Fool Me Once

Fool Me Once is a 2016 mystery thriller by American author Harlan Coben. The narrative is set in contemporary New York/New Jersey, and the protagonist, widow Maya Stern, attempts to unravel several mysteries surrounding her husband’s murder. The novel deals with The Lasting Consequences of Trauma and Secrets that are unearthed over the course of Maya’s investigation, as well as The Reintegration of Veterans Into Civilian Life and the political and personal fallouts of whistleblowing. Coben is the author of more than 30 mystery thriller novels, including Win, The Boy From the Woods, Run Away, and Tell No One. Fool Me Once is his 28th novel.

Fool Me Once was a New York Times and USA Today number one bestseller and received critical acclaim, including a starred review in Publishers Weekly. Like many of Coben’s bestsellers, Fool Me Once has been adapted into a limited series starring Michelle Keegan and Richard Armitage, premiering on Netflix in 2024.

This guide refers to the edition published by Dutton in 2016.

Content Warning: This novel contains descriptions of graphic murder, domestic violence, war, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), alcoholism, and suicide.