For thriller maestro Harlan Coben, surprise is the name of the game. With over 80 million books sold and translations in 40 languages, Coben has captivated audiences worldwide with his intricate plots and jaw-dropping twists. Now, he returns to Netflix with his latest offering, the series “Fool Me Once,” promising a rollercoaster ride of deception and suspense.
“If you don’t like twists and turns, I’m not your guy,” Coben declares with a mischievous grin. “For every twist that ends up in my stories, I probably thought of 10 others that I cut out. I really enjoy playing with your expectations, and I think you’ll see a lot of bombs and twists dropping at the end of this new series too. The last one is a real gut punch.”
Based on Coben’s gripping novel of the same name, “Fool Me Once” stars Michelle Keegan as Maya Stern, a woman grappling with the brutal murder of her husband, Joe (played by Richard Armitage). When a nanny cam captures a chilling image of Joe seemingly alive, Maya’s world is shattered. Determined to unravel the truth, she begins a perilous quest for answers, navigating a labyrinth of secrets and lies.
Coben’s latest venture marks a return to familiar territory – British television. Despite his American roots, Coben has found a sweet spot with audiences across the pond, with hit shows like “Safe,” “The Stranger,” and “Stay Close” captivating viewers.
“Fool Me Once,” Coben admits, “almost works better as a British adaptation. The class distinction between Michelle Keegan’s character and Joanna Lumley’s (who plays Joe’s mother) really worked.” He elaborates, “In the American version, yes, Maya came from a different background than Joe, but in the UK, you have that class thing that we don’t have as much in America. It made for some really cool scenes.”
Coben’s fascination with British television goes beyond his creative team and the influence of his brother, a London resident since 1995. He describes his transatlantic shows as a unique blend of cultural sensibilities: “I also think there’s something that really seems to work in the hybrid of the American and the British that we put together. If you don’t hear the accents, some might say this is a British show, and some might say it’s American.”
Whether you’re a seasoned Coben fan or a newcomer to his thrilling world, “Fool Me Once” promises to keep you guessing until the very end. Prepare to be swept away by a whirlwind of intrigue, betrayal, and, of course, those signature Coben twists that will leave you gasping for air.
So, buckle up, grab your popcorn, and dive into the labyrinthine world of “Fool Me Once,” now streaming on Netflix. Just remember, trust no one – not even yourself.
Looking for more to watch on Netflix? Check out our guide to what’s streaming this January.
