Nobody's Fool

De: Harlan Coben

Narrado por: Vikas Adam

In this stunningly twisty thriller from #1 New York Times bestselling author Harlan Coben, a secret from former Detective Sami Kierce's college days comes back to haunt him. His memory is clear, but all these years later, the facts don’t add up…which is something he cannot ignore.

Sami Kierce, a young college grad backpacking in Spain with friends, wakes up one morning, covered in blood. There’s a knife in his hand. Beside him, the body of his girlfriend. Anna. Dead. He doesn’t know what happened. His screams drown out his thoughts—and then he runs.

Twenty-two years later, Kierce, now a private investigator, is a new father who’s working off his debts by doing low level surveillance jobs and teaching wannabe sleuths at a night school in New York City. One evening, he recognizes a familiar face at the back of the classroom. Anna. It’s unmistakably her. As soon as Kierce makes eye contact with her, she bolts. For Kierce there is no choice. He knows he must find this woman and solve the impossible mystery that has haunted his every waking moment since that terrible day.

His investigation will bring him face-to-face with his past—and prove, after all this time, he’s nobody’s fool.

©2025 Harlan Coben (P)2025 Grand Central Publishing

Disappointed

I hate to be negative, especially with one of my favorite authors, but the lead character bothered me. He wasn’t funny like Win, wasn’t heroic like “the boy in the woods”, or compassionate like Myron. He could have been, his best quality was he chose awesome girlfriends, fiancé and wife. The story seemed stalled at times, and wrapped up quickly. The thing I hated most about this character was his self-righteousness. He broke a promise and then justified it. He broke it to prove how “honorable” he was…breaking an NDA and breaking a promise to boost his own ego is not heroic—-I think Sammy will have to go (book 2)without me.

Fun twists but too much repetition.

Interesting story but too much filler/repetition. Maybe would not have noticed if I was reading instead of listening. Ending too abrupt.

numerous twists and turns

Plot a bit too complicated and reaching for an ending. Corbin has written better books. overall okay.

Not the best Coben

The narrator was overly dramatic. The protagonist, righteous. And the story wasn’t very satisfying but it was a decent ride.

One of his best

The story line and performance are amazing. I hope this is one a series. Thoroughly enjoyed the book and the nuanced and cute husband wife relationship among the main characters.

The Twist

It is always the twist with Harlan Coben. I didn't see this one coming either.

Love Harlan Coben!

As usual, it's always a twist ending. I really liked the involvement of the civilian detectives. That seems to be a thing now so it was great to see it included. I was a little disappointed that they never wrapped up the story for one character (I won't spoil it by saying who).
It's always fun to watch the movie versions of his books.

Glimmers of another great Coben series

Harlan Coben’s books consistently rise above the mystery genre with their gripping storytelling, razor-sharp suspense, and emotionally resonant characters. Nobody’s Fool is no exception. At its heart is Sami Kierce, a former police detective turned night school instructor, whose flaws, vulnerability, and quiet resilience make him one of Coben’s most relatable protagonists.

Like many of Coben's characters, Kierce feels real—wounded yet determined, and endlessly human.

What sets Nobody’s Fool apart is not just the mystery, but the evolving dynamic between Kierce and his unconventional group of criminology students—his self-dubbed “wannabe sleuths.” From the spirited “Pink Ladies” to a range of misfit personalities, these amateur detectives bring humor, heart, and unexpected insight to the investigation. Their growing bonds and individual arcs become just as compelling as the central whodunit.

Coben masterfully balances tension with warmth, making this story a thrilling ride and a thoughtful exploration of trust, second chances, and the power of unlikely connections. I genuinely hope we see more of Kierce and his night school crew in future books—there’s a rich world here that’s just beginning to unfold.

Thoroughly enjoyable, clever, and thought-provoking.

Great take, great narrator

Lots of twists but not gratuitous. Narration like a bunch of actors reading a play.

Hooked

I was hooked from start to finish and the narrator was awesome and kept me engaged. so excited for what's to come!