What keeps a reader turning the pages of a thriller? Strong characters, certainly-- Chandler gripped our attention through the most impenetrable plots with his powerfully-drawn characters. But narrative ingenuity is the ace card for most of the top writers in the genre, and it's here that Coben really excels. Of course, having a novel and unusual protagonist is a highly desirable asset, and in Myron Bolithar, his fast-thinking and vulnerable sports agent, Coben has the perfect centre for his labyrinthine plot. Living down his dubious past, Myron finds himself conned into babysitting Brenda Slaughter, the hottest female sports star around. But when her father disappears, and the mob starts leaning on her, Myron finds himself undertaking duties far more dangerous than the average sports agent ever faces. And with his old friend, the urbane and deadly Windsor Lockwood, Myron is up against very powerful men who'll go to any lengths to protect their secrets. Coben's dialogue is studded with caustic wit, and the chinks in his hero's armour (particularly on the romantic front) make his helter-skelter tale a real delight. Even those readers without a trace of an interest in sport will be firmly on board from page one, with the feisty Brenda making the perfect foil for the beleaguered Myron. Coben's American success shows every sign of being replicated in the UK. --Barry Forshaw

2007-06-26 Another in the Myron Bolitar Series

Harlan Coben continues to prove that he is one of the best thriller writers around at the moment. A page turner is a much used phrase but in this case it is really appropriate. The author's books are always so well structured and his character's well rounded. He is obviously comfortable with his style and ability and this transmits itself to the reader making the reading of his books sheer pleasure from start to finish. Coben has now got a string of best selling crime novels behind him and all I can say is that I hope he continues to write for many years to come. The author lives in New Jersey with his wife and four children.

It's been a while since an accident ended Myron Bolitar's sporting career, but he is now making quite a success of being a sports agent.. He has plenty of contacts and it keeps him around many of the sports stars he competed against. Life is good and he is doing just fine, that is until he meets Brenda Slaughter, one of the hottest female sports stars around. She is one hell of a looker, funny and single and as luck would have it seems to have mislaid her agent.

But when her father disappears and Mob start to lean on her, it soon becomes apparent that potent forces are at work and Myron is soon plunged into a world of deceit and death. Hopefully it won't be his own.