Bibliography: Coben, Harlan. (1998). One False Move. New York: ISBN: 0385323697
Plot Summary: Basketball star Brenda Slaughter is as beautiful as she is tough. Twenty years ago, Brenda’s mother disappeared, and just as she is set to join the women’s pro basketball scene, her father disappears too. She reluctantly agrees to accept sports agent Myron Bolitar’s protection and help. Despite Myron’s long time girl friend, they discover their mutual interest might be more than professional. But nothing comes easy, and there are secrets and lies some people will kill to keep hidden.
Critical Analysis: I can’t remember which librarian friend recommended the Myron books to me, but I am glad she did. The mystery or problem at the center of the story is always complicated and suspenseful. Each book focuses on a different client and often a different sport. But what makes me return is the characters–Myron, Win, Esperanza, Big Cindy, Myron’s parents. These people love each other, would do anything for each other and often crack wise and make jokes to cut the tension of high stress situations.
The BEST books of the series so far have been the personal ones, the ones that feature Myron directly in some way. Fade Away had Myron returning to the professional basketball world as an undercover investigator and revealed what really happened to end his professional sports career, but this one is even more intimate. With Brenda, he gets a glimpse of the life he longs for. I recommend this series not only for sports lovers, but for fans of buddy mysteries and humor. I think the series is also very teen friendly.
Review Excerpts: ”Standard plotting, then, but authentic conversation, colorful characters, and exciting New York and New Jersey surrounds more than compensate. Strongly recommended.”–Library Journal
“Undaunted, Myron and his Spenser-inspired entourage…take on every soul in New Jersey with a gun, a bank account, and a bad attitude, and uncover a satisfyingly complex tangle of skullduggery. Could Myron, who pushes his wisecracking charm hard, be any more tough and adorable? “–Kirkus Reviews
“[R]ealistic portrayal of the contemporary sports world while dishing up a bit of murder and mayhem. Bolitar is a solid protagonist who is plenty tough but also smart enough to accept his shortcomings.”–Booklist
Reviewed from public library audio book. Amazon Affiliate: If you click from here to Amazon and buy something, I receive a percentage of the purchase price.
