Just One Look by Harlan CobenMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
I found the story of Just One Look included a quite complicated plot involving the family of Grace and Jack Lawson who seem to be threatened by ruthless and criminal powers; but for what reason remains unclear for most of the book. It all originates through a mystery photograph that Grace finds in a pack of holiday photos she collects from a local store. Her husband disappears after he sees it, and suddenly her whole life is turned upside down, drawing in a terrible incident from her own past.
The evil characters in the story are ruthless and terrifying, such as Eric Wu, but apparently frightening characters, like Vespa and Cram, become devoted defenders of Grace and her children. Realistic but frightening scenarios and conversations litter the whole story and leave the reader breathless at the end. There are plenty of unexpected twists and turns, and some of the characters were intriguing and realistic.
Some of Harlan Coben’s expressions lend even more to the realistic descriptions of his characters, such as the thoughts of Grace, as a mother of two children and as an artist:
‘Being a mother… was a lot like being an artist - you are always insecure, you always feel like a phony, you know that everybody else is better at it than you.’
On the whole Just One Look is a gripping and enjoyable read; both enigmatic and entertaining. While it is a mystery it is definitely not a cosy one, and with a conclusion that leaves you amazed.
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