Who Would Like This Book:
Seconds Away is a fast-paced YA mystery brimming with sharp plot twists, likable outcast characters, and a relatable high school setting. It's perfect for teens (and adults who love a good page-turner!) who enjoy unraveling crime puzzles mixed with a touch of family drama and friendship. If you liked the first book, Shelter, or enjoy stories in the style of Nancy Drew or Hardy Boys - but updated for modern readers - this one will pull you right in. Fans of Harlan Coben's witty writing and newbies alike will appreciate the humor, heart, and suspense.
Who May Not Like This Book:
Some readers felt let down by the unresolved plot threads, particularly the overarching series mystery that spills into multiple books without full closure here. Others struggled with the need to remember details from book one since the story plunges right in, or found the tone a bit too young and the characters' sense of invincibility unrealistic. Longtime Coben readers who prefer his adult thrillers or those looking for a neat, stand-alone plot may end up frustrated.
About:
"Seconds Away" in the Mickey Bolitar series by Harlan Coben follows the story of Mickey, a teenager who, along with his friends Ema and Spoon, investigates the shooting of their classmate Rachel. Mickey is also dealing with personal struggles such as his father's mysterious death, his mother's drug addiction, and his relationship with his Uncle Myron. As the group delves deeper into the mystery, they uncover dangerous secrets while navigating the challenges of high school life. The writing style caters to a young adult audience, blending humor, suspense, and relatable characters to create an action-packed adventure that keeps readers engaged.
Harlan Coben skillfully weaves together multiple plot threads in "Seconds Away," creating a compelling and fast-paced thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and resilience as Mickey and his friends race against time to solve the mystery behind the shooting. With well-developed characters and unexpected twists, Coben delivers a captivating story that appeals to both young adult and adult readers, offering a blend of wit, suspense, and emotional depth throughout the narrative.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings include violence (shooting), themes of trauma and loss, and references to drug addiction.
Has Romance?
There is a medium level of romance, particularly between Mickey and Rachel, providing an emotional subplot to the main narrative.
From The Publisher:
This action-packed second book in international bestseller Harlan Coben's Mickey Bolitar young adult series follows Mickey as he continues to hunt for clues about the Abeona Shelter and the mysterious death of his father-all while trying to navigate the challenges of a new high school.
When tragedy strikes close to home, Mickey and his loyal new friends-sharp-witted Ema and the adorkably charming Spoon-find themselves at the center of a terrifying mystery involving the shooting of their classmate Rachel. Now, not only does Mickey need to keep himself and his friends safe from the Butcher of Lodz, but he needs to figure out who shot Rachel-no matter what it takes.
Mickey Bolitar is as quick-witted and clever as his uncle Myron, but with danger just seconds away, it is going to take all of his determination and help from his friends to protect the people he loves, even if he does not know who-or what-he is protecting them from.
From Kirkus Reviews: "Coben deftly weaves…multiple plot threads into a compelling whole. An involving thriller that moves like lightning."
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What can you read after
Seconds Away?
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