Play Dead Kindle Edition

I wanted to explore this author with so many bestsellers to his credit, so I started with his first.In his first page author note, Coben suggests this book is not representative of his style, and the reader should try other books. I moved forward reading due to reviews that indicated this was a can't miss part of his legacy.The prologue had unnecessary titillation, and if that had continued, I'd have set the book aside due to low quality gratuitous images. But the author shed that shallow approach quickly, and began his gripping storytelling. One of the pleasant devices was sneaky foreshadowing; often it seemed he was setting up a clue to the eventual conclusion, but again and again, the reader could not trust that, and there was a twist.The story flowed well, and there was never a place I lost interest, and only set the book down when life intruded forcibly. I could have read it at one sitting, it held my attention and interest that much, but I still finished in a couple days, and felt I'd enjoyed the experience of reading, and respected his strong writing skills.The great thing about liking the first book is there are so many more to explore.

Just when you think you have it " all figured out " this mystery takes another right angle turn.... An infidelity from decades before rears its ugly head and true love becomes a nightmare... and then the body count begins. But who is pulling the trigger?

There are glimpses of Coben's genius in this book but It is poorly edited and twice as long as it needs to be. It is full of characters ' internal thinking, perpetually asking themselves questions and then answering their own questions. There is way too much narration versus dialogue. How many times do we have to be told that Laura and Serita and Mary are beautiful? I finished the book hoping for the best. I was disappointed. Thank God Coben became the writer he is today.

Even with this early novel Coben has a way to draw you in to his characters with a skill held by very few authors whether they’re in their early days or towards the end of their career. I read a lot. Several novels a week and through it all Harlan Coben is at the top

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This is a young adult book. I prefer the Harlan Coben books which are written for adults but young people will probably enjoy this book.

I lost some sleep for a couple nights as I raced to the end so I could learn about all the missing details. Amused by the author's humble warning in the beginning about this being his first book, I kept going. I had previously read one of his more recent titles and liked it enough to start at the beginning of his works. I enjoy seeing the progression of a writer's talent, just as much as the telling improvements of a favorite musician or actor. Some of the wording and details in this story come across a bit awkward, but entirely forgivable for a first book, and these things did not impact my enjoyment of the intriguing development of the story.

This story was one of HC’s earlier books but it was still entertaining in a bizarre way. I couldn’t wait to find out the big secret that made one character get plastic surgery and fake his own death in order to avoid an uncomfortable conversation with his wife, and the reason for the transformation was so ridiculous I was laughing. This book is worth reading if for no other reason than the story’s definitely creative.

As this book was suggested for my book group, I had to read it, so downloaded it to my Kindle. It was rather disconcerting to find, on page one, that the Author suggests that you pick another of his books to read!It is easy to see why. He and his publishers clearly thought that there was a good profit to be made from a very poor book. People who know Mr Coben and like his later books will choose this one, thinking they are getting something in his usual style. Far from it! He wrote this as a very young man and that is clear throughout. The sex scenes will have you squirming and, probably, laughing out loud. The plot is risible, the characterisation poor and the 'twists' are so obvious that the reader spots them chapters before the 'reveal'. I gave it one star as there is nothing less than this to give, but it really doesn't deserve it.

I enjoyed this book and considering it is HC's first novel is a good read. You can see him perfecting his craft. Good characters that you believe in and want to succeed with some good shocks along the way. I deduced the plot but was not disappointed with the end and it's well worth your time to read it.Enjoy!

Harlan Coban is somewhat embarrassed by this early novel and recommends readers new to his material to try something else initially. He also acknowledges that there are the makings of the author he is to become (and is becoming - it's all a journey right?) in this book and I agree. Very dated and cheesy with some 2 dimensional characterisation at times, but there is also the intrigue, the plotting, the twists and turns that make him such a fantastic read.

Well, first let me state I have read all of Harlan Coben's previous novels and I am a huge fan!The thing to remember and bear in mind about this book is stated in the introduction by the author himself: "If this is the first book of mine you are going to try, stop now. Return it. Grab another."It was written whilst the author was in his 20's, first published in 1990. He has (re)relased this as it was originially written, and not revised or reworked (as Dean Koontz did with Demon Seed for example), and I took that fact into account when reading. Harlan Coben has certainly mastered the craft since those early attmepts.I found it a struggle for the first 100(ish) pages, but once we got over the clichés and (him) trying to end what seemed like every page, not just chapter, with a cliff-hanger then it was a thoroughly good read! I do recommend sticking with it if you are currently reading it; it does become a great thriller.You can see from this the emergence of Coben's style, his knack of turning the reader inside out with plot twists and shocks!If you bear in mind this is not a NEW Coben novel, then you will be fine.I have only given 3 stars as it does take some getting in to, but if this was based on the last 300/350 pages it would have been a 4 star, easy!

It took me a while to get into this book but when i did it didnt dissapoint.(mostly) It isn't an easy read and certainly very twisty and turny all the way though...you need to be awake and remember all the characters!! It did turn out to be a fun read, although the creation of a new identity through plastic surgery seemed too unbelievable for me...i didnt really buy it. I was eager to keep reading because i was desperate to know who the killer was,which isnt revealed until very near the end. The book definitely steers you into believing somebody else is the killer all the way though and when the real killer is revealed it really is a clever twist.Very well written i think for the authors first book, and all in all a wonderful read.