I'm a great fan of Harlen Coben's books and this one didn't disappoint. Win is named after its main character, Windsor Horne Lockwood the Third, who dispenses his own brand of justice and has the money to do so. He is a complex character, preferring to have hook ups rather than proper relationships.
When a recluse is found dead in a penthouse apartment, Win's police friend calls him over as one of the two paintings stolen from the Lockwoods, along with a suitcase with Win's initials on, is found there. How does it also link into the kidnapping of Win's cousin, Patricia over twenty years ago?
This is a great murder mystery book with lots of twists and turns and characters you both like and dislike. Once started, you won't be able to put it down!

Win Harlan Coben

A dead recluse, an abducted heiress. What’s not to love
Harlans books never disappoint. You think you are being led one way, them bam another twist!

4.5 stars rounded up.

I didn’t bother reading the blurb for this book - if Harlan Coben wrote it I want to read it. But when I found out that “Win” referred to Windsor Horne Lockwood III of the Myron Bolitar books I was delighted. I’ve always loved the Win character, he makes me laugh! And now he is getting his own series, I couldn’t be happier.

When Win’s former FBI mentor, known as P.T. calls Win to a crime scene he is perplexed but he goes anyway. A man, yet to be identified has been killed in one of the penthouse apartments of an exclusive residential hotel. He is a hoarder and there is stuff everywhere but the reason for Win’s visit is hanging on the wall. The original Vermeer painting that was stolen, along with a Picasso, 20 years ago during a short loan from the Lockwood mansion to their exclusive college. How curious! Also present, and more troubling, is a personalised and monogrammed leather suitcase that had been given to Win by an aunt. He hated it so gave it to his cousin Patricia. The suitcase disappeared in a separate incident, also many years ago, when two men broke in to uncle Aldrich’s house, killed him and abducted Patricia after telling her to pack a suitcase (the suitcase). Patricia returned to civilisation after 6 months and helped police locate what was to become known as ‘the hut of horrors’. Evidence was found of numerous victims before Patricia who had been held, raped, tortured and killed. Understandably she doesn’t like to talk about it.

Now Win is interested as he doesn’t want any blowback for his cousin, no suspicion that she, or indeed himself, may be considered suspects. But when the identity of the dead man as one of the Jane Street Six is uncovered it rather awkwardly ties together three separate crimes, and as far as Win is concerned, that’s not coincidence! The Jane Street Six were hippie protesters from the 70s who were going to throw Molotov cocktails at a building to make a political point, but one of the missiles went astray and caused a bus to crash, killing 5 or 6 people. They were labelled terrorists and the public were baying for their blood but they effectively disappeared from sight. So naturally he makes it his mission to find out what is really going on and how all these very old cases are related.

Well you how it goes - nothing is ever as it seems and Win finds some very dirty secrets lurking in the past. I loved the book, I loved the tone of the book, I love the Win character and can’t wait to read more of his escapades. Actually he reminds me very much of Aloysious Pendergast from another book series. I imagine Win would drive some people nuts with his very blunt way of talking and his answering the phone by saying “articulate” but I find it all rather endearing. This book will appeal to all thriller and mystery fans and, it’s the first in a series. Thanks to Netgalley, Random House UK, Cornerstone and Harlan Coben for providing a copy to review. My opinions are my own.

ARC received for an honest review

If you have read any of the Myron Bolitar series by @HarlanCoben,then you have met the enigma that is Windsor Horne Lockwood III

I was like a pre-teen at a One Direction concert when I found out that we would be getting a Win series.

And I was not disappointed with Win.

This book is just so Win-ny. There is something about that man that over the years just makes me smile big. But we are seeing a side to him that has been hidden before, and I like it.

Throw him in the middle of a murder mystery, and he is at his best. Just when you think you know what is happening, we are thrown another curve ball. So many red herrings that will have you chasing your tail. So just go with the flow and let the story unfold before you.

Now i have finished this book, would it be too much to ask for another book next week, Mr Coben?

Because I need more.

Thanks to Random House UK and Netgalley for an ARC.

Win Lockwood is new to me but will be familiar to many, as he and Myron Bolitar appear in a dozen of Coben's novels.

Lockwood is a playboy vigilante who gets drawn in to a mystery involving stolen family artwork and the unsolved murder of his uncle. This is linked with the abduction of his cousin Patricia, who was eventually released. It takes in art theft, domestic terrorism, domestic violence, family drama while never losing its pace.
It's hyperreal, everyone is larger than life. It's what Coben does very well indeed.

Win, (Windsor Horne Lockwood III), is the billionaire friend of Myron Bolitar, and is the centre of this story in a new series by Harlan Coben.

I had difficulty reading this story, with the richness, and white privilege jumping off the pages at me! It's a pretty interesting story, there is a lot going on and you have to read it slowly so that you don't miss anything. Win is taken to a hoarders apartment, and a painting, stolen from his family some years ago, is in front of his eyes, that and a suitcase with his initials monogrammed. From her you are taken on a ride where this man is fighting between being loyal to his family, or finding out the truth.

What if a close relative was kidnapped, hold captive for months, and repeatedly raped? What if your relative escapes, as do her captors? What if the murder of a reclusive hoarder is the catalyst for a change of events to solve the crime? What if other distasteful secrets are revealed? What if the person solving the crime is uber-rich, with a sense of entitlement and a questionable moral conpass...
An excellent tale of love, revenge and secrets. A story with vibrant characters that come alive on the page.
A page turner of read that you won't want to put down.

Having read several other Harlan Coben novels I have to say I was disappointed with this.

I just could not like the main character and found the story a real struggle to follow.

This one was ok but left me feeling disappointed.

Not for me.

Windsor Horne Lockwood III – Win to those in the know – lives according to his own rules … after all, when you’re a billionaire, you have enough influence to bend the rules to suit you. Win has spent his day-to-day life in the lap of luxury, surrounded by grandeur and high society, while he has spent many nights in his youth as a type of vigilante, cruising the streets to teach predatory people a lesson about how they should behave. For years, his partnership with Myron Bolitar has put him in a position to mete out a personal type of justice, but now that Myron has left for Florida, Win’s life be less adventurous.

Until a mysterious hoarder living in an affluent building in New York is murdered. Amongst the chaos, police find two items of note: a lost Vermeer painting worth $20 million, and a monogrammed suitcase sporting the initials “WHL3”. Both of these items belong to Win’s family, but neither has been seen in over 20 years; the painting disappeared during a robbery at the Lockwood estate, and the suitcase vanished when Win’s cousin Patricia was abducted and held against her will for months in an isolated cabin in the woods before a lucky escape brought her home. With the evidence mounting against Win, he decides it’s time to investigate how two 20-year-old crimes perpetrated against his family came together in the murder of an otherwise unremarkable man in New York City … and he’ll run the investigation his way.

Harlan Coben is a firm favourite of mine and I am always thrilled when I get the opportunity to dive into another of his books. This was no exception and was as enjoyable a Coben adventure as I have ever read. Clever plotting and punchy dialogue keep this book moving along at a rapid pace, while a cast of familiar characters remind you of the world Coben has built up over his career. These easter eggs in Coben’s books make you feel more immersed in the story, especially if you have read any of Coben’s previous books: mentions of characters such as beloved sports agent-cum-investigator Myron Bolitar, or criminal attorney Hester Crimstein make for a particularly enjoyable reading experience for the seasoned Coben fan, although there is enough context given for each novel to be read as a standalone.

“Win” was, to my mind, exactly the type of book that I am used to getting from Coben. The last few years have seen a break from pattern, and while these books were still good, I missed the witty, almost irreverent books that I have come to expect. “Win” brought all these aspects back, and I found myself sinking into the book like a warm bath or a mug of hot chocolate: comforting, cosy, and with a sense of familiarity that relaxes and unwinds you.

I will admit, though, that I found the character of Win generally unlikeable – although that is probably by design. The flawed protagonist doesn’t take away from the enjoyment of the story, or of the mystery Coben crafted in this book at all, in my opinion. The only possible consideration to have is that because Win is such a ridiculously wealthy individual, one has to practically suspend all concept of how the real-world works, and just go along for the over-the-top, completely bizarre ride that characterises the lives of the super-rich. This may frustrate some readers, but if you are able to enjoy this book for what it is designed to be – a non-taxing mystery/suspense novel with a vein of humour and satire running through it – then it is absolutely an enjoyable experience from start to end.

One of the issues I did have with this book was the cast of characters that became fairly large, and with little to no direction towards who was whom later in the book. At times, a character would be introduced by name, and by the time they arrived to play a part in the story, I had become hazy on the details of their role. To this end, I think the quick-and-punchy writing style Coben is so good at doesn’t work, as I felt a bit lost in the fog of characters at times. Although, if you have the time to sit down and read this book in one or two sittings, this is much less likely to be a problem.

Overall, though, a thoroughly enjoyable book that I found to be entertaining and amusing. This book follows the classic tried-and-tested Harlan Coben formula, which satisfies and leaves you waiting impatiently for the next book.

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House UK Century for the ARC in exchange for a review.

Win by Harlan Coban was sitting tantalising me from my tbr list. I am so glad I finally got it to the top of the pile. Twists and turns and action packed throughout, with real, larger than life, characters and causes. It’s a Bond movie waiting to be made. Win’s relationship with his cousin Patricia drives the storyline. Frequent references to Myron (Bolitar) became irritating but to be fair only served to make me want to read the previous books so “win-win” there Mr Coben!!!!! Cousin Patricia’s story of abduction and abuse is set alongside an art robbery from Win’s family, recovered from a luxury penthouse when the reclusive unknown resident is murdered. The investigation and links take us on a fast paced journey with many legal and ethical shortcuts along the way. Loved it! Five stars

This is a clever, dark and enjoyable read. I was quickly drawn into the main character, Win and enjoyed how well he developed throughout.
It’s another great book from Harlan Cohen and one that I would definitely recommend.

I've watched and enjoyed TV adaptations of Harlan Coben novels such as The Stranger and The Five so I thought it was about time I actually read one.

I loved the characters of Win. He's funny, intelligent, rich, and a little bit dangerous. I really I liked the humor in this book and found it most amusing when Win compares himself to Batman but I did have to agree with him. I actually think he's better than Batman.

The book has a really good plot with plenty of twists and turns to keep you on the edge of your seat. Besides Win there were some good side characters such as PT and Kabir. I really hope to read more about Win and his escapes soon

I have always enjoyed Harlan Coben's Myron Bolitar stories in which Win features as his unconventional friend. Unconventional because Win enjoys violent encounters and has his own code of morality which often sees him meter out brutal justice to those he perceives deserve it. This novel has Win as the central character, allowing Coben to explore his upbringing and background as well as building the plot around Win's need to serve justice in his own way. Although in many ways he is an anti-hero, the novel is so well written that you cannot help but sympathise with his methods even if you don't wholly agree with them. This is a well-plotted page turner which sends the reader hurtling towards a very satisfying denouement where no loose ends are left untied. Another sure fire hit from this author which I would highly recommend.

Readers of Harlan Coben's extremely successful Myron Bolitar series will recognise the title as the ,mercifully,shortened version of Myron's best friend, Windsor Horne Lockwood the 3rd. While fans of that series will know Win very well this book can be read as a standalone, and I must admit to not having read any of the Bolitar books before reading it. I know see that as my loss and something I will remedy.

Win is definitely an interesting character, a billionaire psychopath ,a narcissistic snob who readily admits that his money and social standing allows him get away with things no average person would get away with.
The story begins when the body of a reclusive hoarder,who has been murdered, is found in an apartment. Unfortunately for Win amongst the piles of "stuff" in the victim's apartment are a Vermeer painting,stolen from his family decades earlier and a monogrammed suitcase,bearing the initials WHL 3 that point the finger in his direction.
During the robbery when the Vermeer was stolen Win's cousin Patricia was abducted and subjected to a harrowing ordeal before escaping, neither the painting or her captors were seen again until the artwork appeared at the murder scene with Win's suitcase.

As well as a great mystery thriller "Win" is great fun, there's nothing much to like about him but it's all very much tongue in cheek with Harlen Coban skilfully keeping his flawed character just the right side of completely over the top. As the story progresses Win finds things becoming more and more complex and involving events very much close to home.
Once I'd got my head around Win's rather unique ,and not particularly likeable character,something fans of the Myron Bolitar books won't have a problem with, I really enjoyed it. It's clever,entertaining and often very funny. There's sex,violence, bad jokes and good jokes.
Great fun and I hope this book will spawn a series.

Win, (Windsor Horne Lockwood III), is the billionaire friend of Myron Bolitar, and in this new series, it’s his, and not Myron’s character that takes centre stage.

Win is called to the Beresford apartment block - the scene of a murder, and framing the wall in this exclusive apartment, is a very expensive painting, a Vermeer no less, that once happened to adorn the wall in the Lockwood family home, and was stolen many years earlier. During that robbery, Win’s cousin Patricia was abducted and her father killed. She was kept in an isolated cabin for months - until she managed to escape. There is also a monogrammed suitcase in the apartment belonging to Win’s family. Now, his quest to find out just how the painting and the suitcase ended up in the murder victim’s home, will take him into some life threatening situations, involving not just himself, but some of his family members too.

This is a very complex tale, but engaging nevertheless. Win is extremely vain, arrogant, and outspoken to the point of rudeness, but a fascinating character for all that, and I found him quite amusing, for all his faults. A tremendously entertaining read, and a great start to this new series.

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book

finally a book about win...we have met him before with myron but this one takes us through his daily life and how he leads it

win in a billionaire and will use his vast fortune as he sees fit..he makes no apologies with how he lives his life...

years ago two paintings were stolen from his home and on that date his uncle was murdered and his cousin was kidnapped, she managed to escape but she became known as one of the victims of the hut of horror, where several victims were raped and tortured

win is invited to the home of a deceased man, why, win is mystified as he has never been to this apartment or knows of this man, and being escorted by the fbi who are closed mouthed as to their reasons for his help but it all becomes clear when he enters the bedroom of the victim

a brilliant insight into win and how he lives his life...cant wait for the next one hopefully in this series

I really enjoyed this book, and I loved the main character. Here's hoping there are many more books about Win in the future. Like most Harlan Coben books this one is a real page-turner and keeps you guessing right to the end.

What a tangled web of events!
Honestly.....this story was so intriguing and interesting. Why? I can say I think it is the way the story unfolds.
Win is the main character and what a odd yet likeable character he is. His journey to right past wrongs is fascinating. Though I felt the story dragged a bit at times, I couldn’t stop reading on.
All in all, a very compelling story. We all wish we had a Win in our life♥️
Harlan Coben is a favorite author of mine and I enjoyed this new stand alone book in the Myron Bolitar series.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are my own.

This book is perfection: excellent pacing, meaty issues to ponder, satisfying twists. Best of all? It's all about Win (and if that doesn't mean anything to you, do yourself a favour and read a random Myron Bolitar book before coming back to this one), who is Batman and Superman rolled into one.

For total enjoyment, read Coben's YA titles, too. Having said that, it is a stand-alone novel. And it's a must-read.

If you have read Harlan Coben before,
you will know what to expect. A twisty thriller with a somewhat bizarre choice in characters which will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Imagine Gatsby but in the modern day, heavily trained in martial arts and with a preference for vigilantism and you have Win.

Something is up. A priceless picture, stolen years ago surfaces in the flat of a mysterious hoarder whose name no one knows. Enter Win, super rich, super tough and super smart. Who says you can’t have everything? Oh, did I forget to mention that the secret service desperately need him to take on this investigation. He’s not an agent but he worked for them in the past, of course. And no-one else will do the job as well as him.

If you can suspend your disbelief (which, if you are a Coben fan you are probably quite used to doing!) then I’m sure you will get caught up in the ride.

With regards to the twists, I did find myself having a few doubts about some of the characters, but I’ve learnt not to rely too much on deduction in this type of novel. Sometimes the twists are so out there it can make you frustrated! So I can’t say I was actively trying to figure out the mystery, as I might in another type of novel. Instead, I just read for pure enjoyment and escapism - and it was worth it. It’s a good read with wildly unbelievable moments that you just have to take in your stride.