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Plot Twist
  • Published: 24 September 2026
  • ISBN: 9781804966037
  • Imprint: Penguin
  • Format: Audio Download

Plot Twist

A Memoir of a Writing Life

Formats & editions
Tr. Paperback
29 Sept 2026
Hardback
24 Oct 2026
EBook
24 Sept 2026
Audiobook
24 Sept 2026
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Part deeply personal memoir, part masterclass in storytelling, Plot Twist is a refreshingly honest look at the life of a writer whose stories have thrilled us for decades.

Part deeply personal memoir, part masterclass in storytelling, Plot Twist is a refreshingly honest look at the life of a writer whose stories have thrilled us for decades.

With 100 million books in print worldwide and over twenty blockbuster television and film adaptations of his work, Harlan Coben has much to teach us about the creative process.

Plumbing memories from his suburban childhood and his early years trying to break into publishing, Coben tells his own story for the first time. Filled with useful tips and techniques on the creative process, he does away with the traditional categories of writing - characters, plot, setting - and looks at the process holistically.

Plot Twist is a masterclass on the act of being a writer, and everything that comes with it: the self-doubt, the hubris, the contradictions, the passion and dedication. At the end of the day, his method is a simple one: \"If it helps me produce pages, good. If it doesn’t, bad.\"

This book will help every aspiring writer produce pages.

Honest, funny, insightful, and at times deeply moving, this is both a captivating memoir and an essential guide for anyone looking to master the art of storytelling from one of our most beloved authors.
  • Published: 24 September 2026
  • ISBN: 9781804966037
  • Imprint: Penguin
  • Format: Audio Download

About the author

Harlan Coben

Harlan Coben is a no. 1 New York Times bestselling author and one of the world's leading storytellers. His suspense novels are published in forty-six languages and have been number one bestsellers in more than a dozen countries, with eighty million books in print worldwide. His Myron Bolitar series has earned the Edgar, Shamus, and Anthony Awards, and several of his books have been developed into Netflix original series, including the no. 1 global hit Fool Me Once, The Stranger, The Innocent, Gone for Good, The Woods, Stay Close, and Hold Tight, as well as the Amazon Prime Video series adaptation of Shelter. He lives in New Jersey.
portrait photo of Harlan Coben

Also by Harlan Coben

Gone Before Goodbye
Nobody’s Fool
I Will Find You
Think Twice
Run Away
The Match
Fool Me Once
See all

Praise for Plot Twist

For aspiring writers, Harlan’s advice, stories, and anecdotes are wise, proven, and valuable. For published authors, his book evokes memories of what it was like back then. It’s a romp, a riot, and a joy to read

John Grisham

Harlan Coben is a good friend, a great writer, and a very smart guy. Years ago he told me two things that helped my career a lot - and they're both in this book

Lee Child

Harlan Coben's memoir, Plot Twist, is fun to read, fast-paced, inspiring, and filled with practical, hands-on advice for aspiring writers. I found myself captivated by both his process and his life stories. With his trademark wit and honesty, he offers a no-nonsense approach to the craft – and the career – of writing. A winner!

Kristen Hannah

Coben skillfully blends the personal and the professional in this affable memoir peppered with advice for aspiring authors . . . Throughout, Coben’s humor and humanity shine through, making this a must-read for his many fans and aspiring writers seeking practical guidance from a literary insider.

Publishers Weekly

Harlan Coben is a stone-cold genius

Richard Osman