| Title | : | Home (Myron Bolitar, #11) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 0525955100 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9780525955108 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Hardcover |
| Number of Pages | : | 387 |
| Publication | : | First published August 1, 2016 |
| Awards | : | Nero Award (2017) |
A decade ago, kidnappers grabbed two boys from wealthy families and demanded ransom, then went silent. No trace of the boys ever surfaced. For ten years their families have been left with nothing but painful memories and a quiet desperation for the day that has finally, miraculously arrived: Myron Bolitar and his friend Win believe they have located one of the boys, now a teenager. Where has he been for ten years, and what does he know about the day, more than half a life ago, when he was taken? And most critically: What can he tell Myron and Win about the fate of his missing friend? Drawing on his singular talent, Harlan Coben delivers an explosive and deeply moving thriller about friendship, family, and the meaning of home.
Home (Myron Bolitar, #11) Reviews
-
Oh my lucky stars, I cannot describe the high I am still riding after finishing this book. My sister and I binge read books #1-10 of the series back in 2011; they were a different read for us as we don’t gravitate toward sports themed books, but I quickly fell in love with the quirky cast of characters, hilarious banter, and action packed mysteries found in each story. It had been so long since I read book #10 (
Live Wire) that I had to search out some refreshers online to make sure I was up to speed, although it turns out I didn’t need them. I would highly recommend reading the rest of the series before picking up, say, book #11, but if you aren’t in it for the character development and solely for the mystery, I guess you could jump right in.
I’ll admit, I was a little worried that Mr. Coben might have lost his touch in the years taken off from writing the escapades of his BFFs Myron and Win, but I’m happy to report that all is as it should be, and our dynamic duo is better than ever. The book starts with immediate action, and the narrative is told alternating between Win and Myron’s POV (more Myron than Win though). This flowed nicely and kept the suspense tight throughout; even at 400 pages this book flew by so fast I half expected smoke to come off my fingertips. Clearly the individual plots of the series are enough to keep you engaged, but the true WINning factor (see what I did there?) is the character development. The relationships that integrate his characters, not only with each other, but in the plot line is superb; anyone who has read a book by Harlan Coben knows he is the master of converging multiple storylines that are seemingly unrelated into one complex finale to blow your mind. His series is no different, in fact it might be even better, as we have these recurring characters to journey with while growing to love them more with each book.
The plot in this one felt a bit heavier than his past books; sure they all include murder and violence, but these aspects are usually paired with dry humor and slapstick sillies. This particular story felt set apart from the others. I’m not sure if this was due to there being such a large gap between book #10 an #11’s publication or due to the subject matter; it could be a combination of both. Whatever the reason, it was brilliant and I couldn’t be more impressed. Our characters show more growth, depth, emotion, and moral character (or lack there of) than in any other Myron Bolitar novel to date. There were still the scenes of humor we all love, but overall this book had a darker side along with a more complex storyline that, while gave us answers, didn’t leave everything cookie cutter perfect. That reason alone is what bumped my review to a full 5 star rating; I can’t tell you the amount of maturation in the author’s writing of this series between this book and the last. The pacing as I stated before was very quick, intense, and satisfying; I’ll stop there as to not spoil anything.
If you are a huge fan of the series, like myself, you might be worried that after so many years away from these characters, the author just can’t deliver like he used to. Maybe he should have stopped while he was ahead and concentrate his efforts elsewhere. Please don’t, and make sure and give this book a go. I truly believe this is his best Myron Bolitar yet, so much so that I feel I need to go back and read his Mickey Bolitar series now! (BTW- I feel like I would have been able to experience this book on a deeper level if I had read Mickey Bolitar’s story first. This is completely readable without doing so; its the difference between having backstory and a relationship with side characters with deeper understanding than just getting acquainted with them and having to learn their backstory later.) This will likely be my top read in a series for 2016; I cannot recommend it enough! If you are new to the series, go ahead and start with
Deal Breaker and enjoy getting to know Myron, Win, Esperanza, and Big Cyndi. This is one investment of your time that I can guarantee you won’t regret.
* I received my copy from Dutton Publishing in exchange for a fair and honest review. Many thanks and can’t wait to see the overwhelming success that the Myron/Win dream team are sure to bring! -
I have a book hangover after reading this book last night. I couldn't put it down and was up in the wee hours in the morning finishing it! I have been waiting for this book forever and was so shocked to see that another book in this series came out. It took forever to get my hands on this book.
Myron and Win and the rest of the characters are back and I couldn’t be more thrilled! After waiting for what feels like forever book eleven in the Myron Bolitar series is finally here and it was well worth it. When I say the gang is back, I do mean the entire gang Myron, Win, Esperanza, Big Cyndi and even Mickey and crew.
I do not think this can be read as a standalone, even though others may tell you, you can. You would not get as much out of the book as you would if you read the whole series due to the character development. There is just way too much history and backstory that you would be missing out on. I was caught up on the whole series and was able to appreciate the characterization . I would highly recommend the entire series. It is one of my favorite series out there, if not my favorite, and Home is the best book in the series hands down.
Win receives an anonymous email with information about his cousins missing son. Ten years ago Rhys and Patrick vanished without a trace and after an initial ransom demand, there were virtually no leads. The addition of a personal connection to the case amped up the tension and I was so intrigued how such a close connection would impact Win’s involvement. He’s already…unpredictable so how would he handle things now? Classic Win is all I’m saying.
To my absolute delight we heard things from Myron’s point of view, but we also heard from Win! Win is still his sardonic self and Myron is a big old softy which always makes me melt. His struggles with morality have always been a big factor in this series and continued to surface here.
Plot wise, this was classic Coben; pacey, action packed, and nail biting. In his true fashion, the ending had the big twist followed by several other turns that left me breathless. The ending left me stunned but it was utterly perfect. Coben is an absolute master. His books have everything a good mystery/thriller should, he nails every single element. Can I rate this one higher than a five?! -
A traveling sister read with Brenda!!
My favorite of the series so far. Actually, upon further reflection, this is my favorite Harlan Coben book, period!
Myron and Win are two of my all-time, most entertaining book characters! Together again, their magic just sparkles! An outstanding book by one of my favorite authors. Ok enough gushing! (For now!)
The plot unfolds when ten years ago, two boys, Rhys and Patrick are kidnapped. Both families are left in shambles. One of the boys just happens to be the son of Win’s cousin.
Now 10 years later, Win receives an email out of the blue that may just lead him to one of the boys.
Naturally, questions arise as to where they had been all this time. But more importantly, where is the other boy?
The witty banter is nonstop throughout this book. I read from beginning to end with a permanent smile on my face. Harlan Coben makes it seem so easy. The words just flow and the storyline is seamless.
I was concerned that the intensity of this book wouldn’t hold till the end - hoping that I wouldn’t be let down in the end. I needn’t worry! The ending meshed perfectly to the book as a whole. I was left with a big ole’ grin on my face and tears running down my cheeks.
Well done, Mr. Coben!
This book earned a place on my shelf of all-time favorites.
For our full Traveling Sister review please visit Brenda and Norma’s fabulous book blog:
https://twogirlslostinacouleereading.... -
A crazy good thriller and all the feels, too? Hell, yes!
Ten years ago, childhood best friends Rhys Baldwin and Patrick Moore were kidnapped during a playdate at Rhys' suburban New Jersey home. They were six years old.
The police couldn't figure out what happened. The family's au pair was found tied up, and there was no trace of the boys. After one attempt to collect ransom from the grieving families, nothing was heard again. The media attention died down, leaving the Baldwins and the Moores in pain, wondering where their sons might be, and trying desperately to never give up hope that one day they'll return, even if they know the odds diminish more and more every year.
Ten years later, Win Lockwood, who happens to be Rhys' cousin, receives an email tip that leads him to believe he might be able to locate at least one of the boys. When things get more than a little out of hand, Win turns to his best friend, former pro basketball player and sports agent Myron Bolitar, to help. Myron and Win's detective work culminate in the breathless rescue of only one of the boys, who is deeply traumatized by the life he's led since his kidnapping. And while everyone would like to help find the other boy, it seems that their first priority is to protect the one who came home—no matter what that means for the other grieving family.
Their quest to find the other boy leads them to more and more questions. Is the boy who was rescued who he says he is, or does everyone just want to believe the truth? And if he's not, what does that mean for the families? Myron and Win and a motley crew of friends and family sift through the evidence from 10 years ago and try to figure out what was missed, what connections were overlooked, or what information was deemed too minor to pursue.
Harlan Coben doesn't let the pace flag in this book for one single second. There's some terrific action and suspense here, and you really don't know who you can trust. But there are some tremendous emotions displayed in this book, too, among all of the characters. The dynamics of many different relationships, coming to terms with grief, guilt, aging parents, fear—all of it. Yet never once did the book feel overly ambitious or overstuffed. It hooked me from the very first page, and my heart was racing along with my fingers, as I couldn't seem to move the pages of my Kindle fast enough.
I read a number of Coben's Myron Bolitar novels a number of years ago, and I remember really enjoying them, so I don't know why I stopped. But I remembered some of the supporting characters who appeared in Home, and quickly grew to love the new characters as well. I thought this was a great balance of thriller and fiction, and I couldn't get enough of it. Clearly I'm going to have to go back through some of Coben's recent books nowhe's got me hooked!
If you like great thrillers with strong plot and character development, too, definitely pick this one up!
See all of my reviews at
http://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blo.... -
This book was a "HOME" run! Coben really hit the "ball out of the park" with this one! This book was a total WIN/win. Ok... enough with the cheesy puns... even though they all fit the bill with this novel.
This book was probably the best book I've ever read in my entire life. Seriously, I've read some awesome books.. Pretty Girls by Karin Slaughter, That Night by Chevy Stevens, Dark Places by Gillian Flynn... but this my friends takes the cake. This book seriously had me hanging on every damn word the entire time.
This plot Coben wrote was so twisted and terrifying that it made me want to hold my kids tighter... two boys just kidnapped? Vanished into thin air? Just like that? Holy crap... I was frightened to think of what happened to these boys... they just up and went missing... and then ten years later show back up? Or so Coben wants you to believe....
Then Win enters the picture with some collateral damage and so does Bolitar... let me say, I love these two characters together. Their sarcasm is absolutely perfect and no one better than me knows sarcasm (if you catch my drift). Seriously I speak a frequent sarcasm :) Getting back to the point Win and Myron are absolute amazing men, I love them both and their characters are amazing and Coben wrote them perfectly.
This story had great flow and every single character and every single situation made perfect sense. Oh my gosh what a book.
The ending... not only the "what" but the ending with Ema? Holy shit.... loved it. Totally out of "left field".
Ok I'm done with the puns.... but read this book. It deserves to be read and cherished by people that love to read! -
Without a doubt.....5 Gigantic Stars!
Finally.......Win and Myron are back together again! Wisecracks are flying and suspense building as an anonymous email prompts the search for two six year old boys.......ten years later.
We begin in London with some BIG bad-ass henchmen and are soon reminded that the filthy rich Windsor Horne Lockwood III can be one wicked and lethal dude despite his aristocratic and effete appearance.
HOME is the kind of mystery read where you think you have it all figured out, but soon find there is much more to the story than meets the eye with (OMG!) unexpected developments and an ending complete wth touching moments and hope for more to come!
HIGHLY recommend this fast-paced, action-packed addictive series with Myron Bolitar's witty mouth, beloved parents (fiancé) and the whole gang of colorful and memorable sidekicks.
(Can be read as a stand-alone, but so much better for the series fan)
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Traveling Sisters Read with Kaceey
Home is another fantastic, enjoyable, and excellent read by the master of mystery thrillers and our much loved author Harlan Coben. Oh how we missed you and we have no excuse waiting so long to read this exciting, gripping and heartwarming story. While maybe we do because this one was the perfect time to have read this one and a much needed read from some of the thrillers we have been reading. Kaceey and I read this one at lightening speed with only work standing in our way to get through this one as fast as we could turn the pages.
Home is the 11th book in the Myron Bolitar series and it’s the first time we see into the perspective of Win. We really enjoyed getting a look into Win’s head and thoughts and seeing just how much heart he really has. We think this series and the characters just gets better and better.
Home is an action-packed mystery thriller with a complex plot and some real emotions brought to the story. Harlan Coben does a fantastic job bringing out some emotions here from our very loved memorable character here. We loved the warm, loyal friendships, and family relationships that are brought into this story. We really love the relationship with his parents and that was so warming to see in a thriller. We were very happy to see the gang of colorful and quirky friends that always leave us laughing out loud. We could feel how much all the characters loved each other and it really made this one feel like “home” for them all.
Harlan Coben does a great job building tension and suspense to the story that grabbed our attention right from the start and then skillfully settles things down a bit allowing us to think and guess what is up ahead. We were looking and thought we were ready for his signature surprising final twist but like always for us we were left shocked and excited that once again the king of twists delivers an unexpected final twist. We were left stunned and speechless with only left thinking “We never saw that coming”. We highly recommend.
All of our Traveling Sisters Reviews can be found on our sister blog:
https://twogirlslostinacouleereading.... -
Long time fans of this series will join me in saying I am very glad that Win is back. Just love this character, but definitively would not want to live in his head. Interesting case in this one, two six year old boys, kidnapped ten years previously, one the son of Win's favorite cousin. He receives an anonymous email claiming to know the whereabouts of one of the boys. But for me it is the characters that make this series. Although these are mysteries they contain a great deal of humor, the writing style reminiscent of the late and very missed by this reader, Robert B. Parker. There is always so much going on behind the scenes, they feature friendship, loyalty and show how wrong it is to judge people by their outward appearance. As always Myron's unconditional love for his parents, family and friends is wonderful.
I am always amazed at how it appears that these books almost seem to read themselves, I start reading and when next I look up 100 pages or more have flown by. So a good story, fantastic characters, hidden depths, how can it miss? -
Home by Harlan Coben is a 2016 Dutton publication.
Get ready for one of my rare gushing reviews!
Wow! Just… Wow! This may be the best Myron Bolitar mystery ever.
A year has passed since Myron has seen Win. So, when out of the blue, Win phones from London asking for help, Myron drops everything to help his old friend.
This should be your first clue that things are slightly different now, because, when has Win ever asked for help? Never. But, this situation is personal.
Ten years ago, Win’s nephew, Rhys, and his friend, Patrick, were kidnapped. Win receives an email suggesting Patrick has been spotted, so he takes the bait. Sure enough, a teenage boy who bears a striking resemblance to Patrick appears to be a street hustler. But before Win can grab him, a confrontation with some real baddies, sends the kid running. Is this really Patrick? If so, where is Rhys?
The thing that grabbed my attention right away was Win’s voice! Yes, he articulates, actually narrating whole chapters.
I was also pleased to see the whole gang was back, including Esperanza and Big Cindi, as well as Myron’s parents and the gang from the Mickey Bolitar series, which is pretty cool, and has me thinking about giving that series a try someday, although I’m not usually one for YA novels.
The banter between Win and Myron is as sharp as ever, with that trademark humor offsetting the darker edges of the novel.
The story explores that fuzzy realm of missing and exploited children, the return of a child that had been gone for a decade and the trauma they may have endured while they were gone, as well as the agonizing pain the parents have endured, never knowing if their child is alive out there somewhere or dead. The hope mixed with dread they lived with every day for a decade, and having to relive the nightmare all over again, in hopes of locating their child.
The mystery centers around Patrick, and what he may or may not know about his still missing friend, and whether or not he is who he claims to be. The drama and suspense is thick with tension, and had me absolutely riveted.
But, if you are a fan of Coben’s you should know there will be a stunning and shocking twist somewhere along the way, and should prepare for it. But, despite knowing this, I was literally taken off guard by it when it came. It was a ‘ betcha’ didn’t see THAT coming’ moment, and I was totally gobsmacked by it. I got chills! This is why I read books by Harlan Coben!!
But, just when you thought it was safe….
The ending blindsided me, and left me with my mouth hanging open! OMG!! No freaking way!! The best moment in this series to date, hands down.
This book is an absolute must for fans of this series and the author! I promise you will not be disappointed! Highly recommend! -
It's been five years since the last Myron Bolitar book, and I hadn't realized how much I missed the characters. But they are back with a bang!
Win has always been a bit of a mystery, so I love that he's sharing the spotlight with Myron in this book. Family and friendships are as strong as ever. Esperanza and Big Cyndi are here, as is nephew Mickey. The humor and witty repartee are here. I was pulled in right from the first chapter because Harlan Coben has an easy-to-read style of storytelling.
Questions abound through the investigation, and the tension ratchets up near the end of the book. The ending is typical Win, and I found it satisfying, regardless of what that says about me. And, like Win, I need Myron to be happy. I hope Coben doesn't make me wait five years again for another Myron and Win book. -
Win, or Windsor Horne Lockwood, III, has always known exactly where home was. He just hasn't been there in a while. Home is where his best friend Myron Bolitar is. Myron is Win's true north. Always has been. Always will be.
In Home, by Harlan Coben, Win needs Myron's help, not the other way around. While in London, Win sees a boy, one who looks like one of two young boys who went missing 10 years prior (Patrick Moore). The other young boy (Rhys Baldwin, Win's nephew) is nowhere to be found. In trying to rescue Patrick and find Rhys, Win knows he can't do it alone. He knows he needs help from his best friend and the only person he can trust in this world: Myron. Together, they make a formidable team. In trying to solve this mystery, and find the boys and bring them home, Myron and Win enlist the help of Esperanza, Big Cyndi and even Mickey Bolitar, Ema and Spoon, because, well, they are better together.
I won't spoil this for anyone who has not read it, but let me just say, that I devoured this book and loved every second of it. I don't recall having read a Myron Bolitar book where Win's point of view was in the first person, but I really enjoyed it and felt liked I was getting to know him more intimately. While I adore Myron, I will admit that Win is my absolute favorite character, simply because he loves Myron unconditionally.
Harlan Coben out did himself with this one. This is without a doubt his best novel to date and is his best Myron Bolitar/Windsor Horne Lockwood III, novel. It had heart and soul and was a great mystery to boot. I laughed, and cried, more than once. I absolutely loved it and loved that Myron and Win had to get the team back together in order to figure this one out. Big Cyndi was prominently featured and was a hoot as always. What was obvious from the first chapter was that these characters are the heart and soul of Harlan Coben and they have never left him, and neither will we.
Thank you Mr. Coben, this was worth the wait!
Published on Goodreads and Amazon on 9/26/16. -
The shock Myron Bolitar felt when he received the telephone call from his best friend, Win who had been out of contact for the past twelve months, was great. His words “I need your help” sent Myron to London immediately on a journey that was both exhilarating and traumatising.
Two six year old boys had been kidnapped ten years prior – best friends, Patrick and Rhys had been on a play date when everything went wrong. For the ensuing years nothing had been heard, the parents of the two boys had nothing which could allow hope; or closure…
And now one of the boys had been rescued and brought home – but what state was he in mentally? Where had he been for the past ten years? And where was his friend – did he know; would he be able to give details to Win and Myron?
Home by Harlan Coben is another gripping thriller with a relentless pace that kept me enthralled until the last page. It was so good to catch up with Win and Myron after so long since the last book – especially Win. I love his dry wit, and in Home we see Win sharing the narration with Myron – brilliant! Myron’s nephew Mickey and his friends also had a good solid appearance, and it was great to catch up with them again too. All in all, Home is one I highly recommend. -
3.5 stars
In this 11th book in the 'Myron Bolitar'series, Myron and Windsor Horne Lockwood III (Win) are back on the job - determined to rescue two missing boys. The book can be read as a standalone.
*****
For those not familiar with the Myron Bolitar books:
Myron was a college basketball star who was injured before his first NBA game. So Myron went to law school and became a sports rep and unofficial private detective. Myron is a great guy who loves his parents, treats his girlfriends well, and feels compelled to help people.
Win is a rich, handsome, expensively-dressed, well-coifed, blonde playboy. To look at him you'd never know Win's a sociopath - ready and willing to use all manner of weapons, martial arts, explosives, and other means of destruction when he deems it necessary. Win is super-protective of his friends (like Myron), but you'd never want to get on his bad side, as he'd kill you in a millisecond.
The story: Ten years ago a playdate ended in disaster. Two six-year-old boys - Patrick Moore and Rhys Baldwin - were kidnapped from Patrick's home, never to be seen or heard from again....until now. As the book opens, Win - who's been 'underground' for a year - gets an anonymous email with information about where to find the boys, who are working as prostitutes in London.
Win is especially invested in the case because Rhys is his cousin.
Win's first rescue attempt goes south, so he calls Myron for help. Myron flies to London and meets up with an unsavory character called Fat Gandhi - a computer gamer who also runs a child prostitute ring.
Fat Gandhi claims Patrick and Rhys work for him, but he'll release them for a ransom. Win and Myron don't trust Fat Gandhi so they hatch a daring scheme that manages to rescue Patrick.... but Rhys runs away.
Reunited with his family in the U.S., sixteen-year-old Patrick seems disoriented and frightened. Myron and Win, however, insist on interviewing the teen so they can get information about Rhys's whereabouts. Patrick acts squirrelly, though, and can't provide any useful particulars. All this is very tough on Rhys's parents, who want to get their son back.....or at least find out what happened to him.
Myron and Win continue their efforts to bring Rhys home and discover some surprising information along the way. I don't want to give away spoilers so I'll just say there's A LOT of murder and mayhem in the story, and Myron and Win get to show off plenty of their combat skills.
The story also has a perk for romance fans since Myron is engaged to his long-time, on-off girlfriend Terese.
The book features some favorite characters including: Esperanza (Little Pocahontas)....
......and Big Cyndi - former professional wrestlers who worked for Myron's sports rep agency;
Myron's mom and dad, who love to bicker; and Mickey - Myron's teenage nephew who helps draw out Patrick with pizza and videogames. As usual there's lots of humorous banter between Myron and Win, and some amusing scenes. I thought it was hilarious when Myron threw an arrogant young thug's laptop out a car window. LOL.
The suspenseful story leads to a dramatic denouement that I never saw coming. Very good mystery, recommended to fans of the genre.
You can follow my reviews at
http://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.com/ -
I loved every minute of this! Clever, clever Mr Coben to choose to give whole chapters over to Win's POV. It was fascinating to see the world from his unusual perspective and to understand a little more of why he does what he does. Only a little though. Win is still essentially a closed book, but we did learn a big secret about him on the very last page!
Myron is also in top form especially in his romantic life, and of course the jokes and banter keep on coming! I also enjoyed Mickey and Ema and find I may have to read the Mickey Bolitar series as well now.
All in all this is an excellent read from an excellent series. I hope there will be more - many more:) -
I ADORE international best selling author Harlan Coben's 'Myron Bolitar' series and having read quite a few of them - sadly not necessarily in the correct order - this one "Home" is by far my favourite!
Due to a lot of the story being located in London, this made it all the more entertaining for me. I also liked the fact that Mickey - Myron's nephew who I have just read about in the YA series he features in - was also in the story with his crime solving friends Ema and Spoon. All the characters were fabulously portrayed, each one is very unique and equally diverse. Where else would you find a transvestite called Zorra who keeps a knife blade in her stiletto heels, female wrestlers called Big Cyndi and Esperanza and an Indian pimp called Fat Ghandi, other than in a Harlan novel??
Although these are thrillers with sensitive subjects at the heart, you always feel extremely comfortable reading this author's many books, feeling like you know the characters personally. I LOVE Myron's and Win's relationship, they work so well together and they really are a pleasure to read. The fact that they are like chalk and cheese makes the partnership all the more entertaining and I don't know of any other crime busting duo that works so well by another author.
The explosive denouement to "Home" was brilliant and not one I predicted, I was constantly second guessing everything and still got it wrong. As for the twist at the end, Harlan called it just right and as a mother myself I totally 'got' the reasons behind it.
The author has such a fabulous imagination to be able to constantly come up with different storylines to keep the reader enthralled and I have to admit that he probably is my all time favourite American author. His many standalone novels and his very successful Myron/Win series are truly entertaining and I have no hesitation in recommending any of his books, including the YA series featuring Mickey Bolitar.
Never going to be anything else other than 5 stars!!
With thanks to Rachel Hall for my copy of the book. -
This review can also be found at
Carole's Random Life.
I absolutely loved this book! I feel like I have been waiting for this book forever. Maybe not waiting for it...hoping for it because I didn't know if we would see any more books in the Myron Bolitar series. I have been a huge Harlan Coben fan for years and I adore everything about this series. While I was excited to sit down and read this book, I was also a bit nervous about it. Would it have the same magic as the earlier books? Would the characters have the same appeal now that they are a bit older? Can Win and Myron still solve half the world's problems? I am happy to report that the answer is yes, yes, and yes (okay that might be stretching it a bit).
The mystery at the center of the book was really well done. There were a lot of twists and turns as you may expect from a Harlan Coben novel. I found myself in utter shock as some of the plot twists came into focus. I love that the story was hard to predict and kept me guessing. My interest was tightly held throughout the book and I didn't want to put it down for any reason.
Home is the story of two boys that disappeared ten years ago. One of the boys happens to be Win's cousin's child so he has never quit looking. When he thinks that he spots one of the boys, now a teenager, in London, he calls Myron for help. They work together to find the boy and are successful in recovering one of the boys, Patrick. Win's family member is still missing so Myron and Win go back to the beginning and try to figure out what really happened. They uncover a lot of new things as they work to find the boy and learn the truth.
I loved spending time with Myron, Win, and everyone else. I have to tell you that I love these characters. I liked that they have all grown and in some ways moved on but the connection between them is still strong. Myron and Win may not talk everyday anymore but when Win calls for help, Myron is there for him right away. All of the main characters from the series are in the book as well as the characters from the Mickey Bolitar series. Catching up with these characters was a lot of fun. I really enjoyed the small parts of the book that were from Win's perspective. Myron and Win have to be two of my favorite characters and getting into Win's head for any amount of time was a rare treat.
I would highly recommend this book to everyone. I have been known to push Harlan Coben's books onto others and I plan to continue to do so...because they are just that good. This is the eleventh book in the series and while it could be read as a stand-alone novel, why would you want to do that? I think that this is a series that readers really don't want to miss so I do recommend reading all of the books from the beginning. I am crossing my fingers we will soon see another book in this series!
I received an advance reader edition of this book from Penguin Publishing Group - Dutton via First to Read for the purpose of providing an honest review.
Initial Thoughts
Amazing! I loved everything about...but I mostly loved Myron, Win, and everyone else. Especially Win. -
Cinco años esperando el retorno de Myron y de Win. Han vuelto. Es la entrega número 12 (aunque parece que Myron hace apariciones estelares en la serie de su sobrino Mickey, serie que, de momento, no me he decidido a comenzar). Me las prometía muy felices, y, sin embargo, tras su lectura, se me ha quedado un regusto amargo que no sé muy bien a qué achacar.
Están todos los que deben de estar, incluidas Esperanza (Little Pocahontas) y Big Cyndi. Tampoco se echa de menos esas conversaciones socarronas entre los protagonistas, especialmente entre Myron Y Win. Hay suspense y algunos puñetazos. Y mucho “macho-bullshit”, como es habitual en este tipo de entregas. Sin embargo, la trama no terminó de atraparme. Hay algo en la desaparición de los dos chicos hace diez años que, suponiendo que la investigación de la época hubiese sido lo suficientemente rigurosa, no hubiera dado lugar a este desenlace. Por lo demás, Coben no defrauda, pues la novela es entretenida. Quizás su estilo me haya recordado más a las de Robert B. Parker que a las de el propio Coben, pero eso no es malo, si acaso, un merecido homenaje a un escritor que dejó una profunda huella en otros posteriores. Pero repito, la trama no me ha parecido a la altura esperada. Demasiadas inconsistencias. Y demasiadas preguntas que se deberían haber formulado diez años atrás.
Aun así, espero que este no sea el final de la serie. Casado o no, Myron no debe dejar a sus seguidores en la estacada. Win tampoco. Y el autor no debería tardar tanto en ofrecer una futura decimotercera entrega, que, espero sea de mayor calado que la presente.
Me debato entre las 3 y las 4 estrellas, así que, salomónicamente lo dejo en 3,5. -
It was absolute pure bliss being back in Myron Bolitar's world! Thank you Harlan Coben for delivering on your promise to give us another story in the series.
I'm not going to spoil the experience for other readers so suffice it to say that we're immediately brought up to date on what's happened since we last saw most of the characters. I will share, however, that one of the best surprises is being given Win Lockwood's point of view throughout the book. That was just delicious.
The situation Myron and Win are investigating is personal. Ten years ago, Rhys Baldwin, who is Win's nephew, and his best friend, Patrick Moore, were abducted from the Baldwin home. They were six years old at the time and now, Patrick has been sighted in London.
I loved everything about this story. Steven Weber does a great job narrating, really nailing Win and handling a host of characters. There's wit, humor, mystery, suspense and action...and stunning twists at the end. What more could I have asked for? -
Two six year old boys are taken during a playdate. Ten years later, one is spotted prostituting himself on a street in London. And so it begins…
The book starts off with the narrator talking directly to us, the readers. The narrator is Win, one of Coben’s long time characters. The other is Myron. The book switches between Myron and Win. Myron’s sections are told from an omniscient point of view. The alternating change in perspective was initially a little disconcerting to me, but then it grew on me.
The title, Home, has multiple meanings in this book. Not just the place, but the sense of being “in the zone” or safe or at ease or being where you belong. It ends up being a very haunted title.
The series is always fun, always fast paced, always unbelievable. With Coben, it's all about the story. Lots of unexpected twists and turns. An ending you don't see coming. In addition to the story, the other thing that makes Coben such an enjoyable read are his descriptions. No matter what he's describing, he gets the details pitch perfect. And it finishes with a very sweet ending. -
It isn’t the best move to start reading a book that is the eleventh in a highly established series. Thankfully, Home was such an exhilarating thriller, it didn’t matter that I hadn’t read any previous books in this series, or anything prior by master thriller storyteller, Harlan Coben.
Home starts with a hooking premise that reeled me into the story immediately. Ten years after two school boys go missing from their suburban home in the United States, one is sighted in London. Following a covert investigation and dangerous retrieval of the boy, he is reunited with his family. Although there is closure for one family, the other family still has a missing son. Doubts also arise as to the credibility and true identity of the boy who has appeared. There is also the overwhelming mystery as to what really happened to these boys ten years ago.
Home is a book that I whizzed through in twenty-four hours flat. This is perhaps an indication of Coben’s ability to write quality contemporary thrillers. I found this novel compelling from the very start and the suspense was maintained throughout the whole novel. The story didn’t seem to lag at any point, with the pace steadily maintained by Coben for the length of the novel.
Coben clearly has a set formula on how to write a successful thriller, which he maximises in his latest book. As soon as I opened Home I felt like I had to read on and I wasn’t quite sure where this book was going to take me. Despite not knowing what to expect, I found Home to be an exciting tale, travelling at a fast pace. Coben obviously loves to deliver unexpected narrative twists. One of these twists occurs near the close of the novel and threw me for six, turning the central mystery of this novel on its head.
In addition to this startling plot, are the emotions Coben manages to capture associated with families of kidnapping victims. I felt he tackled this part of the novel very well. Likewise, Coben also explores the feelings experienced by the returning boy with a strong sense of understanding, many of these scenes I found heart wrenching. I also liked that Coben explored the personal lives of his main characters, making them more relatable to the reader.
Coming into a novel that is part of an established series, with a reoccurring set of characters, is never an easy task but on the whole this novel worked for me. There were only a few instances where I didn’t quite connect to the main character Myron’s personal life story that appears in a few sections of the novel. Certain moments in Home also gave me the feeling I was a little late to the party. This occurred during the rich dialogue and banter scenes that occur between Myron and Win, both of which are returning characters. However, it did spur me on to read the earlier novels in the series, to get a better feeling for the enigmatic character of Myron Bolitar.
Home is a book that raised plenty of questions concerning the central mystery of the two missing boys. It is a non-stop style of read, constantly pushing forward at a constant speed, to solve the baffling kidnapping case. Home is a book that kept my eyes glued to the pages for the entire time I spent with the book. I am confident newcomers to Coben’s work will appreciate this stylistic thriller novel, while established fans will be sure to devour Coben’s latest offering. -
Mr. Coben hits it home with the most recent Myron Bolitar book. Absolutely everything I love about Myron, Win & their motley crew, with a twist in the telling and (because I read the YA trilogy featuring Mickey Bolitar) a sneaky, stunning reveal.
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I enjoy books by Harlan Coben. Since I first read Gone for Good and Tell No One, I have read every novel he has published. I will admit to not loving the Myron Bolitar series as much as Coben's other novels, but read all of them too. So I was a anxious to read Home, and after I read it I was anxious to read other reviews on Goodreads. Now that I have done both, I am not sure we all read the same book. The general premise of this book is excellent. Two young boys were kidnapped ten years ago, an anonymous email reveals they still may be alive. That part of the story is intriguing and heartbreaking for the families involved. But then Myron and Win begin a convoluted search for the boys that entails going to London and Rome and trying to track down the truth from a character named "Fat Gandhi". The side plots are bizarre. Win's use of technology borders on science fiction and the banter between Myron and Win is ludicrous. Home was a disappointment for me, but I will still look forward to the next Harlan Coben book.
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Myron Bolitar and Win, we meet again.
I only "read" this because it was available for instant download.
I was delighted to discover it was another book in the Myron Bolitar series.
Our hero is one of the most charismatic male characters around. If anything, he's too good to be true, but since we all need some escapism now and again, why not do it alongside Myron.
It probably won't come as a surprise that my favourite things about this novel were the banter, sarcasm and humour.
The plot had a few exaggerated, unlikely scenarios, not that I paid too close attention while I was under the spell of Myron and his best friend, Win.
A fun read, indeed.
Steven Weber's narration was spot on. -
This is shown as #11 in the Myron Bolitar series. I have read several of
Harlan Coben's books and have enjoyed them but this is the first Myron Bolitar book I have read. It won't be the last. Gotta love finding a new series to read. Having said that I don't think it is necessary to have read previous books in the series. There were some references to past events and these may be explained in previous books in the series but I don't think I got lost or missed something because I didn't read an earlier book.
Ten years ago two boys from wealthy families were kidnapped. A single ransom demand and then nothing. For a decade two families have been left with painful memories and unanswered questions. And then one day Win Lockwood, Myron's best friend and cousin of one of the boys, receives an anonymous e-mail indicating where one of the boys can be found. Without going into too much detail the boy is rescued. But the questions are just beginning. The boys were six years old at the time they were kidnapped. More than half a lifetime. What can the rescued boy tell them about that day? Where has he been for ten years? And most importantly of all what can he tell them about the other boy?
The characters are realistic and believable. The main characters, of course, are Myron Bolitar and Win Lockwood. They are helped by Myron’s nephew, Mickey Bolitar, his girlfriend Ema and their friend Spoon. There is also Zorra, Win's cross-dressing acquaintance, who adds some comic relief to an otherwise dark story. And then there are the families of the two boys. As the story unfolds you see and feel the impact the kidnapping has had on the families (alcoholism, divorce, etc.).
As is typical of the
Harlan Coben books that I have read there is the surprise ending. I don't want to say too much as not to give away or spoil anything. Will the families have any closure? Will justice be served? Read the book to find out! -
5+
I was so happy to see that Harlan Coben had written another Myron Bolitar book. I have been a HUGE fan of Coben’s from the beginning and have read every Myron Bolitar as it was published. I think Harlan Coben is at his finest when writing the Bolitar series; the stand alones have been more mixed for me. I disliked the ending for The Stranger so much that for the first time ever I skipped one of his books, Fool Me Once. All of that being said, the return to Myron is wonderful. Home is absolutely fabulous, and I was very glad that I read it. The book grabbed me from the very first line: “The boy who has been missing for ten years steps into the light.” And the pace of the story never slows down.
As the book opens, Win is in London pursuing a lead on one of two boys that was kidnapped ten years ago. The boys, Patrick and Rhys, were at Rhys’s home with an au pair when they disappeared. Win is involved in trying to locate the boys because his cousin is Rhys’s mother, Brooke. He calls in Myron, and they successfully track down and retrieve Patrick. However, instead of shedding light on the boys’ disappearance and what has become of Rhys, Patrick’s recovery raises more questions. Myron and Win decide to go back to the beginning and try to determine exactly what happened in the first place. The mystery in Home is so well done. As I comment in a number of my reviews, it seems that a lot of the current mysteries are so predictable. There was not an ounce of predictability in Home; twists and turns happen frequently, and I would have never seen the ending coming (which I loved!).
The characters, particularly Myron and Win, have definitely matured, and Myron’s nephew Mickey (who has his own series) plays an important part in Home. Coben chose to tell the story through the alternating viewpoints of Myron and Win which I found very effective.
I highly recommend Home; it is one of the best mysteries I have read in a long while, and it was fun to read about Myron again. Thanks to First to Read for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review. -
FINALLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I KNEW IT. I FUCKING KNEW IT!!!!!!!!!
MYRON IS BACK AND MORE IMPORTANT WINDSOR HORNE LOCKWOOD III AKA WIN!!!!!!!!
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All of my reviews can be found on
www.novelgossip.com
The gang is back and I couldn’t be more thrilled! After waiting for what feels like forever book eleven in the Myron Bolitar series is finally here and despite the agonizing wait, it was well worth it. When I say the gang is back, I do mean the entire game; Myron, Win, Esperanza, Big Cyndi and even Mickey and crew. This should not be read as a standalone. There is just way too much history and backstory that you would be missing out on. Besides the ten books in the series before this one, Coben also wrote a three book YA series introducing Mickey Bolitar (Myron’s nephew) and his friends. Having read all of these books, I was completely caught up and really able to appreciate the deep characterization and overall growth and I would highly recommend the entire series. It is one of my favorite series out there, if not my favorite, and Home is the best book in the series hands down.
One of my go to mystery plot lines, a missing persons case, is the basis here so if I already wasn’t hooked enough, this just upped my interest. Win receives an anonymous email with information about his cousins missing son. Ten years ago Rhys and Patrick vanished without a trace and after an initial ransom demand, there were virtually no leads. The addition of a personal connection to the case amped up the tension and I was both intrigued and anticipating how such a close connection would impact Win’s involvement. He’s already…unpredictable so how would he handle things now? Classic Win is all I’m saying.
To my absolute delight we heard things from Myron’s point of view, but we also heard from Win! What a bonus, and Coben was able to craft such unique and distinct voices for both men that I immediately noticed a change in narration. Per usual, the banter between the two is unparalleled full of razor sharp wit and finely crafted dialogue. Win is still his sardonic self and Myron is a big old softy which always makes me melt. His struggles with morality have always been a big factor in this series and continued to surface here.
Plot wise, this was classic Coben; pacey, action packed, and nail biting. In his true fashion, the ending had the big twist followed by several other turns that left me breathless. The ending left me stunned but it was utterly perfect. Coben is an absolute master. His books have everything a good mystery/thriller should, he nails every single element. Can I rate this one higher than a five?! -
Fans, you are going to love HOME. Coben hits a "Home Run"! Out of the park - What an adventure.
Talented Harlan Coben returns following
Fool Me Once (2016) with his much loved Myron Bolitar series with HOME.
From Coben’s first Myron Bolitar thriller,
Deal Breaker, in 1995, introducing a hero that would captivate millions.
Over the years fans have watched Myron walk a tight rope between sports agent, friend, problem solver, and private eye, his big heart quick to defend his client's interests so fiercely that he can't help but jump in to save them, no matter the cost.
Myron, an ex-NBA player turned sports agent and often PI returns with a cast of favorite characters from previous books, to an intense gripping mystery suspense, with some special Coben signature style.
Way back when Myron Bolitar had founded a sports agent company clever dubbed MB SportsReps. The M stood for Myron, the B for Bolitar, and Esperanza came on as his assistant. Later MB Reps. Big Cyndi took over a receptionist and agency bouncer.
Two Boys Go Missing. Ten years ago.
It has been five years since
Live Wire, and now he is back with two boys which vanished some ten years ago. One of the boys, Rhys, the son of Chick and Brooke Baldwin, is a relative of Windsor “Win” Horne Lockwood, III, who happens to be Myron Bolitar’s best friend.
Win had received a tip leading him to London in pursuit of the boys. Myron was his back up guy-his sidekick. When Win had disappeared a year before, he had put the Manhattan place in Myron’s name. Myron had chosen to stay in his childhood home in New Jersey to try his best to raise his teenage nephew Mickey. Mickey’s dad was back so Myron had given them the house and come back to the city.
There was also Terese, the anchorwoman on one of the news channels. They plan to get married and he needs his best man.
Patrick Moore the missing boy. An uber-affluent community of Alpine, Patrick had been on what they insist on calling, a "play date" with Myron’s second cousin Rhys. He had come to rescue both boys.
Someone had taken this boy from the opulence of his stone mansion to this filthy underpass. He needed to grab both boys, not just one.
Had they been brainwashed? Their kidnappers? Who held the keys to their freedom? Can he bring both boys home? The ones which had been gone a decade. What horrors had they been through? What kind of abuse? How long had they been on the streets? The thugs would want money and blood.
Years ago, the two boys have left years ago in the care of Vada Linna, an eighteen year old au pair from Finland. When Patrick’s mother Nancy came to pick up her son, no one answered the door. She had been tied to a chair and gagged. She was unharmed but the two boys -Patrick and Rhys, were nowhere to be found. Two armed men which wore ski masks and turtlenecks.
Both fathers, a physician and a hedge fund manager, and a ransom request via email came to Chick Baldwin’s account. Warning them not to contact the authorities, if they wanted their children alive. Ransom amount, two million. One per child. The FBI was involved. Nothing until now. Ten years later.
Something went wrong. Something big. They have to know in order to find the truth. A mysterious email to Win.
What happened to Rhys Baldwin? Myron and Win delve deeper. They are about to shatter all, for the truth about these two young boys. One boy comes home. Where is the other?
What really happened ten years ago? A cover-up? Guilt. Torture. A twisted scheme? The consequences of that day so long ago.
Riveting! Long- time fans and new readers will appreciate the emotional bonds of friendship “bromance” of these two, in this intense and complex mystery suspense. Fans will love catching up with Win, Myron, Esperanza, Big Cindi, and the others.
“The ugliest truth is better than the prettiest of lies.”
Explosive and powerful, a crime thriller about the strong bonds of friendship, family, and the meaning of home- with twists and turns you do not see coming! Mixed with wit, Coben is in a class all his own, both in the adult and young adult market. His characters jump off the page and draw you into their world. . . the good and the bad.
On a side note: Makes you think about the mysterious death of six-year-old, JonBenet Ramsey, which ironically will be featured on a special this evening (20 yrs). Sometimes you have to go back as the novel outlined- to discover the real reason behind a murder, when children are involved.
When things are not always as they appear.
A special thank you to Dutton and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
JDCMustReadBooks -
Loved it! Great book and an even better Narrator. I miss driving to work with him. :0)
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Confunde transexual con travesti, habla de las mujeres como objetos sexuales y llama fulanas a las mujeres prostituidas.
Yo no puedo leer así.
