If you are a fan of suspense, you have probably heard of Harlan Coben, the master of the genre, captivating readers with his intricate plots, twisty endings, and relatable characters. His books feature ordinary people who find themselves in extraordinary situations, facing dark secrets, hidden dangers, and shocking revelations. His books also explore themes like family, friendship, loyalty, and justice, making them more than just thrillers.
The Harlan Coben books series is vast and varied, offering something for every thriller enthusiast. He has written over 30 books, including standalone novels and the Myron Bolitar series, which features a recurring protagonist and his loyal sidekicks. Whether you are new to his work or a longtime fan, you might be wondering what is the best way to read the Harlan Coben books in order. Should you start with his standalone novels or his series? In this blog post, we will explore both options and help you decide which one suits you best.
Standalone Novels in Order
The first option is to read his standalone novels, which are independent stories that do not require any prior knowledge of his other books. These novels are perfect for those who want to enjoy a single, satisfying story without any cliffhangers or loose ends. The standalone novels are also great for those who want to sample Coben’s writing style and see how he crafts his suspenseful stories.
The standalone novels are as follows, listed by their publication year:
Play Dead (1990): A young man searches for his missing girlfriend, uncovering a web of secrets and lies. View it on Amazon
Miracle Cure (1991): A doctor investigates a miracle drug that could cure AIDS, but also has deadly side effects. View it on Amazon
Tell No One (2001): A widower receives a mysterious email that suggests his wife is still alive, but someone is trying to kill him. View it on Amazon
Gone for Good (2002): A man discovers that his brother, who disappeared years ago, might be a serial killer. View it on Amazon
No Second Chance (2003): A doctor wakes up from a coma to find his wife dead and his daughter kidnapped, and he is the prime suspect. View it on Amazon
Just One Look (2004): A woman finds a photo in her husband’s belongings that triggers a chain of events that puts her family in danger. View it on Amazon
The Innocent (2005): An ex-convict tries to rebuild his life, but his past comes back to haunt him when he is framed for murder. View it on Amazon
The Woods (2007): A prosecutor revisits a tragic summer camp incident that killed his sister and three friends, and learns that one of them might still be alive. View it on Amazon
Hold Tight (2008): A couple spies on their teenage son’s computer, hoping to protect him, but they end up exposing a dark web of secrets and lies. View it on Amazon
Long Lost (2009): A journalist reunites with his ex-girlfriend, who claims to be in trouble and needs his help, but he soon realizes that she is hiding something. View it on Amazon
Caught (2010): A reporter exposes a pedophile, but he soon discovers that he might have been set up and that the real culprit is still out there. View it on Amazon
Stay Close (2012): Three people with dark pasts are drawn together by a murder that links them to a cold case. View it on Amazon
Six Years (2013): A college professor tries to find his lost love, who married another man six years ago, but he soon realizes that nothing is what it seems. View it on Amazon
Missing You (2014): A detective reconnects with her ex-fiancé through an online dating site, but he turns out to be a dangerous criminal. View it on Amazon
The Stranger (2015): A man’s life is turned upside down when a stranger reveals a devastating secret about his wife. View it on Amazon
Fool Me Once (2016): A former special ops pilot sees her dead husband on her nanny cam, and she sets out to find the truth. View it on Amazon
Don’t Let Go (2017): A detective investigates the death of his twin brother, who was involved in a conspiracy that dates back to their high school days. View it on Amazon
Run Away (2019): A father searches for his drug-addicted daughter, who has run away from home, and uncovers a dark and deadly underworld. View it on Amazon
The Boy from the Woods (2020): A man who was found in the woods as a child helps a teenage girl who has gone missing, and stumbles upon a political scandal. View it on Amazon
Win (2021): A wealthy and eccentric vigilante solves a cold case that involves his own family and a famous painting. View it on Amazon
As you can see, the standalone novels offer a wide range of stories and characters, each with their own twists and turns. You will not be bored by the Harlan Coben books series of standalone novels.
Myron Bolitar Series
The second option is to read the Myron Bolitar series, which features a recurring protagonist and his loyal sidekicks. Myron Bolitar is a witty and tenacious sports agent turned private investigator, who uses his connections and skills to solve various mysteries and crimes. He is often accompanied by his best friend, Windsor Horne Lockwood III, a rich and eccentric martial artist, and Esperanza Diaz, a former wrestler and his business partner. The Myron Bolitar series is perfect for those who enjoy humor, action, and character development in their thrillers.
The Myron Bolitar series is as follows, listed by their publication year:
Deal Breaker (1995): Bolitar investigates the disappearance of a basketball star’s wife, leading him down a dangerous path. View it on Amazon
Drop Shot (1996): Bolitar probes the murder of a tennis player at the US Open, uncovering a web of secrets and lies. View it on Amazon
Fade Away (1996): Bolitar goes undercover as a basketball player to find out what happened to his former rival, who vanished without a trace. View it on Amazon
Back Spin (1997): Bolitar searches for the kidnapped son of a golf superstar, while dealing with a family crisis of his own. View it on Amazon
One False Move (1998): Bolitar protects a rising basketball star from a stalker, but he soon realizes that she is hiding something. View it on Amazon
The Final Detail (1999): Bolitar tries to clear his friend and partner, Esperanza, who is accused of murdering one of their clients. View it on Amazon
Darkest Fear (2000): Bolitar faces a personal and professional dilemma when he learns that he has a son who is in mortal danger. View it on Amazon
Promise Me (2006): Bolitar makes a promise to a teenage girl that he will protect her, but he soon regrets it when she goes missing. View it on Amazon
Long Lost (2009): Bolitar reunites with his ex-girlfriend, who claims to be in trouble and needs his help, but he soon realizes that she is hiding something. View it on Amazon
Live Wire (2011): Bolitar uncovers a shocking secret about his family, while trying to find his brother-in-law, who is involved in a rock star’s murder. View it on Amazon
Home (2016): Bolitar and his friend, Win, track down two boys who were kidnapped ten years ago, and discover a dark and disturbing truth. View it on Amazon
Think Twice (2024): A sports agent must investigate the seemingly impossible case of his deceased client who is now a suspect in a murder. View it on Amazon
As you can see, the Myron Bolitar series offers a lot of fun, excitement, and emotion, as you follow Bolitar and his friends on their adventures. You will not be disappointed by the Harlan Coben series of Myron Bolitar books.
Ready to unravel the mysteries? Share your favorite Harlan Coben book or series in the comments below and let's discuss what makes his work so captivating!
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