User Reviews
Rating: really liked it
"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 Home 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.
Rating: really liked it
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.
Rating: really liked it
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 *
Rating: really liked it
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!!!
Rating: really liked it
***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 Goodreads, 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.
Rating: really liked it
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: https://books-are-a-girls-best-friend...
Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for an ARC to read and review.
Rating: really liked it
Review posted on blog: https://books-are-a-girls-best-friend...
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 Goodreads, Twitter, and Instagram.
Rating: really liked it
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.
Rating: really liked it
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
Rating: really liked it
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.
Rating: really liked it
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 utilisés 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.
Rating: really liked it
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.
Rating: really liked it
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.
Rating: really liked it
"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.
Rating: really liked it
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
