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If you are a lover of fast-paced thrillers, you certainly are familiar with New York Times best selling author of over 30 books, Harlan Coben. It has been a few years since I read one of his novels and I felt it was time to escape into one of his suspenseful heart
racing plots. His newest book, “I Will Find You,” begins with David Burroughs serving a life sentence in Briggs max security penitentiary in Maine for the murder of his three-year-old son, Matthew. He has been there for five years and is full of grief and guilt, even though he has no recollection of the killing. In his mind he failed to protect his son. Since his imprisonment his wife Cheryl has divorced him and remarried. He hasn’t had or wanted any visitors in five years.
Everything changes when David’s sister in-law, Rachel unexpectedly comes to visit him. The purpose of her visit is to show David a photograph that a friend took while at an amusement park. In the background of the picture there is a young boy who resembles David’s son so much that both David and Rachel think it could actually be Matthew. Could he still be alive? David needs to escape from prison, find his son, clear his name, and discover what really happened.
With help from the prison warden, who just happens to be David’s godfather, he does escape and manages to stay one short step ahead of the FBI. The two FBI agents, Max and Sharon, have a unique interrogation method using sarcasm and wisecracks which at first,is a little annoying but it actually does add humor to the story. David meets up with some interesting characters, both friend and foe. He is chased, beat up, shot at, and even kidnapped. Can David avoid capture long enough to reveal the shocking truth.
The story is a wild ride as David — with assistance from Rachel — puts the pieces together to find his son. There are complicated twists and turns all along the way. But this is a father who will stop at nothing to reunite with his son. Not everything is believable and there are some confusing components, but it is exciting and moves very fast. So readers keep up! Harlan Coben knows how to give us a thrill.
Questions:
Other than David, which character do you admire most and why?
Why did the warden and his son help David escape?
What was your opinion of the FBI agents Max and Sharon?
Rachel played an important role. Why did she assist David?
There was a lot of confusion about DNA results. Who lied to Hayden and why?
What was Cheryl’s secret? Did she know who Matthew’s father was?
For Harlan Coben fans: Did this book live up to your expectations?
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Jacquie O’Neil reviewed this book. She and her daughter, Times Leader Media Group Publisher Kerry Miscavage, contribute to this column.