Shelter: A Mickey Bolitar Novel

Written by Harlan Coben

Narrated by Nick Podehl

NOW A PRIME VIDEO SERIES from internationally bestselling author Harlan Coben

Mickey Bolitar's year can't get much worse. After witnessing his father's death and sending his mom to rehab, he's forced to live with his estranged uncle Myron and switch high schools.

A new school comes with new friends and new enemies, and lucky for Mickey, it also comes with a great new girlfriend, Ashley. For a while, it seems like Mickey's train-wreck of a life is finally improving - until Ashley vanishes without a trace. Unwilling to let another person walk out of his life, Mickey follows Ashley's trail into a seedy underworld that reveals that this seemingly sweet, shy girl isn't who she claimed to be. And neither was Mickey's father. Soon, Mickey learns about a conspiracy so shocking that it makes high school drama seem like a luxury - and leaves him questioning everything about the life he thought he knew.

First introduced to readers in Harlan Coben's adult novel, Live Wire, Mickey Bolitar is as quick-witted and clever as his uncle Myron, and eager to go to any length to save the people he cares about. With this series, Coben introduces an entirely new generation of fans to the masterful plotting and wry humor that have made him an award-winning, internationally bestselling, and beloved author.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Brilliance Audio
• Release date: Sep 6, 2011
• ISBN: 9781455804955

Harlan Coben

Harlan Coben is an international No.1 bestselling thriller author. He is the winner of the EDGAR, SHAMUS and ANTHONY AWARDs - the first to receive all three. His books are published in 40 languages, with over 75 million copies in print worldwide. Both his standalone thrillers and series featuring the indomitable Myron Bolitar have been No.1 bestsellers in over a dozen countries, gracing the lists of the SUNDAY TIMES and the NEW YORK TIMES. His novel TELL NO ONE was turned into the smash hit French film of the same name, and received the highly coveted LUMIERE (French Golden Globe) for best picture as well as four CESARS (French Oscar). Harlan lives in New Jersey with his family. Find out more at www.harlancoben.com or follow him on Twitter @HarlanCoben

Reviews for Shelter

[Natalie Johnson · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The book was slow at first but the storyline kept me listening. The narrator did a great job with the voices he used in the story. I enjoyed this. This is a great read for teens and adults

[David Mumby · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A nice short story and the voice actor for the reading of the book was an excellent choice.

[1950youngthomas · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Very good book. Great mystery novel. Recommend to anyone who enjoys mysteries.

[Evonne Cash · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Very entertaining! The narrator was awesome and the storyline was engaging.

[kblinn_2 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

With Shelter, Harlan Coben ventures into the world of young adult literature. Although, there is certainly nothing about the book's contents that limits its interests to young adults other than the fact that Mickey, the main character, is a high school student. So, his judgment is not always the best, and his world-view is a little centered on Mickey. And like most teenage boys, he thinks he is pretty invincible. He is also the nephew of Myron Bolitar, who is a presence in the book as are a few other characters and events from the most recent Bolitar book. Mickey battles evil and prevails. Happily, by the end of the book he is a little less angry at his uncle Myron than he was at the beginning. It's a good read for either adults or YA's. I listened to the audio version which was a quality presentation.

[zuzamiller · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I loved this book and I can't watch for Mickey's next adventure!

[brknhrt_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Shelter by Harlan CobenHarlan Coben is one of my favorite authors and has now branched out into the YA genre. The character of Mickey is a likeable 15 year old with a unique blend of friends. Mickey has an unusual upbringing and never seems like a high school age student, but I can picture his friends, Spoon and Ema in any high school setting. Most of the book is a traditional mystery/thriller that takes Mickey and his friends in search of his missing girlfriend, Ashley. There are strange happenings around an old house and rumors that a mysterious “bat lady” lives there. Later in the book I thought the story got a little choppy and a holocaust connection seemed too contrived, but the story is engaging and entertaining. I have read several Coben books, but none with these characters. The character of Mickey’s uncle, Myron, is in other Coben adult thrillers, but unfortunately in Shelter he was just a name with little character development which made him seem cold and indifferent. The characters Spoon and Ema were both interesting and likeable, especially Ema as the outcast in high school.I would recommend the book for young adults, but not for children. The plot contains quite a bit of violence and takes Mickey to strip clubs. In a good book series, each book should also be a standalone with a plot that can expand into the next book. Each book should also have a satisfying ending, and that is where I think Shelter fell a little short. I liked that at the end of Shelter there were new questions about Mickey’s father that will be picked up in the next book, but I was disappointed that there were questions about Ema and other characters that were asked – but never answered in this book.

[kmartin802_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

SHELTER was an exciting mystery with charismatic characters and a well-developed plot. Mickey Bolitar is living with his uncle Myron in New Jersey. His father died in a car accident and his mother became a drug addict. Myron and his father were estranged and Mickey is not warming to his new uncle. Mickey is only a sophomore in high school but is very mature for his age. He and his parents traveled the world working for a non-profit organization. They came back to the US to make a more settled home for Mickey for his last three years of high school. Mickey is a talented basketball star, much like his uncle Myron.Now that Mickey is living with Myron while his mother is in rehab, he is starting school in the town where his father and uncle were raised. He makes friends with Ashley, who is also a new kid, and is then distressed when after three weeks of school she disappears. He also makes friends with Ema who is an overweight, goth girl who is one of the school's social outcasts and Spoon who is a unique character and who adds some humor to the story with his non sequitur trivia. Of course, Spoon also has access to school keys since his father is a janitor there. Together the three investigate Ashley's disappearance and learn about the white slavery trade, Nazi war crimes, and what Mickey's parents were really doing in their time overseas. I liked all the characters and especially liked Mickey. I look forward to reading the next book in the Mickey Bolitar series--especially since this one left some tantalizing questions that need answers.

[readerspeak_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Harlan Coben is a great writer of suspense. His latest (to be published Sept. 2011) book is no exception. Fifteen year old Mickey Bolitar needs to know what happened to Ashley, his girlfriend who recently vanished. As the new kid in town, Mickey hasn't met many people he trusts yet. His uncle Myron, known from Coben's adult books, stays out of his way per their agreement, with Mickey's dad dead (?) and his mother in rehab. Mickey befriends two of the school's losers, Spoon and Ema, who end up being remarkably resourceful. Character development takes a backseat to a plot full of surprises and suffering, but most readers won't mind. The ending offers satisfaction, and of course, more questions to be answered in future stories. Definitely a success, Shelter will fly off the library shelves and likely inspire teens to read Coben's adult books about Myron Bolitar. (ARC received via LibraryThing's Early Reviewers)

[eadieb-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I found this book to be a slow-starter but about half way through it really took off and became a real page-turner for me. I have read the whole Myron Bolitar series so I was familiar with Mickey from when he was introduced in Live Wire. I enjoyed the interplay between Mickey, Spoon and Ema and found the other teenage characters interesting too. The plot had a few twists and turns which held my interest and the ending was a complete surprise and left me wanting to immediately pick up the next book in the series. Coben's wit and humor was reflected throughout. Mickey reminds me of a young Myron which is probably why their personalities conflict at times. I would highly recommend this series to those who have read the Myron Bolitar series.

[pagei_3 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is a great adventure novel for teens. I enjoyed this and this was a new author to me. I think any teenage boy will enjoy this novel because it has lots of intrigue and action.

[novellover10 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Fantastic Storyline. Terrific characters. This book has an intriguing plot that never lets up. When you pick up this book you will not put it down until you're finished. Shelter is a young reader's book starring Mickey Bolitar, a self assured teen. I like the fact that Mickey recognizes that a heavyset girl has great character and she becomes his best friend. Mickey chooses his friends based on who he likes rather than their stature at the school. Great book for teens and terrific reading for adults.

[rena613 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

My teen kids liked this book.

[tsmom1219 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Read it in one sitting. Couldn't put it down. Love Mickey, Ema, and Spoon (especially Spoon). Reminds me of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, but without the supernatural baddies.

[reader1009-863136 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

adult/teen fiction. All the mystery/suspense of a Harlan Coben novel transplanted into the life of an unusually mature high school student. Though I'm not sure why a bully would keep trying to pick on a 6'4" tall kid, especially after he demonstrates extreme skill in martial arts, I'm happy to add Coben to my list of teen-friendly authors, joining the ranks of James Patterson, et al.

[adam.currey · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I picked this book up as a Harlan Coben fan, but not realising that this is a YA book. As such, I still enjoyed it but not as much as his other works. It has all the twists and turns you'd expect from Harlan Coben, but it does feel distinctly YA.

[robertalea-223265 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Coben's books for young people are just as riveting as those he writes for adults. I couldn't put these down. I read way into the night finished three books in 2 days. Although the subplots didn't tidy up perfectly in the end, it leaves much to the imagination of what could happen in more adventures starring Mickey, Ema, Spoon, and Rachel.

[Tirso (Sweet) · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Although for me the best product of Hoben is the Myron Bolitar saga, in this case there is a family connection with the author's star character, a young nephew pops up and this is a remarkable youth adventure. It is an entertaining story, but for the fans, it feels a bit lacking. (Translated from Spanish)

[shannon.dolgos · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Mickey's father is dead. His mother is in rehab. So, Mickey is forced to live with his Uncle Myron Bolitar. The arrangement isn't ideal, because Mickey blames Myron for all the estranged relationship between his parents and the rest of his family.

Since Mickey is new in town, he has no friends. He ends up sitting with a girl nicknamed Ema at lunch, and a boy named Arthur, who he nicknames Spoon. He confides to Ema and Spoon that his girlfriend Ashley has vanished, so the three decide to try to find out what happened to her.

And then there is the "Bat Lady." She tells Mickey that his father is very much alive....oh, and to save Ashley.

[shannon.doutt · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Mickey's father is dead. His mother is in rehab. So, Mickey is forced to live with his Uncle Myron Bolitar. The arrangement isn't ideal, because Mickey blames Myron for all the estranged relationship between his parents and the rest of his family.

Since Mickey is new in town, he has no friends. He ends up sitting with a girl nicknamed Ema at lunch, and a boy named Arthur, who he nicknames Spoon. He confides to Ema and Spoon that his girlfriend Ashley has vanished, so the three decide to try to find out what happened to her.

And then there is the "Bat Lady." She tells Mickey that his father is very much alive....oh, and to save Ashley.

[deankut · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Wow.... What an ending! I'm seconds away, from getting Seconds Away!

[dcarlin-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

My first of the Mickey Bolitar series. AImed at young adults I still found Shelter an enjoyable read. Characters were likeable and believable...well maybe stretched a little.and I don't re,ever one Istanbul of rough language .

[andrew1theqm · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Being a great fan of Harlan Coben and especially his Myron Bolitar series, I thought I'd give his Mickey Bolitar Series a go. The same use of dry humour comes through in this book , but I have to say I was left a bit disappointed in this book. Don't get me wrong it's not a bad book but not up to the very high standard of his Myron Bolitar series or his standalones. I would have liked a few more surprises or twists in the book. I did like the interplay between Mickey and Ema in the book. Whilst Myron figures in the book it is in a very low key way. 3.5 stars (rounded up to 4 for Shelfari). That said I will continue with the series as I come across them.

[heatherlinc · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This book caught my attention from the start. I enjoyed Mickey's voice - he was slightly nerdy but at the same time caring and self-deprecating. I also liked his two friends Spoon and Ema. The book was a quick read with suspense and action aplenty. Can't wait for the next book in the series.

[cygnet81 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This was a real surprise. I've enjoyed Coben's Myron Bolitar books but this is by far the best book I've read by him. It was a complex plot, used good vocabulary and didn't have the gratuitous sex that are in Coben's adult books.

[dom76-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I actually enjoyed this book. It was my first time reading a Harlan Coben book and I wasn'r disappointed. A very fast read, great characters just wished the book was longer, there was more to tell and the way it ended I have to read book no. 2

[louisvillains · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Started off slow but ending with a great cliffhanger...now I'll have to read the second in the series. Great OT book for patrons looking for strong male main characters. Mystery and suspense readers will like this one as well.

[alsparks324 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Mickey has lost his father in a car crash and his mother to substance abuse. He is forced to live with his uncle and try to fit in to a new school while picking up the pieces of his life. Add the mysterious "bat lady" and her telling Mickey her father is not dead and the challenge is on. What will Mickey find out about his father and his past? Can his mother make it through rehab? Danger and twists and turns wait in this fast moving thriller.

[nebraska_girl1971 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I really enjoyed this book, especially the last line of the book -you know this series will continue. I would not recommend this book to anyone under 14 - there are some adult "situations" that I don't think a younger individual should be exposed to.

[3goldens_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I loved, loved, loved this book for about the first half. It was exciting to read a book that had all the right elements to recommend to kids in my middle school classes. A compelling mystery right from page 1...a quasi-abandoned high school kid who has to cope with a mother in rehab and an annoying guardian uncle...just the right snarky, sarcastic tone...spot on put-downs of school and miserable teachers...a refreshing female sidekick who is the antithesis of all thing girlie...what's not to like? Well, then the whole specter of kidnapping girls for the sex trade shows up. That does it. Won't be recommending this to anyone in my classes. However, I did enjoy the author's descriptive powers and the laser accuracy with which he depicts the social order in school. A crackling plot and that mysterious father situation are nicely played. Just so sad it took a detour into the strip club/kidnapping zone.