A review of Harlan Coben's TV adaptations!
The reviewer seems to have mixed opinions on the adaptations, but overall, they're not impressed.
**Missing You (2025, Netflix)**: A rare standout in the series. The reviewer praises the female protagonist, Detective Kat Donovan, and the show's ability to pass the Bechdel test.
**Lazarus (2025, Prime Video)**: A mess of a show that seems to have removed all the campiness that makes Harlan Coben's books enjoyable. The script, acting, pacing, and plot are all considered dreadful.
**Shelter (2023, Prime Video)**: Has potential but is marred by too many plot threads and inconsistencies. The reviewer enjoyed the performances of the two lead actors but found the overall show to be dull and forgettable.
**The Stranger (2020, Netflix)**: Coben's own book, which he claims took only three weeks to write, suffers from gaping plot holes. The show is often funny but also frequently confusing.
**Worse than expected**: Other adaptations like **Lazarus**, **Shelter**, and the entire series overall seem to have failed to capture the essence of Harlan Coben's books.
The reviewer seems to have mixed opinions on the adaptations, but overall, they're not impressed.
**Missing You (2025, Netflix)**: A rare standout in the series. The reviewer praises the female protagonist, Detective Kat Donovan, and the show's ability to pass the Bechdel test.
**Lazarus (2025, Prime Video)**: A mess of a show that seems to have removed all the campiness that makes Harlan Coben's books enjoyable. The script, acting, pacing, and plot are all considered dreadful.
**Shelter (2023, Prime Video)**: Has potential but is marred by too many plot threads and inconsistencies. The reviewer enjoyed the performances of the two lead actors but found the overall show to be dull and forgettable.
**The Stranger (2020, Netflix)**: Coben's own book, which he claims took only three weeks to write, suffers from gaping plot holes. The show is often funny but also frequently confusing.
**Worse than expected**: Other adaptations like **Lazarus**, **Shelter**, and the entire series overall seem to have failed to capture the essence of Harlan Coben's books.
, it's like they're having their own little parties in the hive! Anyway, back to Harlan Coben... have you read any of his books? I mean, I've heard good things about them, but I'm not really sure what all the fuss is about. My friend's sister-in-law loves those mystery novels, and she's always raving about them 
. i mean, can't they just make a show that's not so... meh? 
at least the female lead in "missing you" was somewhat redeeming 
but overall, these adaptations are just a mess. and what's up with harlan coben claiming he wrote his book in 3 weeks? sounds like a solid excuse for a lousy plot 
. I mean, **Lazarus** is literally my least fave adaptation, but at least the reviewer said it was a mess 
. I think that's fair, because it just didn't capture Harlan Coben's unique style. And omg, who agrees with them that **The Stranger** is funny? I loved it when I watched it last year... wait, what was I saying? 
... anyway, maybe they're right about the show suffering from plot holes, but I don't know if that's necessarily a bad thing for an adaptation.
I mean, some shows like **Missing You** are actually really solid, especially with that strong female lead, but then you've got **Lazarus** and it's just a total mess 
Like what happened to Harlan Coben's campy charm? It's like they took all the fun out of his books and left us with something super bland. And don't even get me started on **The Stranger**, I mean, three weeks to write the whole thing and it still had plot holes? No thanks 
At least some shows like **Shelter** tried to adapt his style but just couldn't quite nail it. Overall, I think these adaptations have failed to capture the essence of Harlan Coben's books, sadly 
, but let's be real, it's not like any of his other adaptations are worth watching 
. Like, **Lazarus** is literally a mess - what's the point of having a great campy vibe from the books if you just take it all away? 
but lazarus is like what the heck did they do to this show 
it looks so boring and messy compared to his books idk what happened but prime video needs to step up their game 
At least Missing You managed to get something right, even if it was just the female lead... but still, can't we just leave the books alone? 
. The Stranger was like that for me too - funny one minute and confusing the next... ugh! 
.
. And poor Detective Kat Donovan... I'm sure she's got some serious character development issues to work through...