I thought a good way to start off the New Year would be a review of Stay Close, Harbin Coben's latest mini-series, just up on Netflix. I've enjoyed all the series based on his novels, and Stay Close is one of the best.
[Believe or not, no big spoilers ahead.]
Lots of things to like in this classic Coben scenario of a woman about to be married, but, oops, she has a past with a different identity, in this case, just about knocking on her front door.
Among my favorite ingredients:
- James Nesbitt as Detective Broome -- I think of Broome as a British (actually, Northern Irish) Bosch, because, well, Nesbitt looks and acts a lot like Titus Welliver as Bosch, indefatigable, taking it on the chain, heart of gold. Nesbitt was excellent in Bloodlands, and, powerful, again, in Stay Close.
- 'Ken' and 'Barbie' are great villains, with a psycho banter and style right out of Clockwork Orange.
- And speaking of 'Barbie,' the women in Stay Close are every bit as dexterous with weapons as the men. Refreshing to see, including in the protagonist Megan (very well played by Cush Jumbo).
- Another memorable character, Harry Sutton by Eddie Izzard. And good to see Richard Armitage (MI5) again.
Now, as to the plot, I don't want to give too much away, so here's what I'll say. This is a very complex story, with multiple victims and multiple suspects, and the ending surprised me, and since I'm usually pretty good at spotting who did what, I'd say it's likely to surprise you, too.
Which is a good thing. Stay Close is easily bingeable and eminently rewarding,
About the Creator
Paul Levinson
Novels The Silk Code, The Plot To Save Socrates, It's Real Life: An Alternate History of The Beatles; LPs Twice Upon A Rhyme & Welcome Up; nonfiction The Soft Edge & Digital McLuhan, translated into 15 languages. Prof, Fordham Univ.
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