Into the Fire

Don't Let Go by Harlan Coben is my first go-round with this prolific bestselling author.

Don't Let Go has that noir feel to it. Detective "Nap" (Napoleon) Dumas' first love (Maura) disappeared into thin air on the same night a brutal death occurs to his twin brother Leo and his girlfriend Diana, the daughter of a police captain (Augie) who winds up as Nap's mentor and close friend. Fifteen long years ago. Nap's never forgotten Maura or stopped wondering where she could've gone. 

When the shooting death of a police officer pulling over a driver for a DUI reveals familiar fingerprints in the vehicle driven by the missing shooter, Nap is shaken and hopeful all at once.

Is the now abandoned missile site and then a supposed USDA site in their New Jersey town up in the woods the source of all the mystery surrounding Leo's and Diana's deaths and Maura's disappearance so many years ago? Does it all tie in somehow to the recent death of the officer, a mutual high school friend of Nap's and the others? Are there more deaths to follow of members of a secret club Nap knew nothing about?

Harlan Coben tells this tale in Nap's first person account, including emotional discussions with his deceased brother, throughout his incessant investigation of how all the crazy events – past and present – are starting to fit together. He revives Augie's pain, but it's a necessary venture even though Augie encourages him to let it go. When things get ugly, lies surface, friends let him down, the FBI shows up, and other events shock his soul, Nap, in his dogged search for truth, discovers how ugly and freeing truth can be.

A fascinating story and thought the noir touch was just right, the heartbreak palpable, and the conclusion satisfying. There is a minimal amount of profanity for a secular novel.

Father, you give the gifts and talents. May those who hone them, use them, and reap the rewards from them, know from whom they come. Thank you for your gifts to Harlan. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.