Stay Close

By: Harlan Coben

Narrated by: Scott Brick

Length: 11 hrs and 8 mins

Publisher's summary

Megan is a suburban soccer mom who, once upon a time, walked on the wild side. Now she’s got two kids, a perfect husband, a picket fence, and a growing sense of dissatisfaction. Ray used to be a talented documentary photographer, but at the age of 40 he finds himself in a dead-end job posing as a paparazzo, pandering to celebrity-obsessed rich kids. Broome is a detective who can’t let go of a cold case—a local husband and father who disappeared 17 years ago—and spends the anniversary every year visiting a house frozen in time, the missing man’s family still waiting, his slippers left by the recliner as if he might show up at any moment to step into them.

Three people living lives they never wanted, hiding secrets that even those closest to them would never suspect, will find that the past never truly fades away. Even as the terrible consequences of long-ago events crash together in the present and threaten to ruin lives, they will come to the startling realization that they may not want to forget the past at all. And as each confronts the dark side of the American dream—the boredom of a nice suburban life, the excitement of temptation, the desperation and hunger that can lurk behind even the prettiest façades—they will discover the hard truth that the line between one kind of life and another can be as whisper-thin as a heartbeat.

Master of domestic suspense Harlan Coben delivers his trademark combination of pause-resistant thrills and unrivaled insight into the dark shadows that creep into even the happiest communities.

©2012 Harlan Coben (P)2012 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

not my fav

I like Harlan Cohen but this want my favorite book. Too many characters with too many twists even though I really like the unknown truth not coming out too quickly. It wasn't an obvious story line; I just don't prefer it over others.

Good mystery that kept me listening.

Where does Stay Close rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This was a great listen. I am giving it a 4 out of 5 rating.

What did you like best about this story?

I liked the twist and turns that the story took. This is the first Harlan Coben book that I have read and I am definitely going to read more.

What about Scott Brick’s performance did you like?

Scott Brick's performance made the characters very believable.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Many twists and turns.

Any additional comments?

Overall very enjoyable and I would recommend to any one who enjoys a good mystery.

Very good story

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Great book but the story is complex with a lot going on

Have you listened to any of Scott Brick’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

This is my first

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Not really but I enjoyed the story

Any additional comments?

Defenetly worth listening to

Performance outshines story by far.

What made the experience of listening to Stay Close the most enjoyable?

Reader paid close attention the vvarious changes necessary to keep the tale alive. Voice changes were well done without being over done.

Would you be willing to try another book from Harlan Coben? Why or why not?

Probably not. There is a thread of cruelty that just does not interest me.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Gag would be response I have to the unnecessary cruelty.

In the tradition of earlier stand-alone novels

Where does Stay Close rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

As in his earlier novels, things from the past come back to haunt the protagonists. "Stay Close" lacks the realism of prior works like "Tell No One", though. Killing couple Ken & Barbie were just a bit over the top, I thought.

What does Scott Brick bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Another brilliant performance by - in my opinion - the best male reader in audio books. Hats off to Scott Brick - again.

Coben doing what he does best!

Would you listen to Stay Close again? Why?

Yes. It's typical HB, but what he does, he does very well. Great story, suspense, character conflict and development.

Have you listened to any of Scott Brick’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Scott Brick reads a lot of HB books, and I generally enjoy him. He's a little melodramatic in his reading, but he's consistently good and knows how to distinguish between different character voices. He makes the listening experience easy.

Just an amazing storyteller

Where does Stay Close rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I don't know how Harlen Coben does it. He has written ALOT of books--and they all have different characters and take place in different settings. But his ability to build a storyline is amazing. His plots are intricate, but not so complicated you get lost. His books keep you totally engaged--like you'll sit in your driveway to finish listening to a chapter. He also keeps things realistic--sometimes a little dark, but he usually finishes his story with realism and an ending you're content with. He is definitely one of my top 10 authors, up there with Lawrence Block, Walter Mosley and Otto Penzler. And Scott Brick is a great narrator who performs all of his books.

Great listen - easy to follow,captivating story

Love all Harlan Coben books. Do wish there had been more about New Jersey but this was as good as his others. I also love his Myron Bolitar books and I enjoy Scott Brick as a narrator. Well done and highly recommended book.

Love it

Would you listen to Stay Close again? Why?

yes, it is entertaining.

What other book might you compare Stay Close to and why?

No. Believe it or not. This is my first thriller book.

Any additional comments?

This book keeps me involved. It made the 40 mins + commute easier.

Everyone has a history

Would you listen to Stay Close again? Why?

Yes- book has a lot of great story ins and outs. Some you see coming but others - nope didn't see it coming that way

Who was your favorite character and why?

Cassy/Meghan - she has definitely "changed" her life from its humble beginnings but for the lack of honestly she has suffered and imprisoned herself (as well as possibly others) because of fear, deceptions, has also caused heart ache and "What ifs" to haunt her and others-

Have you listened to any of Scott Brick’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

First performance and was well done. Visualized characters appropriately for the story and the players were their own not someone just reading a story.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Found myself sitting in the car just to listen to it - and often found difficulty finding a "Stopping point"

Any additional comments?

Great story, great performance enjoyed the book and no doubt the author has a great story telling ability.