PLOT TWIST
By Harlan Coben
Publisher: Grand Central
Coben, known for his suspense novels, shares stories from his childhood, inspirations for his characters and insights into his craft.
Review by By The Books Reviewer
Harlan Coben's latest offering, *Plot Twist: Life, Craft, and the Messy First Draft: A Memoir on Writing*, is a perplexing amalgamation of memoir and writing guide that ultimately fails to deliver on both fronts. While Coben's reputation as a master of the thriller genre is well-established, this foray into non-fiction exposes a lack of depth and originality that is both surprising and disappointing.
The book purports to provide an intimate look into Coben's writing process, interspersed with personal anecdotes from his life. However, the narrative is marred by a self-congratulatory tone and a dearth of substantive advice. Coben's recounting of his early struggles in the publishing world, including accepting a meager advance for his debut novel, comes across as disingenuous given his current status as a bestselling author. These tales of hardship feel more like humblebrags than genuine reflections, leaving the reader questioning the sincerity of his narrative.
The so-called 'Coben Method' of writing, which involves simultaneous writing and rewriting to produce a polished first draft, is presented as a revolutionary approach. Yet, this method is neither groundbreaking nor particularly insightful. Many writers employ similar techniques, and Coben's failure to acknowledge this makes his advice seem both unoriginal and self-important. Furthermore, his dismissal of traditional writing categories in favor of a 'holistic' approach lacks clarity and practical application, rendering it virtually useless to aspiring writers seeking concrete guidance.
Critics have noted the book's shortcomings. Kirkus Reviews describes it as 'a charming and personable (if not entirely useful) writing guide,' highlighting its lack of practical utility. ([kirkusreviews.com](https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/harlan-coben/plot-twist-2/?utm_source=openai)) Similarly, Bookreporter.com points out that while Coben's methods are inspiring, he does not claim that his way is the right way, which may leave readers without clear direction. ([bookreporter.com](https://www.bookreporter.com/reviews/plot-twist-life-craft-and-the-messy-first-draft-a-memoir-on-writing?utm_source=openai))
In conclusion, *Plot Twist* is a self-indulgent and ultimately unhelpful addition to the genre of writing memoirs. Coben's attempt to blend personal history with writing advice results in a disjointed and superficial narrative that offers little of value to readers. Those seeking genuine insight into the craft of writing would be better served by turning to more substantive works in the field.
Final recommendation: Not recommended.
Recommendation: Not recommended.
written on: 9/17/2026