Book Review: The Final Detail by Harlan Coben (Myron Bolitar #6)

Stars: 4 out of 5

Pros: Good humor, interesting main character, intricate plot

Cons: One scene (and associated characters) that went on too long

The Bottom Line: 

Fun with good plotting

I've added Coben to list

Just what I don't need

I Think I Just Found a New Author to Enjoy

While I don't tend to read too much by the big bestselling authors, I certainly know who they are.  So when I was browsing at the library for something to listen to on a recent road trip, the books of Harlan Coben caught my eye.  I settled on The Final Detail, which turns out to be the sixth in his Myron Bolitar series, and I really enjoyed it.

Since I normally like to read a series in order, I was a little concerned about jumping into this one with no idea who the main characters are, but there was nothing to be concerned about.  I quickly learned that Myron runs MB SportsReps, an agency for athletes.  His best friend and partner in the business is Esperanza Diaz, while his other friend is Win, a slightly psychotic playboy.  Myron seems to regularly find himself in some sticky situations; fortunately, he seems to have a knack for getting himself out of them, too.

When this book opens, Myron has spent the last few weeks on a private island in the Caribbean hiding from some recent tragic events with an attractive reporter equally hiding from her past.  But reality comes rushing back in when Win appears and tells him that he's needed back in New York City.

See, one of Myron's clients, Clu Haid, has been murdered and Esperanza is the chief suspect.  Myron can't believe she is a murderer, so he immediately rushes back to help her.  Only she refuses to talk to him, encouraging him to drop the matter completely.  Furthermore, Myron finds his alibi suddenly being questioned as if he were another suspect.  Can Myron figure out what is happening in time to save his friend?

Being the sixth book in the series, I was expecting references to previous events, and they were there.  They were hinted and discussed in terms that I could follow the character development that comes from them but yet were general enough that I didn't feel the story was spoiled at all.  Being a new reader to the series, I greatly appreciated that.

I immediately came to love Myron and Win.  They have a strong friendship and a great sense of humor that often left me laughing.  While these were the best developed characters in the series, I felt that many of the rest were also very well developed.  A few were pretty flat, but they were also hardly given any page time, so that's understandable.

The plot weaves all over the place before finally reaching a climax that I never saw coming.  And yet, it was also the only logical solution, and I spent much of the climax surprised at just how well everything fit together.

I mentioned the comedic moments earlier, but don't think this story is all fun and games.  There are some pretty serious moments as well, and I actually liked the book because of that mix.

Yes, I did listen to the unabridged audio as narrated by Jonathan Marosz.  He didn't a wonderful job with the book, bringing the characters and story to life.  It was just as easy to get lost in the story as it would have been had I had my nose in the actual book.  (And considerably safer since I was driving.)

About the only thing I didn't care for in this book was an extended scene in a fetish bar.  I was very glad when the action moved beyond that location again.

The last thing I need is another author to read and follow, but that's exactly what I have found.  If The Final Detail is any indication, I will be happy I found room for Harlan Coben in my to be read list.