Think Twice by Harlan Coben Summary, Characters and Themes
Think Twice by Harlan Coben is the twelfth book in the Myron Bolitar series, blending gripping mystery, humor, and emotional depth. This thriller sees Myron, a former sports agent turned investigator, and his enigmatic friend Windsor “Win” Lockwood III navigating a complex web of deception, murder, and buried secrets.
When a dead man—an old rival and client of Myron’s—seemingly comes back to life and is implicated in a series of murders, the duo must unravel the truth while confronting personal stakes and dangerous adversaries. Packed with twists and a touch of wit, this novel keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
Summary
When Myron Bolitar, a sports agent, resumes his agency after years away, the last thing he expects is a visit from two FBI agents.
The agents are investigating the Callister murders, a high-profile case involving the deaths of a socialite and her son. However, the real shock comes when they ask about Greg Downing, a former NBA player, coach, and Myron’s first major client.
The catch?
Greg has been dead for three years—Myron even delivered his eulogy. Yet, DNA evidence links Greg to the murders, suggesting he is alive and possibly involved.
Determined to uncover the truth, Myron enlists his close friend and confidant, Win Lockwood. Their search leads them down a labyrinthine path of secrets, lies, and danger.
Early on, the pair discovers that Greg’s supposed death was likely staged, his disappearance tied to suspicious financial moves before his “demise.” These revelations intertwine with the Callister murders and the shadow of a cunning serial killer, who not only kills but plants false evidence to frame others.
This deceptive strategy raises questions about Greg’s role: is he an accomplice, a victim, or a scapegoat?
As the investigation progresses, Myron and Win face escalating threats. Myron is even captured by a ruthless mobster, Joey “The Toe,” infamous for torturing victims by severing their toes.
Though Myron narrowly escapes, the encounter serves as a grim reminder of the stakes involved. Meanwhile, Win’s cold pragmatism and resources prove invaluable, but both men are haunted by the emotional toll of their journey.
Complicating matters further is Myron’s personal connection to Greg’s life. Years ago, Myron had a brief relationship with Emily, Greg’s wife, resulting in the birth of Jeremy—a son Greg raised as his own.
This revelation adds layers to Myron’s motivations, as he is not only seeking justice but grappling with his place in Jeremy’s life and his feelings for Emily.
Twists abound as the murders pile up and the framing grows more sophisticated. Myron and Win eventually locate Greg, who reveals a tangled web of motives behind his faked death.
The reasons are deeply personal, tied to Greg’s attempt to escape powerful enemies and protect those he loves. However, his actions inadvertently linked him to the killer’s scheme.
The story hurtles toward a dramatic conclusion, with the killer’s identity and motives revealed in a shocking twist. Myron and Win must act swiftly to prevent further carnage and untangle the web of lies.
Ultimately, the resolution ties together the threads of deception, loyalty, and sacrifice, leaving Myron reflecting on his relationships and the cost of uncovering the truth.
In Think Twice, Coben masterfully combines suspense, humor, and emotional resonance.
Themes of justice, family, and betrayal interweave, making it a thrilling yet poignant addition to the Myron Bolitar series.
Characters
Myron Bolitar
Myron Bolitar, the protagonist, is a former basketball player turned sports agent with a knack for getting entangled in criminal investigations. His character in Think Twice embodies both vulnerability and determination as he resumes his agency while juggling personal and professional challenges.
Myron’s signature humor and wit remain intact, serving as a counterbalance to the darker elements of the story. However, this installment showcases a more reflective side of Myron, highlighting his growth as he confronts his past decisions, including his connection to Emily and his biological son, Jeremy.
Myron’s loyalty and moral compass drive his actions, even when faced with physical danger or emotional turmoil. His interactions with Win reveal the deep bond between the two, filled with both banter and an unspoken understanding that underscores their friendship.
Windsor “Win” Horne Lockwood III
Win serves as Myron’s closest ally, a wealthy, enigmatic figure with a sharp intellect and a penchant for violence when necessary. In Think Twice, Win’s trademark cynicism and ruthless efficiency are on full display, making him an invaluable partner in unraveling the mystery of Greg Downing’s apparent resurrection.
Despite his aloof exterior, Win’s loyalty to Myron is unwavering, and he provides both comic relief and critical support throughout the investigation. The narrative hints at Win’s complexity, with moments that reveal his moral ambiguity and his ability to operate in the gray areas of justice.
Greg Downing
Greg Downing is the central mystery of the novel—a man believed to be dead for three years, now implicated in a series of crimes. Greg’s character is layered, as his motivations for faking his death and the subsequent actions tied to his reappearance are gradually revealed.
As a former NBA player and coach, Greg’s past intersects with Myron’s in both professional and personal ways, adding emotional depth to the story. His relationship with Emily and Jeremy complicates the narrative, creating tension and forcing Myron to grapple with unresolved feelings and obligations.
Greg’s choices are driven by desperation and personal pain, painting him as both a victim and a perpetrator in the web of deceit.
Emily Downing
Emily, Greg’s widow and Myron’s former love interest, is a pivotal figure in the story. Her relationship with both men introduces a personal dimension to the mystery, especially with the revelation that Myron fathered her son, Jeremy.
Emily is portrayed as a complex character, torn between her loyalty to Greg and her past with Myron. Her role in the story underscores themes of love, betrayal, and the lengths to which people go to protect their loved ones.
Emily’s interactions with Myron reveal lingering emotions and unresolved conflicts, adding depth to her character and the overall narrative.
Jeremy
Jeremy, the son of Emily and biologically Myron, represents an emotional anchor in the story. His presence complicates Myron’s involvement in the case, as it forces him to confront his responsibilities as a father and the implications of his past decisions.
Jeremy’s character is not deeply explored in this installment, but his existence significantly impacts Myron’s actions and choices. The bond that begins to form between Myron and Jeremy hints at future developments and adds a layer of poignancy to the story.
Monica Hughes
Monica Hughes, the FBI agent who sets the investigation in motion, is portrayed as determined and no-nonsense. Her role in the narrative is primarily as a catalyst, bringing the mystery of Greg Downing’s DNA to Myron’s attention.
While not deeply characterized, Monica’s interactions with Myron and Win reflect her professionalism and the high stakes of the case. Her presence adds credibility to the investigation and grounds the story in procedural elements.
Myron’s Parents
Myron’s aging parents provide a humorous and heartfelt counterpoint to the suspenseful narrative. Their experimentation with cannabis edibles and their playful interactions inject levity into the story, showcasing Harlan Coben’s skill at balancing tones.
Despite their comic relief, Myron’s parents are also a source of wisdom and grounding for him. They remind readers of the importance of family and tradition amidst the chaos of the investigation.
Joey “The Toe”
Joey “The Toe,” a mobster known for his brutal interrogation methods, serves as a menacing figure in the story. His encounter with Myron highlights the physical danger Myron faces and underscores the stakes of the investigation.
While Joey is not a major character, his presence adds tension and reinforces the darker elements of the narrative.
Themes
Loyalty and Friendship
The bond between Myron Bolitar and Win Lockwood is at the core of the story, showcasing the unshakable loyalty they have for each other. Their partnership, forged through years of navigating perilous situations, is once again tested as they face a mystery fraught with danger and emotional complexity.
Win’s unflinching support and lethal efficiency complement Myron’s humor and dogged determination. Through their shared experiences, Coben emphasizes the significance of trust and camaraderie, even in the face of overwhelming odds.
Deception and Identity
Deception runs as a powerful undercurrent throughout the narrative, with the mystery of Greg Downing’s apparent death serving as the central enigma. The revelation that Greg faked his death speaks to the lengths individuals might go to escape their circumstances or protect themselves.
This theme is further amplified by the killer’s ability to plant false evidence, creating a web of lies that ensnares the innocent. Coben masterfully examines how deception can distort identity, both in Greg’s case and in the overarching manipulation of justice by the serial killer.
Justice and Miscarriage of Justice
The story delves deeply into the justice system’s fragility, particularly through the killer’s elaborate schemes to frame others for their crimes. This exploration critiques the vulnerability of systems meant to uphold truth, as even forensic evidence—considered irrefutable—can be manipulated.
Myron and Win’s efforts to untangle this intricate web serve as a counterpoint, highlighting the importance of perseverance and integrity in the pursuit of justice. The theme underscores the devastating consequences of wrongful accusations and the ethical dilemmas faced by those seeking the truth.
Family and Personal Relationships
The novel takes a poignant turn by weaving Myron’s personal life into the narrative. The revelation of his biological connection to Jeremy, the son he shares with Emily, adds a layer of emotional complexity.
This subplot explores the impact of past decisions on present relationships and the sacrifices made for family. Myron’s aging parents, with their humor and vulnerability, offer moments of levity while emphasizing the inevitability of change and the importance of cherishing familial bonds.
Mortality and Aging
Coben allows his characters to age, lending the story a sense of realism and introspection. Myron and Win, though still sharp and capable, are portrayed with a vulnerability that acknowledges their mortality.
This theme is further explored through Myron’s parents, whose experiments with cannabis edibles provide comedic relief while subtly addressing the challenges of aging. The characters’ reflections on their own physical and emotional limitations underscore the bittersweet nature of growing older, adding depth and poignancy to the narrative.
Manipulation and Control
The serial killer’s ability to meticulously orchestrate crimes and frame others reveals a chilling exploration of manipulation and control. The antagonist wields power not through brute force but through cunning and foresight, showcasing the terrifying potential of intellect wielded without morality.
This theme is mirrored in Greg’s own deceptive actions, as his faked death and subsequent reappearance upend the lives of those connected to him. Through these intertwined narratives, the novel examines the devastating ripple effects of one person’s actions on others’ lives.
Redemption and Consequences
The story explores the possibility of redemption through Greg Downing’s arc, as his motivations for faking his death are gradually uncovered. While his actions are questionable, they are also rooted in deeply personal struggles, forcing both Myron and the reader to grapple with the nuances of morality.
Similarly, Myron’s involvement in Jeremy’s life presents an opportunity for him to reconcile his past choices with his present responsibilities. The narrative underscores that while redemption is possible, it often comes with significant consequences.
Humor as a Coping Mechanism
Despite the novel’s dark and suspenseful tone, humor plays a vital role in maintaining balance and humanizing the characters. Myron’s self-deprecating wit and his banter with Win provide moments of relief, showcasing how humor can serve as a coping mechanism in the face of danger and uncertainty.
The lighter moments, including the antics of Myron’s parents, remind readers of the resilience of the human spirit, even amidst chaos and tragedy.