Play Dead Mass Market Author: Visit Amazon's Harlan Coben Page | Language: English | ISBN:
0451231740 | Format: PDF
Play Dead Mass Market Description
From Publishers Weekly
Terrible secrets lead basketball star David Baskin to fake his death while honeymooning in the tropics in this manipulative but otherwise engaging first novel. His bereaved bride, supermodel Laura Ayars, not sure that David's drowning was accidental, starts sleuthing--which proves dangerous when somebody begins killing people who may have the answers she wants. Meanwhile, David, fitted out with a new identity and appearance, tries out for his original team, the Boston Celtics, and "replaces" himself at his former position. Why he has faked his death is explained in the story's penultimate surprise. But why he risks playing in front of fans who know his style is never addressed. Crucial coincidences abound, such as the love affair of David's brother and Laura's sister--adults who, as kids 30 years before, just happen to have witnessed their parents' worst sins. Coben manufactures tension primarily by keeping key details out of his narrative, a method that eventually wears thin. The resolution comes as a relief, with less of a bang than its buildup promises.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From School Library Journal
When Laura Ayers and David Baskin secretly marry, it is a match made in heaven. She is a former model turned entrepreneur, while he is the Boston Celtics basketball sensation. But tragedy strikes on their Australian honeymoon when David never returns from a swim in treacherous waters. As Laura struggles with her grief, events unfold to make her question David's mysterious disappearance. She begins to uncover a conspiracy of past and present that slowly destroys all those involved. Coben weaves a delicate web of intrigue that throws alternating suspicion on each person Laura trusts. A fast-moving thriller with a rapidly twisting plot that keeps readers in suspense until the final page. --Katherine Fitch, Jefferson Sci-Tech, Alexandria, VA
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
See all Editorial Reviews
- Mass Market Paperback: 560 pages
- Publisher: Signet; Reissue edition (September 28, 2010)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0451231740
- ISBN-13: 978-0451231741
- Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 4.3 x 1.2 inches
- Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
I didn't even know this book existed until recently as it along with his second novel Miracle Cure aren't mentioned in most of his later work, guess they had a different publisher or something. I have to say though I'm glad I discovered Coben's first novel Play Dead as it is just as enjoyable as his later work. Granted Play Dead's a bit far fetched in some parts and yes as you read at times you will say why didn't the character just do this instead of what they actually do but their actions do lead to a fast paced can't put down storyline. Also being that this is his first novel Coben obviously didn't have as high a quality editor as there's the odd typo such as Qantas with an added u after the q that appears on and off when that word is used. This in no way though detracts from the high quality storyline. You can also see glimpses of future storylines and their characters from those used in this book where Coben shows his knowledge of certain areas such as professional sports, especially his Myron Bolitar character who Coben will publish to the world five years later in that character's first adventure Deal Breaker.
So what was Coben's first novel about? Laura a beautiful retired (at the age of 23) supermodel now turned successful businesswoman has married the top sportsman in his chosen sport, Boston Celtics basketball plater David Baskin. To escape the pressures of her family they eloped to the northern Cairns beachside suburb (portrayed as a small town in this novel) Palm Cove.
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