The Stranger (by Harlan Coben)

It’s been a while since I last read a Harlan Coben novel. Years ago, I thoroughly enjoyed several of his books. Earlier this year, I derived considerable pleasure from his new television show, Final Twist, which was quite similar to watching Dateline. This show motivated me to pick up The Stranger, a book that had been sitting on my bookshelf for ages. I managed to get my hands on a signed copy at a local independent bookstore.

In The Stranger, Adam Price appears to have it all: a loving wife, two wonderful sons, a successful career, and the comforts of suburban New Jersey. However, one ordinary evening, a mysterious stranger approaches him and reveals a devastating truth about his wife, Corinne—a truth that Adam quickly verifies. When Adam confronts her, Corinne offers only a partial explanation and promises more answers, then vanishes without a trace. As Adam delves deeper into the mystery, he uncovers a web of lies, hidden motives, and a shadowy figure whose revelations are tearing apart other lives as well—some with deadly consequences.

Coben delves into the themes of secrets and the fragility of trust. I was thoroughly satisfied with the suburban family-in-peril dynamic of the story. It’s filled with the twists and suspense that I’ve come to expect from Coben. The plot heavily relies on technology, so I had to keep in mind that the book was published in 2015. While the technology we use today is familiar, it was new and unfamiliar to Adam at the time. It was enjoyable to revisit a Coben mystery novel. Hopefully, I’ll make it a habit to read more of his books in the future.

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