Darkest Fear (A Myron Bolitar Novel)

The storyline, as with all Coben novels, is a roller-coaster ride through its twisty-turny plot. In this particular plot there are probably more holes than a piece of Swiss cheese, but it's still extremely enjoyable and makes for a rip-roaring yarn. This novel also focuses on father/son relationships and has some very nice poignant moments between the various combinations of father/sons throughout the book.

As I say, by far the best Bolitar novel I've read so far but alas I cannot complete my review without a couple of criticisms.

As previously mentioned nearly all the characters in the book are far too smart for their own good. Bolitar, the main character is a smart-talking wise cracking sports agent, assisted by his assassin-like "friend" Win, who is also smart-talking and makes wise cracks. There's also Bolitar's partner, Esperanza, an ex-female all in wrestler who makes wise cracks and smart-talk. Bolitar's mother can also hold her head up in the wise cracking stakes. The list really is endless. I'm guessing what Corben was aiming for was line after line of witty comments and snappy chat but what you really get is line after line of one-up-manship and boasting which is neither funny nor clever.

Also there are still some aspects of Bolitar's character which I find somewhat disturbing. There is one section of the book where Bolitar beats up a man to gain some information, the excuse being "the end will justify the means". This section really left me cold and was something I felt completely unnecessary to plot development or the storyline. Does Corben think his readers will respect and like Bolitar any more for this?

All in all a great page-turner of a thriller, but I do wish that Coben would dump the Bolitar series and concentrate on his "one-off" books with are better even that this good book.


It hooks you, just like a good book should!   March 29, 2004
 8 out of 12 found this review helpful

When I was 13 (a few years ago now) I would visit the library for 'that' book, usually a Dick Francis thriller, I would get home and spend most of my weekend just reading, I had to finish the book I would become part of the story. Reading Harlan Coben's books is like being a child again, I pick up a book and can't put it down. Darkest Fear just reaffirms my belief that he is up their with some of the current all time greats! Read one and you'll be dying to read his them all. This is what reading a good book is all about, let the author steer your imagination, Coben is a great driver! You'll not regret it!