Harlen Coben is a writer that needs reading. He mixes action with adventure and mystery and his books leave an impression long after they've been read.

Win is a spin-off character from his better known Myron Bolitar series. I had a totally different mental impression of that Win to this, although as soon as I got a feel for this Win, I could not picture my previous image of him, so good is Mr Coben at enthralling the reader.

A good whodunnit with plenty of character development with the potential for lots more to come.

I can't wait@

Win, sure had me glued to the pages. The crime/mystery was intense, creepy, and intriguing. Win was a fascinating character, whom I am not familiar with, having not read any of the Myron Bolitar books. Certain plot elements do make me keen to revisit the Mickey Bolitar series (Myron's nephew) and also read 'Home'. But you don't have to have read any of those to follow, or enjoy this one, although there are minor spoilers regarding characters and relationships.

Harlan Coben is by no means a rookie author and even a crime-novel-laywoman like myself is familiar with his name and the sheer volume of his novels (also, recently visited one of the few English bookstores in Poland, Coben and Jo Nesbo made up the vast majority of the crime section). So, was I thrilled to get a chance to read and review his new book? Absolutely.

To make things more clear, among many other genres, I do enjoy reading crime novels, however, I try to sample different authors, because I've noticed that after a couple of books, I usually start getting the writer's pattern and then the charm gets lost.

This was, therefore, my first Harlan Coben. Unfortunately, it will be my last one, as well.

The reason most people read crime books is because of the juicy intrigue and the attempts at solving crimes from the couch (also the reason why true crime programmes and podcasts are exploding nowadays). If this is the biggest pull of this particular book as well then let's start from there: the plot/case was interesting. I was scrolling furiously in order to ultimately reach the conclusion, and it was very satisfactory, too! I can definitely say that the ending was not as predictable as many other crime novels I've read in the past. My two stars are based entirely on this, plot only.

Now, five stars would indicate a masterpiece on my scale, so that's very difficult to achieve (only one book made it this year), but there were still two readily available stars up for grabs: what went wrong?

Well, nice of you to ask. Win did. As in Win, the main character. Let's start from the end here. Upon finishing the book, I checked the other reviews to see if everyone hated Win as much as I did (I do sometimes have some controversial opinions, but I was expecting a unanimous vote here) - and they did not. Many people seemed to be raving about how incredible he is. I looked further, and finally got it - Win was a supporting character from another series who only now got his own books. And while some of us had just stumbled into his world, others had been waiting for this for years and years. Those, too, were the people who are crazy about Win.

I can totally see myself going bananas over a favourite supporting character of mine getting his own series, no matter how despicable the character, so I am not judging, friends.

But having to have read a whole other series of books in order to like the character speaks volumes.

Win is just the most annoying, stuck up, ridiculously pompous prick you can imagine. That his inner monologue reveals that he realizes his face is punchable is just great. Because I don't remember the last time I read about such a punchable character. Win comes of as the sort of guy who would pleasure himself while looking at a mirror. He is all talk about how tough he is, how rich he is, how handsome he is, how he doesn't care about anyone and anything, how he's above it all, he's got everyone figured out. It's incredibly annoying and makes it so very difficult to care about him at all. I haven't met anyone as rich as Win, but I have met people with Win attitudes and first of all, more often than not, they would be all wrong about the conclusions they had from observing everyone who they think they've totally figured out, and second of all, they would always, without fail, make everyone in the general vicinity roll their eyes and try to run away from the annoying person. So in the real world Win would not be hot and adored by the masses, everyone would avoid him like a leper just so they don't have to hear the "You all are basic bitches, I'm so much better than this" crap. P.S. No idea how Subway is in the US, but in Europe it's incredibly good, so stuff it, Win.

We follow the story of Win Lockwood – He is a billionaire from old money. He has been asked to come to a crime scene where a someone has been found murdered, police have found something that belongs to his family - a painting stolen years ago. Win sets out to discover why this man had the artwork and finds other interesting things about the family. I don’t want to give away too much of the story.

This is my first Harlan Coben book. I will be honest I did struggle a little with this book, I listened to it as an audio book while I was working from home. The book had scandals and twists and turns. It did keep me intrigued to get to the end of the story.

Thank you Random House UK, Cornerstone and Netgalley for the copy for an honest book review.

This is a great thriller with superb twists, an elegant narrative and great structure.

I couldn't warm to the central protagonist, he's cold and he's meant to be that way. Some may enjoy this sociopath treatment, others won't. But don't let that get in the way, if you're plot motivated rather than character empathetic you'll really enjoy the novel.

This book really wasn’t me even though I continued reading until the end. It was exciting and thrilling with a convoluted plot and interesting twists. I read it because I wanted to find out what happened- but I didn’t feel involved or invested with any of the characters. There was too much bravado and machismo and too little empathy. I’m sure it’s a great book for fans of Harlan Coben.

Niles Crane as a loveable psychopath. I like Coben when he's letting his sense of humour show, and that was evident here, along with a great plot.

Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Harlan never disappoints he's such a fabulous author. Thus book was no exception. Well written. Suspenseful, great characters. Recommended.

This book started quite well, but I felt like I got a bit lost towards the end. From reading other reviews, I seem to be in the minority though.
I read this book as a standalone, not realising that the main character is from another series, and I think without the background of the character, I lost some perhaps useful information.
I would still go back and read the series, then perhaps this standalone, and see if that helped.

If you've been missing Harlan Coben's Myron Bolitar, 'Win' will make up for the loss. Windsor Horne Lockwood III, known to his best friend Myron as Win takes centre stage.

Win turns vigilante after authorities contact him in connection with the recovery of his family's missing Vermeer, and a suitcase with his initials at a murder scene. Twenty years previously, his cousin Patricia was kidnapped, his uncle murdered and two paintings were stolen.

He's narcissistic, cold and exceedingly privleged due to old family millions. Win has always employed dubious methods to get what he wants and will go to great lengths to do so. Some have dubbed Win a sociopath, known for posessing no emotions nor conenctions with people, except with his more earnest and ethical best Myron, who sadly doesn't appear.

This book we see him slowly come undone as he comes to grips with learning he's the father of a teenage daughter (which we learn about in the last Myron installment). What are those flutters in his chest he's feeling?!

While Myron is missed, its interesting being inside Win's head. He's all the things said about him, but watching him deal with fatherhood is fascinating. As always, Coben has snappy dialogue and employs his trademark humour in his writing. What I always love about Harlan Coben is how he can move along the action in a couple of paragraphs vs chapters of guff.

As unlikeable as he is, I hope we get more Win, though I'm also keen to see Myron return.

Thank you Cornerstone/Random House UK, and Netgalley.

I did struggle to enjoy this book as it was so completely different to other Harlan Coben books that I have read.
I will continue reading books by Harlan but not this story line.

I was given a copy by netgalley and the publishers but the review is entirely my own.

I was always told by my English teachers that if you are writing something then it has to grab the reader in the first few lines. This definitely didn’t so I knew instantly that I wouldn’t like this book. Wasn’t grabbed or intrigued but bored and had it been a library book would have returned it instantly. Instead carried on for as long as possible before giving up on it. Sorry but this is definitely not for me but doubtless the author’s fans will devour it with relish! Shame as it sounded promising.

Having read all of the Myron vomit at series I jumped at the chance to read this. Win has been such a big character in his books and this book gives the reader insight into the life of win. If reading as a stand-alone he may come across as self righteous as he is so wealthy and spends that money well but to know him as a loyal, committed friend from the other books it was justified. Such a great book where win investigates a murder which then unearths his family heirloom. Would love more in the adventures of win! 5 stars great book

Win Lockwood is a billionaire from old money.
The FBI come to his office to question him about a murder but take him to a penthouse apartment where a body, a Vermeer painting and an old suitcase of his await him. The painting was stolen many years before during which is uncle was murdered and his cousin Patricia kidnapped and raped before escaping.
Win is not a likeable protagonist, he has scant regard for most people and has a penchant for violence. He is quite funny at times and knows it - allowing the reader a chuckle even in difficult situations.
Win sets out to discover what happened.
He has one (and only real) friend Myron which shows a different side of his personality than the rest of the world see.
Entertaining, a bit crazy, violent - something for all Harlan Conan fans.
Thanks to Netgalley for allowing me to read this book in return for a fair review.
4 Stars ⭐️

I couldn't decide if I liked Win or not. Other than that, there were enough twist and turns to keep me interested and entertained. Good start to this new series.

This is the first book I have read of Harlem’s but thought I’d give it a go as I loved the Netflix series based on his other books. I have also never read a book with a male main character as my thrillers are usually family based ones. If I was to read about a man like Win in the press I would automatically hate hime, someone from money thinking they have the right to sort out things through violence but in reading the story to the end money definitely does not bring you happiness. This book was a page turner unsure about where the story was going next. Lots of twists and turns and slowly peeling the layers back on Win. Can’t wait to see what he gets up to next.

This book was amazing, I literally - I can't I'm in love. This book was about our favourite sociopath Windsor Horne Lockwood III, not Myron so we get to see his POV on different things. Win is suspected in murder so naturally he tries to solve it. Obviously you think you know who's the killer, but you don't. The mystery in this book was chef's kiss and everything was ✨perfection✨. Also Ema was amazing. The best Harlan Coben book. Just go and read it y'all. ♾️/5⭐

Thank you NetGalley for providing digital advanced copy in exchange for honest review.

I now eagerly await any book by Harlan Coben so was so eager to pick up this book. I was not disappointed what I got was a story filled with action, drama and a pinch of romance. I loved Win he was such a brilliant character. One who made it so very entertaining to tag along with as he does his thing.

The plot moved at a great pace and kept me invested throughout. With plenty of twists and surprises to keep things very interesting! I loved getting to know Win and experience his life with a dash of sarcasm and wit!

Win is a book that is engaging and twisty. I cannot wait for the next book!

I usually love Harlan Coben but I wasn’t as enamoured with this book. Don’t get me wrong, there were a lot of twists and turns - scandals and intricate details - but I felt the story lacked depth and emotion. This could be entirely due to the portrayal of Win’s character and him being, admittedly, devoid of emotion himself.

Nonetheless, it was enjoyable to read and kept me intrigued as to what was going to happen next. The characters were believable and the storyline somewhat far-fetched but it would have been good to explore some of the real personal relationships that Win has. Maybe next time…

Harlan Conan never disappoints. His ability to mix a complex and riveting plot with engaging characters and spot on humour is unmatched.