Fans of the great Harlan Coben who have been with him since the beginning proudly recall the Myron Bolitar novels, which dominated his earlier work. Those who have never read these books should catch the Amazon Prime Video series “Shelter,” which features a young Myron.

With the long-awaited release of THINK TWICE, we are right back in Myron’s world as it exists in 2024. As a sports agent, he finds himself caught up in a murder case that quickly becomes very personal. Just three years earlier, Myron was giving a eulogy at the funeral of his client, NBA coach Greg Downing. Myron never had an easy relationship with Greg in the decades they knew each other, but they were able to get past their differences and work well as business associates and almost friends.

"...a sleekly written murder mystery that will have you guessing right up until the end and puts you firmly in the shoes of our very plausible and likable protagonist."

Myron’s world is rocked when FBI agent Monica Hawes enters his midtown Manhattan office and asks him and his colleague/best friend, Win Lockwood, where Greg is. After the initial shock of such a question wears off, Myron informs Hawes that it must be some sort of joke as everyone knows that Greg is dead. Hawes indicates that this is what the FBI had been led to believe --- until his prints were the only outside evidence found at the location of a double homicide.

Readers will realize at this point what the cryptic prologue meant as it depicted someone planting DNA evidence at the site of the two slayings to implicate a third party. The FBI does not know whether or not to believe Myron, so they keep a close eye on him. In the meantime, Myron and Win begin their own investigation that consists of a whirlwind tour around the country to look into these recent crimes and see if there is any way possible that Greg is still alive. More likely, though, they want to find out who is setting him up so they can present that information to the FBI, restore his good name and move on.

Of course, knowing that this is a Harlan Coben novel should be indicative of the fact that nothing will fit easily or make sense at first, and the wild ride that ensues will be one worth taking. It is tough to go into any detail without spoiling some of the great plot twists and elements that will astound you. Myron and Win will have their heads spinning with what they uncover and the misdirection that leads them down several wrong and deadly paths.

The most humanizing aspect of the story is Myron reconnecting with his old school flame, Emily, who is also Greg’s ex-wife. Myron is actually the biological father of her oldest son, Jeremy, thanks to a pre-wedding night fling they had with each other. This has always bothered Myron’s loyal wife, Terese, so she’s not happy at all that this is being dredged up again.

THINK TWICE is about family, friendship, loyalty, secrets, lies and, most of all, the chance for redemption. It also is a sleekly written murder mystery that will have you guessing right up until the end and puts you firmly in the shoes of our very plausible and likable protagonist.