Buddy Read - Don't Let Go by Harlan Coben -May 29

[Vicki Willis]

Don't Let Go


With unmatched suspense and emotional insight, Harlan Coben explores the big secrets and little lies that can destroy a relationship, a family, and even a town in this powerful new thriller.

Suburban New Jersey Detective Napoleon “Nap” Dumas hasn't been the same since senior year of high school, when his twin brother Leo and Leo’s girlfriend Diana were found dead on the railroad tracks—and Maura, the girl Nap considered the love of his life, broke up with him and disappeared without explanation. For fifteen years, Nap has been searching, both for Maura and for the real reason behind his brother's death. And now, it looks as though he may finally find what he's been looking for.

When Maura's fingerprints turn up in the rental car of a suspected murderer, Nap embarks on a quest for answers that only leads to more questions—about the woman he loved, about the childhood friends he thought he knew, about the abandoned military base near where he grew up, and mostly about Leo and Diana—whose deaths are darker and far more sinister than Nap ever dared imagine.

Anyone is welcome to join!
We will read at our own pace and comment using spoiler tags.

[Vicki Willis]

So far we have Christine, Perri, Melanie and me (Vicki) who want to read.

Have any of you read Harlan Coben before?

I have read all of his. His Myron Bolitar series is very good, but his stand alones are my favorite. He is a go-to author for me. I have been wanting to get to this one for a while now.

[Christine]

I’ve read all of his books and he’s my favorite author

[Melanie]

I was introduced to this author via Netflix. They have a British series called “The Five”. I liked it so much I wanted to read the book but as I researched for it I discovered that this was his first (and at that time only...tv screen play). I read an interview in which he talked about enjoying the ability on screen to have a much larger number of main characters and wanting to explore this writing style further.
Last week Netflix released his second TV show entitled “Safe”. I liked “The Five” more and having only read one other book by him and part of “Don’t Let Go” I think “Safe” May have had more writers involved , it seems to deviate from his style a bit.
I’m enjoying finding a “new to me” author.

[Vicki Willis]

Was the British series based on his actual books?
That sounds interesting.

[Perri]

Coban is a fairly new to me author. This will be my fourth, I liked The Woods, Tell No One and Just One Look a little less. His books would be the ones I'd go to in a reading slump, just for fast, easy reading.

Oh, thanks for the Netflix rec, Melanie, I'll add it to my list.

[Melanie]

The British Series “The Five” was written by him specifically for TV according to the article I read. It’s a mystery that triggers investigation into another cold case mystery that brings to light secrets held by 5 friends whose past is intertwined and complicated.
I can’t say much more without giving it away.

[Emily Just Emily*~*]

hi everyone, Harlen Coben is one of my favs, I hope to read this one day. enjoy!

[Vicki Willis]

Is everyone ready to start? How about Monday?

[Christine]

I have to see that Netflix tv show called The Five and I have to start that other Netflix tv show called Safe and Monday sounds perfect

[Perri]

Works for me Vicki, thanks

[Sean, Moderator]

A great author,he was at Roland Garros yesterday for the French Open.

[Sally]

Harlan Coben is one of my favorite authors. I've read all his books but prefer the stand alone ones. I also watched The Five and Safe on Netflix-very entertaining.

[Christine]

That’s very cool Sean and I agree with you Sally

[Vicki Willis]

End of chapter 1

I just read the prologue and first chapter to get a feel for the book and
Man!(view spoiler)[that started out fast! How did he know who Daisy was? Was he after her or Rex, the cop?

Nap seems like a sociopath. Trying to cover it up by acting "normal".
Am curious to find out about his brother, Leo.<\spoiler> (hide spoiler)]

[Vicki Willis]

End of Chapter 10

This one is hard to put down.

Nap (view spoiler)[Not sure I like him. He seems like a jerk. So sad about him losing Leo though. I like that he respects women, even if he illegally put a dude in the hospital! (hide spoiler)]

What do you think about the (view spoiler)[ POV on this on? It is like he is talking to his brother. I like it. It has a informal/street language vibe to it. (hide spoiler)]

And finally... (view spoiler)[ what is going on with Maura? Could she have had something to do with the accident/suicide? I have no theories yet. (hide spoiler)]

[Melanie]

Hi everyone, yes I’m quite a little ways into the book but was waiting to see how buddy reads work..it’s late here now Vicki but I will take a look at your comments tomorrow..excited to jump in...and yes it’s one that you want to keep reading, it’s been a challenge to wait...

[Christine]

I finished that book and it was very good

[Perri]

Vicki and Christine! Man I just finished the prologue! Who the heck is Dale Miller?

[Melanie]

Vicki Willis wrote: "End of Chapter 10

This one is hard to put down.

Nap [spoilers removed]

What do you think about the [spoilers removed]

And finally... [spoilers removed]"

I wonder how you will feel about Nap as you continue to read. I like him but agree some questionable choices. It will be interesting to see why he is who he is. I’m thinking his back story will explain him more.

I like the narrative use the author is using that you spoke of. It’s interesting.

And finally...I agree no theories yet


I’m being cryptic because I don’t know how to hide spoilers. Could someone kindly explain that to me. Thank you

[Melanie]

Perri wrote: "Vicki and Christine! Man I just finished the prologue! Who the heck is Dale Miller?"

This one is twisty turny. Great summertime read.

[Perri]

Melanie : click the some html is ok hyperlink above the box and it will show you. Let me know if you still need help

[Melanie]

Thanks Perri, I’ll give it a try when my laptop comes home. My daughter is currently making a thriller movie for dramatic arts class...hmm, I wonder where she gets her interest in crime, suspense and thrillers. She and 5 of her friends are at a family farm with an abandoned house, barns and a ton of fake blood. It will be interesting to see what visual mystery they produce with iPhones and a laptop.

[Perri]

Finished Ch 11 (view spoiler)[ Nap whaling on the dude shocked me too. It makes more sense now, and I guess he feels like he has nothing to lose. He's so hard boiled -trying to get a sense if he was changed by losing his first love and twin brother (hide spoiler)]

POV (view spoiler)[ Talking to his brother humanizes him, but I have to admit it's starting to get on my nerves. Leo, remember when... (hide spoiler)]

Maura (view spoiler)[ I'm guessing she's in the witness protection program, something about the nuclear missiles (hide spoiler)]

[Ellen]

Harlan Coben is one of my very favorite authors. This will make my 24th book by him. I've requested this book in CD and in book form. Very popular with most checked out.

[Ellen]

Vicki Willis wrote: "So far we have Christine, Perri, Melanie and me (Vicki) who want to read.

Have any of you read Harlan Coben before?

I have read all of his. His Myron Bolitar series is very good, but his stand al..."
This will be my 25th Coben book. I've requested it in CD and book from my library. Most are checked out. seems to be a very popular book. Can't wait to start.

[Perri]

Finished Ch. 22 (view spoiler)[ What do you think of Ellie's decision not to tell Nat about Maura? I'm all about keeping promises, but she promised a virtual stranger at a really young age and for what? I'ts not like Nat didn't already believe she's alive. Now Nat feels betrayed by one of the few people he trusts. Also, I have no idea the significance of a helicopter landing ? (hide spoiler)]

[Melanie]

Hi again everyone.

Maura and Rex: is anyone else questioning their connection with each other (view spoiler)[ I had thought she was possibly being protected by the mob, maybe her family was involved with them. Her parents appear to be aware and supportive of her “hiding”. I don’t understand if she has been so afraid of being found out when and where did she and Rex hook back up since the night that Leo and Diana were killed. Also doesn’t it make her and Rex an easier target to be running together. (view spoiler)[
Where does everyone think Maura is now and do we think she is in danger or is she unwillingly with someone who won’t hurt her but wants to control her (view spoiler)[ she was clearly driving the car according to fingerprints. That is very odd if it was a “traditional” hostage taking (view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

[Melanie]

Also any ideas on what is happening with Maura? I’m wondering if she is being held against her will to be controlled as opposed to being harmed. (view spoiler)[ her fingerprints indicate that she was driving the car. This does not appear to be a traditional hostage taking (hide spoiler)]

[Melanie]

Perri wrote: "Finished Ch. 22 [spoilers removed]"

I agree with you Perri. This decision on Elle’s part did not really make sense to me. Especially over such a long period of time and considering the age at which the promise was made.

[Perri]

Melanie wrote: "Also any ideas on what is happening with Maura? I’m wondering if she is being held against her will to be controlled as opposed to being harmed. [spoilers removed]"

Good job on the spoilers! :)

[Melanie]

Perri wrote: "Melanie wrote: "Also any ideas on what is happening with Maura? I’m wondering if she is being held against her will to be controlled as opposed to being harmed. [spoilers removed]"

Good job on the..."

Thank you...have you gotten to end of Chapter 26?
What I expected from One character but not with whom I had expected...

[Perri]

Finished! Melanie there are several characters who behave in ways I wouldn't expect. I think that interfered with my enjoyment of the book. Character development was sacrificed for the sake of twists in the story. Ooh, gonna put that in my review :)

[Melanie]

Yes Perri I am in total agreement with you. I have been holding back finishing this as I have never done a buddy read before so I was trying to stay in pace with you all. This one hasn’t been my favourite book as I’m having some issues with “suspension of disbelief”...it feels like there are some holes in the development of the characters/plot etc...I think you are right perhaps..the characters.
It is however a very quick and easy read. Entertaining.

Is anyone else feeling this way too?

[Melanie]

It’s 3AM and I should NOT have powered through to the end .. but I did...FINISHED!

[Christine]

I finished that book before anyone else did lol

[Perri]

Quick, easy, entertaining read is exactly how I would describe Coben books, Melanie. I've liked others of his more, but I know exactly what I'm getting with a Coben book so far.

Christine, you must be a fast reader!

[Christine]

I’m a very fast reader lol

[Vicki Willis]

End of Chap 19
Lots of things going on here.
I agree with you all about it being exactly what to expect from Coben.

I found it so true in Chap 17 when (view spoiler)[ Nap was remembering Hank from childhood and how certain moments in life are captured in purity. (hide spoiler)]

I am conflicted about Nap still because (view spoiler)[ there are things I can appreciate in him, like his love for his bro and his tenacity to do what he believes in even if it is wrong,
But there is still something about him that bothers me. I can't put my finger on it.
It cracks me up how he tries so hard to "appear" normal for the neighbors. Is there something deeper inside him that is NOT normal?? (hide spoiler)]

Auggie (view spoiler)[ is also interesting because he is very aloof about some things. Is it because he is in so much pain or does he know more and for some reason must be silent about it? (hide spoiler)]

I have not spent as much time reading as usual this week. We are planning a motorhome trip through AZ and NM (I am in San Diego) and it is exciting, but then I am not reading! :)
I should be finishing the book this weekend though.

[Vicki Willis]

Ok, I finished also...

I feel pretty much the same. Not my favorite, but great none the less.

Overall I thought (view spoiler)[ it was pretty far fetched and kinda ridiculous in how many people were "in" on the truth and it never got out.
Was happy for Nap, that he got what he wanted as far as Maura coming back.
I really hope the Coben does NOT make this character a start of a series. I sorta saw flashes of Myron Bolitor in him (his humor) and I really love Myron, but I don't think I would like to read another book about Nap. (hide spoiler)]

[Perri]

Vicki, regarding your first spoiler (view spoiler)[ Interesting how Nap saw only the good in his brother. It makes sense as a typically selfish teenager, he wouldn't realize what was going wrong with Leo. I was surprised Leo would go that far to get back at his gf, though. (hide spoiler)]

Second Spoiler (view spoiler)[ Something NOT normal. Very interesting Vicki! I think there is, I think losing your twin brother would be pretty traumatic. Losing your first intense love at the same time? Maybe that's why he was so fixated on her.Maybe that's when he put his emotions on hold. I think Melanie also said it was weird how a teenage lust turned into the "love of his life"
I have to laugh what your suspected about Auggie cuz you pretty much nailed it (hide spoiler)]

[Perri]

About the ending (view spoiler)[ Kind of ironic that his brother died because of vigilante justice that he was engaging in as well. I think he did recognize this about himself? I don't see a future with Maura. They barely knew each other as teens and surely after so many years have become different people? Well, maybe Nap is emotionally stunted. And maybe I'm analyzing was too much! :D (hide spoiler)]

[Vicki Willis]

@Perri's spoiler
That is what I like about Coben (view spoiler)[he has this mild what comes about goes around thing going one. Where you can think, yeah I almost justify how he would beat up loser boyfriends that hurt women. Then he gets slapped in the face with someone he cares about being treated in much the same way.

I did not care for the tidy, wrapped up ending with him and Maura getting back together. I think the ending would have been better with a bitterweet goodbye. (More like real life) (hide spoiler)]

[Christine]

I agree with you Vicki

[Melanie]

Hello everyone...I will respond tomorrow to everyone’s ideas and questions. Ironically it is Prom Season here and so for the past 48 hours I have been consumed with teen dramas, loves and losses. Not until I read all your posts did I realize the connection to our Buddy Reads. My daughter and her friends had a blast but I’m just too tired to think right now. Wishing I could share a pic with you all. They lucked out with fantastic weather as the rain held off until today. I can say this about Nap, Maura, Leo et. al. , teens do have INTENSE emotion and are VERY interconnected.

[Christine]

That’s ok Melanie and i’m glad that your daughter had a great time at her prom

[Perri]

I've raised three so I know what you're talking about, Melanie. Kind of a rush being around all that young life and energy, but also exhausting.

[Christine]

I’m glad I don’t have kids lol