harlan coben books in order

Harlan Coben Books in Order: A Guide to Reading in Order

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Harlan Coben is a celebrated author known for his gripping psychological thrillers and the popular Myron Bolitar series. 

Coben’s books are a must-read if you are a fan of suspense and twisty plots. Whether diving into the Myron Bolitar series or exploring his standalone thrillers, here is a guide to help you read Harlan Coben Books in order.

The Myron Bolitar Series

The Myron Bolitar series is where many fans start their journey with Coben’s work. Myron Bolitar, the main character, is a former NBA star turned sports agent who often finds himself embroiled in mysteries and crimes. 

The series is the one of best. Harlan Coben Books is in order because each book builds on Myron’s character and relationships, with events from earlier books referenced throughout.

Here are the books in the Myron Bolitar series in order of publication:

  • Deal Breaker (1995)
  • One False Move (1998)
  • Fade Away (1996)
  • Drop Shot (1996)
  • Back Spin (1997)
  • Promise Me (2006)
  • The Final Detail (1999)
  • Darkest Fear (2000)
  • Live Wire (2011)
  • Long Lost (2009)
  • Think Twice (2024)
  • Home (2016)

Reading Harlan Coben Books in order allows you to fully appreciate the evolution of Myron’s character and his interactions with his best friend, Win, and his nephew, Mickey, who has his own spin-off series.

Harlan Coben Books in order

Mickey Bolitar, Myron’s nephew, is the protagonist in a shorter series aimed at younger readers. Mickey inherits his uncle’s knack for getting involved in dangerous situations. Although there are only three books in this series, they are just as thrilling and are best read in order:

  • Shelter (2011)
  • Seconds Away (2012)
  • Found (2014)

Windsor Horne Lockwood III (Win) Series

Win, Myron’s best friend and a fan-favorite character, finally gets his series with:

  • Win (2021)

Win’s series gives readers a deeper look into this complex character, who often operates in moral gray areas.

The Wilde Series

Coben’s Wilde series introduces a new character who lives off the grid but has a knack for solving mysteries. The books in this series, like his other works, are filled with suspense:

  • The Boy from the Woods (2020)
  • The Match (2022)

Standalone Novels

In addition to his series, Harlan Coben has written numerous standalone novels. These books do not need to be read in any particular order and are perfect if you are looking for a quick, suspenseful read. Some of his most popular standalone include:

  • Tell No One (2001)
  • Gone For Good (2002)
  • The Innocent (2005)
  • The Stranger (2015)
  • Run Away (2019)
  • I Will Find You (2023)

These novels are packed with twists and turns, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.

Who Is Myron Bolitar?

Myron Bolitar is one of Harlan Coben’s most beloved characters. He is a former basketball star who becomes a sports agent after a career-ending injury. However, Myron’s life is far from ordinary; he often solves crimes and gets involved in dangerous situations.

Myron is known for his loyalty, wit, and deep sense of justice. He is the kind of character who will do anything to help his friends and clients, even if it means putting himself in danger. His best friend, Win, is his partner in crime-solving, and the two make a formidable team.

Throughout the series, readers learn about Myron’s close relationship with his family, his love life, and his personal struggles. His character is relatable and endearing, so fans love following his adventures.

Harlan Coben’s Writing Journey

Harlan Coben was born in 1962 in Newark, New Jersey. He grew up in a Jewish family and attended Amherst College, where he studied political science. It was during his college years that he realised his passion for writing.

Coben’s debut novel, Play Dead, was published in 1990. While it was not an immediate bestseller, it marked the beginning of a prolific career. His second book, Miracle Cure, was also a standalone novel, but it was his third book, Deal Breaker, that introduced readers to Myron Bolitar and set the stage for Coben’s success.

Why Read Harlan Coben?

Harlan Coben’s books are known for their fast-paced plots, unexpected twists, and well-developed characters. Whether you are a fan of series or standalone novels, Coben has something for every suspense lover. His ability to keep readers guessing until the endooks so addictive.

If you are new to Harlan Coben, starting with the Myron Bolitar series is a great choice. However, if you prefer standalone thrillers, you can pick up any of his novels and dive into a world of suspense and intrigue.

FAQs
Which Harlan Coben Books in order should I start with?

If you enjoy the series, start with Deal Breaker, the first book in the Myron Bolitar series. If you prefer standalone thrillers, try Tell No One or The Stranger.

Do I need to read the Myron Bolitar books in order?

Yes, reading them to fully understand the character development and recurring plot points is best.

What is Harlan Coben’s latest book?

As of 2024, his latest book is Think Twice, the 12th in the Myron Bolitar series.

Has Harlan Coben won any awards?

Yes, Coben has won several awards, including the Anthony Award, Shamus Award, and RBA Prize for Crime Writing.

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