From Page to Screen: Fool Me Once by Harlan Coben

- January 02, 2024

Hello, Fellow Book Worms and Book Dragons,

As millions tune in to Netflix's adaptation of Fool Me Once, let's head back to the book that started it all and my review.

Fool Me Once is written by Harlan Coben and published by Dutton Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House. In this tense and often nail-biting thriller we are introduced to Military Captain Maya Stern. Stern has just lost her husband to murder, Joe, and the family of Joe Burkett just wants what's best for Maya and Joe's two-year-old daughter, Lily. Her nanny is even the daughter of Joe's nanny. The Burketts' wealth is evident in Maya's life right down to her beautiful home. But Maya wishes only to mourn Joe and take care of Lily when she is not working. Maya does not like the "rich thing", and cares nothing for the Burkett fortune, even signing a prenuptial agreement.

Maya's friend Eileen suggests getting a nanny cam for her home. That way when Maya is at work at least a record of Lily's day will be available. Maya reluctantly agrees, being someone who trusts very few, if any, people she feels that Ellen is right. As the days go by and Maya views the footage, nothing seems out of the ordinary. Until one day Joe Burkett walks into the room where Lily is playing and visits his daughter. How is this possible when Joe was murdered in front of Maya earlier?

Fool Me Once had me fooled from the first chapter. It is a fast-paced thriller with many layers. I had no idea where the story was going, which kept the narrative fresh. I loved the twists and turns that Coben took with the lead character. Maya's PTSD was on full display here, and it was portrayed in a very realistic and often clinical way. The tension built throughout had me on edge, feeling like I was flying blind through rough weather. By the last page, Coben delivered a story that ended with a shocking event that made me stare, mouth agape, at the final words that I was reading.

January LaVoy's narration of Fool Me Once was one of her best presentations. I have loved her work on various Star Wars projects, and I was excited to see her name attached to this novel. She managed to do an amazing job on this book, giving a wide range of voices and accents. This was a wise choice on behalf of Penguin Audio.

Fool Me Once was a thrilling book. It gave me an ending that I will remember for a very long time. If you want an exciting mystery that dips dangerously over the edge, this four-star read is for you.

Let me know in the comments below what you are reading.

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