron Bolitar as he attempts to solve a murder case.

This Coben novel is packed with surprises, and Coben does an excellent job of keeping readers wondering right up to the very last page.

Deal Breaker is worthwhile if you're searching for something exciting and fast-paced.

Harlan Coben Books FAQs

Here are the most frequently asked questions about Harlan Coben's novels

Which Harlan Coben book should I read first?

If you're searching for a quick and easy book to read, I suggest Tell No One. It's a wonderful book because it's one of his earlier works and suspenseful. Plus, the movie adaptation is fantastic as well.

In what order should I read Harlan Coben's books?

1) If You're Sleeping

2) Tell No One

3) The Innocent

4) Missing You

5) Six Years

6) Stay Close

7) Hold Tight

How many Harlan Coben books are on Netflix?

There are currently seven Harlan Coben books available on Netflix. They are:

1. The Stranger

2. Just One Look

3. Gone for Good

4. The Woods

5. Promise Me

6. Hold Tight

7. Six Years

What book is Harlan Coben famous for?

Harlan Coben is famous for his book The Stranger, which was published in 2015. The Stranger is a mystery novel about a man who comes home from work one day to find that his wife has been killed.

Which Harlan Coben book is the five based on?

Harlan Coben's The Five is based on two of his previous books, Promise Me and Six Years. 

What is the last book Harlan Coben wrote?

"Run Away" is the last book Harlan Coben wrote. It came out in April of 2019 and is a novel about a man who discovers that his daughter ran away from home years ago and must now face the secrets of her past to find her.

What is the best Harlan Coben on Netflix?

If you're looking for the best Harlan Coben on Netflix, I would recommend watching Shelter. It's an intense thriller about a father desperate to find his missing daughter.

How long does it take Harlan Coben to write a book?

It takes Harlan Coben about 6-12 months to write a book.

What book is Safe Netflix based on?

The film Safe is based on Harlan Coben's book of the same name. It tells the story of a family whose teenage daughter disappears, only to resurface years later with a shocking secret.

How many Harlan Coben books are movies?

As of right now, 14 of Harlan Coben's books have been turned into movies. This includes both television adaptations and feature films. Some of the most popular examples include Tell No One, The Stranger, and Safe Haven.

Is the boy from the woods a true story?

YES. The boy from the woods is a true story, and the events that transpired are just as unbelievable as they sound.

What is the book Missing You by Harlan Coben about?

Harlan Coben's Missing You is a suspenseful novel about a woman named Alice who turns to an online dating site to find love again after the death of her husband.

Where are Harlan Coben's books based?

Harlan Coben's books are based in the New York area. In particular, they are set in suburbs in Northern New Jersey. This is where Coben himself grew up, and it provides a convenient backdrop for his stories because of its proximity to Manhattan. 

Are The Woods and Hold Tight connected?

Yes, The Woods and Hold Tight are connected. In addition, they are the first two novels in a trilogy authored by Harlan Coben. The third book in the series is titled Shelter.

Best Harlan Coben Books For You?

Reading mystery/thriller books will tickle your imagination, develop your detective skills, and is a good getaway from real life. Coben's books will give you all of these feels and so much more; you will be left craving for more.

After extensive research, we have presented what we believe are the 5 best Harlan Coben books that will keep you up all night craving for more mystery, shadowy characters, controversial pasts, and entertaining endings. 

Choose the one that best appeals to you, or read all five for a diverse experience and an overview of Harlan Coben's work.

Our personal favorite is “Don’t Let Go,” as Coben makes a lot of first in this novel that brings a breath of fresh air to the novel’s story. Click here to check it out now on Amazon.

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