The Woods: From the Number One bestselling creator of the hit Netflix series Missing You

Wow I was hooked from the start I really really enjoyed this rollercoaster of a ride. It was very well written I couldn't put it down all the intricate details that are subtly planted all seem to weave together very nicely and come together nearly. I would definitely recommend.

I read this book a long time ago when I was in school and it was actually one of the first books I thoroughly enjoyed and got me into reading, and especially got me hooked on crime thrillers. I decided to re-read it as this year I have set a challenge to read some books that stuck with me from long ago and this one still remains one of those books that I enjoyed and remembered. I found 'The Woods' instantly gripping and Harlan Coben has a good way of presenting the story that keeps you wanting to turn the pages. Whilst reading, Coben has my full attention and I hoped for no forms of distraction. Throughout, the suspense is constant as the lives of the characters are revealed, the mystery is uncovered and the story nears its conclusion. The premise of 'The Woods' drew me instantly and it got me so excited to know what had happened. However, although I thoroughly enjoyed the read, I did find some of the political references harder to follow and felt that Paul Copeland was a conflicted character with a slight identity crisis. I struggled to connect with him and found him a little stiff. However, on the whole this is a thoroughly absorbing read that had me gripped all the way to the end.

“Most people believe death is the cruellest thing. Not so. After a while, hope is a far more abusive mistress.” Paul (Pavel) Copeland is the county prosecutor for Essex County in New Jersey. Twenty years ago, he worked as a counsellor on a Summer Camp and had struck up a passionate relationship with Lucy. One night, while neglecting his duties, he and Lucy went into the woods and were witnesses to something terrible. Now, twenty years later, the past has returned. This is my first Harlan Coben novel and it has been a long time coming. I have lost count of the recommendations I have received for this author. The story flows extremely well and there are numerous twists throughout to keep the reader alert. Much of the story is dialogue which really helps the story move along at a decent pace. The first conversation between Copeland and Raya Singh is outstandingly written. The characters are strong and well-defined. There are numerous themes which all weave themselves together: murder, hope, hopelessness, deceit and despair. Running alongside the main story is a superb court case in which some of the confrontations between lawyers and witnesses are compelling reading. The book is not without humour and I don’t mind admitting that I was chuckling for hours (although maybe that says more about me than I should be admitting) at the following question asked by Copeland to a stupefied witness in court: “‘Have you ever heard of a pornographic move called’ – I pretended now to be checking a piece of paper but I knew the name by heart – ‘a movie called Romancing His Bone?’” After reading so many books recently that are part of a series, it was refreshing to read such an excellent stand-alone book although having said that, I would love to meet these characters again. My first Coben. Not my last.

Fast paced, entertaining, page turner and addictive! That’s how I would describe this book. I finished the 500+ pages very easily and extremely quickly. I couldn’t put my kindle down. I really liked all of the characters and found the story flowed really well. Many times I thought I knew how the story would go but it went a completely different way. I certainly didn’t guess the twist at the end! I can see exactly why Netflix have turned this into a series. I intend to watch it now I’ve read the book! I highly recommend this story to anyone. HC at his finest.

I don't read much American detective fiction for some reason, but I know Harlan Coben is a popular and prolific thriller writer and I downloaded The Woods as an audiobook for a discounted price. A lot of Coben's novels are part of a series but this is a standalone novel. The Woods by [Coben, Harlan] The main character is Paul 'Cope' Copeland, a county prosecutor in New Jersey whose sister Camille disappeared from summer camp many years ago along - apparently murdered by a fellow camper who is later convicted of killing a number of other teenagers (although not, in fact, of Camille's murder, as her body has never been found). Also never found was the body of her friend Gil Perez. At the start of the book, Paul is called upon in the course of his job as a prosecutor to view the body of Manolo Santiago, who has been found murdered. Except Manolo, Paul immediately realises, is actually Gil. So where has been Gil been all these years that he was assumed dead? Why do the Perez family refuse to accept that Manolo and Gil are one and the same? And does this mean that the mystery of Camille's disappearance might be solved too? Meanwhile, Lucy Gold, the daughter of the owner of the summer camp who was sued for negligence after the murders all those years ago and a teenage sweetheart of Paul's, is now a college lecturer - and she's horrified to realise that an anonymous creative writing journal submitted by a student is quite clearly an account of what happened between her and Paul on the night Camille and the others disappeared. Who knows their secret, and what do they want from her? If this all sounds a bit unlikely, then yes, it is: while moderately gritty in parts, this is one of those thrillers in which reality is slightly heightened and most of the characters, from Paul's sinister Russian 'uncle' Sasha to his investigator Loren Muse and Lucy's elderly stoner father Ira, are somewhat larger than life. Paul himself is a relatively likeable protagonist although there does come a point where you start to wonder how much more tragedy one man can take - his sister was murdered, his mother abandoned him, his father has just died a broken man and he is bringing up his little girl alone after his wife's death from cancer. He's also embroiled in prosecuting a rape case in which the accused are spoilt rich white frat boys and the victim is an African American teenage stripper, despite threats from the boys' powerful parents, which is admirably worthy stuff. It would have been easy for Paul to seem a little too saintly to be interesting, but fortunately Coben does give him something of an edge as the story progresses. There really isn't a great deal more I can say about this book. It's an enjoyable mystery with various twists and it was certainly interesting enough to keep me engaged until the end, although it doesn't feel especially plausible. I particularly liked what we discovered about Paul's Russian parents and their departure from the Soviet Union, which was an interesting sub-plot to the primary mystery. The writing is fairly pacey although there were times when it felt that Paul's digressions into his family life and views on various topics were rather unnecessary and more about padding the word count than building his character and moving the plot along. All in all, it's rather like watching an extended episode of a well-made American crime series - it's entertaining, but you probably won't remember much about it a week later. I wouldn't necessarily rush to read another Harlan Coben novel, but equally I'd happily read one if there happened to be one lying around, if you see what I mean.

I really enjoyed this book and would purchase more from this author. Loved his quirky, down to earth sense of humour and the fact that the reader is privy to his 'inner thoughts'.. A thoroughly gripping read, couldn't put it down at some parts. Love the way there are two things going on at the same time. The court case, with the rich corrupt family trying to buy their way out of a conviction, dirty dealings etc, and then, of course, the mystery of 'what happened' in those woods?? At one stage you are certain you know ' whodunnit' by the next chapter, everything is up in the air again?? A little bit of romantic ' will they? Won't they? Thrown into the mix, makes for a very interesting read. Never read a book quite, like this one, loved the authors writing style, would definitely read another. So - what did really happen in The Woods? Who was the killer? Who killed who? Did any survive?? You will have to read the book yourself - enjoy

I haven’t read a H Coben in ages and forgot just how good he is. This was a real page turner.

My first experience of this author and it was a very good one. Great characters, a fast moving plot, lots of twists and turns. I’m unsure if this is great writing or just clever that knows what buttons to press in a reader. Whatever… the result is a book you keep coming back to and can’t put down for the last hundred pages or so. Which makes it, for me, an excellent read.

Harlan Coben is indeed one of the best to add twists & turns & keep his readers wanting more, more, more everytime!! I first discovered him via Netflix watching his book turned series, Safe , as well.as The Five.....these shows hooked me & when I discovered Harlan Coben had a ton of books well, hooked I am indeed!! So if you're looking for a book you can't put down, know that you've been warned cuz you may find yourself staying you past your bedtime!!! Looking forward to reading this , once I'm finished Home......

Another stunning work by this author .... wow, can this guy write a book or what ? I’ve never missed one of his books, and I’ve never been disappointed in any of them. And this one was no different. I really think Mr. Coben has the most brilliant mind, he takes a simple plot, writes it exceptionally well....then he interweaves several other plots into it to totally captivate the reader. No wonder I get excited when I see he’s released a new book ! I know I’m in for a damn good read .... his are the kind of books that you can’t put down, that you read in blocks of hours at a time and then hate to get to the end ...thoroughly enjoyed this book from my favourite author.

Harlan Coben fidèle à lui même. Intrigue bien ficelée, cela rend mon apprentissage de l’anglais très ludique et agréable. Merci Harraps pour cette collection qui répond enfin aux attentes des apprentis linguistiques.

Harlan Cobe nunca desaponta. Livro prende do início ao fim, reviravoltas interessantes e bons personagens. Já vou comprar o próximo.

It has everything you'd expect from Harlan Coben. The author doesn't leave any loose ends behind. Even the backstories and side tracks converge in a cohesive manner. A must read and definitely a lot better that it's Netflix adaptation.