Hold Tight by Harlan Coben (2008, Hardcover)

One of the greatest thriller writers in history is back with a provocative new novel, Hold Tight. Harlan Coben weaves of tale that combines intrigue and technology in this incredible page turner. Seemingly divergent plots weave a tale of sex and death in the best edge of your seat story of 2008. Coben has a knack for taking the mundane occurrences in life and turning them upside down into scary thrillers that are among the most compulsive page turners in writing history. He singled handedly has invented what has been referred to as “the family thriller.” The family thriller involves tingling situations where ordinary people are forced to confront modern day fears when they are placed in situations that rapidly become beyond their control. You always have that, “but for the grace of God, there go I,” feeling when you read Coben’s books. His newest effort, Hold Tight is just such a book. Coben boldly expands on the family thriller in this joyride of a book.

Hold Tight asks the simple questions: what would you do to keep your kids safe? Are you willing to spy on your kids to keep them for harm? How far is too far? How far is not far enough? Are there things you do not want to know about your children? In this book, Coben takes unforeseen events and weaves multiple plots into an amazing climax, all the while asking the question: How do you weigh your child’s privacy against the parent’s right to know? Do parents have ‘the right or the duty’ to spy on their children to keep them safe? How can you tell what is normal rebellious teenage behavior from an out of control cry for help? In his 15th novel, Coben addresses these questions and scares the dickens out of us, in this well-crafted thriller.

Tia and Mike Baye have a normal family, (kinda like Ward & June Cleaver) complete with an 11 year old precocious daughter, and a hockey loving teenage son. But sixteen year old Adam suddenly becomes distant and sullen after his best friend, Spencer Hill suddenly commits suicide. The parents become more and more concerned. Finally, out of desperation, they install a spyware program on Adam’s computer, the will appraise them of every e-mail, IM, and text message he sends and receives. When a message comes to their attention, “Just stay quiet and all safe,” they are jolted. Spencer Hill supposedly died alone, but Spencer’s mother, Betsy Hill, discovers that Adam may have been with Spencer the night before his death. Before anyone can get to the bottom of just what Adam knows about Spencer’s death, Adam disappears. Mike Baye, a doctor and Tia Baye, a lawyer, are not the types to just sit around, so action is taken to find Adam. Long hidden secrets in the neighborhood and among its children begin to surface. At the same time, one woman is found dead and another is missing, and somehow the police suspect all of these matters are connected to Dr. Baye and his missing prescription pads. This could cost Dr. Mike everything.

As if Mike Baye isn’t dealing with enough, he also learns that Lucas Loriman, the sweet kid who grew up next door, is in urgent need of a kidney transplant. As the boy’s doctor, Mike suddenly finds himself in possession of an explosive secret that threatens to rip the Loriman family apart.

Eleven year Jill Baye is sticking by her best friend Yasmin after a teacher at school made such a devastating remark to her, that her classmates have teased her to the point where Yasmin and her hard-luck, single pa

Great Service!!! Received the book in a timely manner. I would buy more from this seller!! I was anxious to read the book. I love this author!!

Fast delivery yahoo!!!! Great book am reading it now. Clean and nicely kept would recommend to anyone

The book is in great shape, fast shipping. Seller described the book very well. It was in perfect shape Thank you very much.

A good book, Keeps you guessing until the very end and then throws one more surprise after it is all over! A bit violent but i loved it anyway.

A "can't put down" read! I love the fact that until the end, the reader is kept in the dark as to what the possible plot is about and then....it all comes together!!! Until it does, however, you want to read another page and another and another.

Honestly, Coben is one of my favorite writers and I expected more from Hold Tight. I liked his later novels better for some reason, this one just didn't grab hold of me as many others of his did. It was still a wonderful book and I would recommend it but it's just not his best.

This book is amazing. One of those can't put it down, keeps you on your toes and thinking to the end. Easy read for anyone that loves a mystery. Loved it!!!

Well I should NEVER start to read a Harlan Coben book in the evening. You'd think that I'd know better by now! LOL I get too caught up in the story and before I know it, it's 3 a.m. (Thank goodness it was a Friday night!)

Now Mr. Coben's books are not for everyone. The crimes committed are often appalling. My 85-year-old mother did NOT enjoy "The Woods". I also don't like the crimes or the sick criminals but his writing pulls me in.

If you like his work, you'll like this book!

Great book, well written, a must if you are a parent. each chapter is a page turner, leaving you no option but to keep reading. A book difficult to put down.

Like many, I've read more than a few of Coben's books. This is a compelling read, because the concept of parent/child safety/privacy is one that affects many. The characters are believable. The suspense level is high. A terrific summer read.

I knew this book would be great and I wasn't disappointed. Harlan Coben is one of my favorite authors and he definitely knows how to tell a story and keep the reader interested. I couldn't put it down.

H.Coben is now a favorite author, I'm reading every book he's written. You are never disappointed with his novels. I like the way he describes the characters and brings each one to life (you don't have to backtrack to remember who's who). Talented writer, and always looking forward to a new book. Modern day setting (Hold Tight) that anyone who has children in their lives will relate.

Got this book in the mail and didn't put it down until I finished it. I loved the way Coben introduces new characters and interacts them with more familiar characters.