Harlan Coben is well known for his writing style of misdirection and for catching readers off guard; his new book, “Run Away,” is a masterpiece bringing unexpected twists to this mystery.

Simon Greene is a successful Wall Street executive, and his wife Ingrid is a successful pediatrician. They have three kids, but the oldest, Paige, recently quit college and disappeared. Simon saw his daughter, now a drug addict playing the guitar and panhandling in Central Park.  She runs. Simon chases her but is confronted by her boyfriend, who is also an addict named Aaron.  Both Aaron and Paige getaway.  The confrontation is captured on video, goes viral, and Simon looks terrible. It isn’t long before Aaron is found beaten to death, and Simon is a suspect. Both Simon and his wife, Ingrid, focus on finding Paige.

Several storylines are also unfolding. One has to do with a Chicago-based private investigator named Elena Ramirez, who is searching for another missing person, and several other cases are taking place in Boston and New Jersey.  It becomes clear that the issues are connected, but it is a surprise when it all becomes clear.

Harlan is the creator and executive producer for the Netflix television drama THE STRANGER, based on his novel- see that review.

Quotes

“There are virtually no major life decisions you make that are not in some way based on your finances.” “Terrific," Simon said.

 “Terrific," Simon said. "The psychos are on my side.” 

“This is for Jersey, the good dog, who would be happy to share this bench with you.”

 “And bad stays. Bad doesn't go away. You bury bad; it digs itself out. You throw bad in the middle of the ocean; it comes back at you like a tidal wave.”

 “Love your parents - while we are busy growing up, they are growing old.”

 “Truth is truth. By definition. Anything else is a lie.”