Book Review of Jigsaw by Jonathan Kellerman

Jonathan Kellerman, author of the popular Alex Delaware series, returns with the just published (February, 2026) 41st novel in the series. Jigsaw brings back the well-loved duo in American crime fiction, psychologist Alex Delaware and his best friend, LAPD Detective Milo Sturgis. 

Synopsis 

Jigsaw: An Alex Delaware NovelCheck PriceLieutenant Detective Sturgis’ most recent case appears to be an easy one; a young woman found dead in her home with evidence which quickly points to an ex-boyfriend with a criminal record. He arrests the boyfriend and figures the case had a quick close. 

Then another murder is discovered; that of an old woman whose body was stashed in a deep freeze with the arms cut off. Turns out her identity is shocking as Milo remembers her as a one-time member of the LA police force. Complicating things, her home is that of an extreme hoarder, which shockingly contains envelopes of cash stashed among the mess.

Suddenly, it becomes apparent that the ex-boyfriend had an alibi for the murder of the young woman. Also, Milo discovers that these two seemingly unrelated crimes are linked, presenting a deadly puzzle to solve.

Milo Sturgus calls in his best friend, psychologist Alex Delaware, who frequently consults on ‘those cases’, the ones that are different! 

Summary

As the investigation continues, Alex and Milo discover a missing mentally disabled daughter of the old woman and a renewed connection between the young woman’s ex-boyfriend, his lady lawyer who continues to complicate things, and an earlier fraud case involving both the boyfriend and the lawyer.

Jigsaw is classic Delaware at his best, along with the always entertaining interplay between Alex and Milo Sturgis. Another favorite in a long line of enjoyable novels in the Alex Delaware series I have followed for many years. Highly recommended reading for fans of Jonathan Kellerman. 

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*Jigsaw book review written by Wednesday Elf for Review This!

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Gray Mountain by John Grisham - Book Review

 John Grisham is the master of legal thrillers. Instead of high-powered law firms and dramatic trials. Gray Mountain takes you to the heart of Appalachia and the injustices tied to the coal mining industry.

When the 2008 financial crisis hit, Samantha Kofer, a young and upcoming associate at a large New York law firm, found herself out of work.

Samantha is offered the opportunity to retain her job under certain conditions. She must volunteer at a non-profit law firm for one year.

With limited options, Samantha accepts a position at a small legal aid clinic in the small Appalachian town of Brady, Virginia.

What begins as a temporary inconvenience for Samantha quickly becomes a life-altering experience. Brady Virginia is nothing like her Manhattan lifestyle; this is a place where poverty, environmental destruction, and corporate power collide. 

Samantha's transformation is the center of the story. With supporting characters such as dedicated lawyers and local residents living in the reality of corporate negligence. She becomes invested in her clients and their struggles.

My Thoughts:

I enjoyed reading Gray Mountain. To me, this story is about taking on the powerful and representing the locals who have nowhere to turn. 

Gray Mountain: A Novel

 

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James Patterson Lovers Mark Your Calendars ~ A Book Review

Well I know that there are many James Patterson lovers out there and I'm one of them.  So when I got the opportunity to read his latest book, I jumped at the chance.

NetGalley kindly offered this book to me for review and to say the least, it was another of his books that I could not put down.

The Country Road Murders is coming out July 13th 2026 and can be preordered on Amazon.  For Kindle members it's free!  

So far The Country Road Murders written by  James Patterson and Mike Lupica has been like many of his other books, outstanding!  

Don't be turned off by the number of chapters (115), because they are short chapters and make it easy to put the book down and pick it up again.  That for me is a bonus!  I hate having to re-read half a chapter to remind myself of all that is happening in the story.  Each chapter is easy to remember with just a few sentences to bring you right back into the story.

Silas Tucker jr.  is the local hero of small town Cross Rivers NC.  His father was also a well respected and admired member of the community.  Murdered when Silas jr. was just 12, he left a legacy that is continued by his son.

Cross Rivers is in a bit of chaos caused by the local thugs who are tearing the town apart by trafficking drugs in the community.  Murder and missing persons seem to be daily happenings in town. Everyone is scared of the local "thugs" who belong to the Southern Mafia!  No one wants to stand up to them and they yield their power over the community with impunity.

Then Silas jr. makes a return to his home town after a devastating accident.  Like his father, he wants to right the wrongs that are happening right under his nose.

Will Cross Rivers ever get out from under the prevailing powers that are tearing their town apart?  They will if Silas has anything to do with it.

This book is a wonderful and thrilling story that will keep you turning those pages until the very end and then you might just want to read it again or pass it on to your favorite book-reading friends.  You will enjoy this and your friends will thank you for sharing it with them too!

So many books to enjoy and if you happening to be looking for your next good book, check out all the wonderful reviews right here on Review This Reviews!

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Going Home in the Dark - Book Review

This is a review of last year’s book by Dean Koontz, published in January 2025. The book is titled “Going Home in the Dark”.

Long-time fans of Dean Koontz will recognize his ‘quirky’ sense of humor in this book. In fact, that humor is more apparent than ever, as the author seems to have taken a personal interest in ‘asserting’ himself (through dialogue) throughout the narration of the story by its 4 main characters. It certainly gives the book an interesting slant, beginning with the first page of text in a note from Dean Koontz himself. The title of said ‘note’ is:

Read This First or Live to Regret it Forever

Synopsis

Going Home in the DarkCheck Price

The Characters

There are four main characters in Going Home in the Dark who call themselves the Amigos! Outcasts, definitely in the Nerd category, Rebecca, Bobby, Spencer, & Ernie become solid friends in their teens as a way of surviving both high school and the fact that none of them had any sort of solid parental support or guidance. That shared trauma turned them into a fiercely independent unit—a bond so enduring that nearly twenty years later, when this story begins, they are as close as ever.

The so-described 4 Amigos grew up in an idyllic small Midwestern town called Maple Grove and, whether because their teen situations were so dreadful they searched for a better way, or whether they were just very smart and creative, they each became extremely successful, and very rich, pursuing their chosen fields.

• Rebecca Crane: California - Actress
• Bobby Shamrock - East Coast - Novelist
• Spencer Truedove - Chicago - Artist
• Ernie Hernishen - Maple Grove - Song Writer

Ernie is the only one of the four Amigos who stayed in Maple Grove, while the other three followed their professions in other parts of the country. Even though they live independent lives as adults, they continue to stay in touch with each other on a regular basis. Their friendship is such a lasting kind that when Ernie falls into a coma, the three others immediately return to Maple Grove.

Once back in their hometown, Rebecca, Bobby and Spencer suddenly discover repressed memories from the age of 14 when they first met and became ‘The Amigos’.  Now, the current circumstances force them to confront the buried secrets and shared trauma from their past. They must discover what it all means in order to help Ernie and perhaps save themselves.

Summary

This novel combines childhood fears, buried secrets, friendship, and a strange darkness lurking beneath the idyllic small town of Maple Grove.


This is a horror/thriller novel by Koontz, but with the author’s narrative comments sprinkled throughout,  frequently breaking the tension, it allows the stories’ ‘happenings’ to appear in a lighter vein even though the situation often seems to be dire.

How everything is resolved, whether or not Ernie wakes up, and the constant suspense of not knowing if all four Amigos survive will keep you on your toes throughout the reading of ‘Going Home in the Dark’.

A psychological thriller, with supernatural elements.

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*This review of the Dean Koontz 2025 novel “Going Home in the Dark” was written by Wednesday Elf

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Peg Unhinged-Book Review

 

Peg Unhinged- A Book Review

I have reviewed several books by Teri M Brown and I have enjoyed every one of them.  Teri is a talented author that has written works in several different genre's.  In her latest novel she explores a woman going through menopause, divorce, career issues and all the emotions these issues can cause.  The book is a real page-turner that is written with humor and compassion. In this book you will meet Peg and her sometimes helpful and sometimes not cast of friends and relatives. 

Book Synopsis

Peg is a successful real estate agent who has been the top agent in her agency for several years.  Peg has just found that her husband wants a divorce and to top it all off one of the new agents in her firm is a young ambitious woman who also has eyes on Peg's husband.  When this woman goes after the coveted award that Peg has always had, Peg becomes unhinged.  This is the last straw to all the troubles in Peg's life.

As the book progresses Peg is forced to pull herself together and rely on her strengths.  In her struggle to find herself she has conversations with God where she sometimes complains and sometimes pleads for guidance.  The book is written with humor in the crazy situations that Peg gets herself into and I often laughed out loud.   

The Book on Amazon

This book can be found on Amazon in both paperback and Kindle formats.  Here is a link to the book on Amazon.

Peg Unhinged

Review This Reviews of Other Teri M Brown books

Book Review-10 Little Rules for a Double-Butted Adventure

Book Review-Daughters of Green Mountain Gap

Book Review of An Enemy Like Me

Sunflowers Beneath the Snow - A Book Review

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Lies and Letters: Change of Heart Series - Book 3 by Ashtyn Newbold

I previously reviewed Mischief and Manors, the first book in the Change of Heart Series.  I expressed how delighted I was to find such an entertaining series "built around characters with charm and wit".  The second book, Seaside Scandal, was equally as enjoyable as the first.  However, this third book, Lies and Letters, has thus far been my favorite, but that reason had nothing to do with charm or wit.    

The main character in Lies and Letters, Charlotte Lyons, was one of the characters in both of the previous books.  She was definitely not a likable character.  She was a cunning, deceptive, self-centered, vain, backstabbing, fortune & title seeker who didn't care who she hurt in order to get what she wanted, including other women who thought she was a trusted friend.  There was absolutely nothing about Charlotte that made her admirable or desirable aside from her physical beauty.  That beauty may have attracted men, but once they looked past the surface, they lost interest completely.

We knew some of Charlotte's background from the previous two books, but we learn all about her in Lies and Letters.  Her mother has trained her to harden her heart against emotions and to secure a future of fortune.  A titled husband was most important for societal success.  Charlotte was even a malicious and cruel liar when it served her purposes. 

Surprisingly, as much as I disliked Charlotte in the first two books, I couldn't help feeling very sorry for her in this book.  I even wanted her to have a life filled with love, instead of the hatefulness she had been taught all of her life.

Sometimes people get what they deserve.  Other times, they are fortunate enough to start over and get a second chance.  Then there are times when they get both.  There is nothing like a fiction book to make everything so crystal clear.  Real life is a lot messier, but isn't that one of the main reasons we enjoy reading fiction?

 

Lies and Letters Synopsis

 Lies and Letters: A Regency Romance
(Change of Heart Book 3)Check PriceWhen the Lyons family discovers their father/husband has lost his fortune gambling and ruined their reputation socially, Charlotte's mother plots a way for her daughter, Charlotte, to restore their standing.  Mr. Lyons is excelled to France.  Mrs. Lyons goes to live with her wealthy cousin.  Charlotte and her sister, Clara, are sent away from London to the northern coast of England to pursue an Earl who is too far away to know what has happened to their family.  Her mother has made it clear that Charlotte must succeed!

Upon arrival at Craster, Charlotte is immediately disgusted by the dismal place.  She can't imagine having to live the rest of her life there, but she steels herself to the fact that she has no choice.  She must get the Earl to marry her and restore her family's standing.  In order to do that, she "uses" every means available to place her in the path of the Earl, including threatening his brother.  She has fortuitously come into possession of an old love letter he wrote.  Charlotte insures him she will send that letter to a young woman in town to force him to marry her or risk ruining the girl's reputation.  As a gentleman and truly kind person, James will not harm the girl and the family that has been his friends for many years.

Noting Charlotte's education and social training, James recommends her to his brother for the position of governess to his daughter.  Clearly, that will put Charlotte exactly where she needs to be ensnare the Earl.  

But, Charlotte, herself, is the one who ends up being ensnared and the costs are exorbitant and life changing.  

There are definitely some unexpected twists in this Regency Romance.    

    

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Books by Ashtyn Newbold Previously Reviewed on ReviewThisReviews.com

• Mischief and Manors 
• The Last Eligible Bachelor 
• The Ace of Hearts 
• The Captain's Confidant  
• With Love, Louisa
• Lord Blackwell's Promise
  

   

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Lies and Letters (Change of Heart Series) Reviewed by:

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The Rooster Bar Book Review

The Rooster Bar by John Grisham is a legal thriller with a twist of rebellion and some dark humor. The Rooster Bar was on the #1 New York Times bestseller list in 2017. Our house is like a library, I swear, Fran has kept every book she has ever read. So, it's not hard for me to find a good book to read.

The story follows three law students, Mark, Todd, and Zola. They are in their last semester of a shady, for-profit law school that leaves them deep in debt with very little hope of passing the bar exam or even landing a job.

When they discover the school is a scam, exploiting students for profit, they decide to take matters into their own hands. Grisham now takes on a fast-paced journey into the gray areas of the law. Survival means bending the rules or breaking them entirely.

The characters are relatable, and you can't help rooting for them, even as they cross ethical lines. Mark is the cautious planner, always trying to stay one step ahead. Todd adds a bit of humor, and Zola brings a personal and emotional story.

My Thoughts:

The Rooster Bar is not about winning cases; it's all about surviving a broken system. I enjoyed this book from start to finish.

Find the book on Amazon: The Rooster Bar

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The Fatal Flotilla at Sea Oats Beach

 

This fun new cozy mystery by Karen Whalen is sure to delight all the cozy mystery fans out there.  I have been a fan of Karen's mysteries for several years now, and I always look forward to her new releases.  This latest book did not disappoint.  In this book she brings back Breanna Hart and her interesting group of friends.

Book Summary

Breanna Hart is an interesting character who is a real animal lover and volunteers at the local animal shelter.  As this book begins Breanna is at the Flotilla just before Christmas in Sea Oats Beach.  All of the boats are brightly decorated with shimmering lights as the parade in front of the beach.  Everyone comes out to watch the flotilla, and it is a delightful sight.  Breanna too is enjoying the festivities until they see an abandoned boat floating nearby and she discovers a dead body on the boat.  The victim is found to be killed by a gunshot.  He was a big supporter of the animal shelter where Breanna volunteers

Breanna takes it upon herself to go on a fact-finding mission to discover who the murderer was.  She gets the help of several of her friends and also a bloodhound from the shelter named Tracker.  She has several threatening incidents that occur that put her in danger, and she is warned by the police to stay out of the investigation.  Breanna cannot help herself though and continues to search for clues.

As the holiday approaches she is determined to discover the culprit.

Book on Amazon

You can find the book on Amazon at The Fatal Flotilla at Sea Oats Beach

Reviews of other Karen C Whalen Books

The author has written three different series of books.  The Tow Truck Driver Mysteries, the Dinner Club Mysteries, and the Sea Oats Beach mysteries.  I have reviewed several of the books and have thoroughly enjoyed them all.  Here are some of my reviews.

 

• Booty in the Backseat- Book Review
• Book Review-Stiletto to the Pedal
• Book Review - Friends Come to Call
• Book Review - Toes on the Dash
• Reviewing Murder at Sea Oats Beach
• Everything Bundt the Truth
  
• Washed Up on Sea Oaks Beach
  

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Clutter Cornucopia Review

 CORNUCOPIA:

One of the dictionary definitions for the word ‘Cornucopia’ describes it as “an abundant supply of good things of a specified kind.” In this review, you will find a compiled list of several helpful books on how to conquer clutter and/or organize your home and your life. All have been reviewed by the contributors here on ReviewThisReviews.com.

A Collection of Books on Clutter (and what to do about it)

Clut`ter To fill with scattered or disordered things that restrict movement or efficiency.  A collection of things lying about in an untidy mass.

For simple ways to take back control of your stuff, author Stephanie Culp’s book “How to Conquer Clutter” will give you some advice on the subject in an informative, but also humorous,  way. 

Paper Clutter

MY clutter, in general, is mostly under control. I like things orderly, and almost everything in my domain stays pretty much under control.  EXCEPT, when it comes to paper. For whatever reason, I do not deal well with paper  ~ sorting, filing or disposing! I begin with good intentions, then become overwhelmed and just turn around and go do something else! 

Thus, Barbara Hemphill’s “Taming the Paper Tiger” has been a lifesaver for me, and perhaps it will for you. 

More De-Clutter Book Reviews

Our RTR Contributor Brite-Ideas gives us "Three Ways to Hide Clutter."

Between screens with lovely scenes and furniture with storage places, your clutter can quickly be tucked away if unexpected company arrives, or if you simply have gotten tired of ‘looking’ at the clutter' which you have not had time to put away.

Personal Thoughts on ‘Tidying Up’

This Japanese ‘art of decluttering and organizing’ found in the book “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up” written by Marie Kondo, does more than simply aid you in putting your house (and your life) in some semblance of order. It basically puts your past in order, revealing that you are now surrounded only by the things you love. 

Summary

Since this is the Spring-Cleaning time of year, having just celebrated the first day of Spring, this list of helpful de-clutter books seems appropriate.  There also just happens to be a National Cleaning Week beginning the 4th Sunday of March each year. 

*This reviewed group of How-To books for learning how to declutter your home and life, is brought to you by Wednesday Elf. 

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The President Is Missing - Book Review

 The President is Missing is the first collaboration between former President Bill Clinton and the master of thrillers, James Patterson. This book is a fast-paced political thriller packed with suspense and realistic details about how the government operates.

The Plot for The President Is Missing:

President Jonathan Lincoln Duncan is under fierce political pressure in Washington. He is under investigation by Congress, his approval rating is slipping, and the media is circling like hawks. But President Duncan is dealing with something far more dangerous. A cyberattack that will destroy the United States.

A cyberterrorist has created and planted a computer virus to destroy the nation's critical systems. If the virus is activated, it will shut down financial networks and power grids, causing chaos throughout the country.

President Duncan suspects that someone inside the government, and possibly his closest circle, may be involved.

He disappears from the public eye. While the nation wonders where he has gone, he is secretly working with a small, trusted team to stop the cyberattack before it's too late.

This becomes a high-stakes race against time filled with political intrigue, betrayals, and dangerous encounters.

My Thoughts:

This book is the perfect blend of political drama and thriller. The story is fast-paced and keeps you guessing about whom you can trust. To me, the technical details are scary, and it makes me think that this could really happen.

I enjoyed reading all three of the collaborations between Bill Clinton and James Patterson. Once I started reading each one, I just couldn't stop.

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The First Gentleman: A ThrillerBuy NowThe President's Daughter: A ThrillerBuy NowThe President Is Missing: A NovelBuy Now

 

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An Unconventional Lady by Sarah E. Ladd - Book Review

This book is not my normal Regency Romance to read.  It is more of a mystery than a romance, which was nice for a change.  

It took a few pages to grab my interest, mostly because I was not familiar with the term phrenology.  That pseudoscience was long ago debunked.  It claimed there was a way to determine ones intellect, morality, and personality traits by the shape of their head/skull.  I am sure there are many criminologists and detectives who would like for it to be a true science.  It certainly would be easier to determine who was likely to commit a crime, to lie, or to be unfaithful.

As always, the Regency Romance was set in the early 1800's when women were not given very much independence.  This book was also unique in that sense because the main character was encouraged by her parents to be educated, to think for herself, and to really consider a subject instead of just accepting it as presented. 

It also offered a unique setting by taking place at Keatley Hall School for Young Men, which was established by Ella Wilde's grandfather.  Her grandfather was the first headmaster.  He was succeeded by Ella's father even though her mother was her grandfather's daughter.  With this decision, it was established that the daughter's husband would be the next headmaster.  Selecting a headmaster was paramount to selecting Ella's husband, and Ella was not fond of her father's choice.  

 

Synopsis of An Unconventional Lady

 An Unconventional Lady: A Low-Spice Regency RomanceCheck PriceElla is faced with several issues all at once.  First, she wasn't keen on the man her father had chosen as her husband and the next headmaster for the school.  Second, she would soon be required to serve as hostess for the upcoming symposium on Phrenology, a theory she could not logically embrace.  And last, her mother had been "analyzed" and the results had been documented in an unflattering published pamphlet.  Unfortunately, her mother had died and was unable to defend herself.  Plus, how she died in a fire allowed a lot of speculation on the cause of the fire.  Some thought her mother must have been responsible.

When Ella encounters Gabriel Rowe, a previous Keatley Hall School student, she is immediately drawn to him.  The fact that he is loyal to Keatley Hall makes him even more attractive to her.  

Gabriel is a London solicitor who has been hired to investigate the speaker at the upcoming symposium.  Ella personally invites him to Keatley Hall and the symposium so he has a way to investigate Thomas Bauer, the phrenologist speaker and demonstrator, without drawing suspicion. 

The events that follow, as well as the discovery of past truths, make this an intriguing book to read.  The touch of mystery and suspense, coupled with the budding romance between Ella and Gabriel, make the perfect combination for a great book.         

 

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The President's Daughter - Book Review

 The President's Daughter is the second collaboration by former President Bill Clinton and the master of thrillers, James Patterson. Their first book is The President is Missing, and the third is The First Gentleman. I reviewed The First Gentleman last month, and I'm just starting The President Is Missing.

The Plot: The President's Daughter

Matthew Keating was a one-term president and a former Navy Seal. As you can imagine, being the president of the United States, Matthew surely made some enemies along the way.

Matthew and his daughter, Melanie, are living a quiet life in New Hampshire, while his wife, Samantha, is off teaching in Boston.

His world is shattered when his daughter Melanie is kidnapped by a terrorist with a long-standing grudge against him.

Matthew was a one-term president and did not get along with his successor. Now he finds himself unsupported by the very government he served. Now, he is forced to return to his elite Navy Seal skills, taking matters into his own hands to bring Melanie home.

Patterson did an excellent job of navigating between political friction and the personal aspect of a father's worst nightmare.

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The President's Daughter: A ThrillerBuy Now

 

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The Myron Bolitar Mystery Series by Harlan Coben

Since 1990, Harlan Coben has written 18 standalone novels in the mystery and thriller categories, and two series.  This is an overall review of his 12-book (to date) Myron Bolitar mystery series. 

Synopsis of the Myron Bolitar Series

Myron Bolitar Series 11 Books Set

The leading character of this Myron Bolitar series of thrillers has a leading character by the same name. As the series begins, Myron is a 31-year-old formerly renowned basketball player who won two NCAA titles in four years at Duke University after breaking all records in high school. Just after being recruited by the Boston Celtics, he had a career-ending injury to his knee in a pre-season game. His basketball prowess is often referred to in the character’s back-story throughout the series. 

Afterwards, Myron returned to college, obtained a law degree at Harvard, and eventually became a sports agent with his agency, MB SportsReps, representing sports stars. 

The two main supporting characters include his best friend, Win (Windsor Horne Lockwood III), an eccentric, philandering billionaire who often gets involved in Myron’s cases.  Win can probably best be described as an anti-hero, having some psychopathic tendencies. In many of the books, Myron and Win debate the ethical nature of various actions, but they usually accomplish what they set out to do.

Then there is his assistant at MB SportReps, Esperanza Diaz, who eventually becomes his partner (in the 7th Bolitar novel Darkest Fear) after Esperanza gets her law degree. She’s very close to both Myron and Win and very protective of both. 

Bolitar is a good agent for his clients, taking care of their needs and wants while being careful to not exploit them like bigger agencies. He has office space in the Locke-Horne Investments & Securities building, which is owned by Win. Myron offers his client the choice of hiring Win for financial management.

Myron is from a Jewish background, grew up in New Jersey, and is very close to his parents. His mother is a former lawyer herself, and his dad is a factory owner. His favorite drink is chocolate Yoo-Hoo. 

Summary

The series has quite a few ‘adventures’, since Myron keeps getting involved in solving problems for his clients. This most likely comes from the fact that both Myron and Win once did some undercover work for the FBI. Thus, they keep finding themselves playing ‘accidental detectives’ when needed for Myron’s clients.

The Myron Bolitar series began with Deal Breaker in 1995.   It currently has 12 novels, through Think Twice published in 2024. There is a spin-off of a three book young adult series featuring Myron’s nephew, Mickey Bolitar (the Mickey Bolitar Trilogy), which debuted in 2011. 

Windsor Horne Lockwood III received his own standalone novel “Win” in 2021.

 Win and Myron are both fans of Batman, often calling their transport the "Batmobile." There is quite a bit of humor throughout the series, which keeps these ‘thrillers’ more on the light-hearted side of suspense stories. 

I have enjoyed all of Harlan Coben’s books, but most especially his Myron Bolitar Series and have read the entire series more than once. I highly recommend them to fans of thrillers/suspense/mystery novels and of Harlan Coben. 

For more Book Reviews of books by Harlan Coben, click here

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*The “Myron Bolitar Series” review was written by Wednesday Elf

+Intro image compliments of Pixabay

 

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