''Found'' is the third book in
Harlan Coben
Harlan Coben (born January 4, 1962) is an American writer of mystery novels and thrillers. The plots of his novels often involve the resurfacing of unresolved or misinterpreted events in the past, murders, or fatal accidents and have multiple ...
's
young adult
In medicine and the social sciences, a young adult is generally a person in the years following adolescence, sometimes with some overlap. Definitions and opinions on what qualifies as a young adult vary, with works such as Erik Erikson's stages ...
series featuring Mickey Bolitar. This series is a spin-off of Coben's popular
Myron Bolitar
The Myron Bolitar series of thrillers are written by Harlan Coben with a series protagonist of the same name.
The Myron Bolitar series debuted with '' Deal Breaker'' (1995) and is currently 12 novels through ''
Think Twice' (2024). A spin-off youn ...
novels. ''Found'' continues the story of Mickey, who is still grappling with the aftermath of his father's death. The narrative unfolds eight months after the tragic event, during which Mickey has been dealing with a slew of mysteries and dark secrets.
Plot
The story picks up eight months after Mickey witnessed the death of his father. Haunted by the possibility that his father's death might not have been accidental, Mickey, along with his friends Ema, Spoon, and his uncle Myron, delve deeper into uncovering the truth. The narrative begins with Mickey witnessing his father's coffin being exhumed, revealing suspicious contents that raise more questions than answers.
Mickey faces typical teenage challenges, such as fitting in at school and dealing with relationships, while simultaneously being involved in high-stakes mysteries. One major plotline involves Mickey trying to find Ema's missing online boyfriend, who might not even exist. Another subplot includes Mickey helping his nemesis, Troy Taylor, who tested positive for drugs and seeks to clear his name. As the mysteries intensify, Mickey and his friends risk their lives to uncover the truth, leading to a shocking climax that provides both resolution and new beginnings for the characters.
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Publication
Harlan Coben's ''Found'' was released on September 9, 2014, by Penguin Young Readers Group, and available in hardcover, paperback, e-book, and audiobook formats.
Reception
Overall, critics appreciated ''Found'' for its fast-paced and engaging narrative, strong character development, and ability to blend mystery and adventure with the everyday experiences of adolescence. The book was noted for its appeal to both young adult and adult readers, maintaining the quality and excitement established in the first two books of the series.
''Kirkus Reviews
''Kirkus Reviews'' is an American book review magazine founded in 1933 by Virginia Kirkus. The magazine's publisher, Kirkus Media, is headquartered in New York City. ''Kirkus Reviews'' confers the annual Kirkus Prize to authors of fiction, no ...
'' praised ''Found'' for maintaining a swift pace and keeping readers engaged throughout the narrative. They highlighted the book's ability to balance high school challenges with more intense, mysterious plotlines, making it an exciting read for both teens and adults.
Linda Wilson from ''Crime Review'' acknowledged the book's appeal to young adult readers, particularly those who enjoy a mix of mystery and adventure. They highlighted the strong character development and the interplay between the more fantastical elements and the everyday struggles of teenage life.
References
External links
Harlan Coben's official website
{{Harlan Coben
Novels by Harlan Coben
2014 American novels
American mystery novels
American thriller novels