Harlan Coben

Harlan Coben: Biography

Harlan Coben was born on January 4th, 1962 and is currently 62 years old. Harlan Coben was born in Newark, New Jersey, USA. Coben attended Amherst College where he Studied Political Science.

Harlan Coben is probably best known for his Standalone Novels. There are currently 18 novels available. The first standalone was released in 1990 with the novel Play Dead. The most recently released novel was I Will Find You which was released in 2023. There are no upcoming standalone novels by Harlan at this time.

Harlan Coben has also written the Myron Bolitar series which has 12 books including Deal Breaker and Drop Shot.

Don't Let Go was listed as one of the Best Suspense Thrillers in 2017 by The Real Book Spy calling it "a fast-moving plot make this a white-knuckle read that's nearly impossible to put down". It also made their list of Best Plot Twists of the year. In 2019 Run Away made their Top 5 Suspense Thrillers list.

Harlan Coben: Awards & Accolades

Harlan Coben has won multiple awards including: The Crime Thriller Awards, ITV3 Writer's Award for Favourite Crime Genre Author, in 2009 and the International Thriller Writers Award, Silver Bullet Award, in 2019. Harlan Coben was also nominated for the Crime Thriller Awards, ITV3 Crime Thriller Living Legends, in 2013.

Coben's books have also won multiple awards, Deal Breaker won the Anthony Award, Best Paperback Original, in 1996. Fade Away won the Edgar Award, Best Paperback Original, in 1997 as well as the Shamus Award - Best P.I. Paperback Original in 1997. Back Spin won the Barry Award, Best Paperback Original, in 1998.

The following novels by Harlan Coben were also nominated for these awards:

• Deal Breaker: Edgar Award, Best Paperback Original (1996).
• Fade Away: Barry Award, Best Paperback Original (1997). Anthony Award, Best Paperback Original (1997). Dilys Award, Best Mystery Novel (1997).
• Back Spin: Shamus Award, Best P.I. Paperback Original (1998). Dilys Award, Best Mystery Novel (1998).
• A Simple Philosophy: Agatha Award, Best Short Story (1998). Macavity Award, Best Short Story (1999). Anthony Award, Best Short Story (1999).
• Tell No One: Hugo Award, Best Novel (2002). Macavity Award, Best Mystery Novel (2002). Barry Award, Best Novel (2002). Anthony Award, Best Mystery Novel (2002). Edgar Award, Best Mystery Novel (2002).
• Gone for Good: Nero Award, Best Mystery Novel (2003).
• The Woods: Crime Writer's Association Award, Ian Fleming Steel Dagger Award (2007).
• Hold Tight: International Thriller Writers Award, Best Thriller Of The Year (2009).
• Long Lost: International Thriller Writers Award, Best Hardcover Novel (2010).
• Caught: Edgar Award, Best Mystery Novel (2011).
• Live Wire: Goodreads Awards, Best Mystery and Thriller (2011).
• Shelter: Agatha Award, Best Children’s/Young Adult (2011).
• Stay Close: Goodreads Awards, Best Mystery and Thriller (2012).
• Seconds Away: Agatha Award, Best Children’s/Young Adult (2012).
• Six Years: Goodreads Awards, Best Mystery and Thriller (2013).
• Found: Agatha Award, Best Children’s/Young Adult (2014).
• Missing You: Goodreads Awards, Best Mystery and Thriller (2014).
• The Stranger: Goodreads Awards, Best Mystery and Thriller (2015). Hammett Prize, Best Crime Novel (2015).
• Fool Me Once: Goodreads Awards, Best Mystery and Thriller (2016).
• Home: Nero Award, Best Mystery Novel (2017).
• Run Away: Goodreads Awards, Best Mystery and Thriller (2019).
• The Boy from the Woods: Goodreads Awards, Best Mystery and Thriller (2020).

Harlan Coben: Lists & Other Mentions

• Hold Tight was a New York Times: #1 Fiction Best Seller in 2008.
• Long Lost was a New York Times: #1 Fiction Best Seller in 2009.
• Caught was a New York Times: #1 Fiction Best Seller in 2010.
• Live Wire was a New York Times: #1 Fiction Best Seller in 2011.
• Six Years was a New York Times: #1 Fiction Best Seller in 2013.
• Missing You was a New York Times: #1 Fiction Best Seller in 2014.
• Fool Me Once was a New York Times: #1 Fiction Best Seller in 2016.
• The Boy from the Woods was a New York Times: #1 Fiction Best Seller in 2020.
• Win was a New York Times: #1 Fiction Best Seller in 2021.
• The Match was a New York Times: #1 Fiction Best Seller in 2022.
• I Will Find You was a New York Times: #1 Fiction Best Seller in 2023.

Harlan Coben: TV/Movies Based on Books

Harlan Coben has had multiple books made into TV mini-series for Netflix. His novel "Hold Tight", published in 2008, was released on Netflix in April of 2022. It is a 6 episode series in Polish.

The 2012 novel "Stay Close" was released as an 8 episode TV series for Netflix in December, 2021. It is in English, and stars the likes of Cush Jumbo, James Nesbitt and Richard Armitage.

The 2002 novel "Gone for Good" was released on Netflix in August 2021. It is 5 episodes long, and is in French.

The 2005 novel "The Innocent" was released on Netflix as an 8 episode mini series in April 2021. It is in Spanish.

"The Woods", a standalone novel written in 2005 by Harlan Coben, was released on Netflix in Polish in June 2020 as a 6 episode series.

"The Stranger", released in 2015 as a novel, was converted into a TV mini-series for Netflix on January 30, 2020. It stars Richard Armitage and Hannah John-Kamen.

"Just One Look" was a 2017 series released on French based on the 2004 novel. "No Second Chance" is a 2015 French mini series released based on the novel.

Harlan Coben has also written TV series that are not based on his novels, for Netflix. They include "Safe", which is an 8 episode UK drama series starring Michael C. Hall from "Dexter" fame, and The Five, which was a 10 episode UK crime drama released in 2016.

The novel "Tell No One" by Harlan Coben was converted to the big screen as a movie in 2006. it is in French, and stars Kristen Scott Thomas and Francois Cluzet.

Harlan Coben: F.A.Q

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Dave W.

2 years ago

Just recently read Win. I really like Windsor Lockwood as a side character, but not sure I feel the same way about him as the main character within the book.

Characters have to be likeable and unfortunately Win all over the place is not a likeable character – especially hearing his inner narrative.

Also all the pining for Myron. Ugh. Got sick of that after awhile to be honest.

Hopefully Harlan goes back to the Myron Bolitar series soon.

In saying that I did think the book was quality and better than his recent ones. Just Win as main character = no no.

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Austin D.

2 years ago

Harlan Coben is simply one of the greats today. It doesn’t matter if it’s a stand alone, or part of the “Myron Bolitar” series, he always delivers.

I first read “The Woods” (still his best book) after picking it up at the library and I’ve loved his work ever since.

He pulls you in with his opening sentences, dropping hints about what’s to come, and delivering some stellar twists, letting you know that absolutely nothing is like it seemed before.

And since the main character that is narrating is usually in the dark, it’s like we’re along for the ride along side, as they try to figure things out.

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Edgar A.

2 years ago

Harlan Coben is a literary inspiration and regardless of whether I am reading his young adult, suspense, or mystery works I have always been blown away by how good he is at crafting a good story.
My first brush with Coben’s works was when I watched The Woods and was so enthralled that I knew I had to find the novel on which it was based on. Since then I have been a huge fan of his works.
My favorite Harlan Coben work though has to be the Myron Bolitar series. Bolitar the lead is such a lovable agent as he takes care of the wants and needs of his clients and never exploits them as compared to the larger agencies.
Since he cares so much for his clients he often finds himself working as an accidental detective which makes for some captivating stories.

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Andrew M.

2 years ago

I love Harlan Coben’s work, but my top pick is The Stranger, although Stay Close was also thrilling.
You can watch The Stranger adaptation on Netflix.
If you enjoy neo-noir thrillers, you should also check other novels such as Tell No One which was adapted to a French neo-noir thriller movie
He uses a lot of suspense and emotional insights to explore the secrets and little lies that destroy most relationships, families, and even communities.
I didn’t particularly appreciate how the ‘Stranger’ tells Adam Price a provocative secret about his wife.
As one of the loyal fans, I look forward to reading and watching more of Harlan Coben’s work in the future.

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Kyler F

2 years ago

High on the list of top thriller writers today is Harlan Coben, whose taut writing and intriguing characters, as well as the twists and turns expected of this genre, make for quick and energetic reading. His stand-alone novels are always worth seeking out, and his Myron Bolitar series is also recommended. Although there have been a few adaptations of his work, most of them are in French; the Netflix show The Stranger is about the only exception (this series is well worth checking out as well). I always look forward to Coben’s latest release, and hopefully will do so for some time to come. 

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Michael K.

2 years ago

I re-read ‘Tell No One’ the other day, and it justified my obsession with Harlan Coben. The book is far better than I remember. I love looking at this list and noticing how extensive his bibliography has become.

I want to re-read everything he’s written thus far, which doesn’t make sense because there are so many new books on the market today. But I remember having such an incredible time with the author’s work. After a difficult start to 2022, I want to return to familiar ground.

Harlan rarely disappoints me. Also, I haven’t read his work in such a long time that some of the novels on this list are practically new to me.

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Denis M

7 months ago

If you enjoy humour, arrogance and a touch of irreverence and sarcasm you will indeed enjoy the Myron Bolitar series as well as the newer Win novel. Harlan Coben’s work keeps me turning the pages. Highly recommended.

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stalsma

5 months ago

I just finished the short Mickey Bolitar series. I enjoyed reading it. I especially enjoyed the random facts that Coben threw in the books by way of the unique character Spoon.

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johnrizzi@gmail.com

4 months ago

I’m very happy to see that another Myron Bolitor is coming in 2024.

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linda

3 months ago

Coben is the best. Never disappointed with his books. Can’t even tell you what is a favorite. I am so glad Netflix is making his books into series. They are the best.

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waterburg72

2 months ago

THE STRANGER – This is my first Harlan Coben book I have read. Many of the books I read have been recommended by family, friends, on-line book sites. I can’t remember where I saw this book as a recommendation.  

Reading this book was like a rollercoaster ride. Mostly up and down up and down and finally straightening out. The first chapter had me hooked, but there were chapters that had me wondering what I was reading and why. I’m glad I stuck with the book. It was a decent read after all. I’ve read better, but then again, I’ve read waaaaaaay worse.

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azangie

17 days ago

I’ve read many of Harlan Coben’s books and have never been disappointed. Back Spin continues this. Great characters and interesting story.

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