The Palace

Fool Me Once is a new novel by Harlan Coben. Maya Stern Burkett is burying her husband, Joe Burkett. He was shot in the park on night when out with Maya. Maya is a former Army Captain (returned home amid a little scandal) back home after being in Iraq (suffering PTSD). Maya now teaches others how to fly. She also has a two-year-old daughter, Lily. Maya is devastated at the loss of her husband. Maya lost her sister, Claire Walker within the last year as well. A friend gives her a picture frame that is also a nanny cam. Maya can take out the SD card and view the coverage of her daughter with the nanny, Isabella. Maya is checking the camera one morning and sees a man that looks just like her husband (wearing her husband's clothes), Joe with their daughter, Lily. Maya confronts Isabella who denies seeing anything on the screen. She then sprays Maya with pepper spray, takes the SD card, and runs. Could Joe still be alive? Maya did not see the shot that killed her husband and it was a closed casket funeral (arranged by his family). Maya is determined to get some answers. Will Maya like the answers she receives? Of course, answers can lead to more questions!

I was excited when I was contacted and asked if I wanted to read and review Fool Me Once. However, I was disillusioned. Fool Me Once is a fast-paced book and quick book (above average writing). There is too much of the book devoted to Maya thinking (especially paranoid thinking). The ending was also a big letdown (and slightly odd). I kept waiting for a big twist or a shocking reveal, but I did not get it. What I got was predictable and just what I expected. I was surprised by the choices Maya made especially considering she had a child (a lot of parents will be appalled by Maya's decisions). This book was not what I expected from Harlan Coben. I give Fool Me Once 3.75 out of 5 stars. I did learn one important thing from Fool Me Once. Do not bring a nanny cam into my home!

I received a complimentary copy of Fool Me Once from NetGalley (and the publisher) in exchange for an honest evaluation of the novel.