The Woods

By: Harlan Coben

Narrated by: Scott Brick

Length: 12 hrs and 31 mins

Publisher's summary

NOW A NETFLIX ORIGINAL SERIES!

The bestselling author and creator of the hit Netflix drama The Stranger takes listeners into the heart of family loyalty in this twisty thriller that proves that the darkest secrets are often closest to home.

Paul Copeland, a New Jersey county prosecutor, is still grieving the loss of his sister twenty years ago - the night she walked into the woods, never to be seen again. But now, a homicide victim is found with evidence linking him to the disappearance. The victim could be the boy who vanished along with Paul's sister. And, as hope rises that his sister could still be alive, dangerous secrets from his family's past threaten to tear apart everything Paul has been trying to hold together....

©2007 Harlan Coben (P)2007 Brilliance Audio

Critic reviews

“[The Woods] might just be the best thing Coben has written...A gripping story, filled with fine characters and dark secrets.” - Chicago Sun Times

“A lively, fast-moving entertainment, jam packed with the bizarre plot twists that are his stock in trade.” - The Washington Post

“Another surprising and emotional story that will remain with the reader long after the last page is finished. One of Coben’s best.” - Library Journal

Had higher hopes

This could have been a more interesting story, but the authors failed attempts at hard-boiled writing as well as the “light” misogyny and racism got in the way.

The main story itself had some intriguing points, but was a little fussy. In the hands of a Henning Menkall, it could have been much more evocative and thrilling. Sometimes less is more.

Also of note - the narrator was terribly grating. His attempts at accents fell flat when they weren’t slightly offensive.

Another great one!

Of course I love this book, I love everything Harlan Coben writes! This one was very cap and I plan on listening to it again!!

kept my interest

it was pretty good, unfortunately, it sounded like the narrator was in a tunnel. But the story itself had lots of twists and turns.

Fast paced story

Great story, and fast paced. Always something happening and the narrator does a great job.

Coben's worst I've read

Unfortunately, for those who have read this book as their first Harlan Coben book, I highly recommend reading any of his other standalone thriller, like "Hold Tight", "No Second Chance", "Gone for Good", and "Tell No One". These are all some of the best thrillers I have read.
However, this book, "The Woods", tends to spin in place. It's an attempt at a legal thriller, but without the excitement of Coben's other books. It is SLOW and tedious, and repetitive. The narration is ok, but even Scott Brick couldnt save this one.
It isnt a bad book, but it is not even close to the excitement and interest of Coben's other novels.
If you a re new to Harlan Coben, I would highly recommend any of the books I listed above, especially "Hold Tight".
Avoid "The Woods".

WHOA! This was totally good!

Disguised as a mystery/thriller/courtroom drama, damn if this isn't a full bodied novel... LITERATURE! Hey, that's sneaky. But Coben has such power to plot and develop characters that he's created a vehicle to investigate both the cultural glue of family and the fragility of hope in the face of fear.

Gotta admit that Scott Brick, who I've criticized in the past for the portentention of his presentations – has burst through that single dimension and justified for me the esteem which many of his fans express.

This is both an entertaining and THOUGHTFUL read. I'm a Coben fan, but this is one of his best (so far... I started with his earliest and now I'm off to read more).

WOW -- AWESOME !!!

This book sucked me right in and didn't let me go. Scott Brick is now one of my favorite readers and I look forward to more of Harlan Coben's books. This story doesn't allow you to see what's coming which is fresh. Not until the last 2 chapters do you know what's coming next. There were many jaw dropping, oh my God moments. I was beyond pleased and I can see me adding the actual book to my library in the future. Great author, great story, great reader ..... a definite must listen.

Captivating

Mystery stories in general will never be classed as great literature, but if you want to be engaged for hours in a detailed drama with plenty of surprises, then this is a great purchase. The reader, Scott Brick, is also excellent. Definitely diverting entertainment.

Excellent thriller, with usual Scott Brick problem

I wish they would retire Scott Brick -- his wildly melodramatic readings are quite a problem considering I have entirely too many unheard audiobooks that I see are read by him ---- aaaaack. I won't buy anymore by him now that I know about his over-acting. He causes the characters to lack dignity, and that is too bad with The Woods because Cope, the main character, has a lot of dignity. I eventually switched to reading it as an ebook, and that worked better. Great thriller, I thought, gasping surprises and a complex but very clear plot. One of Coben's best standalone thrillers.

Gripping

Rarely does an author keep me so enthralled. Entertaining narrative and a plot with more twists than a 60s dance party, Coban delivers.