Harlan Coben Books in Order

Harlan Coben, born in 1962, is an American thriller author who has captivated millions with his ingenious plots and unforgettable characters. With over 50 million books in print and translations in 40 languages, he is the first writer to win the Edgar, Shamus, and Anthony awards. Coben's works, including the popular Myron Bolitar series and numerous standalone novels, continue to push the boundaries of the thriller genre, cementing his status as a master storyteller.

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Publication Order of Myron Bolitar Books

  1. Cover of Deal Breaker

    "Deal Breaker," published in 1995, is the first novel in Harlan Coben's popular Myron Bolitar series. The story introduces Myron, a former basketball player turned sports agent, who becomes embroiled in a complex mystery when a missing person case intersects with his professional life. As he navigates the world of sports and personal relationships, Myron's sharp wit and determination drive the narrative forward. Coben's writing is characterized by its engaging style and fast-paced plot, making it a gripping read for fans of thrillers. This debut novel sets the stage for Myron Bolitar's adventures, captivating readers with its blend of suspense and humor.

Publication Order of Mickey Bolitar Books

  1. Cover of Shelter

    "Shelter," the first book in the Mickey Bolitar series by Harlan Coben, introduces readers to a gripping young adult thriller that follows the life of Mickey Bolitar, a teenager facing a tumultuous year filled with personal challenges. After the sudden death of his father, Mickey moves in with his estranged uncle and struggles to adapt to his new life while grappling with the mysteries surrounding his father's past. As he navigates high school, Mickey becomes embroiled in a web of intrigue involving a missing girl and dark secrets that threaten to unravel everything he knows. Coben masterfully blends suspense with relatable themes of friendship, loyalty, and the quest for truth, making "Shelter" a compelling read for both young adults and fans of the genre. With its fast-paced narrative and unexpected twists, the novel sets the stage for Mickey's ongoing adventures in subsequent installments of the series.

Publication Order of Windsor Horne Lockwood III Books

  1. Cover of Win

    "Win" is a gripping thriller by Harlan Coben, published in 2021, that centers around Windsor Horne Lockwood III, a billionaire and the close friend of Myron Bolitar. The story unfolds as Win becomes embroiled in a complex web of secrets and moral dilemmas when a dead man's hidden truths come to light. Coben masterfully blends suspense and character development, showcasing Win's unique perspective and skills as he navigates a dangerous landscape. This novel not only stands alone but also enriches the Myron Bolitar series, offering fans a deeper look into Win's character. With Coben's signature twists and turns, "Win" promises to keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page.

Publication Order of Wilde Books

  1. Cover of The Boy from the Woods

    "The Boy from the Woods" by Harlan Coben follows the enigmatic character Wilde, who was raised in the woods and has always been an outsider. The story unfolds as Wilde is drawn back to his past when a young girl goes missing, prompting him to confront the secrets of his own childhood. Set against a backdrop of suspense and intrigue, the novel explores themes of truth, family, and the impact of lies. Coben masterfully weaves a narrative that keeps readers guessing, blending elements of crime and psychological thriller. This book is part of the Wilde series, which delves deeper into the complexities of its central character and his quest for belonging.

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

  1. Cover of Play Dead

    "Play Dead," published in 1990, is Harlan Coben's debut novel that intricately weaves a tale of suspense and intrigue within the world of professional basketball. The story follows a glamorous model who marries a Boston Celtics player, only to find herself entangled in a web of deception and danger when her husband goes missing. As the protagonist navigates through a series of unexpected twists and potential villains, the narrative explores themes of love, betrayal, and the consequences of one's actions. Coben's signature style of fast-paced storytelling and complex character development keeps readers on the edge of their seats. This standalone novel showcases the author's early talent for crafting gripping thrillers that would later define his successful writing career.

Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas

  1. Cover of Malice Domestic 7

    "Malice Domestic 7," edited by Amy Myers and Harriet Hudson, is a captivating anthology that brings together a collection of engaging mystery stories set in the cozy confines of domestic life. This installment is part of the acclaimed Malice Domestic series, which celebrates traditional mysteries with a focus on amateur sleuths and intricate plots. The book features a diverse array of authors, each contributing their unique voice and style, ensuring a delightful reading experience for fans of the genre. With its blend of suspense, humor, and relatable characters, the anthology invites readers to explore the darker side of domesticity while unraveling intriguing whodunits. As the stories unfold, they reveal the complexities of human relationships and the secrets that often lie beneath the surface of everyday life.

Publication Order of Picture

  1. Cover of The Magical Fantastical Fridge

    "The Magical Fantastical Fridge" is a whimsical children's book by bestselling author Harlan Coben, published in 2016. The story revolves around a young boy named Walden, who finds himself reluctant to join his family for dinner, wishing instead to escape to a more exciting adventure. When he discovers a magical fridge that opens the door to fantastical worlds, his imagination takes flight, leading him on a journey filled with wonder and discovery. Illustrated by debut artist Leah Tinari, the book combines engaging storytelling with vibrant visuals, making it a delightful read for children and families alike. This charming tale emphasizes the importance of family bonds and the power of imagination, appealing to young readers and their parents.

Publication Order of Anthologies

  1. Cover of Malice Domestic 7

    "Malice Domestic 7," edited by Amy Myers and Harriet Hudson, is a captivating anthology that brings together a collection of engaging mystery stories set in the cozy confines of domestic life. This installment is part of the acclaimed Malice Domestic series, which celebrates traditional mysteries with a focus on amateur sleuths and intricate plots. The book features a diverse array of authors, each contributing their unique voice and style, ensuring a delightful reading experience for fans of the genre. With its blend of suspense, humor, and relatable characters, the anthology invites readers to explore the darker side of domesticity while unraveling intriguing whodunits. As the stories unfold, they reveal the complexities of human relationships and the secrets that often lie beneath the surface of everyday life.

About the Author

Born into a Jewish family in Newark, New Jersey on January 4, 1962, Harlan Coben would grow to become one of America's most celebrated and prolific thriller authors. His journey from a political science major at Amherst College to a literary giant is a testament to his unwavering dedication and innate storytelling prowess.

After graduating from Amherst, Coben initially followed a conventional path, working for his father's company in the travel industry. However, the allure of storytelling proved irresistible, and he soon found himself penning tales that would captivate millions of readers worldwide.

Coben's ascent in the literary world was nothing short of meteoric. He achieved the remarkable distinction of being the first author to win the trifecta of mystery writing awards: the Edgar, Shamus, and Anthony Awards. This unprecedented achievement solidified his status as a master of the thriller genre.

With over 50 million books in print, translated into 40 languages, Coben's reach extends far beyond the English-speaking world. His novels have earned high praise from esteemed publications, with the New York Times lauding his work as "ingenious" and the Chicago Tribune describing it as "superb."

Coben's storytelling prowess isn't confined to the written word. His novel "Tell No One" was adapted into a critically acclaimed French film, which garnered the prestigious Lumiere Award for best picture and an impressive four Cesar Awards, the French equivalent of the Oscars.

Literary Universes

Coben's literary output can be broadly categorized into three main strands: the Myron Bolitar series, the Mickey Bolitar series, and his standalone novels. Each of these works showcases Coben's talent for crafting intricate plots, memorable characters, and heart-pounding suspense.

The Myron Bolitar series, which includes titles such as "Deal Breaker," "Drop Shot," and "Fade Away," follows the exploits of a former basketball star turned sports agent and reluctant detective. These novels blend humor, heart, and high-stakes mysteries, creating a unique and addictive reading experience.

In "Deal Breaker," the first of the Myron Bolitar series, Coben introduces readers to his charismatic protagonist. Myron, a Harvard Law graduate with a broken sports career, is hired to investigate the disappearance of a star basketball player. The novel weaves a complex web of secrets, lies, and murder, setting the tone for the entire series.

Coben's standalone novels, such as "Play Dead" and "Miracle Cure," allow him to explore diverse themes and characters beyond the Bolitar universe. These books often delve into dark family secrets, long-buried mysteries, and the devastating consequences of past actions.

The Mickey Bolitar series, including "Shelter" and "Seconds Away," targets a young adult audience while maintaining Coben's signature style of suspense and intrigue. This series follows the adventures of Myron's nephew, introducing a new generation of readers to the Coben universe.

Mastery of the Craft

What sets Coben apart is his ability to construct labyrinthine plots that keep readers guessing until the very last page. His novels are populated with complex, flawed characters that resonate with readers, making the high-stakes situations all the more engaging.

Coben's writing style is characterized by its crisp dialogue, breakneck pacing, and unexpected twists. He has a knack for taking seemingly disparate plot threads and weaving them together into a cohesive and satisfying conclusion.

Beyond his novels, Coben has also contributed to the New York Times op-ed page, showcasing his versatility as a writer and his engagement with contemporary issues.

Personal Life

Despite his global fame, Coben remains grounded in his personal life. He is married to Anne Armstrong-Coben, a pediatrician, and together they have four children. This family life provides a stark contrast to the often dark and twisted worlds he creates in his novels, perhaps serving as an anchor in the stormy seas of his imagination.

Harlan Coben's journey from a New Jersey native to an international literary sensation is a testament to the power of storytelling. His ability to consistently deliver gripping, emotionally resonant thrillers has earned him a dedicated global fanbase and cemented his place in the pantheon of great American authors.

As Coben continues to produce bestsellers and expand his literary universe, one thing remains certain: readers around the world will be eagerly awaiting his next masterpiece, ready to be swept away into another intricately plotted tale of suspense and mystery.