Harlan Coben

BIO

Winner of the Edgar Award, Shamus Award and Anthony Award - the first author to win all three -- New York Times bestseller Harlan Coben's critically-acclaimed novels have been called “poignant and insightful” (Los Angeles Times), “consistently entertaining” (Houston Chronicle), “superb” (Chicago Tribune) and “must reading“ (Philadelphia Inquirer). His most recent novels, TELL NO ONE and GONE FOR GOOD are international bestsellers, appearing on the New York Times, London Times, Publishers Weekly, San Francisco Chronicle, Booksense and many others. His novels have been People magazine Page-Turners of the Week and a Publishers Weekly Best of the Year pick. Harlan's books are published in more than twenty-two languages.

Since his critically-acclaimed Myron Bolitar series debuted in 1995, Harlan Coben has won the Mystery Writers of America's Edgar Allan Poe Award, was nominated in 2002 for another Edgar. Harlan also won the Anthony Award at the World Mystery Conference, was nominated for another Anthony Award, won the Shamus Award by the Private Eye Writers of America, was nominated for another Shamus, and was twice nominated for the Dilys Award by the Independent Mystery Booksellers Association. His novel ONE FALSE MOVE earned him the prestigious “Fresh Talent Award”, given annually by Great Britain's largest bookstore chain, W.H. Smith. His short story A Simple Philosophy was nominated in 1999 for the Anthony Award, the Macavity Award, and the Agatha Award.  TELL NO ONE has been nominated for an Edgar, a Macavity, an Anthony and a Barry Award.

After graduating from Amherst College as political science major, Harlan worked in the travel industry.

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INTERVIEW

May 2003

Harlan Coben is the author of such bestsellers as TELL NO ONE and GONE FOR GOOD. He is also the winner of the Edgar, Shamus and Anthony awards, the first writer to receive all three honors. In this interview Coben discusses his latest novel, NO SECOND CHANCE --- the significance of the title, the themes that are addressed, and his inspiration for writing it.

Q: What do you feel sets your novels apart?

HC: I don't tell stories about serial killers or conspiracies that reach the highest level of government. I prefer to play in the calmer waters of suburban America. I deal with what we all know --- the strange and powerful bonds of family. In that placid pool, a splash can ripple and reverberate in ways far more devastating and far more emotionally resonant.

Q: What's the title mean?

HC: The title NO SECOND CHANCE is a bit of a misnomer. The book is, after all, about second chances. Check that --- it's about the greatest second chance imaginable. It begins with this nightmare: Marc Seidman is shot and left for dead. His wife is killed. And his daughter, Tara, has vanished. At first, it appears to be a kidnapping for ransom. But be prepared: Nothing is at seems. Things go horribly wrong. And just when it appears all hope is gone, a shocking development gives Marc Seidman that second chance.

Q: Do have a message for your readers or are you just looking to give them a good read?

HC: Ultimately, NO SECOND CHANCE is a story of triumph and hope. It is about how old lovers never leave us. It is about what a father will go through to keep his child safe.

I always start with a theme like this, but for me, it's all about story. NO SECOND CHANCE is first and foremost a page-turner. I want to keep you up at night. I want to keep you glued to the page, pulse racing, heart pounding, breathing shallow. I want there to be deadly secrets. I want to surprise you.

But --- and I think this is the key --- it is no good to stir the mind if you don't also stir the heart. So I don't mind if you're genuinely moved. I don't mind making you shed a tear or two at the end. I'm an emotional guy. I hope that maybe you are too.

Q: How much of your new novel, if any, was influenced by your personal life?

HC: I started out writing a story about a father's love. Why? Well, maybe because I have four children of my own, ages eight and under. No, that's not a typo. Four children --- ages eight, five, three and one. Give me a moment. Deep breath. Okay, I can go on now.

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