Skip to main content
PBS logo
 
 

Book Reviews of Hold Tight

Hold Tight
Hold Tight
Author: Harlan Coben
ISBN-13: 9780525950608
ISBN-10: 0525950605
Publication Date: 4/15/2008
Pages: 416
Rating:
  • Currently 4/5 Stars.
 332

4 stars, based on 332 ratings
Publisher: Dutton Adult
Book Type: Hardcover
Reviews: Amazon | Write a Review

59 Book Reviews submitted by our Members...sorted by voted most helpful

shariv avatar reviewed Hold Tight on
Helpful Score: 17
This book started off a little slow for me, but after a few chapters I was hooked! A teenager commits suicide on the high school roof. Another teen, Adam, becomes sullen and distant, eventually goes missing. Adam's parents are frantic to reach their child, they employ GPS, trace his emails and texts and even try to follow him into a dangerous part of the city. Adam's friend, DJ, appears to be in the mix, but his police captain dad denies he ever left the house.

At the same time, a man and woman team of killers are kidnapping women and beating them to death. A neighbor boy is terminally ill and needs a kidney transplant. Transplant compatibility tests reveal that the man who thinks he is the boys father isn't really. The lives of all these families collide in tragic and unexpected ways.

I was so hooked on this book, after the first few chapters, I couldn't put the book down and finished it in one day! It was a gripping story filled with lots of interconnecting characters and a great plot.
reviewed Hold Tight on
Helpful Score: 15
Are you the type of person that stays up all night relishing a page-turner? Well, then this book is for you! Do not, I repeat do not, start reading if you have any to be in the morning as you will just be up all night reading. There are several plot twists and interesting characters and enough suspense to knock your socks off. At the end I was still blown away even after the climax~ It makes every parent want to hold on to their kids and never let go. Definitely deserves to be on the best seller list.!
Jiddy17 avatar reviewed Hold Tight on + 2 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 7
This book is a stand alone novel, not one of the Myron Bolitar series which I love. But it had some twists & turns in true Harlan Coben fashion and I liked it very much. It made you think about what you would do in the same circumtances. How far would you go to protect your child? Would you spy on them or respect their privacy? No easy answers. I think I've read all of Harlan Coben's books & this ranks with the best.
esjro avatar reviewed Hold Tight on + 904 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 6
The initial two-thirds of this book had me confused... the dust jacket said Harlan Coben, yet the characters and dialogue screamed Jodi Picoult. But isn't that Hester from "Tell No One?" HUH?!!! Fortunately, this book proved to be a Coben thriller with the last hundred or so pages... all the subplots came together in a way that kept me turning the pages until 2 am.

Because of the slow start this was not my favorite standalone offerings by this author, but it is still worth a credit... though not worth the $26.95 I paid for it at the airport bookstore. ;-)
twosey avatar reviewed Hold Tight on + 52 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 5
Not one of his best, but still a great read. Great cameos from some of his other characters. As a loyal Coben fan, I enjoyed reckognizing some of the familiar names and characters. This novel had a bit too many side plots and mini stories for me. I also wished that Coben would stop verbalizing the dilemma and have more faith that his readers would understand what was at stake.
sugarbaby avatar reviewed Hold Tight on + 60 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
Another great one from Mr Coben! True to his unique style of writing, there are enough twists and turns in this book to keep you intrigued from page 1. What seems like a random series of events comes together at the end in a semi-surprise ending. I say semi-surprise, because if you are a fan of Coben's, then you will know how his mind works, and be able to somewhat guess where he is going with the story.
Overall, this is a great book & one I will not hesitate to recommend!
SCAREDYCAT avatar reviewed Hold Tight on + 5 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
I love Harlan Coben's books. I don't think he could write a bad book.
He is the masterer of the hook and twist. I never see whats coming next.
jdyinva avatar reviewed Hold Tight on + 408 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
So good; so satisfying. Do yourself a favor and read Coben's "Hold Tight." It is terrifying glimpse into a father's struggle to understand the changes in his teenage son - changes that may label him a murder. How far would you go to shield your son or daughter? Great read.
buzzby avatar reviewed Hold Tight on + 6062 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
I like Coben, but they are all beginning to sound the same. This isn't Myron Bolitar, but it's the same upper-middle class New Jerseyites full of parental and existential angst. The plot lines didn't really come together in the end.
reviewed Hold Tight on + 7 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
I thought this book was ok--my main complaint was that it seemed to have too many characters. I had a hard time remembering who each character was.
reviewed Hold Tight on + 5 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Like all of Harlan Coben's books, I couldn't put this one down. He interweaves various
puzzles simultaneously and you've just got to know what happens next. I highly recommend it.
schwip avatar reviewed Hold Tight on + 49 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This book has a very enticing and original plot and a rewarding ending! I highly recommend this book. My only problem for me was, as an incremental reader, sometimes it was hard to follow the multiple story lines happening at the same time. When I would sit down and read continuously, it flowed easily. This book is definately worth the time.
reviewed Hold Tight on + 8 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This is the first book I've read by this author. Definitely will read more by him!
Great read--really suspenseful full of twists and turns.
sfc95 avatar reviewed Hold Tight on + 686 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Not the best Coben book I have read, but it is quick and has many twists
dunawaysm avatar reviewed Hold Tight on + 2 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Although very different than the Bolitar series which I thoroughly enjoy this book was very good and the suspense kept me reading. I really did enjoy this and think it is one of his best ones yet.
my2luvsemmyandmally avatar reviewed Hold Tight on + 758 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Just finished reading this Harlan Coben book and I have to say it was FANTASTIC!!!
This is one of the best books I have read in a long time. It was exciting right
from the first few pages........took right off making you want to read it further
and not put it down! I found myself carrying it around in my purse so I could
read a page or two when I had a few spare minutes that is just how GOOD a book it
is. You will not be disappointed in this book.
thelastingcandle avatar reviewed Hold Tight on + 2 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Well When I first started this book, I didn't like it. Even now that I am finished I have mixed emotions. It was so all over the place, but in the end it all tied together. Which really held my attention because I found myself unable to put it down because I needed to understand. So in that respect I guess he did a good job. I read it in one night.

Overall not really my style but he did do a good job of bringing the story together.
CherokeeJoy avatar reviewed Hold Tight on + 37 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I enjoyed this book but for Harlan Coben I thought it dragged a bit in places; maybe was not quite as believable as it could have been in some spots. I love his writing however, so I would tackle anything he wrote. This was let's say an 80% of his best books. Still good but not a page turner.
reviewed Hold Tight on + 51 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Well Coben does it yet again. I really love how his books are on top of things in the real world. This time parents spying on kids computers. It took only three sittings but was not as intense as previous books. Still an awesome read. Most of the authors I wait for had books this summer that were lame at best. Not Coben, the story keeps you wanting more and the characters are well developed. I love how he works characters from the Bolitar stories into his other books. Can't wait for the next one!
reviewed Hold Tight on + 16 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Looking for a book that will keep you awake? This is it. As usual Harlan Coben keeps your interest. If you into psychological thrillers, this is for you.
susieqmillsacoustics avatar reviewed Hold Tight on + 1062 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This book is excellent! Wow, talk about the plot thickening! All the way through, there are so many twists in so many directions, no one could figure this one out! When it all began to tie together, I found myself saying "Are you kidding me?" in a good way. A great mystery and a page-turner.
mcrow avatar reviewed Hold Tight on
Helpful Score: 1
Couldn't finish this one, too boring....too long. It seemed like it was going to go somewhere at some point but I got half way through and decided to read something a bit more my pace.
reviewed Hold Tight on + 6 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Harlan Coben is a great formula writer. He comes up with the basic crime but puts twists on it that are unusual. This one gets a little complex in the middle-end but you're never bored. Just keep the facts straight and see if you can figure it out.
reviewed Hold Tight on + 4 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Harlen Coben is a favorite of mine, and he didn't disapoint me. I have eye strain because I read way too late into the early morning. I was intrigued with the newer technology, the parents in the book use to track their son. The interwoven plot line, weaving between the different stories, was easy to follow, and yet, not apparent to where the story line was leading. Well worth the time!!!
donnabelle avatar reviewed Hold Tight on + 9 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Story moves along at a fast pace. Held my interest throughout. Harlan Coben is an excellent author and never yet has failed to please.
melissaab avatar reviewed Hold Tight on + 38 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I really enjoyed reading this book. I was not that excited when I picked it up because the cover was boring. (I know, but I always judge first) My cover does not look like the one pictured. But within the first few chapters, I was hooked. The book has a lot of characters and a lot of different story lines going at once. You are constantly trying to figure out how they all link together. I recommend!
reviewed Hold Tight on
Helpful Score: 1
Great story. Keeps ya guessing to the end. A recommended read.
reviewed Hold Tight on + 2 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Have just started reading Coben's books this year and after six books, haven't found one that I didn't thoroughly enjoy. HOLD TIGHT is just another of his spellbounding novels that I would rate as "loved it"!
reviewed Hold Tight on + 9 more book reviews
I love the Bolitar series-

Tought this may a litle harsh and troublesome to read. ABSOLUTELY wrong--great read extremely well written..Coben is terrific.
reviewed Hold Tight on + 3093 more book reviews
When the parents put a spying program on their son's computer they get more than they bargained for and it causes a lot of grief for more than just their family.
MKSbooklady avatar reviewed Hold Tight on + 947 more book reviews
A quick read, a usual Coben story, but entertaining enough.
reviewed Hold Tight on
Loved this book could not put it down.
sage-mae43 avatar reviewed Hold Tight on
Great Book! Just finished and was very impressed with the webbing of the characters involvement in the crimes. Coben does not disappoint his fans.
reviewed Hold Tight on + 19 more book reviews
I really enjoyed this book and Coben's writing kept me involved and wanting to know more.
my2luvsemmyandmally avatar reviewed Hold Tight on + 758 more book reviews
Very good book !!! Harlan Coben is one of the BEST mystery thriller writers I have ever read ! If you have never read his books before, pick up one now! I think his very BEST book so far is "PLAY DEAD" !!!!! If you can find a copy of that one grab it....you won't be sorry.
reviewed Hold Tight on
Great thriller in the tradition of Harlan Coben. Could not put it down!!!
reviewed Hold Tight on + 22 more book reviews
Not as good as his usual.
mnphotos1951 avatar reviewed Hold Tight on + 10 more book reviews
How far would you go to protect your child? This is the question faced by the parents of a 16 year old son who seems to be slipping away from them. Harlan Coben is an author who writes can't-put-it-down suspense novels, and this does not disappoint. A great book, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
reviewed Hold Tight on + 93 more book reviews
Great book, have enjoyed all his books so far.
Dimples2212 avatar reviewed Hold Tight on + 209 more book reviews
We're introduced to a family who has a teenage son that appears to be in trouble. Since the son is not talking, his parents install spyware software on the son's computer. They soon find out that he's in alot of trouble, doing alcohol and drugs and might be pulling the father in with him.

As this is all unfolding, we meet several of the neighbors and classmates. We learn their trials and dirty secrets, too. We're also introduced to a psychotic killer who's killing some of the neighborhood moms.

I simply adore this author. With all the twists and turns that take place in the book, it's really hard to predict what will happen next. But, in the end, everything falls into place and all the loose ends are tied up neatly.

If you never tried reading this author's work, try either HOLD TIGHT or THE WOODS. He's mesmerizing. It was impossible for me to put it down during the final 100 pages..
reviewed Hold Tight on + 95 more book reviews
This is the first time I have read this author, and I was not disappointed...
A real page turner, Hold Tight will keep you up all night...
His latest thriller contains generous and satisfying helpings of parental fear...
A tightly woven narrative populated with psychopaths,drug dealers,sketchy friends
and crooked cops. so Hold Tight for this one...
Lissa avatar reviewed Hold Tight on + 224 more book reviews
good book
justreadingabook avatar reviewed Hold Tight on + 1711 more book reviews
Thrilling with two stories doing double time with each other.
Love the characters and the wild ride each experiences.
reviewed Hold Tight on + 45 more book reviews
This was my first book by Harlan Coben. At first his writing style was difficult to get used to, but that quickly changed. He kept me engaged until the very end. This may have been my first Harlan Coben book, but it definately won't be my last!
sheriw avatar reviewed Hold Tight on + 38 more book reviews
Hold Tight (Harlen Coben)
Psychological/Thriller
Adam Baye has become remote and withdrawn since the suicide of his friend. His parents, Mike & Tia decide to spy on him by installing software on his computer, to monitor every keystroke. One day they read a cryptic email and then Adam disappears. Mike decides to track down his son and the suspense begins.

Fast pace page turner, a definite all night read. Sub plots that are filled with suspense blend perfectly up until the dramatic end.
macn avatar reviewed Hold Tight on + 37 more book reviews
Family trouble ahead. Not what I was expecting at all and when I finished the book it made me want to sit down and get to REALLY know my family better. Suspensful and scary and lots of plot twists to keep you guessing. Really enjoyed this book that I will look for more from this author.
reviewed Hold Tight on + 3 more book reviews
ALL of his books are a fast read and suspenseful so much so that I blaze thru them like wildfire trying to see what happens next! this book is like the rest, a fantastic read!
reviewed Hold Tight on
One of my Favorite Authors now. He has a great series that I'm really into with a sports agent named Myron... name sucks, but the adventure and writing are very good. This story is not in the series, but fear not, the book is top shelf.
reviewed Hold Tight on + 110 more book reviews
EXCELLENT! MUST READ!
deborah-d avatar reviewed Hold Tight on + 33 more book reviews
A family tries to help their son and unravel the truth about his friend's suicide.
sandyd avatar reviewed Hold Tight on + 14 more book reviews
I haven't read all of Coben's books but I really do not think he can write a bad one. About 3/4 of the way thru this one I'm like "how can he possibly tidy it up"..but tidy it up he does and very well. Tell No One is my favorite so far but this one is almost as good. Ok on to the next one..love this author!!
reviewed Hold Tight on + 5 more book reviews
A very good book. Harlan Coban is one of my favforite authors.
reviewed Hold Tight on + 25 more book reviews
Good book
reviewed Hold Tight on + 53 more book reviews
Loved it, loved it. His books just keep getting better and better!
Jill0427 avatar reviewed Hold Tight on + 68 more book reviews
Very good book! Makes you wonder-shoud you watch your kids online?...
reviewed Hold Tight on + 153 more book reviews
Another fine book from this author. Hope he keeps them coming.
reviewed Hold Tight on + 4 more book reviews
great book
reviewed Hold Tight on + 11 more book reviews
Another great book by Harlan Coben
reviewed Hold Tight on + 363 more book reviews
great read