Book Review: Seconds Away by Harlan Coben

Seconds Away
Author: Harlan Coben
Series: A Mickey Bolitar Novel (Book 2)
Publication: G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers; First Edition edition (September 18, 2012)

Description: This action-packed second book in international bestseller Harlan Coben’s Mickey Bolitar young adult series follows Mickey as he continues to hunt for clues about the Abeona Shelter and the mysterious death of his father—all while trying to navigate the challenges of a new high school.

When tragedy strikes close to home, Mickey and his loyal new friends—sharp-witted Ema and the adorkably charming Spoon—find themselves at the center of a terrifying mystery involving the shooting of their classmate Rachel. Now, not only does Mickey need to keep himself and his friends safe from the Butcher of Lodz, but he needs to figure out who shot Rachel—no matter what it takes.

Mickey Bolitar is as quick-witted and clever as his uncle Myron, but with danger just seconds away, it is going to take all of his determination and help from his friends to protect the people he loves, even if he does not know who—or what—he is protecting them from.

My Thoughts: Mickey, along with his friends Spoon and Ema, is trying to find out who shot their friend Rachel. Mickey is also still dealing with questions about his father's recent death, his mother's hospitalization for drug addiction, and his new relationship with his Uncle Myron. Throw in his adjustment to a new school and trying out for the basketball team and you have an action-packed adventure.

I liked the relationship between the kids. Spoon is quite a nerdy character but both Mickey and Ema accept him as he is. He is also very observant and comes up with some of the needed clues to solve the main mystery in this story. Unfortunately, he gets shot in this one and is still in serious condition at the end of the story. I need the next book to find out his fate.

I also liked Mickey's relationship with Ema. He considers her his best friend despite the fact the he doesn't know anything about her home life or even if she has a home. I can understand his hurt feelings when he does learn some of Ema's secrets.

The bigger mystery - all about the Abeona Shelter and what they are doing - is left unsolved in this story. Again, I hope the next book will answer some of those questions.

Fans of mysteries with teen detectives will enjoy the Mickey Bolitar series and may even want to read some of the Myron Bolitar mysteries.

Favorite Quote:

Ema frowned. "Are you really wearing a pocket protector?"

"What, you want the pen to ruin my shirt?"

"That shirt? Yes."

"But green plaid is back."

I bought this one on July 3, 2013. You can buy your copy here.