NOW A NETFLIX ORIGINAL SERIES!The bestselling author and creator of the hit Netflix drama The Stranger takes readers into the heart of family loyalty in this twisty page-turner that proves that the darkest secrets are often closest to home.Paul Copeland, a New Jersey county prosecutor, is still grieving the loss of his sister twenty years ago—the night she walked into the woods, never to be … walked into the woods, never to be seen again. But now, a homicide victim is found with evidence linking him to the disappearance. The victim could be the boy who vanished along with Paul’s sister. And, as hope rises that his sister could still be alive, dangerous secrets from his family’s past threaten to tear apart everything Paul has been trying to hold together….
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A gripping suspense thriller by a master craftsman, I read THE WOODS in just over a day. Beautifully written with subtle insights about human nature this book offers more than the average thriller.
As usual, reliably good suspense, mystery, and thrills from one of the masters of the genre. All of his stories, and this one is no exception, have such twists and turns in the plots, with real, black-and-white people who are never perfect (you know, like most of the human race), and a palpable sense of place–which in this case, and in most of his books, is suburban New Jersey. He’s just one of the finest thriller writers around.
Gone girl before gone girl. Wonderful characters who build the suspense that engulfs you with every page.
I loved this book
you should read it too
Great characters. Plot keeps you guessing
Pretty good story. With a few surprises.
Mr. Coben releases a book every year. I have read every one – both the standalone like this one and his Myron Bolitar series.
The twists in his stand alone were jaw dropping yet plausible long before anyone had heard of Gone Girl.
His stories are thrilling and touching and dead run exciting while still maintaining the fun of the banter between Travolta and Jackson in Pulp Fiction. His books are not gruesome or gory.
If I were to compare him to another mystery writer, it would be Sophie Hannah. You cant go wrong with Coben.
Loved It…
A riveting, twisty thriller. New evidence from a stunning crime twenty years ago brings hope — but also exposes dark secrets that could rip a family in two.
The Woods by Harlan Coben is a standalone novel that combines courtroom drama with family secrets. It blends suspense and action well. Paul Copeland is the County Prosecutor for Essex County, New Jersey. He’s in the middle of a big trial and under a lot of pressure to find more evidence when a man is murdered who could be the person who disappeared twenty years ago with Paul’s sister.
Paul is a likeable character that is raising his daughter alone after his wife dies. His career is on the upswing, but what happens when threats and hope come from all sides? Could his sister still be alive? Will he cave to threats?
The book is somewhat slow-paced at times and combines a legal thriller with family drama and secrets. There are plenty of red herrings and twists to keep readers on their toes and the ending is much different than I expected. Themes include rape, murder, family relationships and secrets, young love, threats, and much more.
Overall, this had a complex plot and was suspenseful at times. Most reviewers have enjoyed this one much more than I did. 3.5 stars rounded down to 3 stars. The pace was too slow.
This is my honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and are not biased in any way. Publication date for the paperback version was April 1, 2008.
Harlen Coben never disappoints. Truly enjoyed reading this one and looking forward to another.
If you’re looking for an easy read, a cozy, a feel-good book; The Woods is not it. If you want a story with a lot of moral questioning, justice, characters with guilt issues, truth with muddiness and real down to earth feelings; okay, then get to it. Read this!
It’s not just one story. Paul Copeland is a and justice-tell-the-truth kind of guy in his role as prosecutor. I think you’ll like his handling of a rape case (alleged) and how it comes down to the wire against odds. There’s more to this man’s past, though. Everyone has secrets. Someone can dig into your past even threaten you, yours, and all you stand for. That past was twenty years ago. He still grieves losses and there are several of those. What was his role in them? He’s going to need the help of loyal friends and not so loyal family. You think you know what you would do, what should have been done, what can be done. Put yourself in the shoes of each and every one of the characters in this book. Don’t be easy on yourself. Harlan Coben writes with a deep understanding of the human condition. I heartily recommend this book.
Harlan Coben is a master of suspense and misdirection! This story was a bit longer than need be, but very enjoyable. I listened all in one day—great narrator, too.
Good, but not Myron Bolitar.
Harlan Coben is one of my favorite authors. This novel shows why that is a fact.
Good mystery
Harlem Corben at his best. Excellent suspense novel I couldn’t put it down.
If you’ve ever read anything else by Harlan Coben, then you will be disappointed in this book. I have ready EVERYTHING he has written and he is one of my favorite writers. This book is so disappointing in that it goes absolutely nowhere. The book is nothing like the title and story tag lead you to believe, the characters lack depth… which is a huge problem because you don’t really care what happens to them. This is the first book I have ever read by Mr. Coben that I’ve given less than a 4 star rating to – I have given him 5 star ratings many times – and I am not one to give those type of ratings out lightly. Do yourself a favor – if you’ve ever read Harlan Coben before, skip this one… if you’ve never read Harlan Coben, pick up just about anything else by him and you will be delighted.
I breally enjoyed this book. It was unpredictable in a lot of ways.
I’m a Coben fan and this book did not disappoint with twists, turns and unexpected happenings.