Shelter (novel)
| Company type | Novel |
|---|---|
| Industry | Publishing |
| Founded | September 15, 2011 |
| Founder | Harlan Coben |
| Products | Young adult fiction novel |
Shelter represents the inaugural installment in the "Mickey Bolitar" collection authored by American crime novelist Harlan Coben. This work is Coben's initial venture into young adult fiction and centers on the teenage nephew of the well-known protagonist from the Myron Bolitar series. The novel was released on September 15, 2011, through Orion Books in the United Kingdom and Puffin Books in the United States.
Reception
Geoff Adams, writing for the Otago Daily Times, lauded the book for its blend of "mystery, suspense and thrills," emphasizing its ability to captivate readers without resorting to excessive gore. The Irish Independent pointed out that while the series is primarily aimed at teenagers, it also resonates with an older audience. Meanwhile, Kirkus Reviews praised Coben’s signature brisk narrative style and intricate plotting, highlighting the well-crafted, age-appropriate portrayal of Mickey Bolitar alongside the poignant depiction of his mother’s battle with addiction. They regarded it as a compelling addition to the young adult genre from a seasoned adult fiction writer.
Plot summary
Mickey Bolitar, a fifteen-year-old high school student, takes it upon himself to uncover the whereabouts of his missing girlfriend, Ashley Kent, after receiving no assistance from school officials. As he adapts to living with his distant uncle Myron while his mother is in treatment for depression, Mickey recruits several classmates to aid in his investigation. A cryptic neighbor hints that Mickey’s father may still be alive, challenging Mickey’s understanding following his witnessing of his father’s deadly car crash over a year before.
Main characters
- Mickey Bolitar: a high school basketball athlete; son of Brad and Kitty Bolitar; nephew to sports agent Myron Bolitar
- Myron Bolitar: a sports agent and Mickey’s uncle with whom he has a strained relationship
- Ema: a goth student known for her sharp sarcasm; saved by Mickey
- Spoon: an introverted hacker who assists Mickey in rescuing his father
- Bat Lady: an enigmatic woman who implies that Mickey’s father might be alive
- Kitty Hammer Bolitar: Mickey’s mother, presently undergoing rehabilitation
Television adaptation
In April 2021, Amazon Studios commissioned a pilot episode based on this novel. By March 2022, Amazon officially ordered a full series. The cast features Jaden Michael portraying Mickey, Constance Zimmer as Mickey's aunt Shira, Adrian Greensmith as Spoon, Abby Corrigan as Ema, and Sage Linder as Rachel Caldwell. The show, titled Harlan Coben's Shelter, debuted on August 18, 2023.