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Harlan Coben

Gone for Good

Quick Answer

Start with "Gone for Good" to begin the Detective Sami Kierce. It is the essential series starter and provides the necessary foundation for the rest of the books.

Quick Verdict

✅ Safe to read now (Series Entry Point)

❓ Can I skip this book?
❌ No — Required

This book is essential to the core narrative and character development.

Verdict Insight: This is the essential series starter that introduces the Harlan Coben's core world and character arcs. It is required reading for all new fans.

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2011Series Starter
NOW A NETFLIX ORIGINAL SERIES • “Gone for Good contains more plot twists than you can count, with a jarring revelation in nearly every chapter. . . . [Harlan] Coben has crafted a taut thriller with a slew of compelling characters. . . . As subtle as a shotgun, and just as effective.”—San Francisco Chronicle As a boy, Will Klein had a hero: his older brother, Ken. Then, on a warm suburban night in the Kleins’ affluent New Jersey neighborhood, a young woman—a girl Will had once loved—was found brutally murdered in her family’s basement. The prime suspect: Ken Klein. With the evidence against him overwhelming, Ken simply vanished. And when his shattered family never heard from Ken again, they were sure he was gone for good. Now eleven years have passed. Will has found proof that Ken is alive. And this is just the first in a series of stunning revelations as Will is forced to confront startling truths about his brother—and himself. As a violent mystery unwinds around him, Will knows he must press his search all the way to the end. Because the most powerful surprises are yet to come. “Coben stands on the accelerator and never lets up. . . . The action is seamless, clear, and riveting.”—People (Page-turner of the Week)
Next Recommended Book

Nobody’s Fool

Book #2 of 2 in Series

Complete Series Reading Order

Publication Order

Preserves character reveals and plot twists exactly as the author intended.

Chronological Order

May spoil surprises but improves timeline clarity for deep lore fans.

Order Confidence

Medium Confidence

Why this order?

Our team of curators analyzes publication history, author interviews, and internal narrative continuity to establish the definitive reading sequence. This ensures zero spoilers and maximum narrative impact.

Why This Order Is Confusing

Many reading lists for Detective Sami Kierce conflict because early publishers often labeled short story collections as standalone novels, or rearranged internal chronologies for marketing. This guide follows original author intent and narrative continuity to settle the debate for good.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I skip reading Gone for Good?

This book is essential to the core narrative and character development.

Can I read Gone for Good before other books in the series?

Yes, Gone for Good is the first book in the series and is the ideal starting point for new readers.

Is Gone for Good required reading for the Detective Sami Kierce?

Yes, it is a core installment in the series reading order and contains critical character development and plot progression.

What comes after Gone for Good in the reading order?

The next recommended book after Gone for Good is Nobody’s Fool (Book #2).