The Woods

by Harlan Coben
The Woods cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Thriller/Suspense
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Paperback • £9.99
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Technical
  • ID: 5995
  • Added: 2025-10-29
  • Updated: 2025-10-31
  • ISBN: 9781409116653
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2009-12-23
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

The Woods by Harlan Coben is a gripping thriller that delves into the heart of a family torn apart by a decades-old mystery. When a murder victim is found with evidence linking him to prosecutor Paul Copeland, the well-buried secrets of the past threaten to unravel his carefully constructed life. As Cope balances family life with his career, he must decide what truths can be brought to light and what is better left hidden in the dark. The novel explores themes of family, loss, and the enduring power of the past, all while keeping readers on the edge of their seats with its twisty plot and compelling characters. /n/n The Woods is a standalone novel that showcases Coben's signature style of blending domestic drama with suspenseful storytelling. The novel's setting in the woods adds a layer of atmospheric tension, while the complex relationships between the characters add depth and emotional resonance. With its fast-paced plot and unexpected twists, The Woods is a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers and mysteries.

Reviews
Read Between the Spines · 2024-01-24
captivating 4.50

The book is captivating and suspenseful, with twists that even seasoned readers will appreciate. It's a standout in Coben's repertoire.

The reviewer describes 'The Woods' as a captivating and suspenseful story that immediately grabs the reader's attention. The twists and turns are particularly noteworthy, even for seasoned readers who are accustomed to Coben's style. The reviewer highlights that this book stands out among Coben's other works, making it a must-read for fans of the genre. The suspense is palpable, and the story's ability to keep the reader engaged from start to finish is commendable.

Quick quotes

    Without a doubt, The Woods is a captivating, suspenseful story that immediately grabs you.

    It, like other Coben novels, has twists even seasoned readers will appreciate.

    It's a standout in Coben's repertoire.

Brash and Bookish · 2023-12-27
thrilling 4.00

While not the best crime fiction of the year, the book is highly readable and was finished quickly. The twists and turns make it a thrilling experience.

The reviewer acknowledges that 'The Woods' may not be the best crime fiction they've read this year, but it's still a highly engaging read. They plowed through it in record time, indicating its fast-paced and thrilling nature. The twists and turns keep the reader on the edge of their seat, making it a satisfying experience despite not being the absolute best in the genre. The reviewer appreciates the suspense and the way the story unfolds, keeping them hooked until the very end.

Quick quotes

    Harlan Coben's 'The Woods' may not be the BEST crime fiction novel I've read this year, but I still pretty much plowed through it in record time.

    The twists and turns keep the reader on the edge of their seat.

    It's a thrilling experience despite not being the absolute best in the genre.

At Home A Lot · 2022-04-28
engaging 3.50

The story is fast-paced and immediately engaging, raising questions that keep the reader hooked. The mystery is compelling, though some elements feel familiar.

The reviewer found 'The Woods' to be a gripping read from the very beginning. The fast pace and intriguing questions about the protagonist's sister kept them turning the pages. While the mystery is compelling, they noted that some of the plot points feel like familiar tropes, which slightly detracts from the overall impact. The legal drama intertwined with the main plot is almost as engaging, though it too relies on some well-worn storytelling devices.

Quick quotes

    The story is fast paced and draws you in straight away.

    Is Cope's sister still alive?

    The Woods is a mystery accompanied by a legal drama that's almost as compelling as the main plot.

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