My version: Paperback
Genre: Fiction
Publisher: Arrow Books, Penguin Random House
First published: 2019
ISBN: 978-1-78-746297-7
Pages: 370
Bought
From the cover:
His name is Wilde:
Thirty years ago he was found in the New Jersey backwoods with no idea of where he’d come from.
Now a decorated former soldier, he still prefers to live outdoors. Alone.
When a local girl goes missing, Wilde is asked to use his unique skills to find her.
To do so he must return to A community where he has never fitted in, where the åpowerful are protected even when they are keeping secrets.
Dangerous secrets can kill. And which Wilde must expose before it’s too late…
The first book I’ve read by Harlan Coben, I’ve seen his name around a lot, but never got to grips with anything until now.
And I was suitably impressd. I tried to look at it as if I was a regular reader of his work, and, as I am, a complete newcommer.
The Boy From The Woods introduces (apparently) readers to ‘a mysterious and compelling character,’ called Wilde. Well, with the surname Wilde anyway. As a man with no memory of his early childhood and found living feral in the woods, Wilde’s enigmatic past is as intriguing as the present-day mysteries he finds himself entangled in.
There is plenty of suspense, with Coben weaving a complex plot that kept me on edge for long periods. Wilde, despite his unconventional upbringing, turns into as an empathetic character, whose unique skills and perspectives offer fresh twists to the usual thriller game.
I found Coben’s storytelling to be engaging, filled with sharp dialogue, well-developed characters, and unexpected plot twists. The narrative blends Wilde’s mysterious past with a contemporary investigation involving a missing teenager, political corruption, and hidden secrets.
The Boy From The Woods delves into themes of identity, belonging, and the search for truth, making it more than just a page-turning thriller. It’s a thought-provoking read that challenges readers to question the boundaries between right and wrong, and the lengths one will go to uncover the truth.
I’m guessing that for fans of Harlan Coben, this book is a must-read, combining his (apparently) signature suspenseful storytelling with a fresh and unforgettable protagonist. Newcomers to Coben’s work – like me – will surely find themselves caught up in the intricate plot and the emotional depth of the characters.
You can buy The Boy From The Woods by Harlan Cobin from Amazon
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