Promise Me (Myron Bolitar Book 8)

CAVEAT: This is the first novel by Harlan Coben that I have read. Therefore, this review is written from the perspective of a reader (actually listener) of this book as a standalone novel. In addition, this review is based on the unabridged audio CD, which was narrated by the author. These two factors have undoubtedly influenced my reaction to the story relative to readers familiar either with the early novels in the Bolitar series or Coben's recent standalone novels. In summary, as my rating indicates, despite some minor complaints detailed later in this review, I enjoyed the story a great deal. I felt that there was sufficient background provided regarding the continuing characters in the series that I was not as at a disadvantage despite no previous exposure to them; in fact I would surmise that in some ways the background descriptions of Win (Winthrop Lockwood III), Esperanza, Big Cindy, and Jessica and comments regarding their previous exploits were fresher and more enjoyable for me as a first time reader. However, my comments will be of no help for readers interested in a comparison of PROMISE ME to Coben's other work. Finally, I found it very interesting to listen to the author (rather than a professional narrator) read his own work. It is indeed an unusual circumstance to be confident that the narration conveys the story to the listener with the intonations, emphasis, pronunciation and character nuances exactly as intended. Finally, I apologize for any misspellings of character names which might result from my not having a written text. The story begins with Edna Skyler (a sixty-three year old M.D. with a specialty in genetics whose hobby is studying the faces of strangers) recognizing a disguised Katie Rochester, an eighteen year-old local runaway, during a visit to NYC. Katie, who does not appear to be under duress, pleads with Edna to PROMISE her to keep her secret and tell nobody that she has seen her. We are next introduced to Myron Bolitar, the former basketball player and now owner of his own sports and entertainment agency who for the past six years has foresworn his role of superhero. Myron is relaxing with his long time friends Claire and Eric Biel and Ali Wilder, a woman whom he has just begun to date. Then fate intervenes, Myron overhears a conversation between their two eighteen year old daughters (Aimee Biel and Erin Wilder) about drinking and driving; remembering all too vividly the pressures which high school seniors face and being keenly aware of the tragic accidents which often are the result of alcohol intake, Myron eventually convinces them to PROMISE that if they are ever in a situation in which they need help but cannot call their parents that they will call him. A few nights later, Myron receives a 2 AM call from a very nervous Aimee that she needs a ride from a Manhattan party to a friend's home. Despite his efforts to elict information from her, she is noncommunicative and hostile. The next day, Aimee is missing; the supposed friend is non-existent, Claire and Eric are frantic and cannot understand Myron's actions and his attempt to interject himself between them and their daughter. The evidence initially leads the police to focus on Myron as their primary suspect; meanwhile, Myron frantically attempts to unravel the mystery of Aimee's disappearance, his actions fueled both by guilt concerning his actions and the PROMISE that Claire extracts from her old friend to find Aimee and facilitate her return her home. Almost immediately, both the police and Myron's investigations are faced with a series of either amazing coincidences or meaningful and important clues as incredible similarities between Katie's and Aimee's disappearances are uncovered. (Did these eigteen year olds run away - in which case the police have no legal basis on which to interfere - or were they kidnapped?) The situation is complicated by the fact that Katie's father Dominic, an individual with mob connections who is desperate enough to go to any lengths in his effort to locate his daughter, soon becomes convinced that Myron may be the key to the discovery of the truth concerning Katie's disappearance as well. Win's numerous and truly amazing talents and connections are soon called into action by Myron, and Esperanza becomes involved long distance while on her honeymoon. And Big Cindy's eventual cameo role is both hilarious and memorable. And intertwined with Myron's frantic search for Aimee is the impact which it has on his incipient romance with Ali. However, the main reason for my enjoyment of this story and my high rating was not the plot outline but rather the character development, details, and heavy dose of philosophy and psychology. Essential elements of the storyline include the importance of the college application process and the emphasis on achievement in the life of high school seniors; the nature and discernment of individual innocence and guilt; the unpredictable reactions of parents under the stress of unknown danger facing their children; and the acceptability of violence in the service of love friendship, and justice; and, finally, love lost and love found. In addition, my interest in the story was heightened by my personal experience, for many years I lived near Livingston, New Jersey, and became very familiar with the town when visiting members of my family who resided there. Coben's depiction of life in suburbia is both well drawn and recognizable. I was also fascinated by the commentary and insights concerning self protection, the use of weapons, and the tricks of detective work which are provided by Myron and Win as their use becomes necessary during the course of the story. In summary, Myron is a complex character whom I found, interesting and entertaining. I moral dilemmas which he faced as he attempted to keep the promises which he perhaps should never have made. I do, however, have two complaints concerning the book. First, there are a few loose ends that are not tied up and which highlight the coincidences upon which was fascinated by acknowledgement and examination of the complicated nature of the the story relies. Second, the surprise ending is very satisfying in terms of its consistency with Myron's examination of his own humanity and morality, but at the expense of believability and credibility. I seriously debated whether this novel deserved a five star rating, but eventually decided that my enjoyment (especially of Myron and Win's interaction) overcame its shortcomings. Note: I strongly recommend the audio version of this book. It is comprised of nine compact discs and is approximately eleven hours in length; listening to it while traveling is an excellent way to pass the time. The author's narration allowed me to visualize both the action and characters as the story proceeded. Another benefit is that this audio set is produced by Brilliance Audio, whose production methodology of providing very short tracks (almost one hundred per disc) allows for easy replay if the listener is momentarily distracted as well as being very amenable to interruption and subsequent restart at any point. (Other formats often provide chapter breaks only or similarly long and inconvenient intervals.) Tucker Andersen

Ah, my old friend Myron Bolitar and all his whacko pals are back. Life is good. Seems Myron is mellowing, contemplating a long term relationship with a 9-11 widow and wondering about his role in life. Win tells him he's got a Batman complex; all his problems stem from helping people in distress. Myron knows Win's right. Whamo! In a moment of weakness Myron extracts promises from two high school girls, one the daughter of his new girl friend, the other, Aimee -- the daughter of Claire, a life-long friend -- that if they're ever in trouble, ever about to step into a car with someone who's been drinking or on drugs, they'll call him. Myron will pick them up no questions asked, and he won't tell their parents. Aimee does so, and Batman Bolivar honors his commitment, takes Aimee to girlfriend Stacy's house, where Aimee's supposed to be staying. You can see this one coming: Stacy doesn't live there; Aimee's disappeared; the cops think Myron's a kidnapper. Claire knows better, but she's angry: Myron didn't protect her daughter. She demands he find her. Good enough, but this gets better. Another girl from the same high school disappeared, too, a few weeks before Aimee. Her father is mob connected, and he thinks Myron's involved in her disappearance, too. Why not hire the Twins, notorious torturers who specialize in biting and bone-breaking? The Twins can whittle, break and chew on Myron 'til he spills the beans. Where's Win when you need him? Harlan Coban is such a treat. This is an okay story, not a great one. But what's so pleasing is having Myron Bolivar, Win, Esperanza, Big Cyndi and all my favorite characters back for another spin. It's like curling up on a couch with your dog, watching a favorite movie. Thank you, Harlan.

Love the Myron Bolitar books. Always a good read. Twists and turns with a surprise ending. If you enjoy Bolitar, Win , Esperanza and Big Cyndi together solving crime, you will enjoy this book.

One of the better Myron Bolitar books. I have read all of the previous books in the series. Good read!

Te engancha

Another compelling Mylon Bolitar read. Gripping from start to finish. Lovely how the cobwebs of information all spin out to the neatest conclusion and a freshly invigorated Mylon. Superb.

As always, Harlan has a great plot. Loved it.

If you have read at least one Myron Bolitar story before this one, then you forgive the writer for the really shallow plot and pace. Myron Bolitar is a likeable character but reading this book in 2010 decade, the story and the writing feels so jaded. I was recently reading the precinct stories by Ed McBain which was over 60 years old but the style and story didn't feel tired. More happens in the last 20 pages than the first 400. It was almost like reading one book up to page 400 and then another after that. At least Myron and Win crack a few jokes/one-liners. If you haven't read any Bolitar novel before this one, then you may not complete this book.

Always enjoy Harlan Coben 's stories. There is a lot of action, some philosophy and some interesting descriptions. Good plots.