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Seconds Away
Harlan Coben

Seconds Away

Quick Answer

Read "Seconds Away" as the 2nd book in the Mickey Bolitar Series sequence. This follows the recommended publication order to preserve character development.

Sequence Warning

⚠️ Do NOT read before "Shelter" (Book 1)

❓ Can I skip this book?
❌ No — Required

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

Verdict Insight: As the 2nd installment, this volume is critical for following the central narrative progression and plot development.

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2013368 ppWikidataSource
<b>COMING SOON TO PRIME VIDEO by internationally bestselling author Harlan Coben.<br></b><br>When tragedy strikes close to home, Mickey Bolitar and his loyal new friends—sharp-witted Ema and the adorkably charming Spoon—find themselves at the center of a terrifying mystery involving the shooting of their friend Rachel. Now, not only does Mickey have to continue his quest to uncover the truth about the Abeona Shelter, the Butcher of Lodz and the mysterious death of his father, he needs to figure out who shot Rachel—no matter what it takes.Mickey has always been ready to sacrifice everything to help the people he loves. But with danger just seconds away, how can he protect them when he’s not even sure who—or what—he’s protecting them from?<br><br>Look for all three books in the series!
Next Recommended Book

Found

Book #3 of 4 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

high 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 Mickey Bolitar Series 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 Seconds Away?

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

Can I read Seconds Away before Shelter?

No. We recommend reading Shelter first. Seconds Away is the 2th book in the series and follows the core narrative established in earlier volumes.

Is Seconds Away required reading for the Mickey Bolitar Series?

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

What comes after Seconds Away in the reading order?

The next recommended book after Seconds Away is Found (Book #3).