With over 100 million books in print worldwide and more than 20 film and television adaptations under his belt, Harlan Coben is one of the world’s most celebrated thriller writers. Published in 46 languages worldwide, his bestsellers include Win, The Boy from the Woods, Run Away, Fool Me Once, Tell No One and the acclaimed Myron Bolitar series. He is the first author to win all three of mystery writing’s major awards: the Edgar, the Shamus and the Anthony.
As a showrunner and executive producer, Coben has brought his signature suspense to Netflix with numerous hit adaptations — including Fool Me Once, Stay Close, The Stranger, Safe, The Five, The Innocent, and The Woods — as well as Prime Video’s Shelter and an award-winning French film based on Tell No One. In 2026, he started hosting the true crime documentary series Final Twist on CBS, and released the personal memoir Plot Twist, a candid look behind the curtain at his life and creative process.
In a reading list for Amazon Book Review, Coben reflected on the authors and stories that have shaped his love of thrillers. From the enduring influence of William Goldman, Sue Grafton and Robert B. Parker, to modern mysteries by Attica Locke and Alison Gaylin, check out 5 of his favorite books below, and complement with the recommendations of Gillian Flynn, Ian Rankin, John Grisham, Lucy Foley, Michael Connelly, and Tana French.
Bluebird, Bluebird by Attica Locke
“This is a beautifully written, evocative, and gripping murder mystery. If a great blues song could become a novel—full of longing, love, grief, and a call for justice—it is Bluebird, Bluebird. A pleasure from start to finish.” -HC
Marathon Man by William Goldman
“My first adult thriller—I think I was maybe 15 when my dad gave it to me—was this story of two brothers and a surviving Nazi. I remember thinking you could put a gun against my head and I wouldn’t put that book down. It’s the sensation I want to give my readers today.” -HC
“A” is for Alibi by Sue Grafton
“Sue was a legend, and the entire alphabet series, featuring her detective Kinsey Milhone, is must reading. Sadly, Sue died after writing Y is for Yesterday so for her fans, the alphabet ends at Y.” -HC
Ceremony by Robert B. Parker
“I’ve said this before but I’ll say it again: 90% of detective fiction writers admit that Robert B. Parker was an influence—the other 10% lie about it. His greatest work is the Spenser series. Ceremony is a great place to start.” -HC
The Collective by Alison Gaylin
“A dark, relentless thriller about grief, obsession, and rage. Don’t start The Collective at night if you plan on getting any sleep.” -HC
(via Amazon Book Review; photo by Pip Cowley)
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