Description

 Stay Close

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

“Everyone Has Secrets”

(Netflix Series & Book Club)

“A perfect example of a master at the top of his game.”—Associated Press

(Harlan Coben proves that the past never truly fades away in this shocking thriller)

(2012) Nominee for Best Mystery & Thriller- Goodreads Choice Awards

 Megan, a typical suburban soccer mom, used to have a wild side that she left behind when she settled down. Now, she has the picture-perfect life with a loving husband, two kids, and a white picket fence. However, beneath her seemingly content exterior, Megan is plagued by a growing sense of dissatisfaction. She yearns for something more, something that will reignite the fire within her and break free from the monotony of her suburban existence.

 Ray, once a talented documentary photographer, finds himself trapped in a dead-end job at the age of forty. Instead of capturing meaningful moments and telling stories through his lens, he now poses as a paparazzo, catering to the whims of celebrity-obsessed rich kids. Ray’s passion for photography has been reduced to a mere facade, and he longs for the days when his work had purpose and meaning. He feels stuck, unable to escape the clutches of a job that drains his creativity and leaves him unfulfilled.

 Jack, a dedicated detective, has been haunted by a cold case for seventeen years. A local husband and father vanished without a trace, leaving behind a family desperate for answers. Every year, on the anniversary of the disappearance, Jack visits the abandoned house frozen in time, where the missing man’s family still waits, hoping for his return. The sight of the husband’s slippers left by the recliner serves as a constant reminder of the unresolved mystery. Jack’s obsession with this case has consumed him, preventing him from moving on and finding closure. He is determined to uncover the truth, no matter the cost.

These three individuals, each living a life they never desired, are bound by secrets that they keep hidden from even their closest loved ones. As the consequences of past events collide with the present, their lives are thrown into chaos. However, amidst the turmoil, they will come to a startling realization – that the past cannot be forgotten so easily. The American Dream, with its promises of happiness and success, reveals its dark underbelly to them. They will confront the boredom of their seemingly perfect lives, the allure of temptation, and the hidden desperation that lurks behind the facades of their communities. In doing so, they will discover that the line between one kind of life and another is as fragile as a heartbeat and that sometimes, embracing the past is the only way to find true redemption. Harlan Coben, the master of domestic suspense, weaves a gripping tale that will keep readers on the edge.

They will be forced to confront their deepest fears, confront the choices they made, and ultimately decide whether to continue living in the shadows of their past or to break free and forge a new path.

Megan, tired of the mundane routines of suburban life, indulges in a secret affair that awakens her dormant desires. As she navigates the treacherous waters of infidelity, she discovers a newfound sense of liberation and self-discovery. However, the consequences of her actions threaten to unravel her picture-perfect life and expose the cracks beneath the surface.

Ray, desperate to reclaim his passion for photography, takes a leap of faith and quits his soul-sucking job. He goes on a voyage to rediscover his artistic voice, traveling to remote corners of the world to capture the raw beauty and authenticity that he once cherished. Along the way, he encounters unexpected challenges and meets individuals who inspire him to redefine success and find fulfillment on his terms.

Jack, driven by an unwavering determination to solve the cold case that has haunted him for years, risks everything to uncover the truth. As he delves deeper into the mystery, he uncovers a web of corruption and deceit that reaches far beyond the disappearance of one man. Jack’s relentless pursuit of justice puts him in grave danger, forcing him to confront his demons and question the very foundations of the justice system he has dedicated his life to.

As their paths intertwine and their secrets threaten to unravel, Megan, Ray, and Jack find solace and support in each other. They form an unlikely alliance, united by their shared desire to break free from the confines of their past and embrace the unknown. Together, they navigate the complexities of love, loss, and redemption, discovering that true happiness lies not in the pursuit of the American Dream, but in the courage to embrace their true selves and forge their destinies.

In the end, Megan, Ray, and Jack will come face to face with the harsh realities of their choices and the consequences they must bear. They will learn that the pursuit of happiness is not a linear path, but a journey filled with unexpected twists and turns. And as they confront their darkest secrets and deepest desires, they will discover that true fulfillment lies not in the external trappings of success, but in the courage to live authentically and embrace the messy, imperfect beauty of life.

Praise

“Funnier and darker than many Coben thrillers, and packs a lot of surprises.”—People (4 Stars)

“When everything explodes, the payoff is glorious. Stay Close is a perfect example of a master at the top of his game.”—Associated Press

“The story is intense, the characters are interesting, and the writing is magnificent.”—The Huffington Post

“Coben again shows his acumen for delving into our most intimate fears as he moves his engrossing story from quiet domesticity to sheer terror.”—South Florida Sun-Sentinel

“With Mr. Coben’s combination of thrills and intelligence, he leads readers into the ‘dark side’ of life and delivers his trademark style of exhilarating and captivating writing in a true novel of suspense.”—Suspense Magazine

“Masterful…Coben writes with wit and irony, and his flair for exposing the frail balance point between order and chaos in our lives has never been stronger than in this suspenseful outing.”—Publishers Weekly(starred review)

“[A] tour-de-force…giv[es] the reader a steady steam of jolts and sinking feelings…Satisfying on every level.”—Booklist (starred review)

Harlan Coben

Harlan Coben, a renowned author, has achieved remarkable success in his writing career. With over thirty novels under his belt, including captivating titles such as “I Will Find You,” “The Match,” “Win,” “Fool Me Once,” “Stay Close,” and “The Stranger,” Coben has proven himself to be a master storyteller. His talent has garnered him the prestigious title of being the #1 New York Times and international bestselling author.

Not only has Coben been entertaining readers around the world, but he has also achieved incredible commercial success. His books have been translated into more than forty languages, reaching a global audience of millions. With over eighty million copies of his books in print, it’s no wonder that Coben’s works have become a literary phenomenon.

Coben’s writing has transcended the pages of his novels and made its way onto the small screen. Several of his thrilling stories have been adapted into Netflix series, further solidifying his status as a master of suspense and intrigue. His ability to keep the attention of audiences with his thrilling narratives has earned him numerous accolades, including the prestigious Edgar, Shamus, and Anthony Awards.

Despite his immense success, Coben remains grounded and true to his roots. He calls New Jersey his home, where he continues to craft gripping stories that keep readers on the edge of their seats. With his unique blend of suspense, mystery, and unforgettable characters, Harlan Coben has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the literary world.