Seconds Away

Action packed would be an understated description for Coben’s novel—the second spinoff of his bestselling Myron Bolitar series featuring 14-year-old Mickey Bolitar. Picking up where the last book left off, Mickey is stunned by the news, supplied by the town’s mysterious and scary old crone, that his father, whom he saw die in a car crash, is still alive. Before Mickey can begin to digest this information, his girlfriend is shot in the head, he’s interrogated by the police, threatened, trapped in a burning building, and terrorized by two hit men—all while making time to try out for his high school’s basketball team. Narrator Nick Podehl turns in an inspired performance, lending a youthful voice to Mickey that captures all his teen angst, confusion, and impatience. Podehl also effectively renders the book’s cast of characters, from the snarling, bullying police chief to the screechy little nerd named Spoon. Ages 12–up. A Putnam hardcover. (Sept.)