Let me start by saying, Harlan Coben does it again with Nobody’s Fool. The premise alone hooks you—imagine seeing someone you thought was dead walk into your classroom. That’s the shock Sami Kierce faces, and it sets off a chain of events that had me flipping pages like my life depended on it.

The dual timelines are masterfully woven, keeping you guessing until the very end. Coben’s signature pacing is spot-on, with enough red herrings to keep even the most seasoned thriller fans on their toes. The nods to his other works (Win’s building, the Vermeer reference) were a fun Easter egg for longtime readers like me.

But here’s the thing: after 25+ Coben books, I saw the big twist coming. It felt a bit recycled—another «missing person who might not be missing» trope. The reveal, while shocking at first glance, left me scratching my head upon reflection. It didn’t quite land logically, which was disappointing after such a strong buildup.

That said, Sami Kierce is one of Coben’s most relatable protagonists yet. His marriage to Molly feels authentic (rare in thrillers!), and their dynamic adds emotional weight to the chaos. The criminology class subplot was a fresh touch—I loved how his students got roped into solving cold cases.

Final verdict? If you’re new to Coben, you’ll likely adore this. For veterans, it’s still a solid read but might feel familiar. Either way, buckle up for that cliffhanger—I’m already desperate for the next book!