Coben knows how to weave a compelling story with intriguing characters, and Wilde is one of his best. Wilde’s journey to search for answers not only for the people he cares about, but his own personal journey, provides an intriguing plot. The supporting characters also shine. Once the big reveal happens, it would be the end for most stories, but Coben has just gotten started. The narrative veers into such unexpected directions that even a true thriller aficionado will not see the multiple surprises the ending delivers. Coben’s name on the book cover continues to mean quality.
Coben is excellent, as always, at showing the perils of the everyday and the bit-by-bit escalations of cruelty. But the mystery seems hastily constructed, and the ending comes out of nowhere. Not up to Coben’s usual level; this Natty Bumppo should return to the forest.
Readers who can tune out all the subplots will find the kidnappers easy to spot, but Coben finds room for three climactic surprises, one of them a honey. Now that Coben’s added politics to his heady brew, expect sex and religion to join the mix.
This subpar thriller from Edgar winner Coben...pairs an improbable lead with an improbable plot ... a hard-to-swallow plotline that Coben does nothing to make feel plausible. This gifted author is capable of better.
