logo

76 pages 2 hours read

No Second Chance

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2003

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Book Brief

logo
Harlan Coben

No Second Chance

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2003
Book Details
Pages

452

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

New Jersey • Contemporary

Publication Year

2003

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

No Second Chance by Harlan Coben is a 2003 thriller novel about Dr. Marc Seidman, who wakes up in the hospital after being shot to find his wife murdered and his infant daughter kidnapped. As the main suspect, Marc navigates ransom demands, deception, and dangerous confrontations to uncover who is behind the attack, all while trying to rescue his daughter and prove his innocence. The book contains themes of child abduction and sexual abuse.

Suspenseful

Mysterious

Dark

Emotional

Challenging

Reviews & Readership

4.3

56,656 ratings

81%

Loved it

16%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

No Second Chance by Harlan Coben is lauded for its fast-paced and gripping narrative, keeping readers on the edge with its twists and suspense. However, some critics note the plot's occasional predictability and mixed character development. Despite these flaws, the novel generally captivates fans of the thriller genre, delivering a page-turning experience.

Who should read this

Who Should Read No Second Chance?

Readers who enjoy thrillers with intense suspense and unexpected twists, akin to James Patterson's Kiss the Girls or Lee Child's Jack Reacher series, will find Harlan Coben's No Second Chance riveting. This book appeals to fans of intricate plots, personal vendettas, and high-stakes drama.

4.3

56,656 ratings

81%

Loved it

16%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

Character List

Dr. Marc Seidman

A plastic surgeon with a focus on pediatric reconstructive work, Marc is a family man challenged by personal crises, including his daughter's disappearance, which fuels much of his journey.

An ex-FBI agent and Marc's college girlfriend, Rachel is both a romantic interest and an ally, finding herself intertwined with events that unfold due to her past and former connection with Marc.

Marc's lawyer and childhood friend, Lenny is dedicated to protecting both himself and his family, often providing legal advice while caught between conflicting loyalties.

Once a child star, Lydia is a complex character dealing with her own past traumas while playing a significant role in the unfolding events through her interactions with various characters.

A character who embodies various "redneck" stereotypes, Verne becomes a moral center and supportive friend to Marc, assisting him with wisdom and actions during their shared quest.

Marc's wife, Monica is a beautiful woman from a wealthy background with her own complex past, whose actions and their consequences are central to the plot's development.

An old classmate and neighbor to Marc, Dina, who endured a traumatic childhood, provides key insights and assistance, driven by her own past and concern for others.

Monica's wealthy father, Edgar is involved financially in the narrative, showcasing both selfishness and a willingness to aid in efforts to resolve the central conflict.

An adoption lawyer who becomes deeply entangled in unethical practices, Bacard's decisions and justifications impact many characters around him, shaping part of the core conflict.

Katarina’s brother, who becomes involved in human trafficking, creating a complex character whose actions pivot around his entanglement with broader criminal activities.

Book Details
Pages

452

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

New Jersey • Contemporary

Publication Year

2003

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.