Six Years by Harlan Coben
Six Years by Harlan Coben
How do you choose the next novel you read?
My modus operandi varies. Sometimes it’s word of mouth that leads me to a book. Other times, it is the recommendation of an author or reader that drives my decision. And, of course, there is always the old-fashioned “browsing” method that I use inside book stores.
I discovered this author, and therefore this book, through completely unique means. I met him, liked him, and decided to give his books a try.
This is the third Coben book I’ve read, and I must say … wow. Let me repeat that with a little more zest: Wow! Holy Bejeebus, thunder and lightning, what a fantastic novel!
THE CHARACTERS
Engaging, endearing, and believable. The dialogue is crisp and frequently punctuated with Coben’s brand of wit. His depiction of Jake Fisher, university professor who never stopped thinking about his “it girl,” rings authentic and credible.
THE PROSE
Nice metaphors used throughout. Descriptive writing–flowing prose. He periodically injects his writing with insightful observations of people and situations. Again, as with the dialogue, the prose is peppered with humor in all the right places.
THE PLOT
Unique and intriguing, and in my opinion, it’s plausible that this could happen. Every moment and event in the book is perfectly spaced, a time-release pill of suspense, leaving the reader in perpetual need to continue reading. The beginning intrigues, the middle keeps you turning pages, and the ending does not disappoint.
The book brings together a diverse cast of characters, a complex storyline, and some suspense-filled events, and weaves them together tightly, like a fine Turkish rug. Coben has revealed, decisively, in Six Years, that he is a master at the suspense and thriller game. It’s one of the best books I’ve read in the last several years in this genre, and I’m a Robert Parker fan of old, if that says anything.
And, circling back to my first question … how do you choose the next novel you read? For me, this time, it isn’t so much the next book as the author. I’ll be reading another Coben thriller.
Keep on readin’
~Bart
