🏀 Book Review: Play Dead by Harlan Coben
A twisty, emotionally charged mystery that blends romance, betrayal, and a deadly conspiracy.
Originally published in 1990, Play Dead marks Harlan Coben’s debut novel—a gripping thriller that already showcases the author’s knack for suspense, layered characters, and jaw-dropping twists. Though Coben himself has described it as “over the top,” fans of his later work will appreciate the seeds of his signature style planted here.
📖 Plot Overview
Laura Ayers, a successful fashion model, is devastated when her new husband, David Baskin, a Boston Celtics superstar, drowns during their honeymoon in Australia. The tragedy seems like a freak accident—until Laura begins to suspect that David’s death may not have been accidental at all.
As she digs deeper into David’s past, Laura uncovers a web of secrets involving family betrayals, hidden identities, and a decades-old murder. The deeper she goes, the more dangerous the truth becomes—and the more her own life is at risk.
🧠 Themes & Highlights
- Love and Loss: The novel explores the emotional fallout of grief and the lengths one will go to uncover the truth.
- Deception and Identity: Twists involving mistaken identities and buried secrets drive the suspense.
- Early Coben Style: While less polished than his later work, the book features fast pacing, red herrings, and a complex plot.
⭐ Reader Reception
- Goodreads Rating: 3.83/5 from over 23,000 ratings
- Praise: Readers enjoy the emotional stakes and intricate mystery.
- Criticism: Some find the plot melodramatic and the writing less refined compared to Coben’s later novels.
🏁 Final Verdict
Play Dead is a compelling, if slightly over-the-top, thriller that offers a glimpse into the early storytelling instincts of one of the genre’s biggest names. If you’re a die-hard Coben fan or enjoy romantic suspense with a dark twist, this debut delivers plenty of drama and intrigue.
