Cover of HOLD TIGHT
courtesy of Dutton
HOLD TIGHT by Harlan Cohen

Harlan Coben is a writer who takes you into the heart of his books in nothing flat. In his latest novel HOLD TIGHT he grabs the reader with his first few sentences and holds them captive till the last word has been read. This is a book that is modern in every way and deals with parent/children problems we only hope we will never have to face. Timely and topical, this book is a reminder that we do whatever is necessary as parents to protect our children.

Mike and Tia Baye try to be good parents. Though they have busy careers, he as a surgeon and she as an attorney, they still make an effort to spend time with their two children Adam and Jill. Still it seems that of late Adam is slipping away from them. He has become surly and secretive. His behavior seems to be tied to the death of one of his best friends who committed suicide.

Panicked that Adam might be entertaining similar thoughts his parents decide to spy on him and tap into his computer. Just as they are doing this Adam disappears. He has done this in the past but this time it seems he might be in trouble.

While this is going on a man and woman serial killer team is targeting people who have ties to the Bayes’ community. One murder opens the book and another is soon to come. The link between the people being targeted is not known until the final portion of the story.

Coben manages to keep all of his plot lines firmly in place. He has a clear vision for his story and weaves it diabolically across the pages. No character is ever completely safe and no situation is ever totally as it appears. There is twist on top of twist and turn followed by another turn.

You will find yourself completely fascinated by Coben’s story. He has written compelling plots before but this one is one of his best. It is chilling in its content and thrilling in its execution. You will want to rush forward in order to learn the outcome but just be patient as all will be explained.

If you need something to keep you up nights as you read frantically, well this is the book. Don’t start HOLD TIGHT unless you have plenty of time to finish it for it will take control of your life and occupy your time.

HOLD TIGHT is published by Dutton. It contains 416 pages and sells for $26.95.
 

 

 

 

 

©2008 Jackie K. Cooper

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