Customer Reviews

Play Dead

5 star:		(24)
4 star:		(18)
3 star:		(14)
2 star:		(18)
1 star:		(29)

 

 

I didn't even know this book existed until recently as it along with his second novel Miracle Cure aren't mentioned in most of his later work, guess they had a different publisher or something. I have to say though I'm glad I discovered Coben's first novel Play Dead as it is just as enjoyable as his later work. Granted Play Dead's a bit far fetched in some parts and yes as you read at times you will say why didn't the character just do this instead of what they actually do but their actions do lead to a fast paced can't put down storyline. Also being that this is his first novel Coben obviously didn't have as high a quality editor as there's the odd typo such as Qantas with an added u after the q that appears on and off when that word is used. This in no way though detracts from the high quality storyline. You can also see glimpses of future storylines and their characters from those used in this book where Coben shows his knowledge of certain areas such as professional sports, especially his Myron Bolitar character who Coben will publish to the world five years later in that character's first adventure Deal Breaker.

So what was Coben's first novel about? Laura a beautiful retired (at the age of 23) supermodel now turned successful businesswoman has married the top sportsman in his chosen sport, Boston Celtics basketball plater David Baskin. To escape the pressures of her family they eloped to the northern Cairns beachside suburb (portrayed as a small town in this novel) Palm Cove. The two couldn't be more in love but when Laura returns from wrapping a distribution deal for Svengali's products with an Australian company she discovers that her husband has gone swimming. As the hours pass by he does not return. With the help of David's best friend T.C who happens to also be a Boston police officer David's battered body is discovered. The fairy tale is over! Fans around the world morn the loss of their superhero but things do not add up for Laura. David was a great swimmer and in love with her which dismisses the whole suicide angle the locals are hinting at. When his will is read his bank account mysteriously is not listed, when Laura makes enquiries she learns that he (or someone pretending to be David) recently before his disappearance transferred a large amount of wealth to a Swiss bank account. Everything doesn't add up and when David's gambling addicted deadbeat brother Stan decides to cash in on the death of his brother and Laura starts to get the message that her life and those around her are in danger if she doesn't drop the whole thing, Play Dead get a whole of a lot more interesting. Granted some of the mystery you will work out before it is revealed but since when aren't you supposed to do this with mystery stories, that's the point of them!

Harlan Coben set the bar for himself extremely high with his first novel Play Dead written way back in 1990. Those of us who have read his later stuff can testify that he has at least touched if not jumped over that bar with each of his later books. His Myron Bolitar series is excellent as are his stand alone thriller/mysteries. Check them all out if you haven't already done so!

This is Harlan Coben's first book, which has been out of print for several years but was recently re-released. The author has written an introduction in which he essentially admits that it isn't up to the standard of his other books - and he's quite right. Play Dead is a convoluted, poorly written mess. The early chapters of this book were so bad that I almost gave up, but it does improve (slightly) and I was sufficiently curious about how the plot would resolve itself to stick it out until the end.

The story kicks off with Laura and David celebrating their honeymoon in Australia. She is a former supermodel who is now a highly successful businesswoman and he is an NBA superstar. David goes for a swim and doesn't return. A few days later a body is found and identified as David by his best friend. Laura is devastated, but as time passes she starts to suspect that his death wasn't a simple accident. From the outset it's clear that several friends and family members are keeping secrets and that at least some of them know more about David's disappearance than they are letting on.

It's pretty obvious to the reader from the word go that David's death is a cover up, but the why isn't revealed until quite late in the piece. Perhaps a better writer - an older Harlan Coben - could have held it all together, but the end result is far too drawn out, riddled with implausibilities and loose ends and just way too silly. I would advise you to avoid this one and to quote from Harlan's introduction: "Return it. Grab another (of his books). It's okay."

I've recently discovered Harlan Coben and have been just tearing through his books. He is really fantastic. I recently came across "Play Dead", his first novel, at the library. OK, it's not his best, but it was still quite a page-turner. It is great for a first novel, and it is also very nice to see how far Mr. Coben has come in his writing career. There are lots of suprises and they are all very fair.

I've read quite a few Harlan Coben books and this by far is my favorite. At the time of Coben's writing Play Dead (twenty years ago or so), I'm not sure I would have enjoyed it as much as I do now. It is rich in detail and the technology needed to pull off this type of storyline is current and refreshing. I can't say much more about the story without giving too much away, but the difference between this book and his later works (although great)is startling. I thought Play Dead is one of the best books I've read in a very long time!

Wow. This book is really bad. I just had finished 2 recent books by Harlan Coben and figured I would read more of his work, starting with his first book Play Dead. I have no problem with a reasonable suspension of belief when it comes to enjoying a book but this is the most preposterous plot I have ever read. The main event that drives this whole story is so over the top ridiculous that it ruins the entire book. The rest of the plot is also based on an incredible number of coincidences. I almost gave this book 2 stars because there is a glimmer of the style that Coben has in his later work, but the ending was just so preposterous (and yet predictable!) I could not do it. I've noticed that, since Coben is now so popular, people are paying $30 for used copies of this book. I suggest you do what I did and borrow it from your library. Your joy at finding this rarity will only be exceeded by your joy in giving it back.

This was another fabulous intriguing book by Harlan Coben. I had started this book while on vacation and lost the book and couldn't wait to return home and order another book so I could finish reading it and catch up on the suspense. Play Dead

I am going to disagree with many of the other reviewers. I had read(and own) all of Coben's novels except for this one until recently and was delighted to find it an earlier novel. Coben's best works were Tell No One, Just One Look and the other non Myron Bollitar novels he wrote early on. For me, that "can't put this book down" quality is missing from his later, and especially his latest, novels. I still enjoy them, the earlier books are just much more intriguing. I for one am glad Coben re-released this one!

I listened to this one on audio and found myself looking for excuses to be in the car so that I could listen to yet another chapter! This is one of his earlier books and it was wonderful. A Caregiver's Journey: Finding Your Way

I have just finished "Play Dead"...my second book by Harlan Coben. I liked it more than "Caught" and I thought that was excellent! I didn't figure out "who dunnit" until the last 20 pages!
My only criticism is that Hamilton, NY, is NOT Northern New York...it is considered "Upstate NY". Northern NY, Mr. Corben, is north of Watertown and Warrensburg!!
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good suspense novel!

WOW! I think that's a good word for this book. This is a book that Harlan Coben wrote but never published - I'm not sure what made him to decide to publish it now but I'm glad he did. It was really good. I must say that I thought some of it was a little far fetched but Harlan does a very good job at stringing you along with no clear answers for a long time leaving you guessing the whole time.

Definite recommend for anyone who likes a good mystery/suspense.