Review: Missing You by Harlan Coben

A Mysterious Review of Missing You by Harlan Coben.

Review summary: This is a meticulously plotted, nearly flawlessly executed suspense thriller. The pacing throughout is ideal, keeping the tension level high as the storyline progresses. The unknowns are numerous, and clues to how everything will turn out are few in number but strategically placed. One of the best books of the year, not to be missed. (Click here for text of full review.)

Our rating:

Missing You
Harlan Coben
Dutton (March 2013)

Publisher synopsis: It's a profile, like all the others on the online dating site. But as NYPD Detective Kat Donovan focuses on the accompanying picture, she feels her whole world explode, as emotions she's ignored for decades come crashing down on her. Staring back at her is her ex-fiancé Jeff, the man who shattered her heart — and who she hasn't seen in 18 years.

Kat feels a spark, wondering if this might be the moment when past tragedies recede and a new world opens up to her. But when she reaches out to the man in the profile, her reawakened hope quickly darkens into suspicion and then terror as an unspeakable conspiracy comes to light, in which monsters prey upon the most vulnerable.

As the body count mounts and Kat's hope for a second chance with Jeff grows more and more elusive, she is consumed by an investigation that challenges her feelings about everyone she ever loved — her former fiancé, her mother, and even her father, whose cruel murder so long ago has never been fully explained. With lives on the line, including her own, Kat must venture deeper into the darkness than she ever has before, and discover if she has the strength to survive what she finds there.

        

A New MystereBook: No Pockets in a Shroud by Richard Deming

Here is a mystery, suspense, or thriller ebook that we recently found by sleuthing (as it were) through new or recently reissued titles from independent publishers during March 2014 priced $4.99 or less …

No Pockets in a Shroud by Richard Deming is a smashing detective story, first published in January 1949 by Black Mask and featuring his long-running series character, PI Manville "Manny" Moon.

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No Pockets in a Shroud by Richard Deming
A Manville Moon Mystery Novella
Publisher: Mysterious Press
Publication Date: March 18, 2014
Price: $1.99 (as of 03/18/14 04:30 PM ET)

Two gambling kingpins go to war — and Manville Moon is caught in the middle …

When an upstart gangster named Byron Wade threatens Louis Bagnell’s gambling empire, Bagnell attempts to hire Manville Moon, a detective whose loss of a leg has not diminished his reputation as a tough guy. Preferring to remain neutral, Moon turns down Bagnell’s offer and refuses Wade’s as well. But Wade does not want another gunman. He wants a sleuth — to investigate his own murder, should the coming war leave him dead. They are negotiating over a platter of chop suey when Louis Bagnell turns up murdered.

Was Wade using Moon as an alibi, or did Bagnell’s killer come from within his own gang? Double-crosses come faster than bullets in this twisting novella, but even on one leg, Manville Moon will have no trouble keeping up.

        

Important Note: This book was listed for the price indicated on the date and time as shown. Prices can and do change without prior notice. Please confirm the price of the book before completing your purchase.

New Poster, Trailer for Mystery Thriller The Maze Runner

A new teaser poster (right; click for larger image) and trailer (embedded, below) have been released by Fox for the mystery thriller The Maze Runner.

Thomas (Dylan O'Brien) wakes up in an elevator, remembering nothing but his own name. He emerges into a world of about 60 teen boys who have learned to survive in a completely enclosed environment, subsisting on their own agriculture and supplies from below. A new boy arrives every 30 days. The original group has been in "the glade" for two years, trying to find a way to escape through a maze that surrounds their living space. They have begun to give up hope. Then a comatose girl arrives with a strange note, and their world begins to change.

Directed by Wes Ball from an adapted screenplay by James Dashner and based on his YA novel of the same title, The Maze Runner opens in theaters September 19, 2014.

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The Trident Deception by Rick Campbell, a New 1st in Series Mystery Introducing Christine O'Connor

We are pleased to present you with one of this month's new 1st in Series mysteries: The Trident Deception by Rick Campbell and introducing Christine O'Connor.

What we know about the character: Christine O'Connor is US National Security Advisor.

For more information about her first assignment, see a synopsis of the book, below.

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The Trident Deception by Rick Campbell
Series: A Christine O'Connor Thriller
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Format(s): Hardcover, eBook

The USS Kentucky — a Trident ballistic missile submarine carrying a full complement of 192 nuclear warheads — is about to go on a routine patrol. Not long after it reaches the open sea, however, the Kentucky receives a launch order. After receiving that launch order, it is cut off from all counter-orders and disappears into the Pacific while it makes the eight-day transit to the launch site. What the Kentucky's crew doesn't know is that those launch orders haven't actually come from the U.S. government.

Rogue elements within the Mossad have learned that Iran has developed its first nuclear weapon and, in ten days, will detonate it — and the target is Israel. The suspected weapon complex is too far underground for conventional weapons to harm it, and the only choice is a pre-emptive nuclear strike. With limited time, this rogue group initiates a long-planned operation called the Trident Deception. They'll transmit false orders and use a U.S. nuclear submarine to launch the attack.

        

Limited Time, A Novel of Suspense by Robert Greer: Amazon's The Big Deal Promotion

Every so often Amazon releases a new selection of Kindle books priced up to 85% off as part of The Big Deal Promotion.

Today's featured mystery, suspense, or thriller title is Limited Time by Robert Greer. This Kindle book was listed at $2.99 as of the date and time of this post, Tuesday, March 18, 2014 at 3:00 PM ET, and should be available at this price through Sunday, March 30, 2014.

More information about the book is below; if other vendors have priced-matched this title, links to their sites are also shown.

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Limited Time by Robert Greer
A Novel of Suspense
Publisher: Robert Greer

For centuries it has been the holy grail of medical science, in pursuit of which the human race has violated nature, launched explorations, and waged war. Now one rogue doctor has dared to unlock the power of one of the most potent substances ever swirled inside a test tube-and stands on the verge of cracking the code of nothing less than the legendary fountain of youth.

A world-class collegiate swimmer breaks a record at the women's U.S. Olympic trials, then seconds later succumbs to a sudden, violent seizure. A brilliant, maverick molecular biologist stumbles onto a drug that can both enhance athletic performance and accelerate the average lifespan past every imaginable barrier, until death cuts his experiment brutally short. There is a hidden but devastatingly real link between the two tragedies. Few see the connection, until the expanding and shocking web of fatalities draws in research pathologist Dr. Henry Bales.

Bales, dedicated to answering questions inside the safe confines of a lab, now tackles a mystery in the dangerous, unscientific world of unchecked greed and power. To assist him he enlists several allies, including a rival scientist of exotic good looks and penetrating mind, and a certain local bounty hunter who brings a welcome battery of battle-tested street smarts to the rarefied realm of high thinkers and earthshakers. Together they must penetrate a conspiracy that stretches from the high, open training fields of Denver to the cramped, darkened gyms of Cuba. Hurtling toward a deadly climax in a desperate race against time, Bales, a supreme man of reason, knows that none of them may make it to the finish line.

  

Important Note: This book was listed at the above mentioned price on the date and time of this post. Prices can and do change without prior notice. Please confirm the price of the book before completing your purchase.

Don't Look for Me by Loren D. Estleman, New in Bookstores in March 2014

Today's new hardcover mystery title, scheduled to be published during March 2014 by Forge Books, is Don't Look for Me by Loren D. Estleman.

For a list of more new hardcover mysteries published this month, visit our New Mysteries page for March 2014. For new paperback mysteries, visit The Mystery Bookshelf where a selection of March 2014 mysteries, novels of suspense, and thrillers are shelved.

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Don't Look for Me
Loren D. Estleman
Series: Amos Walker (23rd)

Amos Walker doesn't mean to walk into trouble. But sometimes it finds him, regardless. The missing woman has left a handwritten note that said, "Don't look for me." Any P.I. would take that as a challenge, especially when he found out that she'd left the same message once before, when having an illicit affair.

But this time it's different. The trail leads Walker to an herbal remedies store, where the beautiful young clerk knows nothing about the dead body in the basement … or about any illegal activity that might be connected to the corpse. She is, however, interested in Walker's body, and he discovers he's interested in hers as well.

But he can't tarry long, for the Mafia could be involved … or maybe there's a connection to the porno film studio where the missing woman's former maid now works. But when two Mossad agents accost Walker — and then are brutally killed — he realizes he's discovered a plot far darker run by someone more deadly than either the Detroit Mafia or a two-bit porn pusher.

Who — or what — could be so viciously murderous? Walker has few clues, and knows only that with every new murder he is no closer to solving the case. When he finally gets a break, he recognizes the silken, deadly hand of a nemesis who nearly killed him twice before … and this time may finish the job.

        

A New MystereBook: The Death Factory by Greg Iles

Here is a mystery, suspense, or thriller ebook that we recently found by sleuthing (as it were) through new or recently reissued titles from independent publishers during March 2014 priced $4.99 or less …

The Death Factory by Greg Iles is an e-original novella featuring former prosecutor Penn Cage, a story of family secrets and justice denied, plus an excerpt from his new novel, Natchez Burning.

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The Death Factory by Greg Iles
A Penn Cage Novella
Publisher: William Morrow
Publication Date: March 18, 2014
Price: $1.99 (as of 03/18/14 02:00 PM ET)

Death is the end, and if a man doesn't speak before it silences him, then his deepest secrets go with him.

When a heart attack sends Penn's father, Tom Cage, to the ER, Tom begs that his son be brought to his side to hear a dying declaration. But when Penn arrives, Tom denies ever making the request — keeping his secrets for another day.

The emergency hurls Penn back to a chilling case in Houston, where he worked in a DA's office known as the "death factory", which sent more killers to death row than any other in America. While Penn cares for his ailing wife, a tormented forensic technician brings him evidence of a crime lab in chaos, throwing past convictions into doubt and begging Penn to prevent an imminent travesty of justice. With the desperation of a man fighting death in his own home, Penn must find a way to bring the machinery of the death factory to a halt.

        

Important Note: This book was listed for the price indicated on the date and time as shown. Prices can and do change without prior notice. Please confirm the price of the book before completing your purchase.

Seven Deadly Wonders, A Jack West Jr. Mystery by Matthew Reilly, at a Special Price during March 2014

Every month Amazon releases a new selection of Kindle books priced $3.99 or less.

Today's featured title from the Mystery & Thrillers category is Seven Deadly Wonders by Matthew Reilly. This Kindle book was listed at $1.99 as of the date and time of this post, Tuesday, March 18, 2014 at 1:30 PM ET, and should be available at this price through the end of the month.

More information about the book is below; if other vendors have priced-matched this title, links to their sites are also shown.

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Seven Deadly Wonders by Matthew Reilly
A Jack West Jr. Mystery (1st in series)
Publisher: Simon & Schuster

A legend of the ancient world decrees that every 4,500 years, a terrible solar event will wreak worldwide destruction … but whoever sets the Golden Capstone atop the Great Pyramid at Giza will avert disaster and gain the ultimate prize: a millennium of world dominance.

Now the Sun is turning once again and nation will battle nation to retrieve the missing Capstone … but a group of small nations, led by super-soldier Jack West Jr., bands together to prevent any one country from attaining this frightening power. Thus the greatest treasure hunt of all time begins — an adrenalinefueled race on a global battlefield.

  

Click on the Amazon button to see also the special Whispersync offer associated with this title.

Important Note: This book was listed at the above mentioned price on the date and time of this post. Prices can and do change without prior notice. Please confirm the price of the book before completing your purchase.

A New MystereBook: The Thirty-Nine Steps by John Buchan

Here is a mystery, suspense, or thriller ebook that we recently found by sleuthing (as it were) through new or recently reissued titles from independent publishers during March 2014 priced $4.99 or less …

The Thirty-Nine Steps by John Buchan is the first in a series featuring Richard Hannay, was adapted by Alfred Hitchcock and paved the way for Graham Greene, Robert Ludlum, John le Carré, and many other masters of literary espionage. Lightning-paced, relentlessly clever, and politically insightful, The Thirty-Nine Steps is just as thrilling today as when it was first published a century ago.

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The Thirty-Nine Steps by John Buchan
A Novel of International Intrigue
Publisher: Open Road
Publication Date: March 18, 2014
Price: $0.99 (as of 03/18/14 01:00 PM ET)

One May evening in 1914, an ordinary Londoner named Richard Hannay receives word of an anarchist plot to assassinate the prime minister of Greece. A few nights later, the eccentric American who revealed the conspiracy is found stabbed to death in Hannay's flat.

With only the dead man's encrypted notes to guide him, Hannay must try to foil the assassination attempt while outpacing both the police and the conspirators, whose dastardly plans extend far beyond one Greek politician. The fate of England, it seems, rests on one mysterious phrase repeated throughout the American's notebook; just what exactly are the thirty-nine steps?

        

Important Note: This book was listed for the price indicated on the date and time as shown. Prices can and do change without prior notice. Please confirm the price of the book before completing your purchase.

New from Witness Impulse: Shadow Play by Frances Fyfield

Every week, Witness Impulse — an imprint of William Morrow — releases new suspense and thriller digital originals, typically priced at just $2.99 each.

MystereBooks is pleased to present you with one of this week's titles …

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Shadow Play by Frances Fyfield
A Helen West Mystery
Publisher: Witness Impulse
Price: $2.99 (as of 03/18/14 12:30 PM ET)

The odd, vaguely menacing little man called Mr. Logo is a familiar figure in the old court building in London. Although frequently brought before the judge for indecent assault, he is invariably acquitted due to lack of evidence. He is especially familiar to Helen West, the take-no-prisoners lawyer who has just failed for the fifth time to convict him. Now he is off-limits to her until his next appearance in court.

Yet when she befriends Rose, the young, compulsively secretive, and promiscuous clerk in her office, Helen unwittingly sets in motion events that will dangerously complicate her connection to Mr. Logo and push his rage and dark passion to lethal extremes.

        

Important Note: This book was listed for the price indicated on the date and time as shown. Prices can and do change without prior notice. Please confirm the price of the book before completing your purchase.

Warner Bros. Options Harlan Coben's Missing You for Film

Harlan Coben's new thriller Missing You is published today, and in a pre-emptive move, Warner Bros. has optioned it for film. Brett Ratner's RatPac Entertainment will produce.

The storyline follows NYPD detective Kat Donovan, who discovers a profile of Jeff Raynes, her ex-fiancé, on an online dating site. She sends him a message, only to get a reply, not from Jeff, but from a teenager, who had hacked into the site looking for his mother, who he says ran off with Jeff a few days ago.

Look for our review of Missing You later today. Hint on what we'll say: It's the best book we've read year-to-date.

(News via Deadline.)