Harlan Coben – WIN – Review

 

As all of Coben's novels are original in their own right, WIN, however, stood out to me as mainly a study in characterization, specifically the main protagonist, Windsor Horne Lockwood the III. Yes this novel has all of the Coben signatures: intricate plots, shady characters, multi-layered heroes and his obligatory three-time twist at the end. WIN does as well, though we are in the mind of an egocentric oligarch, a terribly wealthy individual with his own moral code and high standards of what constitutes real Justice. The sub-title of the novel, If you Lose you Die, certainly sums- up our main character.

Like all great rock concerts, the novel begins with a bang.

Win (Windsor) is on court-side at a basketball game, sitting beside a famous rapper and another celebrity of some renown. It's the last 30 seconds of the game and it could go either way. While everyone else is focused on the game, Win stares across the court at the other team's assistant coach. All his concentration is on the burly, sweaty, baseball-cap-wearing dude. The game ends and Duke University won by a single point. (Duke is Windsor's Alma mater) While the crowd gathers on the court to congratulate their team, Win continues to focus on the man.

The 'after game party' is scheduled across town. The assistant coach is given the wrong directions, leading to a vacant warehouse. In a dark hallway, he meets out protagonist, who with martial art precision, destroys the man, leaving him a cripple for life. Why?

It is here that Windsor begins describing his privileged life. He comes from a distinguished American family that has more money that they could possibly spend in 100 lifetimes. Living in Manhattan, he travels with a constant driver, and of course a helicopter when he needs to get to his destination in a hurry. We discover he once was a consulted for the FBI, and his money and connections gives him an edge, opening many doors and avoiding the law. It is well known that the wealthy have a different justice system to everybody else. The wealthy for the most part are untouchable, and Win uses this societal anomaly to his advantage.

The next day after the coach is assaulted, two FBI agents show up at Win's offices. He travels with them across town to New York's West side where a recluse is discovered murdered. In the apartment are signs of a hoarder. Though hidden in a corner is a Vermeer painting, stolen some years past from the Lockwood family. One of their Picasso's was also stolen but is no where to be seen. Most damning is a leather briefcase with Win's initials etched on the top. This of course places Win and his family as prime suspects. At this stage, the games afoot.

Windsor is an odd character and displays all the tell-tale signs of a card carrying sociopath. He seems to be aware of this fact, though makes an effort to tell the reader he has empathy. He really only cares for himself and finds it difficult to relate to his 'biological' daughter, who upsets his wholly narcissistic ways.

Despite the egocentric oligarch telling the tale, the story is a well constructed mystery. The ending is well tied up in the last 30 pages of the book.

Entertaining for an afternoon read.