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Missing You
Author Harlan Coben
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
GenreThriller, Mystery, Suspense
Publisher Dutton
Publication date
March 18, 2014
Media typePrint (Hardback, Paperback), E-book, Audiobook
Pages399
ISBN 9780525953494

Missing You is a suspense and thriller novel by American writer Harlan Coben, published in 2014. The novel has garnered attention for its intricate plot involving online dating, unsolved murder, and the emotional journey of its protagonist, NYPD Detective Kat Donovan. [1] [2] Missing You was nominated for 2014 Audie Award for Mystery. [3]

Plot

Missing You delves into the life of Kat Donovan, an NYPD detective whose professional prowess contrasts sharply with her personal vulnerabilities. Kat, a figure of strength and resilience at work, grapples with loneliness and a longing for connection in her private life. Her journey into online dating marks the beginning of a tumultuous chapter, where her past, symbolized by the appearance of her ex-fiancé Jeff on the dating site, collides with her present. The plot thickens as Kat, initially seeking closure with Jeff, becomes enmeshed in a far more sinister web.

The narrative takes a dark turn with the introduction of a grim subplot involving individuals held captive and tortured for their financial information by a group of ruthless criminals. This subplot intertwines with Kat's personal quest, as she not only seeks answers about her past relationship but also investigates the suspicious disappearance of a woman linked to the online dating site. Kat's professional investigation into her father's long-ago murder adds another layer of complexity to the story. Her visit to the dying hitman imprisoned for her father's murder, and his cryptic last words, leave her questioning the truth about her father's death. As these multiple plot threads gradually converge, Kat, alongside the son of the missing woman, unravels a tapestry of deceit, violence, and personal betrayal. [1] [2] [4] [5] [6]

Publication

Harlan Coben's Missing You was released on March 18, 2014, by Dutton, and available in hardcover, paperback, e-book, and audiobook formats. [1] [7] [8]

Reception

Missing You has been well-received, garnering praise for its engaging plot and character depth. Kirkus Reviews categorizes the novel as a suspense and general thriller, emphasizing its compelling nature and its appeal to fans of the genre. The review suggests that the intricate storyline and engaging narrative make Missing You a notable read. [9] "Bookreporter" describes Missing You as possibly Coben's best book to date, filled with unexpected twists and complex plot threads. The protagonist, Kat Donovan, is portrayed as a relatable character facing multifaceted challenges. The review highlights Coben's adept handling of multiple plots and his ability to deliver a narrative that is both complex and believable. [2]

Goodreads reviews reflect a positive reception from a wide range of readers, praising the book for its suspenseful storytelling, character development, and the twists that are signature to Coben's writing style. The platform provides an average rating based on reader reviews, offering a broad perspective on the book's reception. [10] "VJ Books" discusses the collectability and appreciation of the novel, particularly focusing on signed first editions and the novel's value to collectors and fans of Coben's work. [11] These reviews collectively highlight Missing You as a standout in the thriller genre, acclaimed for its richly woven narrative, well-crafted characters, and the suspense that keeps readers engaged until the very end. [1]

Adaptations

Missing You by Harlan Coben is set to be adapted into a Netflix Original limited crime-drama series. This adaptation is part of Coben's ongoing creative partnership with Netflix, which has already seen multiple novels from his bibliography turned into Netflix Originals. The adaptation of Missing You is scheduled to start production in spring 2024 and will be produced by Quay Street Productions, the ITV Studios-backed production venture led by Nicola Shindler, who also oversaw Fool Me Once. This venture into adapting Missing You and Run Away as limited series further cements the relationship between Harlan Coben and Netflix, promising to bring his compelling storytelling to a wider audience. [12] [13] [14]

References

  1. ^ a b c d "Missing You". Publishers Weekly. Retrieved 2024-02-04.
  2. ^ a b c Hartlaub, Joe (March 21, 2014). "Missing You bu Harlan Coben". bookreporter. Retrieved 2024-02-04.
  3. ^ "Welcome to the new Google Books. Missing You". Google Books. Retrieved 2024-02-04.
  4. ^ "Book review: Missing You". Debbish. March 6, 2014. Retrieved 2024-02-04.
  5. ^ "Missing You by Harlan Coben". Mysterious Reviews. Retrieved 2024-02-04.
  6. ^ "Missing You by Harlan Coben". Mystery Sequels. Retrieved 2024-02-04.
  7. ^ "Missing You by Harlan Coben". Penguin Random House. Retrieved 2024-02-04.
  8. ^ "Missing You". Harlan Coben's Official Website. Retrieved 2024-02-04.
  9. ^ "MISSING YOU by Harlan Coben". Kirkus Reviews. Retrieved 2024-02-04.
  10. ^ "Missing You". goodreads. Retrieved 2024-02-04.
  11. ^ "Coben, Harlan. Missing You". VJ Books. Retrieved 2024-02-04.
  12. ^ Robinson, Jacob (January 23, 2024). "Harlan Coben's 'Missing You' Netflix Series Adaptation: What We Know So Far". What's on Netflix. Retrieved 2024-02-04.
  13. ^ Al-Ghamdi, Abdullah (January 23, 2024). "Netflix To Adapt 2 More Books By Fool Me Once Author, Report Details Mystery & Crime Stories". Screen Rant. Retrieved 2024-02-04.
  14. ^ Berry, Elliot (January 22, 2024). "Two New Harlan Coben Limited Series Adaptations Announced for Netflix". Netflix. Retrieved 2024-02-04.

External links