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The new novel from Harlan Coben, #1 New York Times bestselling author and creator of The Stranger on Netflix.
From a #1 New York Times bestselling author comes this thrilling story that shows what happens when a dead man's secrets fall into the hands of vigilante antihero¡ªdrawing him down a dangerous road.
Over twenty years ago, the heiress Patricia Lockwood was abducted during a robbery of her family's estate, then locked inside an isolated cabin for months. Patricia escaped, but so did her captors ¡ª and the items stolen from her family were never recovered.
Until now. On the Upper West Side, a recluse is found murdered in his penthouse apartment, alongside two objects of note: a stolen Vermeer painting and a leather suitcase bearing the initials WHL3. For the first time in years, the authorities have a lead ¡ª not only on Patricia's kidnapping, but also on another FBI cold case ¡ª with the suitcase and painting both pointing them toward one man.
Windsor Horne Lockwood III ¡ª or Win, as his few friends call him ¡ª doesn't know how his suitcase and his family's stolen painting ended up with a dead man. But his interest is piqued, especially when the FBI tells him that the man who kidnapped his cousin was also behind an act of domestic terrorism ¡ª and that the conspirators may still be at large. The two cases have baffled the FBI for decades, but Win has three things the FBI doesn't: a personal connection to the case; an ungodly fortune; and his own unique brand of justice.
From a #1 New York Times bestselling author comes this thrilling story that shows what happens when a dead man's secrets fall into the hands of vigilante antihero¡ªdrawing him down a dangerous road.
Over twenty years ago, the heiress Patricia Lockwood was abducted during a robbery of her family's estate, then locked inside an isolated cabin for months. Patricia escaped, but so did her captors ¡ª and the items stolen from her family were never recovered.
Until now. On the Upper West Side, a recluse is found murdered in his penthouse apartment, alongside two objects of note: a stolen Vermeer painting and a leather suitcase bearing the initials WHL3. For the first time in years, the authorities have a lead ¡ª not only on Patricia's kidnapping, but also on another FBI cold case ¡ª with the suitcase and painting both pointing them toward one man.
Windsor Horne Lockwood III ¡ª or Win, as his few friends call him ¡ª doesn't know how his suitcase and his family's stolen painting ended up with a dead man. But his interest is piqued, especially when the FBI tells him that the man who kidnapped his cousin was also behind an act of domestic terrorism ¡ª and that the conspirators may still be at large. The two cases have baffled the FBI for decades, but Win has three things the FBI doesn't: a personal connection to the case; an ungodly fortune; and his own unique brand of justice.
375 pages, Hardcover
First published March 16, 2021
8,834 people are currently reading
31.8k people want to read
About the author
Harlan Coben
207?books41.3k?followersHarlan Coben is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and one of the world's leading storytellers. His suspense novels are published in forty-five languages and have been number one bestsellers in more than a dozen countries with seventy-five million books in print worldwide.
His books have earned the Edgar, Shamus, and Anthony Awards, and many have been developed into Netflix Original Drama series, including his adaptations of The Stranger, The Innocent, Gone for Good and The Woods. His most recent adaptation for Netflix, Stay Close, premiered on December 31, 2021 and stars Cush Jumbo, James Nesbitt, and Richard Armitage.
His books have earned the Edgar, Shamus, and Anthony Awards, and many have been developed into Netflix Original Drama series, including his adaptations of The Stranger, The Innocent, Gone for Good and The Woods. His most recent adaptation for Netflix, Stay Close, premiered on December 31, 2021 and stars Cush Jumbo, James Nesbitt, and Richard Armitage.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 5,294 reviews
September 20, 2022
"What's this about?" Sadie asks.
"We'd like to talk to Mr. Lockwood."
"So I gathered," Sadie replies with a bit of bite. "What about?"
Brynn smiles and puts her badge back in her pocket. "It's about a murder."
It's time to articulate, folks, and if you haven't had the absolute privilege of meeting Windsor Horne Lockwood III, you've come to the right place. He's a little bit this:
And quite a bit of this:
Truly, Win is the reason why I have an unhealthy, obsessive love affair with every fictional morally gray character I come across. He's a cheeky gentleman in public settings, and an absolute animal behind closed doors, and I mean that in multiple ways. He has no problem delivering a good beat down and toeing around the constraints of the law to get what he wants, and he's also the proverbial ladies man. If you're a long time Coben fan like moi, they you'll already be quite familiar with Win and his WASPish, deviant ways due to his reoccurring appearances in the Myron Bolitar series. Win is more times than not the avenue Myron uses when he needs access to things that the police have, but cannot obtain through his typical private investigating channels. If you know me, then you know that I'm a huge fan of Myron and co., and would beat myself up if I didn't take the opportunity to encourage the reading of said series for all the background and Easter eggs you might find in this book, but if you're not up for a massive 13 ish book binge read, I would at least recommend reading first, as there's a major twist dropped right at the end that could be helpful going into this book.
As someone who has been waiting for a novel from Win's POV for 12 years, this book is kind of a big deal. Clearly, a reader who is brand new to the author's work won't have the same visceral reaction to this story that I have, but if I can't win you over with the excellent characterization and "coming home" feeling that these books provide, perhaps I can win you over with the plot. <--- win... see what I did there? hehe I'm actually not going to touch on any specifics, because I know a LOT of people have been desperately waiting for this book, and it would be an honest shame if I didn't give readers the same opportunity I had to go in blind. Here, we get not one but TWO mysteries to solve! The first crime was when Patricia Lockwood was kidnapped over 20 years ago during a robbery at her family's estate, and she's held captive for awhile before escaping. Unfortunately, so did her captors, and what they stole from her family. Fast forward to modern day POV, and a man is found murdered in a NYC apartment, and Win's briefcase, along with the family's missing painting, turn up at the crime scene. Clearly both crimes are tied together, and Win decides to branch out in his own investigation of sorts.
I think I'll leave it there, but this book truly exceeded my lofty expectations. It has action, intrigue, a dash of romance, and mention of some old characters that I think readers will be happy to be reunited with. Whether or not you're a fan of the Myron Bolitar series, I think you'll be able to sink into this standalone and enjoy it just the same.
*Many thanks to the author for providing my review copy.
"We'd like to talk to Mr. Lockwood."
"So I gathered," Sadie replies with a bit of bite. "What about?"
Brynn smiles and puts her badge back in her pocket. "It's about a murder."
It's time to articulate, folks, and if you haven't had the absolute privilege of meeting Windsor Horne Lockwood III, you've come to the right place. He's a little bit this:
And quite a bit of this:
Truly, Win is the reason why I have an unhealthy, obsessive love affair with every fictional morally gray character I come across. He's a cheeky gentleman in public settings, and an absolute animal behind closed doors, and I mean that in multiple ways. He has no problem delivering a good beat down and toeing around the constraints of the law to get what he wants, and he's also the proverbial ladies man. If you're a long time Coben fan like moi, they you'll already be quite familiar with Win and his WASPish, deviant ways due to his reoccurring appearances in the Myron Bolitar series. Win is more times than not the avenue Myron uses when he needs access to things that the police have, but cannot obtain through his typical private investigating channels. If you know me, then you know that I'm a huge fan of Myron and co., and would beat myself up if I didn't take the opportunity to encourage the reading of said series for all the background and Easter eggs you might find in this book, but if you're not up for a massive 13 ish book binge read, I would at least recommend reading first, as there's a major twist dropped right at the end that could be helpful going into this book.
As someone who has been waiting for a novel from Win's POV for 12 years, this book is kind of a big deal. Clearly, a reader who is brand new to the author's work won't have the same visceral reaction to this story that I have, but if I can't win you over with the excellent characterization and "coming home" feeling that these books provide, perhaps I can win you over with the plot. <--- win... see what I did there? hehe I'm actually not going to touch on any specifics, because I know a LOT of people have been desperately waiting for this book, and it would be an honest shame if I didn't give readers the same opportunity I had to go in blind. Here, we get not one but TWO mysteries to solve! The first crime was when Patricia Lockwood was kidnapped over 20 years ago during a robbery at her family's estate, and she's held captive for awhile before escaping. Unfortunately, so did her captors, and what they stole from her family. Fast forward to modern day POV, and a man is found murdered in a NYC apartment, and Win's briefcase, along with the family's missing painting, turn up at the crime scene. Clearly both crimes are tied together, and Win decides to branch out in his own investigation of sorts.
I think I'll leave it there, but this book truly exceeded my lofty expectations. It has action, intrigue, a dash of romance, and mention of some old characters that I think readers will be happy to be reunited with. Whether or not you're a fan of the Myron Bolitar series, I think you'll be able to sink into this standalone and enjoy it just the same.
*Many thanks to the author for providing my review copy.
August 8, 2023
It¡¯s time to ARTICULATE!!!
Well, my nearly 2 decades waiting is over! Since I¡¯ve been devouring Myron Bolitar¡¯s adventures and gallons of yohoo chocolate drinks, I truly enjoyed Win&Myron as a team, adored their loyal, extremely entertaining bromance, action packed thrilling journeys! Those guys are polar opposites but their opposite attributes helped them complete each other perfectly to solve cases and form a unique friendship for years! But I always wish Win should have his own series! Finally my wishes come true!
Interesting fact about Windsor Horne Lockwood III is if I directly meet with his character via this book, I probably hate the guts of him at first! This guy is white privileged, arrogant, vile, relentless, rude and he likes to cross the lines because HE CAN!
Don¡¯t get fooled by his perfectly nice gentleman vibes in public! Because he perfectly disguises the caged animal he hid inside! He knows how to kick assess! He¡¯s extremely talented fighter. He¡¯s wild, vicious, bloodthirsty! But don¡¯t worry he uses dark side to punish the people who can easily get away with the crimes they committed! Day time he¡¯s charming gazillionaire and at the night time he¡¯s the real punisher of the perverts, psychopaths, stalkers etc. He also has VIP Tinder app for the extinguished billionaires who likes one night stand sexcapades!
I know I drew a negative picture of his characteristics but don¡¯t worry: this charming, extra rich man takes no sh*t, straight to the point, smart and he¡¯s not merciless, careless douchebag! We saw how he stood for Myron before and how he saved him several times! As we read more we start to understand why he¡¯s so reluctant to have longtime relationships, how he deals with his dysfunctional family burdens.
The story starts with Win¡¯s secret meeting with a famous basketball coach to punish him viciously ( we¡¯ll learn his real motives later) And after he jumps into his private jet to make a visit to Myron¡¯s ex office- now a new law firm office he invested. But his meeting cut by two officers who take him to a murder scene at one of the most prestigious buildings of Manhattan.
When he steps into the apartment, he sees a Vermeer - a quiet expensive painting hang on the wall which has been stolen from Lockwood mansion decades ago along with Picasso painting. Neither thieves nor the paintings have been found for years!
The other thing makes him a suspect of the murder is a suitcase with his initials on it. He hasn¡¯t seen this suitcase for years and even though his initials is on the suitcase, the original owner of it is his cousin. But if he tells this info to the officers, it will open cans of worms about his family secrets and tragic events related his uncle¡¯s murder and his cousin¡¯s kidnapping for 5 months. At the time his cousin has been captured, she has taken this suitcase with her and she has never seen it for years!
As soon as he leaves the crime scene, his old friend PT who has dragged to undercover FBI operations calls him after a long time, fills him in the man who is killed is one of the members of Jane Street Six! The group members threw out Molotovs and one of them hit the telephone pole which distracted the attention of Port Authority bus driver whose vehicle plunged into East River! All the passengers were drawn along with the driver.
After the incident: entire group members have been vanished. Only one of them: Lake Davies turned herself in. But she insisted that Rhys Strauss who is assumed to be drawn is the victim of their case! So she might have lied!
Could Jane Street Six members be also the reasons of tragic events his family is still trying to deal with?
Win¡¯s investigation can shed a light ugly truths about his own past! But this never stopped him, right?
Overall: I enjoyed this action packed, twisty, fast pacing and promising start of brand new series!
I also love to see Win has his own limited digital series! This complex, enigmatic, ultra charismatic man will probably look so good on our TV screens!
And I¡¯m looking forward to read more Win and Myron crossovers in near future! I adore both of those characters! I haven¡¯t seen them in action since I¡¯ve read Home! I hope we get more books in near future!!!
Well, my nearly 2 decades waiting is over! Since I¡¯ve been devouring Myron Bolitar¡¯s adventures and gallons of yohoo chocolate drinks, I truly enjoyed Win&Myron as a team, adored their loyal, extremely entertaining bromance, action packed thrilling journeys! Those guys are polar opposites but their opposite attributes helped them complete each other perfectly to solve cases and form a unique friendship for years! But I always wish Win should have his own series! Finally my wishes come true!
Interesting fact about Windsor Horne Lockwood III is if I directly meet with his character via this book, I probably hate the guts of him at first! This guy is white privileged, arrogant, vile, relentless, rude and he likes to cross the lines because HE CAN!
Don¡¯t get fooled by his perfectly nice gentleman vibes in public! Because he perfectly disguises the caged animal he hid inside! He knows how to kick assess! He¡¯s extremely talented fighter. He¡¯s wild, vicious, bloodthirsty! But don¡¯t worry he uses dark side to punish the people who can easily get away with the crimes they committed! Day time he¡¯s charming gazillionaire and at the night time he¡¯s the real punisher of the perverts, psychopaths, stalkers etc. He also has VIP Tinder app for the extinguished billionaires who likes one night stand sexcapades!
I know I drew a negative picture of his characteristics but don¡¯t worry: this charming, extra rich man takes no sh*t, straight to the point, smart and he¡¯s not merciless, careless douchebag! We saw how he stood for Myron before and how he saved him several times! As we read more we start to understand why he¡¯s so reluctant to have longtime relationships, how he deals with his dysfunctional family burdens.
The story starts with Win¡¯s secret meeting with a famous basketball coach to punish him viciously ( we¡¯ll learn his real motives later) And after he jumps into his private jet to make a visit to Myron¡¯s ex office- now a new law firm office he invested. But his meeting cut by two officers who take him to a murder scene at one of the most prestigious buildings of Manhattan.
When he steps into the apartment, he sees a Vermeer - a quiet expensive painting hang on the wall which has been stolen from Lockwood mansion decades ago along with Picasso painting. Neither thieves nor the paintings have been found for years!
The other thing makes him a suspect of the murder is a suitcase with his initials on it. He hasn¡¯t seen this suitcase for years and even though his initials is on the suitcase, the original owner of it is his cousin. But if he tells this info to the officers, it will open cans of worms about his family secrets and tragic events related his uncle¡¯s murder and his cousin¡¯s kidnapping for 5 months. At the time his cousin has been captured, she has taken this suitcase with her and she has never seen it for years!
As soon as he leaves the crime scene, his old friend PT who has dragged to undercover FBI operations calls him after a long time, fills him in the man who is killed is one of the members of Jane Street Six! The group members threw out Molotovs and one of them hit the telephone pole which distracted the attention of Port Authority bus driver whose vehicle plunged into East River! All the passengers were drawn along with the driver.
After the incident: entire group members have been vanished. Only one of them: Lake Davies turned herself in. But she insisted that Rhys Strauss who is assumed to be drawn is the victim of their case! So she might have lied!
Could Jane Street Six members be also the reasons of tragic events his family is still trying to deal with?
Win¡¯s investigation can shed a light ugly truths about his own past! But this never stopped him, right?
Overall: I enjoyed this action packed, twisty, fast pacing and promising start of brand new series!
I also love to see Win has his own limited digital series! This complex, enigmatic, ultra charismatic man will probably look so good on our TV screens!
And I¡¯m looking forward to read more Win and Myron crossovers in near future! I adore both of those characters! I haven¡¯t seen them in action since I¡¯ve read Home! I hope we get more books in near future!!!
February 25, 2021
Win, (Windsor Horne Lockwood III), is the billionaire friend of Myron Bolitar, and in this new series, it¡¯s his, and not Myron¡¯s character that takes centre stage.
Win is called to the Beresford apartment block - the scene of a murder, and framing the wall in this exclusive apartment, is a very expensive painting, a Vermeer no less, that once happened to adorn the wall in the Lockwood family home, and was stolen many years earlier. During that robbery, Win¡¯s cousin Patricia was abducted and her father killed. She was kept in an isolated cabin for months - until she managed to escape. There is also a monogrammed suitcase in the apartment belonging to Win¡¯s family. Now, his quest to find out just how the painting and the suitcase ended up in the murder victim¡¯s home, will take him into some life threatening situations, involving not just himself, but some of his family members too.
This is a very complex tale, but engaging nevertheless. Win is extremely vain, arrogant, and outspoken to the point of rudeness, but a fascinating character for all that, and I found him quite amusing, for all his faults. A tremendously entertaining read, and a great start to this new series.
* Thank you to Netgalley and Random House UK, Cornerstone for an ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review *
Win is called to the Beresford apartment block - the scene of a murder, and framing the wall in this exclusive apartment, is a very expensive painting, a Vermeer no less, that once happened to adorn the wall in the Lockwood family home, and was stolen many years earlier. During that robbery, Win¡¯s cousin Patricia was abducted and her father killed. She was kept in an isolated cabin for months - until she managed to escape. There is also a monogrammed suitcase in the apartment belonging to Win¡¯s family. Now, his quest to find out just how the painting and the suitcase ended up in the murder victim¡¯s home, will take him into some life threatening situations, involving not just himself, but some of his family members too.
This is a very complex tale, but engaging nevertheless. Win is extremely vain, arrogant, and outspoken to the point of rudeness, but a fascinating character for all that, and I found him quite amusing, for all his faults. A tremendously entertaining read, and a great start to this new series.
* Thank you to Netgalley and Random House UK, Cornerstone for an ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review *
December 28, 2020
This is the first in a new series by Harlan Coben featuring billionaire Windsor Horne Lockwood III, in his forties, a good friend and sidekick to Myron Bolitar, providing him with help by accessing information that would otherwise be unavailable. There is much to dislike about 'Win', he reeks of white privilege, an exclusive lifestyle out of reach of almost everyone else, he has a narcissistic streak, exudes arrogance, acts with impunity, safe in the knowledge he is never going to be accountable for his actions or behaviour because of his class and wealth. He is generally not interested in other people, their lives or their opinions, and at the heart of him, there is a love of violence that he revels in unleashing. If he loves anyone at all, it is Myron, a friendship that means everything to him, the only others who have any claim on his affections are his family, upholding its honour and reputation is integral to who he is, protecting them, and he not keen for any concept of justice applying to him or his family. His inability to connect with others on a emotional level suggests he is on the spectrum.
There are antiheroes I have connected with but Win is not one of them, although there are occasions when I felt a little more ambivalent, such as the development of his relationship and feelings towards his biological daughter, Ema, which appears to signal the beginnings of the cracks in the walls around his heart. However, you do not need to like the protagonist to enjoy a novel, and it is Coben after all, a man with a reputation for conjuring complex and twisted fast paced thrillers where nothing is as it appears. Win finds himself at the scene of the murder of a recluse and hoarder at the Beresford apartment building where there are items that connect the victim to the Lockwood family. The first is a stolen family Vermeer, part of a long ago art heist, and a case with his initials, connected to the murder of his Uncle Aldrich, and the abduction, rape and torture of his cousin, Patricia, kept at the notorious Hut of Horrors where other young women were murdered.
Win investigates the murder of the victim, aided by his able assistant Kabir, who turns out to be Ry Strauss, a key figure in a 1970s case of domestic terrorism, as connections emerge with the art heist and the Hut of Horrors. This has all the thrills, twists and surprises you would expect from Coben, along with the nail biting tension and suspense that his multitude of avid fans would enjoy. There are numerous mentions of Myron and other familiar figures such as Hester Crimstein, helping to embed Win in his new central role. A entertaining and engaging thriller that leaves me wanting to read the next in the series as soon as it becomes available. Many thanks to Random House Cornerstone for an ARC.
There are antiheroes I have connected with but Win is not one of them, although there are occasions when I felt a little more ambivalent, such as the development of his relationship and feelings towards his biological daughter, Ema, which appears to signal the beginnings of the cracks in the walls around his heart. However, you do not need to like the protagonist to enjoy a novel, and it is Coben after all, a man with a reputation for conjuring complex and twisted fast paced thrillers where nothing is as it appears. Win finds himself at the scene of the murder of a recluse and hoarder at the Beresford apartment building where there are items that connect the victim to the Lockwood family. The first is a stolen family Vermeer, part of a long ago art heist, and a case with his initials, connected to the murder of his Uncle Aldrich, and the abduction, rape and torture of his cousin, Patricia, kept at the notorious Hut of Horrors where other young women were murdered.
Win investigates the murder of the victim, aided by his able assistant Kabir, who turns out to be Ry Strauss, a key figure in a 1970s case of domestic terrorism, as connections emerge with the art heist and the Hut of Horrors. This has all the thrills, twists and surprises you would expect from Coben, along with the nail biting tension and suspense that his multitude of avid fans would enjoy. There are numerous mentions of Myron and other familiar figures such as Hester Crimstein, helping to embed Win in his new central role. A entertaining and engaging thriller that leaves me wanting to read the next in the series as soon as it becomes available. Many thanks to Random House Cornerstone for an ARC.
September 4, 2021
***NOW AVAILABLE IN PAPERBACK!***
This is my first Harlen Coben novel and after hearing many friends' positive reviews about this character I thought this would be a good time to jump in.
Windsor Horne Lockwood III aka Win is a pretty hard character to like. He is probably one of the most narcissistic characters I¡¯ve come across. Apparently he justifies his love of violence by often lending a hand to the FBI when they have complicated cases that they need some ¡°help¡± with.
WIN is a highly trained fighter, master of probably many martial arts and he is a billionaire which opens lots of doors! His statement ¡°I love violence¡± will probably tell you a bit about how he handles some of his ¡°suspects¡±.
This novel is about a recluse who is found dead in his upscale condo, murdered, his condo is a hoarders laire.The FBI contacted Win because a piece of luggage with his initials is found in the man¡¯s apartment along with a Vermeer painting which belonged to the Win family. This somehow ties into a kidnapping of Win¡¯s cousin, named Patricia,20 years ago.
PT is the name of the retired FBI agent who has worked with Win before. Both he and Win want to know how this man came to have his family¡¯s painting and luggage.
After they finally identify the dead man as Ry Strauss, they go on to find out that he is part of a militant group called The Jane Street Six, this was back in the 1970¡¯s. Ry Strauss was thought to have either died or disappeared somewhere for good.
Someone obviously found Ry but they don¡¯t know why the killer didn¡¯t steal the artwork worth millions
As much as I was prepared not to like Win, I still found myself laughing at times. And you have to admire a man who GETS THINGS DONE.
This quote from Coben in an interview with Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ, explains why he wanted to write this novel
¡°It started with Win . . . . who may be my favorite of my own protagonists. I also always wanted to write an art Heist caper, a famous kidnapping and a story of the counterrevolution of the 60¡¯s and 70¡¯s¡±.
So there you go, that is a great summation of the plot from the author himself!! I enjoyed this one much more than I thought I would. This was a buddy read with my husband. I understand now why he has always enjoyed Mr. Coben¡¯s books.
I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher through Edelweiss.
This is my first Harlen Coben novel and after hearing many friends' positive reviews about this character I thought this would be a good time to jump in.
Windsor Horne Lockwood III aka Win is a pretty hard character to like. He is probably one of the most narcissistic characters I¡¯ve come across. Apparently he justifies his love of violence by often lending a hand to the FBI when they have complicated cases that they need some ¡°help¡± with.
WIN is a highly trained fighter, master of probably many martial arts and he is a billionaire which opens lots of doors! His statement ¡°I love violence¡± will probably tell you a bit about how he handles some of his ¡°suspects¡±.
This novel is about a recluse who is found dead in his upscale condo, murdered, his condo is a hoarders laire.The FBI contacted Win because a piece of luggage with his initials is found in the man¡¯s apartment along with a Vermeer painting which belonged to the Win family. This somehow ties into a kidnapping of Win¡¯s cousin, named Patricia,20 years ago.
PT is the name of the retired FBI agent who has worked with Win before. Both he and Win want to know how this man came to have his family¡¯s painting and luggage.
After they finally identify the dead man as Ry Strauss, they go on to find out that he is part of a militant group called The Jane Street Six, this was back in the 1970¡¯s. Ry Strauss was thought to have either died or disappeared somewhere for good.
Someone obviously found Ry but they don¡¯t know why the killer didn¡¯t steal the artwork worth millions
As much as I was prepared not to like Win, I still found myself laughing at times. And you have to admire a man who GETS THINGS DONE.
This quote from Coben in an interview with Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ, explains why he wanted to write this novel
¡°It started with Win . . . . who may be my favorite of my own protagonists. I also always wanted to write an art Heist caper, a famous kidnapping and a story of the counterrevolution of the 60¡¯s and 70¡¯s¡±.
So there you go, that is a great summation of the plot from the author himself!! I enjoyed this one much more than I thought I would. This was a buddy read with my husband. I understand now why he has always enjoyed Mr. Coben¡¯s books.
I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher through Edelweiss.
March 3, 2021
Win Lockwood III. Comes from old money. Sometimes¡ok most of the time plays by a different set of rules. He protects those he loves fiercely. Front and center is his best friend Myron Bolitar.
This is a series I have been reading for years. I have had a long-time character crush on Myron??. This latest release focuses strictly on the best friend Win.
When the body of a hoarder is found a more bewildering discovery is made. That of an expensive original painting that was stolen from Win Lockwoods family years ago. It is up to Win to discover how this painting came into the possession of this man. Win may root out a few family secrets along the way.
Once again Harlan Coben delivers a fabulous addition to one of my favorite long-running series. This is book one for Win Lockwood to take the leading role. And though I do love Win¡. I really missed Myron. His absence was duly noted.
A buddy read with Susanne that we both enjoyed. Susanne¡¯s character crush of Win is equal to mine of Myron. Perhaps we could double date???
Posted to:
Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for an ARC to read and review.
This is a series I have been reading for years. I have had a long-time character crush on Myron??. This latest release focuses strictly on the best friend Win.
When the body of a hoarder is found a more bewildering discovery is made. That of an expensive original painting that was stolen from Win Lockwoods family years ago. It is up to Win to discover how this painting came into the possession of this man. Win may root out a few family secrets along the way.
Once again Harlan Coben delivers a fabulous addition to one of my favorite long-running series. This is book one for Win Lockwood to take the leading role. And though I do love Win¡. I really missed Myron. His absence was duly noted.
A buddy read with Susanne that we both enjoyed. Susanne¡¯s character crush of Win is equal to mine of Myron. Perhaps we could double date???
Posted to:
Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for an ARC to read and review.
November 30, 2020
There was a time when I regarded Halan Coben as one of my favourite authors but unfortunately I have found his writing a little hit and miss. This for me was a miss and although it was an ok read I found it instantly forgettable. I can see by other reviews I am in the minority but it is my honest opinion.
Windsor Horne Lockwood III is known as Win to his friends and probably just as well given the mouthful. A few years back his family had some expensive paintings taken as well as his monogrammed suitcase. The items have now been located in the penthouse of an exclusive NYC building, which is the home of a recently killed man and apparent hoarder. Win wants to know what the connection is that this man had to his family and his cousins' abduction years earlier.
I just couldn't connect to this story and although the usual Harlan Coben humour was evident I lost interest in the plot. I am sure many others opinions will differ but sorry not for me.
I would like to thank Netgalley & Random House, Cornerstone for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Windsor Horne Lockwood III is known as Win to his friends and probably just as well given the mouthful. A few years back his family had some expensive paintings taken as well as his monogrammed suitcase. The items have now been located in the penthouse of an exclusive NYC building, which is the home of a recently killed man and apparent hoarder. Win wants to know what the connection is that this man had to his family and his cousins' abduction years earlier.
I just couldn't connect to this story and although the usual Harlan Coben humour was evident I lost interest in the plot. I am sure many others opinions will differ but sorry not for me.
I would like to thank Netgalley & Random House, Cornerstone for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
March 8, 2021
Review posted on blog:
Harlan Coben. You do Beat All! An Entire Novel about my FAVORITE Character? Windsor (¡°Win¡±) Horne Lockwood, III? How did I ever get so Lucky? Can I just gush for a few minutes and talk about how much I LOVE Win?!
His sarcasm, his wit, his affect? Win¡¯s witty sense of humor throughout ¡°Win¡± had me laughing hysterically, my entire bellyaching. His brilliance, his ego, his entire personality. Win¡¯s deep abiding love for and loyalty to his best friend Myron, which seeps through the entirety of this book and made tears prick my eyes and fall, more than once. That his love for Myron is ever-present throughout, even when Myron himself is not, well, that speaks volumes.
Win¡¯s love for the finer things in life, including fine wine and well, of course, women. Did I mention his appreciation for women? You¡¯ve got to hand it to the guy, he has pretty good taste.
Yes, he¡¯s a little psychotic at times, but it¡¯s always with the best of intentions. I, for one, would be grateful to have him on my side (and in my bed... BAAAH!!!) Kidding... Not Kidding. (LOL!)
But I digress, Let¡¯s get to the plot, shall we?
When an unknown man is found murdered in a penthouse apartment in NYC, the authorities link items in the man¡¯s apartment to Win and to the Lockwood Family. A Stolen Vermeer painting and a piece of luggage, with Win¡¯s initials on it. Both items are linked to cold cases, one of which dates back to the kidnapping of Patricia Lockwood, Win¡¯s cousin, which happened twenty (20) years ago.
When questioned by the FBI, Win, of course, gives nothing away, and yet he realizes that he must investigate. His privacy (and that of his families) is at stake.
A fantastic mystery/suspense with several intertwining storylines, ¡°Win¡± by Harlan Coben delivers in more ways than one. The character development and the plot are spot on, the twists and turns keep you guessing, and the novel includes several surprises for long-time fans.
While I did, however, miss Myron Bolitar (as I adore him as well), and long for the day when Myron and Win are together again, I will gladly continue on this journey with ¡°Win.¡±
4.25 Stars
This was a wonderful buddy read with Kaceey, my book bestie, and the Myron to my Win.
A huge thank you goes out to Morgan Swift at Grand Central Publishing via NetGalley for the arc.
Thank you also to Harlan Coben. I have read and loved Myron Bolitar and Windsor (¡°Win¡±) Horne Lockwood, III, since the late 1990s and will love them till the end of my days.
Published on Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ, Twitter, and Instagram.
Harlan Coben. You do Beat All! An Entire Novel about my FAVORITE Character? Windsor (¡°Win¡±) Horne Lockwood, III? How did I ever get so Lucky? Can I just gush for a few minutes and talk about how much I LOVE Win?!
His sarcasm, his wit, his affect? Win¡¯s witty sense of humor throughout ¡°Win¡± had me laughing hysterically, my entire bellyaching. His brilliance, his ego, his entire personality. Win¡¯s deep abiding love for and loyalty to his best friend Myron, which seeps through the entirety of this book and made tears prick my eyes and fall, more than once. That his love for Myron is ever-present throughout, even when Myron himself is not, well, that speaks volumes.
Win¡¯s love for the finer things in life, including fine wine and well, of course, women. Did I mention his appreciation for women? You¡¯ve got to hand it to the guy, he has pretty good taste.
Yes, he¡¯s a little psychotic at times, but it¡¯s always with the best of intentions. I, for one, would be grateful to have him on my side (and in my bed... BAAAH!!!) Kidding... Not Kidding. (LOL!)
But I digress, Let¡¯s get to the plot, shall we?
When an unknown man is found murdered in a penthouse apartment in NYC, the authorities link items in the man¡¯s apartment to Win and to the Lockwood Family. A Stolen Vermeer painting and a piece of luggage, with Win¡¯s initials on it. Both items are linked to cold cases, one of which dates back to the kidnapping of Patricia Lockwood, Win¡¯s cousin, which happened twenty (20) years ago.
When questioned by the FBI, Win, of course, gives nothing away, and yet he realizes that he must investigate. His privacy (and that of his families) is at stake.
A fantastic mystery/suspense with several intertwining storylines, ¡°Win¡± by Harlan Coben delivers in more ways than one. The character development and the plot are spot on, the twists and turns keep you guessing, and the novel includes several surprises for long-time fans.
While I did, however, miss Myron Bolitar (as I adore him as well), and long for the day when Myron and Win are together again, I will gladly continue on this journey with ¡°Win.¡±
4.25 Stars
This was a wonderful buddy read with Kaceey, my book bestie, and the Myron to my Win.
A huge thank you goes out to Morgan Swift at Grand Central Publishing via NetGalley for the arc.
Thank you also to Harlan Coben. I have read and loved Myron Bolitar and Windsor (¡°Win¡±) Horne Lockwood, III, since the late 1990s and will love them till the end of my days.
Published on Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ, Twitter, and Instagram.
March 31, 2021
3.5 stars
In one of her reviews, my GR friend Regina asked can you like a book but dislike yourself for liking it. Yes!!! I really liked this one, and I don't like myself much for liking it. This should be one I dislike because of that feminist in me.
Win, is the sidekick to Myron Bolitar's character in his series and is now the main character here. I found myself missing Myron, and it at first felt like something missing, however I thought Win could stand on his own here.
What I liked
The story is heavily plotted with a few threads that Coben keeps spinning to connect the plot and characters. It's fast-paced with plenty of suspense and tension that kept me clicking the pages. All the thread skillfully came together well.
What I dislike
There is a few characters here that come and go, and I couldn't keep track of them all and who was who.
Win's hidden talent is he is batman in disguised with the family butler and secret lair hidden in his mansion. However, he flies by his own grey rules between right and wrong because he is Win, and he can and will win at all costs.
Win, is what you would expect from your typical wealthy, class privilege, sexist male character.
However
Win knows it, Coben knows, and we know it. Win knows his truths and shares it with us.
Win, is also witty, sarcastic, and so humous with those truths it's literally laughable, and I couldn't help but like him and I laughed all the way through it right up to Win's last line.
It's Harlan Coben, and I love his writing, and I have some history with his books that have got me through some tough physical miles ahead of me.
So I like it, but I don't like that I liked it!!
I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley
In one of her reviews, my GR friend Regina asked can you like a book but dislike yourself for liking it. Yes!!! I really liked this one, and I don't like myself much for liking it. This should be one I dislike because of that feminist in me.
Win, is the sidekick to Myron Bolitar's character in his series and is now the main character here. I found myself missing Myron, and it at first felt like something missing, however I thought Win could stand on his own here.
What I liked
The story is heavily plotted with a few threads that Coben keeps spinning to connect the plot and characters. It's fast-paced with plenty of suspense and tension that kept me clicking the pages. All the thread skillfully came together well.
What I dislike
There is a few characters here that come and go, and I couldn't keep track of them all and who was who.
Win's hidden talent is he is batman in disguised with the family butler and secret lair hidden in his mansion. However, he flies by his own grey rules between right and wrong because he is Win, and he can and will win at all costs.
Win, is what you would expect from your typical wealthy, class privilege, sexist male character.
However
Win knows it, Coben knows, and we know it. Win knows his truths and shares it with us.
Win, is also witty, sarcastic, and so humous with those truths it's literally laughable, and I couldn't help but like him and I laughed all the way through it right up to Win's last line.
It's Harlan Coben, and I love his writing, and I have some history with his books that have got me through some tough physical miles ahead of me.
So I like it, but I don't like that I liked it!!
I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley
April 27, 2021
2.5?
This is my eighth book by the author. I usually read Coben's standalone books and just one book from Myron Bolitar series. Win is basically a new character to me. He's an interesting guy, a charming narcissist of sort. The audio is very good and spot on for the character (5 stars!).
I can say I was enjoying the beginning of it, learning about the character, and excited with a new series. The mystery never grabbed me and by half I found it boring. I'll try one more Lockwood.
This is my eighth book by the author. I usually read Coben's standalone books and just one book from Myron Bolitar series. Win is basically a new character to me. He's an interesting guy, a charming narcissist of sort. The audio is very good and spot on for the character (5 stars!).
I can say I was enjoying the beginning of it, learning about the character, and excited with a new series. The mystery never grabbed me and by half I found it boring. I'll try one more Lockwood.
July 3, 2021
This audiobook was perfect entertainment for a road trip. You don¡¯t go into this expecting deep characters. No, it¡¯s all about the excitement, the constant energy of this book, the twists and turns of a lively plot. There¡¯s a big smirk factor to this book, as Win reeks of money and privilege and knows it. You also shouldn¡¯t expect believability. It¡¯s just fun in the manner of a well done action film.
I¡¯ve known Win for many years, as he was a constant character in Coben¡¯s Myron Bolivar series. He was always the one that had Myron¡¯s back. Not one for rules. This time, his decision to take matters into his own hands backfires. There is a subplot that involves him deciding to ¡°help¡± his lawyer tenant who helps women with abuse and stalking issues. But the main plot line involves a dead hoarder who just happens to have a Vermeer painting that was stolen from the Lockwood estate many years ago. You¡¯d think he¡¯d be a character that would be hard to like but you¡¯d be wrong. He¡¯s charismatic despite his ego.
It¡¯s told as if Win is speaking directly to the reader, with lots of asides and fun stories, which worked especially well as an audiobook.
Steven Weber was absolutely fabulous. He¡¯s got the voices and the excitement. He truly added an extra compound to the equation.
I¡¯ve known Win for many years, as he was a constant character in Coben¡¯s Myron Bolivar series. He was always the one that had Myron¡¯s back. Not one for rules. This time, his decision to take matters into his own hands backfires. There is a subplot that involves him deciding to ¡°help¡± his lawyer tenant who helps women with abuse and stalking issues. But the main plot line involves a dead hoarder who just happens to have a Vermeer painting that was stolen from the Lockwood estate many years ago. You¡¯d think he¡¯d be a character that would be hard to like but you¡¯d be wrong. He¡¯s charismatic despite his ego.
It¡¯s told as if Win is speaking directly to the reader, with lots of asides and fun stories, which worked especially well as an audiobook.
Steven Weber was absolutely fabulous. He¡¯s got the voices and the excitement. He truly added an extra compound to the equation.
January 22, 2021
Win is Windsor Horne Lockwood III, the billionaire friend of Myron Bolitar and this is the first in a series in which he is the central character. This is a complex thriller with apparently multiple threads involving a hippy radical action group ¡®The Jane Street Six¡¯ from the 1970¡¯s, a Vermeer painting stolen from the Lockwood family many years ago and a monogrammed suitcase belonging to Win¡¯s cousin Patricia which are discovered at an apartment of a murdered man. Win is the narrator of the novel.
This is an enjoyable, slick thriller with a complicated plot so you really need to concentrate which is no bad thing! The seventies hippy anti Vietnam War radical group is an important aspect which hangs the story together. The involvement of the FBI, as well as an organised crime group adds an intriguing element to Win¡¯s ensuing investigation to try to piece the emerging evidence together. The storyline involving cousin Patricia is dark and shocking and leads to Win having to choose between loyalty to family versus revealing the whole sordid truth. Win as a central protagonist is a fascinating conundrum. At the start of the book we see how he uses violence to mete out his form of justice and violence is always close to the surface in his personal makeup. He comes from great privilege which he utilis¨¦s to the max in the investigation, he¡¯s ruthless, arrogant and abrupt, direct almost to the point of rudeness but he is also loyal, has a strong sense of right and wrong which he enacts his own way. He doesn¡¯t really care what people think of his actions and he makes that abundantly clear but he does care about his daughter Ema and I enjoy his sense of humour. I really like the way the book is written as Win talks to us, his audience, which makes the storytelling personal and perhaps leads to becoming more invested in a good outcome. I warm to him as a character towards the end and I definitely want to read more books that feature him in the future.
My only reservations about the book lie in the start which I find a bit messy and confusing. I¡¯m not entirely sure of the point of it although it does reappear as a plot thread. There are a lot of characters and it takes a while to become familiar with them. There¡¯s a plot hole I can see at the end to do with Patricia which I¡¯m not sure would have held water in a court of law! However, that being said it is a good outcome to the plot and this is fiction!
Overall, this is an action packed, entertaining, unpredictable, never a dull moment, seat of your pants thriller and Win is a winner in more ways than one.
With thanks to NetGalley and Random House UK, Cornerstone, Century for the arc for an honest review.
This is an enjoyable, slick thriller with a complicated plot so you really need to concentrate which is no bad thing! The seventies hippy anti Vietnam War radical group is an important aspect which hangs the story together. The involvement of the FBI, as well as an organised crime group adds an intriguing element to Win¡¯s ensuing investigation to try to piece the emerging evidence together. The storyline involving cousin Patricia is dark and shocking and leads to Win having to choose between loyalty to family versus revealing the whole sordid truth. Win as a central protagonist is a fascinating conundrum. At the start of the book we see how he uses violence to mete out his form of justice and violence is always close to the surface in his personal makeup. He comes from great privilege which he utilis¨¦s to the max in the investigation, he¡¯s ruthless, arrogant and abrupt, direct almost to the point of rudeness but he is also loyal, has a strong sense of right and wrong which he enacts his own way. He doesn¡¯t really care what people think of his actions and he makes that abundantly clear but he does care about his daughter Ema and I enjoy his sense of humour. I really like the way the book is written as Win talks to us, his audience, which makes the storytelling personal and perhaps leads to becoming more invested in a good outcome. I warm to him as a character towards the end and I definitely want to read more books that feature him in the future.
My only reservations about the book lie in the start which I find a bit messy and confusing. I¡¯m not entirely sure of the point of it although it does reappear as a plot thread. There are a lot of characters and it takes a while to become familiar with them. There¡¯s a plot hole I can see at the end to do with Patricia which I¡¯m not sure would have held water in a court of law! However, that being said it is a good outcome to the plot and this is fiction!
Overall, this is an action packed, entertaining, unpredictable, never a dull moment, seat of your pants thriller and Win is a winner in more ways than one.
With thanks to NetGalley and Random House UK, Cornerstone, Century for the arc for an honest review.
January 17, 2023
EXCERPT: 'We found one item in the closet of this bedroom.' Brynn smiles. She has, I notice, a nice smile. 'Only one.'
I wait.
Lopez reenters the room. Behind him, a crime scene technician carries an alligator-leather suitcase with burnished metal hardware. I recognize the piece, but I can't believe it. It makes no sense.
'Do you recognise this suitcase?' Brynn asks.
'Should I?'
But, of course, I do. Years ago, Aunt Plum had one made up for every male member of the family. They are all adorned with the family crest and our initials. When she gave it to me - I was fourteen at the time - I tried very hard not to frown. I don't mind expensive and luxurious. I do mind vulgar and wasteful.
'The bag has your initials on it.'
The technician tipped the luggage so I could see the tacky baroque monogram.
WHL3
'That's you, right? WHL3? Windsor Horne Lockwood the third?'
I don't move, don't speak, don't give anything away. But, without sounding overly dramatic, this discovery has given my world a shove off its axis.
ABOUT 'WIN': Over twenty years ago, the heiress Patricia Lockwood was abducted during a robbery of her family's estate, then locked inside an isolated cabin for months. Patricia escaped, but so did her captors ¡ª and the items stolen from her family were never recovered.
Until now. On the Upper West Side, a recluse is found murdered in his penthouse apartment, alongside two objects of note: a stolen Vermeer painting and a leather suitcase bearing the initials WHL3. For the first time in years, the authorities have a lead ¡ª not only on Patricia's kidnapping, but also on another FBI cold case ¡ª with the suitcase and painting both pointing them toward one man.
Windsor Horne Lockwood III ¡ª or Win, as his few friends call him ¡ª doesn't know how his suitcase and his family's stolen painting ended up with a dead man. But his interest is piqued, especially when the FBI tells him that the man who kidnapped his cousin was also behind an act of domestic terrorism ¡ª and that the conspirators may still be at large. The two cases have baffled the FBI for decades, but Win has three things the FBI doesn't: a personal connection to the case; an ungodly fortune; and his own unique brand of justice.
MY THOUGHTS: Why does Win have to be such a egotistical, entitled, narcissist? I really disliked him. I didn't even admire his well-intentioned vigilante episode, mainly because I don't think that it was well intentioned. It was just Win, flexing his muscle and doing something he enjoyed with what he regarded as benevolent justification.
I struggled with WIN. The storyline may have held my interest had Win been more relatable, but it is very wearing having to listen to Win endlessly tell us just how good and wonderful Win is.
There is a distinct lack of suspense and tension. The book is slow-paced, almost boring, and by the time I got to the admittedly very surprising twist, I was just over it. That twist earned an extra half star from me.
There are numerous references to Myron Bolitar, the main character in another series written by Coben; one I sampled a couple of books of, but didn't enjoy and didn't continue with. I don't remember Win from my brief foray - he apparently features - and I probably wouldn't have picked WIN up to read had I known of the connection.
I have read some brilliantly good books by this author, unfortunately WIN isn't counted among them.
??.5
#Win #NetGalley
I: @harlancoben @randomhouse
T: @HarlanCoben @randomhouse
THE AUTHOR: Harlan Coben was born in Newark, New Jersey. He still lives in New Jersey with his wife, Anne Armstrong-Coben MD, a pediatrician, and their four children.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Random House UK, Cornerstone, Century via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of WIN by Harlan Coben for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review and others are also published on Twitter, Insstagram, Amazon and my webpage
I wait.
Lopez reenters the room. Behind him, a crime scene technician carries an alligator-leather suitcase with burnished metal hardware. I recognize the piece, but I can't believe it. It makes no sense.
'Do you recognise this suitcase?' Brynn asks.
'Should I?'
But, of course, I do. Years ago, Aunt Plum had one made up for every male member of the family. They are all adorned with the family crest and our initials. When she gave it to me - I was fourteen at the time - I tried very hard not to frown. I don't mind expensive and luxurious. I do mind vulgar and wasteful.
'The bag has your initials on it.'
The technician tipped the luggage so I could see the tacky baroque monogram.
WHL3
'That's you, right? WHL3? Windsor Horne Lockwood the third?'
I don't move, don't speak, don't give anything away. But, without sounding overly dramatic, this discovery has given my world a shove off its axis.
ABOUT 'WIN': Over twenty years ago, the heiress Patricia Lockwood was abducted during a robbery of her family's estate, then locked inside an isolated cabin for months. Patricia escaped, but so did her captors ¡ª and the items stolen from her family were never recovered.
Until now. On the Upper West Side, a recluse is found murdered in his penthouse apartment, alongside two objects of note: a stolen Vermeer painting and a leather suitcase bearing the initials WHL3. For the first time in years, the authorities have a lead ¡ª not only on Patricia's kidnapping, but also on another FBI cold case ¡ª with the suitcase and painting both pointing them toward one man.
Windsor Horne Lockwood III ¡ª or Win, as his few friends call him ¡ª doesn't know how his suitcase and his family's stolen painting ended up with a dead man. But his interest is piqued, especially when the FBI tells him that the man who kidnapped his cousin was also behind an act of domestic terrorism ¡ª and that the conspirators may still be at large. The two cases have baffled the FBI for decades, but Win has three things the FBI doesn't: a personal connection to the case; an ungodly fortune; and his own unique brand of justice.
MY THOUGHTS: Why does Win have to be such a egotistical, entitled, narcissist? I really disliked him. I didn't even admire his well-intentioned vigilante episode, mainly because I don't think that it was well intentioned. It was just Win, flexing his muscle and doing something he enjoyed with what he regarded as benevolent justification.
I struggled with WIN. The storyline may have held my interest had Win been more relatable, but it is very wearing having to listen to Win endlessly tell us just how good and wonderful Win is.
There is a distinct lack of suspense and tension. The book is slow-paced, almost boring, and by the time I got to the admittedly very surprising twist, I was just over it. That twist earned an extra half star from me.
There are numerous references to Myron Bolitar, the main character in another series written by Coben; one I sampled a couple of books of, but didn't enjoy and didn't continue with. I don't remember Win from my brief foray - he apparently features - and I probably wouldn't have picked WIN up to read had I known of the connection.
I have read some brilliantly good books by this author, unfortunately WIN isn't counted among them.
??.5
#Win #NetGalley
I: @harlancoben @randomhouse
T: @HarlanCoben @randomhouse
THE AUTHOR: Harlan Coben was born in Newark, New Jersey. He still lives in New Jersey with his wife, Anne Armstrong-Coben MD, a pediatrician, and their four children.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Random House UK, Cornerstone, Century via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of WIN by Harlan Coben for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review and others are also published on Twitter, Insstagram, Amazon and my webpage
March 3, 2021
4.5 stars rounded up.
I didn¡¯t bother reading the blurb for this book - if Harlan Coben wrote it I want to read it. But when I found out that ¡°Win¡± referred to Windsor Horne Lockwood III of the Myron Bolitar books I was delighted. I¡¯ve always loved the Win character, he makes me laugh! And now he is getting his own series, I couldn¡¯t be happier.
When Win¡¯s former FBI mentor, known as P.T. calls Win to a crime scene he is perplexed but he goes anyway. A man, yet to be identified has been killed in one of the penthouse apartments of an exclusive residential hotel. He is a hoarder and there is stuff everywhere but the reason for Win¡¯s visit is hanging on the wall. The original Vermeer painting that was stolen, along with a Picasso, 20 years ago during a short loan from the Lockwood mansion to their exclusive college. How curious! Also present, and more troubling, is a personalised and monogrammed leather suitcase that had been given to Win by an aunt. He hated it so gave it to his cousin Patricia. The suitcase disappeared in a separate incident, also many years ago, when two men broke in to uncle Aldrich¡¯s house, killed him and abducted Patricia after telling her to pack a suitcase (the suitcase). Patricia returned to civilisation after 6 months and helped police locate what was to become known as ¡®the hut of horrors¡¯. Evidence was found of numerous victims before Patricia who had been held, raped, tortured and killed. Understandably she doesn¡¯t like to talk about it.
Now Win is interested as he doesn¡¯t want any blowback for his cousin, no suspicion that she, or indeed himself, may be considered suspects. But when the identity of the dead man as one of the Jane Street Six is uncovered it rather awkwardly ties together three separate crimes, and as far as Win is concerned, that¡¯s not coincidence! The Jane Street Six were hippie protesters from the 70s who were going to throw Molotov cocktails at a building to make a political point, but one of the missiles went astray and caused a bus to crash, killing 5 or 6 people. They were labelled terrorists and the public were baying for their blood but they effectively disappeared from sight. So naturally he makes it his mission to find out what is really going on and how all these very old cases are related.
Well you how it goes - nothing is ever as it seems and Win finds some very dirty secrets lurking in the past. I loved the book, I loved the tone of the book, I love the Win character and can¡¯t wait to read more of his escapades. Actually he reminds me very much of Aloysious Pendergast from another book series. I imagine Win would drive some people nuts with his very blunt way of talking and his answering the phone by saying ¡°articulate¡± but I find it all rather endearing. This book will appeal to all thriller and mystery fans and, it¡¯s the first in a series. Thanks to Netgalley, Random House UK, Cornerstone and Harlan Coben for providing a copy to review. My opinions are my own.
I didn¡¯t bother reading the blurb for this book - if Harlan Coben wrote it I want to read it. But when I found out that ¡°Win¡± referred to Windsor Horne Lockwood III of the Myron Bolitar books I was delighted. I¡¯ve always loved the Win character, he makes me laugh! And now he is getting his own series, I couldn¡¯t be happier.
When Win¡¯s former FBI mentor, known as P.T. calls Win to a crime scene he is perplexed but he goes anyway. A man, yet to be identified has been killed in one of the penthouse apartments of an exclusive residential hotel. He is a hoarder and there is stuff everywhere but the reason for Win¡¯s visit is hanging on the wall. The original Vermeer painting that was stolen, along with a Picasso, 20 years ago during a short loan from the Lockwood mansion to their exclusive college. How curious! Also present, and more troubling, is a personalised and monogrammed leather suitcase that had been given to Win by an aunt. He hated it so gave it to his cousin Patricia. The suitcase disappeared in a separate incident, also many years ago, when two men broke in to uncle Aldrich¡¯s house, killed him and abducted Patricia after telling her to pack a suitcase (the suitcase). Patricia returned to civilisation after 6 months and helped police locate what was to become known as ¡®the hut of horrors¡¯. Evidence was found of numerous victims before Patricia who had been held, raped, tortured and killed. Understandably she doesn¡¯t like to talk about it.
Now Win is interested as he doesn¡¯t want any blowback for his cousin, no suspicion that she, or indeed himself, may be considered suspects. But when the identity of the dead man as one of the Jane Street Six is uncovered it rather awkwardly ties together three separate crimes, and as far as Win is concerned, that¡¯s not coincidence! The Jane Street Six were hippie protesters from the 70s who were going to throw Molotov cocktails at a building to make a political point, but one of the missiles went astray and caused a bus to crash, killing 5 or 6 people. They were labelled terrorists and the public were baying for their blood but they effectively disappeared from sight. So naturally he makes it his mission to find out what is really going on and how all these very old cases are related.
Well you how it goes - nothing is ever as it seems and Win finds some very dirty secrets lurking in the past. I loved the book, I loved the tone of the book, I love the Win character and can¡¯t wait to read more of his escapades. Actually he reminds me very much of Aloysious Pendergast from another book series. I imagine Win would drive some people nuts with his very blunt way of talking and his answering the phone by saying ¡°articulate¡± but I find it all rather endearing. This book will appeal to all thriller and mystery fans and, it¡¯s the first in a series. Thanks to Netgalley, Random House UK, Cornerstone and Harlan Coben for providing a copy to review. My opinions are my own.
March 1, 2021
"Articulate".
One word crisply spoken into his phone. No nonsense. Get to the point, but don't leave out the fine details. The voice belongs to Windsor Horne Lockwood III or just Win to friends and foe alike. Win gets involved and doesn't ask permission. After all, a billionaire with change in his pocket moves about town quite freely on his own. Win will amuse you or get under your skin quickly. Bottom line....your opinion of him doesn't matter. He's heard it all.
But this case comes a little too close for comfort. It's gonna involve Win and the entire Lockwood family leaning in on their palatial home and some of its valued assets. Win is contacted by a former FBI agent, PT, who recruited Win to work with the FBI some time back. PT informs Win that a piece of luggage with his initials on it has been found at a murder scene. And hanging on the wall of that upscale condo is a missing Johannes Vermeer painting that was loaned out by the Lockwood family to a local college. PT wants to know how all these crooked pieces lead toward Win.
Now add a giant slosh of gasoline to this fire with the fact that the murder victim was a former member of a 1970's militant group called the Jane Street Six. Ry Strauss had been missing for eons and was thought to have drown years ago. Strauss never left the condo. But someone came upon his whereabouts as of late resulting in one corpse in a packrat environment. Someone has their eyes on the infamous Jane Street Six. But how and why does this involve Win?
Have mercy. Harlan Coben layers this one up hip deep in multiple threads and backstories. His character of Win takes on a life of its own. "I like violence" pretty much speaks for itself coming from the mouth of Win on many occasions and run-ins. He handles himself well in any altercations and slips through locks and alarms with ease. Win ponies out his own attributes as if listed on a personal menu. But the dialogue is sharply quirky and, at times, hilarious with Win wit. Win knows he is far above mere mortals.
Win is the first installment in this new series by the talented Harlan Coben. On a normal day, in a normal town, in our current world, Win would probably make headlines as an incorrigible individual. Yup. But there's a beating heart inside him when it comes to his precious daughter, Ema. Win does have a soft spot for the young lass. Let's see where Coben takes this series in his next offering. I do think our curiosity will have us strapped in for another ride from the Gold Coast to the dark corners where the rest of us reside. And we can articulate from here on out.
I received a copy of Win through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Grand Central Publishing and to Harlan Coben for the opportunity.
One word crisply spoken into his phone. No nonsense. Get to the point, but don't leave out the fine details. The voice belongs to Windsor Horne Lockwood III or just Win to friends and foe alike. Win gets involved and doesn't ask permission. After all, a billionaire with change in his pocket moves about town quite freely on his own. Win will amuse you or get under your skin quickly. Bottom line....your opinion of him doesn't matter. He's heard it all.
But this case comes a little too close for comfort. It's gonna involve Win and the entire Lockwood family leaning in on their palatial home and some of its valued assets. Win is contacted by a former FBI agent, PT, who recruited Win to work with the FBI some time back. PT informs Win that a piece of luggage with his initials on it has been found at a murder scene. And hanging on the wall of that upscale condo is a missing Johannes Vermeer painting that was loaned out by the Lockwood family to a local college. PT wants to know how all these crooked pieces lead toward Win.
Now add a giant slosh of gasoline to this fire with the fact that the murder victim was a former member of a 1970's militant group called the Jane Street Six. Ry Strauss had been missing for eons and was thought to have drown years ago. Strauss never left the condo. But someone came upon his whereabouts as of late resulting in one corpse in a packrat environment. Someone has their eyes on the infamous Jane Street Six. But how and why does this involve Win?
Have mercy. Harlan Coben layers this one up hip deep in multiple threads and backstories. His character of Win takes on a life of its own. "I like violence" pretty much speaks for itself coming from the mouth of Win on many occasions and run-ins. He handles himself well in any altercations and slips through locks and alarms with ease. Win ponies out his own attributes as if listed on a personal menu. But the dialogue is sharply quirky and, at times, hilarious with Win wit. Win knows he is far above mere mortals.
Win is the first installment in this new series by the talented Harlan Coben. On a normal day, in a normal town, in our current world, Win would probably make headlines as an incorrigible individual. Yup. But there's a beating heart inside him when it comes to his precious daughter, Ema. Win does have a soft spot for the young lass. Let's see where Coben takes this series in his next offering. I do think our curiosity will have us strapped in for another ride from the Gold Coast to the dark corners where the rest of us reside. And we can articulate from here on out.
I received a copy of Win through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Grand Central Publishing and to Harlan Coben for the opportunity.
March 15, 2021
I¡¯ve always been a big fan of Win, aka Windsor Horne Lockwood III, as he¡¯s known to his family and the elite families of New York. Ever since he first appeared as sports agent Myron Bolitor¡¯s wingman and fellow investigator, I have loved his sardonic wit and no-holds barred approach to tackling the bad guys. So, I can¡¯t tell you how excited I was to discover that Win now has his own novel, with the promise of his own series. If you haven¡¯t met Win before, then don¡¯t worry, as you¡¯ll get a full introduction to this charming but arrogant and dangerous man and the world he lives in. Love him or hate him, he¡¯s unique.
When a reclusive hoarder is found dead in his penthouse apartment, the police make an astonishing discovery. There hanging on his wall is the Vermeer painting stolen from Win¡¯s family along with a Picasso, twenty years before. A custom-made leather suitcase bearing Win¡¯s initials, WHLIII, is also found in the apartment. The man is eventually identified as a member of the ¡®Jane Street Six¡¯, a group wanted by the FBI for an act domestic terrorism in the 1970s. How the man was able to afford an apartment on the upper west side of New York and how he came to have both the Vermeer and Win¡¯s suitcase is a mystery to both Win and the FBI.
Coben is the master of the art of weaving complex tales together to make great suspense and this is an intricate plot that will require Win to track down all the members of the ¡®Jane Street Six¡¯ as well as look into an old family feud and the tragic death of his Uncle and abduction of his teenage cousin two decades ago.
Always lurking in the shadows before, Win¡¯s character is fully fleshed out for us here. Despite his charisma, his wealth and his education, he is clearly insecure and flawed. He recognises the violence in his nature and how to direct it where it is most effective and with his inbuilt sense of morality and justice, he can use his money and connections to get what he wants and keep the law at arms length. Myron is the only true friend he has and the only person he truly loves. Rather than prolonged romantic relationships, he prefers to have a series of one night stands with rich and beautiful women. Although not close to his family, the exception may be his emerging relationship with his recently discovered daughter Ema and it will be interesting to watch this develop over the series.
Whether you¡¯re a fan of Coben¡¯s or have never read him before, expect to be hooked in to this smart and engaging thriller with an unexpected twist of an ending. An excellent introduction to a new series!
With many thanks to Random House UK and Netgalley for a copy to read. Expected publication 18th March. Original review published at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
When a reclusive hoarder is found dead in his penthouse apartment, the police make an astonishing discovery. There hanging on his wall is the Vermeer painting stolen from Win¡¯s family along with a Picasso, twenty years before. A custom-made leather suitcase bearing Win¡¯s initials, WHLIII, is also found in the apartment. The man is eventually identified as a member of the ¡®Jane Street Six¡¯, a group wanted by the FBI for an act domestic terrorism in the 1970s. How the man was able to afford an apartment on the upper west side of New York and how he came to have both the Vermeer and Win¡¯s suitcase is a mystery to both Win and the FBI.
Coben is the master of the art of weaving complex tales together to make great suspense and this is an intricate plot that will require Win to track down all the members of the ¡®Jane Street Six¡¯ as well as look into an old family feud and the tragic death of his Uncle and abduction of his teenage cousin two decades ago.
Always lurking in the shadows before, Win¡¯s character is fully fleshed out for us here. Despite his charisma, his wealth and his education, he is clearly insecure and flawed. He recognises the violence in his nature and how to direct it where it is most effective and with his inbuilt sense of morality and justice, he can use his money and connections to get what he wants and keep the law at arms length. Myron is the only true friend he has and the only person he truly loves. Rather than prolonged romantic relationships, he prefers to have a series of one night stands with rich and beautiful women. Although not close to his family, the exception may be his emerging relationship with his recently discovered daughter Ema and it will be interesting to watch this develop over the series.
Whether you¡¯re a fan of Coben¡¯s or have never read him before, expect to be hooked in to this smart and engaging thriller with an unexpected twist of an ending. An excellent introduction to a new series!
With many thanks to Random House UK and Netgalley for a copy to read. Expected publication 18th March. Original review published at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
April 19, 2021
Harlan Coben has written some of my favourite crime novels, but lately, his books have been hit or miss for me. This may be due to changes in my reading tastes and not the fault of the author. The last one I read, 'The Boy From the Woods,' was a disappointment and don't believe I even finished it. This was better with ongoing suspense and a complex plot. However, I was never deeply engaged and was slow to return to it whenever I put it aside.
The main character is billionaire Windsor Horne Lockwood III. He was a devoted and helpful sidekick of Myron Bolitar, who had a previous series of his own. As this book has #1 in its title, I assume it is the start of a new series. I found him to be a deplorable person, arrogant, rude, narcissistic, smug and entitled. I was entertained by his inner dialogue, as he seemed aware of how others viewed him but did not care. He is highly skillful in martial arts and can act viciously towards his opponents and enjoy violence. To get information needed to solve a crime, he is not above resorting to extreme violence or bribery. He knows that his great wealth will give him immunity from legal proceedings. He has few friends. His greatest emotional attachment seems to be with Myron, and he is becoming acquainted and forging ties with his illegitimate daughter. He will go to great lengths to cover up family transgressions and uphold their reputation.
The complicated plot involves past crimes that may be connected. Decades ago, two priceless paintings belonging to the Lockwoods were stolen, a Picasso and a Vermeer. His uncle was shot, and his daughter, Patricia Lockwood, Win's cousin, was kidnapped by two men. She was held in the notorious, secluded House of Horrors for 5 months before escaping. 7 to 9 young women were held at the same location at various times, raped, tortured and murdered. None of these crimes were ever solved. The plot also focuses on The Jane Street Six. These were early 70s hippy anti-VietNam War protesters. They firebombed a building, and some deaths resulted from this act. They vanished and are either using assumed names or have since died.
The body of a hoarder who lived like a hermit has been discovered. Win is summoned to the crime scene because the Vermeer was found in the dead man's apartment and a suitcase bearing Win's initials. The murdered man is identified as Ry Strauss, a leading figure in the 1970s act of domestic terrorism. Win now has immediate cause to protect his family while discovering connections to the House of Horrors and the art theft. There are many twists, confessions, and revelations before we find out the truth. Will Win go into vigilante mode to punish the guilty, or will his loyalty lead him to a coverup of what he learns?
I believe many readers of complex, twisty crime novels will enjoy this book and should not be deterred by my review.
The main character is billionaire Windsor Horne Lockwood III. He was a devoted and helpful sidekick of Myron Bolitar, who had a previous series of his own. As this book has #1 in its title, I assume it is the start of a new series. I found him to be a deplorable person, arrogant, rude, narcissistic, smug and entitled. I was entertained by his inner dialogue, as he seemed aware of how others viewed him but did not care. He is highly skillful in martial arts and can act viciously towards his opponents and enjoy violence. To get information needed to solve a crime, he is not above resorting to extreme violence or bribery. He knows that his great wealth will give him immunity from legal proceedings. He has few friends. His greatest emotional attachment seems to be with Myron, and he is becoming acquainted and forging ties with his illegitimate daughter. He will go to great lengths to cover up family transgressions and uphold their reputation.
The complicated plot involves past crimes that may be connected. Decades ago, two priceless paintings belonging to the Lockwoods were stolen, a Picasso and a Vermeer. His uncle was shot, and his daughter, Patricia Lockwood, Win's cousin, was kidnapped by two men. She was held in the notorious, secluded House of Horrors for 5 months before escaping. 7 to 9 young women were held at the same location at various times, raped, tortured and murdered. None of these crimes were ever solved. The plot also focuses on The Jane Street Six. These were early 70s hippy anti-VietNam War protesters. They firebombed a building, and some deaths resulted from this act. They vanished and are either using assumed names or have since died.
The body of a hoarder who lived like a hermit has been discovered. Win is summoned to the crime scene because the Vermeer was found in the dead man's apartment and a suitcase bearing Win's initials. The murdered man is identified as Ry Strauss, a leading figure in the 1970s act of domestic terrorism. Win now has immediate cause to protect his family while discovering connections to the House of Horrors and the art theft. There are many twists, confessions, and revelations before we find out the truth. Will Win go into vigilante mode to punish the guilty, or will his loyalty lead him to a coverup of what he learns?
I believe many readers of complex, twisty crime novels will enjoy this book and should not be deterred by my review.
January 11, 2022
Win by Harlan Coben is a 2021 Grand Central publication.
Windsor Horne Lockwood III gets his own book!!
A reclusive hoarder is found dead. Among his effects is a leather suitcase with Win¡¯s initials and a painting stolen from his family. Naturally, Win is called in to answer a few questions.
The discovery opens a new inquiry into the kidnapping of Win¡¯s cousin, Patricia, as well as a case involving a group of domestic terrorists- most of whom have been missing for decades. Because Win has a personal stake in the case, he begins his own investigation¡ on his terms¡
I was so pleased to learn that Win would get his own series! For those who follow the Myron Bolitar series you are well acquainted with Win. He¡¯s an anti-hero with appalling tendencies, but is a character many of us secretly root for, at least on some level- but have a hard time owning it.
Putting Win front and center without Myron as a buffer is an intriguing idea.
So how well did Win do with his first solo case?
Not too bad. The character keeps his originality, while giving us a better understanding of his family background. My one complaint was that Win went on two long-winded monologues about his sex life- which was at least one too many.
Other than that, the story is absorbing, well-plotted, with Coben¡¯s signature surprises and twists to keep things lively.
Win¡¯s unconventionality is a start contrast to Myron¡¯s boy scout approach, and it¡¯s a big change of pace, but you must admit Win is certainly challenging and adds a level of excitement to the story merely because he¡¯s so unpredictable.
Overall, this story is a good, solid ¡®cold case¡¯ drama- one of my favorite crime fiction tropes, is fast-paced with multiple threads tying together nicely.
Win's first solo adventure was certainly interesting. It is fun solving mysteries with such an unusual protagonist- one that unapologetically evokes both disgust and admiration.
I¡¯m very interested in seeing how the ¡®Lockwood¡¯ series will progress from here.
4 stars
Windsor Horne Lockwood III gets his own book!!
A reclusive hoarder is found dead. Among his effects is a leather suitcase with Win¡¯s initials and a painting stolen from his family. Naturally, Win is called in to answer a few questions.
The discovery opens a new inquiry into the kidnapping of Win¡¯s cousin, Patricia, as well as a case involving a group of domestic terrorists- most of whom have been missing for decades. Because Win has a personal stake in the case, he begins his own investigation¡ on his terms¡
I was so pleased to learn that Win would get his own series! For those who follow the Myron Bolitar series you are well acquainted with Win. He¡¯s an anti-hero with appalling tendencies, but is a character many of us secretly root for, at least on some level- but have a hard time owning it.
Putting Win front and center without Myron as a buffer is an intriguing idea.
So how well did Win do with his first solo case?
Not too bad. The character keeps his originality, while giving us a better understanding of his family background. My one complaint was that Win went on two long-winded monologues about his sex life- which was at least one too many.
Other than that, the story is absorbing, well-plotted, with Coben¡¯s signature surprises and twists to keep things lively.
Win¡¯s unconventionality is a start contrast to Myron¡¯s boy scout approach, and it¡¯s a big change of pace, but you must admit Win is certainly challenging and adds a level of excitement to the story merely because he¡¯s so unpredictable.
Overall, this story is a good, solid ¡®cold case¡¯ drama- one of my favorite crime fiction tropes, is fast-paced with multiple threads tying together nicely.
Win's first solo adventure was certainly interesting. It is fun solving mysteries with such an unusual protagonist- one that unapologetically evokes both disgust and admiration.
I¡¯m very interested in seeing how the ¡®Lockwood¡¯ series will progress from here.
4 stars
January 2, 2021
Warning - gushing review ahead!
As a long time reader and fan of Harlan Coben novels, Win is a familiar character to me. I was so excited when I heard that there was going to be a book (and a series?? please a series!!) focusing on Win. I wanted to read this book with no interruptions and I managed to read it in a day. I really didn't want it to end, even as my eyes were struggling to stay open.
If you have ever read any of the Myron Bolitar books you will know Win - Windsor Horne Lockwood III. Win is Myron's best friend, his right hand man who pushes the limits of the law. His name, his money and his reputation get him along way and gets him results. I wouldn't want to agree with him that is for sure. His family and Myron come first, loyal to a fault. He come across as rough and arrogant, but deep down he is insecure and troubled. Being from old money brings its share of problems as well, I absolutely loved getting to know more about him, and understanding a bit better why he is like he is.
This is a case that is personal to Win. A recluse, hoarder, an old man is found murdered in his penthouse apartment in New York. Police ask Win to come to the crime scene as they have found something that belongs to his family - a painting that was stolen many years ago. As he starts to look into why and how this man had the artwork, he discovers links to another family event that has never been solved. The more he looks, the more somebody wants him to stop.
The twists in this story were just fantastic. At no time did I guess what was going to happen next and the ending blew my mind . Harlan Coben is a master storyteller, his books are addictive and always leave you wanting more. That is why he is one of my all time favourite writers, and I will buy his books without reading the blurb.
If you have never read a Coben book - why? You seriously need to amend that and get reading - there are so many fantastic books for you to catch up on. While Win is a character from the Myron books, this book can be read easily as a standalone. That being said, it will make you want to grab the other books.
A massive thanks to Netgalley, Random House UK, Cornerstone, Century for approving my request for this early copy. Do yourself a favour and grab this book.
As a long time reader and fan of Harlan Coben novels, Win is a familiar character to me. I was so excited when I heard that there was going to be a book (and a series?? please a series!!) focusing on Win. I wanted to read this book with no interruptions and I managed to read it in a day. I really didn't want it to end, even as my eyes were struggling to stay open.
If you have ever read any of the Myron Bolitar books you will know Win - Windsor Horne Lockwood III. Win is Myron's best friend, his right hand man who pushes the limits of the law. His name, his money and his reputation get him along way and gets him results. I wouldn't want to agree with him that is for sure. His family and Myron come first, loyal to a fault. He come across as rough and arrogant, but deep down he is insecure and troubled. Being from old money brings its share of problems as well, I absolutely loved getting to know more about him, and understanding a bit better why he is like he is.
This is a case that is personal to Win. A recluse, hoarder, an old man is found murdered in his penthouse apartment in New York. Police ask Win to come to the crime scene as they have found something that belongs to his family - a painting that was stolen many years ago. As he starts to look into why and how this man had the artwork, he discovers links to another family event that has never been solved. The more he looks, the more somebody wants him to stop.
The twists in this story were just fantastic. At no time did I guess what was going to happen next and the ending blew my mind . Harlan Coben is a master storyteller, his books are addictive and always leave you wanting more. That is why he is one of my all time favourite writers, and I will buy his books without reading the blurb.
If you have never read a Coben book - why? You seriously need to amend that and get reading - there are so many fantastic books for you to catch up on. While Win is a character from the Myron books, this book can be read easily as a standalone. That being said, it will make you want to grab the other books.
A massive thanks to Netgalley, Random House UK, Cornerstone, Century for approving my request for this early copy. Do yourself a favour and grab this book.
June 20, 2021
Wow I seem to be in the minority here but I did not enjoy this book at ALL. This was my first Coben read and either it wasn't the best choice, or this author is not for me.
Our first person protagonist Win is INSUFFERABLE. What's the word for an incel who's not celibate?? Like, a dude who behaves like an incel but is good looking enough to get sex anyway? I'll tell you what the word for it is: Win bloody Smarmy McSmarmypants the Third.
This guy is so far up his own butt that when he opens his mouth it's like Win-ception. He likes to go on and on about how terribly rich and well-dressed and good looking he is. He is an absolute SOCIOPATH with the emotional range of a teaspoon. He literally used the word "methinks" - TWICE. He has no empathy and basically doesn't care about other people at all, and yet holds himself up as some kind of moral arbiter above the law - because, I don't know if I've mentioned this yet, but he's really rich. So rich. His family has a big mansion and it's just so ho hum to him when he flies in on the "copter" cos he's like... super rich, you know. Rich.
He answers the phone by saying "articulate" . Seriously. If that makes your blood temperature rise so high you're gonna need a COVID swab before you can go to the shops, I suggest this book may not be for you.
The cover of this makes you think this is going to be a high stakes thriller - but there are no stakes. Or thrills. There is never a sense of threat or adrenaline - in fact, my only stake in this was sincerely wishing someone would smack this guy's smarmy face in to bring him down a peg or two. It's all weirdly emotionless and detached. The story is... boring. It just plods along and he finds a bunch of people and asks them a bunch of questions and then finds out the answer... and that's it. The most potentially exciting part of the story (the threat to his daughter... sorry, his "biological" daughter because again, sociopath) is told in a retrospective throwaway paragraph.
I honestly wish I had DNF'd this when I wanted to, which was pretty much the entire time I was reading it.
Our first person protagonist Win is INSUFFERABLE. What's the word for an incel who's not celibate?? Like, a dude who behaves like an incel but is good looking enough to get sex anyway? I'll tell you what the word for it is: Win bloody Smarmy McSmarmypants the Third.
This guy is so far up his own butt that when he opens his mouth it's like Win-ception. He likes to go on and on about how terribly rich and well-dressed and good looking he is. He is an absolute SOCIOPATH with the emotional range of a teaspoon. He literally used the word "methinks" - TWICE. He has no empathy and basically doesn't care about other people at all, and yet holds himself up as some kind of moral arbiter above the law - because, I don't know if I've mentioned this yet, but he's really rich. So rich. His family has a big mansion and it's just so ho hum to him when he flies in on the "copter" cos he's like... super rich, you know. Rich.
He answers the phone by saying "articulate" . Seriously. If that makes your blood temperature rise so high you're gonna need a COVID swab before you can go to the shops, I suggest this book may not be for you.
The cover of this makes you think this is going to be a high stakes thriller - but there are no stakes. Or thrills. There is never a sense of threat or adrenaline - in fact, my only stake in this was sincerely wishing someone would smack this guy's smarmy face in to bring him down a peg or two. It's all weirdly emotionless and detached. The story is... boring. It just plods along and he finds a bunch of people and asks them a bunch of questions and then finds out the answer... and that's it. The most potentially exciting part of the story (the threat to his daughter... sorry, his "biological" daughter because again, sociopath) is told in a retrospective throwaway paragraph.
I honestly wish I had DNF'd this when I wanted to, which was pretty much the entire time I was reading it.
March 1, 2022
Windsor H. Lockwood III is rich, very rich. He¡¯s also a crime solver with psychopathic tendencies, an expert fighter with a driving appetite for exclusive one-night-stand sexual encounters. He¡¯s clearly a tough guy but he also comes across as somewhat camp. Yes, he¡¯s definitely an interesting character. And if you¡¯re a long-time fan of Coben¡¯s you¡¯ve probably met him before - as the close friend of Myron Bolitar, in the author¡¯s long running series featuring the sports agent come accidental detective. Now Win, as he¡¯s known, has his own series.
In this opening episode, Win has family issues on his mind. Having been called to the scene of a murder at one of the most prestigious buildings in Manhattan, he finds something surprising: a valuable oil painting that once adorned the wall of his family¡¯s pile in Pennsylvania. How did it end up here and what journey did it take along the way. Through a friend and former mentor ¨C the man who pulled him to this place ¨C we learn of a possible link to a radical left wing group responsible for the death of seven people. A complex but intriguing puzzle starts to take form.
Win has access to a private plane a full-time assistant and an ample store of contacts to aid his investigation. And, driven on by the various familial connections he identifies, he finds this particular mystery pretty much all consuming ¨C aside from his occasional appointments to satisfy his sexual needs, that is.
Coben constructs a complex but engaging story here and there¡¯s something about Win that I did find appealing: he¡¯s quirky and direct and also somewhat rude, but it¡¯s all wrapped up in a character who is hard to take too seriously. It¡¯s fun. This is book that I found easy to pick up and one that was quick to induce a smile. I¡¯ll be back for more, I¡¯m pretty sure of that.
My thanks to Random House UK, Cornerstone and NetGalley for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
In this opening episode, Win has family issues on his mind. Having been called to the scene of a murder at one of the most prestigious buildings in Manhattan, he finds something surprising: a valuable oil painting that once adorned the wall of his family¡¯s pile in Pennsylvania. How did it end up here and what journey did it take along the way. Through a friend and former mentor ¨C the man who pulled him to this place ¨C we learn of a possible link to a radical left wing group responsible for the death of seven people. A complex but intriguing puzzle starts to take form.
Win has access to a private plane a full-time assistant and an ample store of contacts to aid his investigation. And, driven on by the various familial connections he identifies, he finds this particular mystery pretty much all consuming ¨C aside from his occasional appointments to satisfy his sexual needs, that is.
Coben constructs a complex but engaging story here and there¡¯s something about Win that I did find appealing: he¡¯s quirky and direct and also somewhat rude, but it¡¯s all wrapped up in a character who is hard to take too seriously. It¡¯s fun. This is book that I found easy to pick up and one that was quick to induce a smile. I¡¯ll be back for more, I¡¯m pretty sure of that.
My thanks to Random House UK, Cornerstone and NetGalley for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 24, 2021
Overall, this story lacks humor that it could have used and is boring. Win's skills would be better served with better use. 4 of 10 stars
June 14, 2021
I am a big Myron Bolitar fan and have always enjoyed the part Win plays in that series. However for most of the series he popped up here and there, and we only knew a very little bit about him. In we found out more, and now he gets his own book and presents himself in full.
It turns out there are many things not to like about him. He is arrogant, he is sadistic and his people skills are limited. On the other hand he is hugely intelligent, he often uses his extreme wealth to help people, and he is one hundred percent there for the few people he really cares about. Basically he is an anti hero and love him or hate him he is always interesting.
The story is excellent, very involved and with a surprise ending. There are constant references to Myron throughout but he never actually arrives in person. This is definitely Win's book and I enjoyed it very much indeed. I am looking forward to the next one.
It turns out there are many things not to like about him. He is arrogant, he is sadistic and his people skills are limited. On the other hand he is hugely intelligent, he often uses his extreme wealth to help people, and he is one hundred percent there for the few people he really cares about. Basically he is an anti hero and love him or hate him he is always interesting.
The story is excellent, very involved and with a surprise ending. There are constant references to Myron throughout but he never actually arrives in person. This is definitely Win's book and I enjoyed it very much indeed. I am looking forward to the next one.
March 7, 2021
Win Lockwood has always been a fun, highly enjoyable, quirky character in the Myron Bolitar books. As for holding his own in his own book, I¡¯m underwhelmed. There¡¯s far too much time spent in Win¡¯s head; he¡¯s moody, selfish, pretentious, thoughtless, arrogant, and obnoxious. On top of that, the book was kind of boring. Not much really happens besides Win pontificating at length about how great it is to be rich and what a wonderful life he leads. I find I really like Win in small doses, but as for a full book of his various unpleasant eccentricities not so much.
I enjoy Harlan Coben¡¯s work; but if he plans to make a series out of the ¡°vigilante anti-hero¡± Win, he seriously needs to work on some of his more unpalatable character traits. Yes, Win is a rich bad boy; but he doesn¡¯t have to be such a thoroughly unlikable ass all the time. The premise of the book was interesting, the execution left a little to be desired.
Towards the end there were the twists and turns Coben is known for, but nothing anywhere near the quality of some of his other books. And the quirky, fun Win from the Bolitar series was nowhere to be found. Here he was morally repugnant and made me feel dirty from his vigilante ¡®adventure¡¯. Color me disappointed.
I enjoy Harlan Coben¡¯s work; but if he plans to make a series out of the ¡°vigilante anti-hero¡± Win, he seriously needs to work on some of his more unpalatable character traits. Yes, Win is a rich bad boy; but he doesn¡¯t have to be such a thoroughly unlikable ass all the time. The premise of the book was interesting, the execution left a little to be desired.
Towards the end there were the twists and turns Coben is known for, but nothing anywhere near the quality of some of his other books. And the quirky, fun Win from the Bolitar series was nowhere to be found. Here he was morally repugnant and made me feel dirty from his vigilante ¡®adventure¡¯. Color me disappointed.
September 1, 2021
More than twenty years ago, Windsor (Win) Lockwood¡¯s first cousin, Patricia, was abducted during a robbery of her family¡¯s estate. She was found five months later but her kidnappers were never identified or caught. When a recluse is found murdered in his penthouse apartment on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, they also find some of the stolen items from that robbery with his remains. Additionally, they find one of the two priceless pieces of art Win¡¯s family had on loan at a university that was also part of a theft years earlier. One item in particular, however, points to Win who has no idea how it ended up in the home of a man who they later identify as a most wanted domestic terrorist from decades ago.
If you¡¯re a fan of the Myron Bolitar series, you already know and probably love Win Lockwood as I do so I was elated when news of this book and series was announced. If you¡¯re unfamiliar with this character or that series, it doesn¡¯t matter as Win is presented perfectly to both audiences. He¡¯s not changed and I loved learning more about his family and origins, even though there is still more to discover about this enigmatic character. The mystery was thorny and if all of these elements weren¡¯t complicated enough, Win is also dealing with the consequences he created through his singular sense of justice in another situation. There are a lot of balls in the air to juggle but I didn¡¯t have any problems keeping up or assimilating all of the clues.
The story far surpassed my expectations, which were high and the reason I delayed listening to the book. Speaking of listening, Steven Weber nails Win! If you have the option of getting the audio version, grab it because his performance was exceptional at every level. Yes, he¡¯s one of my favorites, but still. Win isn¡¯t your traditional hero or role model and I¡¯ve often questioned why I find him so appealing. Maybe it¡¯s his authenticity, loyalty to friend Myron Bolitar and fearlessness. Who knows but I¡¯m a diehard fan and think you will be, too. And, the author¡¯s signature twists (there were several) just made this a stellar reading/listening experience. I¡¯m excited for what may come next in this series.
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(Thanks to Brilliance Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
If you¡¯re a fan of the Myron Bolitar series, you already know and probably love Win Lockwood as I do so I was elated when news of this book and series was announced. If you¡¯re unfamiliar with this character or that series, it doesn¡¯t matter as Win is presented perfectly to both audiences. He¡¯s not changed and I loved learning more about his family and origins, even though there is still more to discover about this enigmatic character. The mystery was thorny and if all of these elements weren¡¯t complicated enough, Win is also dealing with the consequences he created through his singular sense of justice in another situation. There are a lot of balls in the air to juggle but I didn¡¯t have any problems keeping up or assimilating all of the clues.
The story far surpassed my expectations, which were high and the reason I delayed listening to the book. Speaking of listening, Steven Weber nails Win! If you have the option of getting the audio version, grab it because his performance was exceptional at every level. Yes, he¡¯s one of my favorites, but still. Win isn¡¯t your traditional hero or role model and I¡¯ve often questioned why I find him so appealing. Maybe it¡¯s his authenticity, loyalty to friend Myron Bolitar and fearlessness. Who knows but I¡¯m a diehard fan and think you will be, too. And, the author¡¯s signature twists (there were several) just made this a stellar reading/listening experience. I¡¯m excited for what may come next in this series.
Posted on
(Thanks to Brilliance Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
March 31, 2021
Win, who has been the intriguing sidekick, for Cobens long running series featuring Myron Bolitar, finally gets his own book. So, we finally get an insiders view of what makes Win who he is, hear his own views and find out why he acts the way he does. This case is personal, involving the wealthy family he is part of and features a mysterious theft, a long ago act of terrorism, death and a kidnapping. It sure kept me turning the pages, the pace of this novel and the motivation to have answers made this novel just fly by.
Win is a most unusual character, with his own code of ethics and one that is not bound by legal constraints. I admit the constant mention of his wealth was overdone, but it is this money that allows him much that would send an ordinary man to prison, probably for a very long time. As we know in this country, and others I'm sure, money talks and men walk. So it goes. Now I wonder if this will be the start of a series featuring Win. My guess is yes, and I'm looking forward to that. He's not a person I'd like to meet but he is an interesting character.
ARC from Edelweiss.
Win is a most unusual character, with his own code of ethics and one that is not bound by legal constraints. I admit the constant mention of his wealth was overdone, but it is this money that allows him much that would send an ordinary man to prison, probably for a very long time. As we know in this country, and others I'm sure, money talks and men walk. So it goes. Now I wonder if this will be the start of a series featuring Win. My guess is yes, and I'm looking forward to that. He's not a person I'd like to meet but he is an interesting character.
ARC from Edelweiss.
April 27, 2021
I was thrilled to learn about the complex ¡®Win¡¯. He is the Yin to Myron¡¯s yang and it was most satisfying to learn who he is. He has a family. Imagine! He has children. Imagine! I think I am late to the party here as ¡®Mickey¡¯ was mentioned, and I know this is an off shoot from Bolitar as well.
I definitely was more invested in the character aspect of this one, rather that the plot, although this was necessary to see Win's motivations and how he lives, thinks and feels.
Myron¡¯s ex Jessica makes a cameo, also, I will not spoil anything about that part. It was a little odd, but still nice to hear from an older character.
I need to keep up my momentum with the all things Bolitar, it¡¯s my favourite series, and yes, my favourite author.
This was a good mystery, Win is very skilled and has such a complex personality and way of thinking. He pushes every limit imaginable, and even more curious is the way in which he interacts with women! I love how he begins to show an empathy (not sure if that¡¯s the right word) and questions his softer side. This is very interesting and I can see it will be built upon as the series progresses.
I listened to the audio, which was amazing. One of the best I¡¯ve heard. A hearty congratulations to Steven Weber. You can tell quality authors and publishers in the way these choices are made.
I typed a passage (while using my audio on slow speed which was absolutley hilarious) which I thought was an amazing summation of the two characters we love. Win and Myron. Myron and Win.
Those who know us well would note that I always came through when Myron would engage in similar quicksotic quests and ask for my help that in fact that after all the times I marched into battle for him without question or pause Myron owes me. Most folks would be wrong. Let me clue you in on the advice Myron¡¯s father, one of the wisest men I know gave his son and his son¡¯s best man - that would be yours truly - on Myron¡¯s wedding day. Relationships are never 50/50. Sometimes they are 60/40 sometimes 80/20. You¡¯ll be the 80 sometimes, you¡¯ll be the 20 others. The key is to accept and be okay with that. I believe this simple wisdom is true for all great relationships, not just marriages. So if you added up how my friendship with Myron has improved and enhanced my life, no. Myron owes me nothing.
I definitely was more invested in the character aspect of this one, rather that the plot, although this was necessary to see Win's motivations and how he lives, thinks and feels.
Myron¡¯s ex Jessica makes a cameo, also, I will not spoil anything about that part. It was a little odd, but still nice to hear from an older character.
I need to keep up my momentum with the all things Bolitar, it¡¯s my favourite series, and yes, my favourite author.
This was a good mystery, Win is very skilled and has such a complex personality and way of thinking. He pushes every limit imaginable, and even more curious is the way in which he interacts with women! I love how he begins to show an empathy (not sure if that¡¯s the right word) and questions his softer side. This is very interesting and I can see it will be built upon as the series progresses.
I listened to the audio, which was amazing. One of the best I¡¯ve heard. A hearty congratulations to Steven Weber. You can tell quality authors and publishers in the way these choices are made.
I typed a passage (while using my audio on slow speed which was absolutley hilarious) which I thought was an amazing summation of the two characters we love. Win and Myron. Myron and Win.
Those who know us well would note that I always came through when Myron would engage in similar quicksotic quests and ask for my help that in fact that after all the times I marched into battle for him without question or pause Myron owes me. Most folks would be wrong. Let me clue you in on the advice Myron¡¯s father, one of the wisest men I know gave his son and his son¡¯s best man - that would be yours truly - on Myron¡¯s wedding day. Relationships are never 50/50. Sometimes they are 60/40 sometimes 80/20. You¡¯ll be the 80 sometimes, you¡¯ll be the 20 others. The key is to accept and be okay with that. I believe this simple wisdom is true for all great relationships, not just marriages. So if you added up how my friendship with Myron has improved and enhanced my life, no. Myron owes me nothing.
October 9, 2023
Windsor Horne Lockwood III ¨C a dubious antihero with very personal visions of justice and the fine distinctions between legality and morality
Arising out of Harlan Coben¡¯s Myron Bolitar universe, Windsor Horne Lockwood III is a mythical near superhero, operating with the guidance of his own moral compass and very personal distinctions between right and wrong. He is willing to spend his vast wealth and exert his talents for violence, murder and mayhem however he sees fit to make his will and decisions come to pass in a manner that recalls Edward Woodward¡¯s 1985 portrayal of THE EQUALIZER.
With WIN, author Coben brings WHL III out of the shadows and showcases him operating on his own behalf ¨C recovering a pair of priceless Vermeer and Picasso paintings belong to his family, solving a murder in which that family is implicated because his suitcase was recovered in the murder victim¡¯s apartment, and dealing with the 21st century resolution of a decades old mystery of domestic terrorism dating as far back as the Kent State mass murders and the ironically violent peace protests against the US involvement in the Vietnam War!
Win is not a likable protagonist, not that he cares what anyone thinks about him. The only opinion that matters to him is his own. Consider this brief autobiography that he offers in his own words:
¡°I grew up in privilege ¡ every human being is snap-judged by their looks. ¡ the fact is, many people detest me on sight. They see the towheaded blond locks, the ruddy complexion, the porcelain features, my haughty resting face ¨C they smell the inescapable stink of old money that comes off me in relentless waves ¨C and they think smug, snob, elitist, lazy, judgmental, undeservedly wealthy ne¡¯er-do-good who was born not only with a silver spoon in his mouth but with a forty-eight-piece silver place setting with a side of titanium steak knives.¡±
¡°¡ I understand this. I, too, sometimes feel that way about those who inhabit my socioeconomic sphere ¡¡±
¡°¡ I had the financial means, the motivation, the past trauma, the innate skills, the disposition, and perhaps, when I am most honest with myself, some sort of loose screw (or primitive survival mechanism?) that allows me to not only thrive but take some pleasure from acts of violence.¡±
So, what does a reader take away from that? Well, this reader sees a protagonist that is narcissistic, self-righteous, and self-serving, violent (pathologically so) and very unlikable. The story, once again in this reader¡¯s sole opinion, is not terribly credible AND I look askance at Coben¡¯s portrayal of the abilities of the legitimate police force who seem to have totally forgotten that Win did commit murders in the solution of the crime in question!! What¡¯s up with that? Do they just get swept under the rug and ignored?
I¡¯ll carry on with the Myron Bolitar series, hope that my opinion doesn¡¯t ruin a perfectly good MB series novel in which Win makes an appearance, and definitely forego any future novels in the Windsor Horne Lockwood III series.
Not recommended.
Paul Weiss
Arising out of Harlan Coben¡¯s Myron Bolitar universe, Windsor Horne Lockwood III is a mythical near superhero, operating with the guidance of his own moral compass and very personal distinctions between right and wrong. He is willing to spend his vast wealth and exert his talents for violence, murder and mayhem however he sees fit to make his will and decisions come to pass in a manner that recalls Edward Woodward¡¯s 1985 portrayal of THE EQUALIZER.
With WIN, author Coben brings WHL III out of the shadows and showcases him operating on his own behalf ¨C recovering a pair of priceless Vermeer and Picasso paintings belong to his family, solving a murder in which that family is implicated because his suitcase was recovered in the murder victim¡¯s apartment, and dealing with the 21st century resolution of a decades old mystery of domestic terrorism dating as far back as the Kent State mass murders and the ironically violent peace protests against the US involvement in the Vietnam War!
Win is not a likable protagonist, not that he cares what anyone thinks about him. The only opinion that matters to him is his own. Consider this brief autobiography that he offers in his own words:
¡°I grew up in privilege ¡ every human being is snap-judged by their looks. ¡ the fact is, many people detest me on sight. They see the towheaded blond locks, the ruddy complexion, the porcelain features, my haughty resting face ¨C they smell the inescapable stink of old money that comes off me in relentless waves ¨C and they think smug, snob, elitist, lazy, judgmental, undeservedly wealthy ne¡¯er-do-good who was born not only with a silver spoon in his mouth but with a forty-eight-piece silver place setting with a side of titanium steak knives.¡±
¡°¡ I understand this. I, too, sometimes feel that way about those who inhabit my socioeconomic sphere ¡¡±
¡°¡ I had the financial means, the motivation, the past trauma, the innate skills, the disposition, and perhaps, when I am most honest with myself, some sort of loose screw (or primitive survival mechanism?) that allows me to not only thrive but take some pleasure from acts of violence.¡±
So, what does a reader take away from that? Well, this reader sees a protagonist that is narcissistic, self-righteous, and self-serving, violent (pathologically so) and very unlikable. The story, once again in this reader¡¯s sole opinion, is not terribly credible AND I look askance at Coben¡¯s portrayal of the abilities of the legitimate police force who seem to have totally forgotten that Win did commit murders in the solution of the crime in question!! What¡¯s up with that? Do they just get swept under the rug and ignored?
I¡¯ll carry on with the Myron Bolitar series, hope that my opinion doesn¡¯t ruin a perfectly good MB series novel in which Win makes an appearance, and definitely forego any future novels in the Windsor Horne Lockwood III series.
Not recommended.
Paul Weiss
March 19, 2022
'WIN' is a fantastic first book to start Harlan Coben's brand-new Win series. I really appreciated that Win discusses his close relationship with Myron Bolitar early on, and that the two of them are thick as thieves. It is clear that - despite their many differences - they have a deep respect and fondness for one another. Hope these two work together from time to time throughout the series so we can enjoy them engaging in some fun antics and hilarious quipping before having to get down to business and battle the evildoer(s) of the moment.
Win is quite the sleuth, complimented with a fantastic satiric wit and making him a larger than life character. Looking forward to finding out where book #2 takes him.
Win is quite the sleuth, complimented with a fantastic satiric wit and making him a larger than life character. Looking forward to finding out where book #2 takes him.
March 19, 2021
Win...A Unique Man, Who Gets What He Wants Done, HIS WAY!#
I absolutely loved this story! I adored the character of Windsor Horne Lockwood III since I found this author's books years ago...He is rich...Extremely Rich...Loves violence, is a ladies man, may appear soft and slight, but watch out!! He cares little what others think...And 'Family' ideals trouble him...But there is no better person to be in your corner when trouble strikes!
An unknown man is found murdered in an expensive apartment...Surrounded by stuff...Lots of stuff, hoarding to an extreme...The only clean spot is where he lies, with a Vermeer painting, stolen from Win's family years ago on the wall...And a locked suitcase bearing Win's initials in the corner...So the police seek Win, and the real fun begins...Two cold cases now call to Win, the theft of art and his cousin Patricia's kidnapping...Both twenty years ago....
A totally thrilling story, which will have you laughing, crying and perhaps cursing the 'I have more money than God' Win, as a wild story mixes several cases in history and bring closure to a few...
I absolutely loved this story! I adored the character of Windsor Horne Lockwood III since I found this author's books years ago...He is rich...Extremely Rich...Loves violence, is a ladies man, may appear soft and slight, but watch out!! He cares little what others think...And 'Family' ideals trouble him...But there is no better person to be in your corner when trouble strikes!
An unknown man is found murdered in an expensive apartment...Surrounded by stuff...Lots of stuff, hoarding to an extreme...The only clean spot is where he lies, with a Vermeer painting, stolen from Win's family years ago on the wall...And a locked suitcase bearing Win's initials in the corner...So the police seek Win, and the real fun begins...Two cold cases now call to Win, the theft of art and his cousin Patricia's kidnapping...Both twenty years ago....
A totally thrilling story, which will have you laughing, crying and perhaps cursing the 'I have more money than God' Win, as a wild story mixes several cases in history and bring closure to a few...
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