Harlan Coben - The Final Detail

Reviewed by showhost December 2007
This was the first time I had read one of his books. Harlan Coben lives and works in the U.S. His book is based in modern day America and the format/style reminded me of an '80's TV series called 'Moonlighting' (which featured Bruce Willis & Sybil Shepherd).
The main character is Myron Boltair who is a successful sports agent. His job is to protect the interests of sports personalities (bend the rules a little to keep them out of the media spotlight if it would blot their career)and try to secure the best financial deal for them etc.
But Myron had failed to protect someone he loved and when she died the guilt became too much so he 'dropped out' for a few weeks on a secluded Caribbean island with a beautiful woman, drowning his sorrows in sun, sex & alcohol..When his closest friend, the slightly psychotic Windsor Lockwood the 3rd turned up in the company boat, Myron knew something had to be wrong.
Myrons world was rocked. One of his clients had been killed and his female associate & friend Esperanza had been accused of the murder. Myrons business becomes unstable as other clients worried by the sordid details think about changing agents. Esperanza won't talk to him and her lawyer tells him to leave it all alone, not to pry. But Myron can't just sit by and watch his friend go to jail for a crime, his is sure, she did not commit.
Against her wishes Myron & Winwood (Win for short) start to dig around and find a can of worms.
The book is full of amusing wise-cracks intermingled with the twists & turns of the crime trail.
Some quotes:
'Big Cyndi (Esperanza's friend & protector an ex - extra,extra, heavyweight female wrestler)lifted her head off Myrons shoulder, blood circulated again'
"Come on, we'll give you a ride home, its raining, its late & someone may try to attack you. It's not safe here". " I can take care of myself" Big Cyndi said.
Myron had meant that it wasn't safe for the attackers but he let it pass.......

The book is a smart, enjoyable crime novel. He was the winner of the mystery awards Edgar, Anthony & Shamus and deservedly so.