Shelter (novel)

Geoff Adams, for the Otago Daily Times, found that the novel provided "mystery, suspense and thrills enough" and concluded that "you will enjoy reading it to find out more. And it is not too grisly."[1] The Irish Independent stated that, while it is a series aimed at teenagers, "older folk will love this cracking new series, too."[2] Kirkus Reviews stated that the novel "benefits greatly from [Coben's] trademark crackerjack pace and multi-layered plotting." They found that the short attention span of the protagonist was "both age appropriate and believable" and that Mickey Bolitar's "mother's struggle with drug addiction adds poignancy" to the novel. In conclusion, they found it to be "a not-bad-at-all entry into the teen market for this adult author."[3]

Mickey Bolitar, 15, tries to figure out why his new girlfriend, Ashley Kent, stopped coming to school and has seemingly vanished. Getting no assistance from teachers or administrators, Mickey turns to a couple of fellow students for help. All the while, Mickey deals with having to live under the same roof as his estranged uncle, Myron, while his mother is checked into rehab for a drug addiction. Also, a strange neighbor woman who lives in an eerie mansion tells Mickey that his father is alive, even though Mickey saw him die in a car accident more than a year ago.

• Mickey Bolitar: a high school student, son of Brad and Kitty Bolitar, and nephew of Spoon's father.
• Myron Bolitar: a sports agent and Mickey's estranged and secret father.
• Ema: An overweight goth with a sarcastic wit, whom Mickey rescues from humiliation in gym class.
• Spoon: A tech nerd who uses his hacking skills to assist Mickey to save his father's life.
• Bat Lady: A strange woman who tells Mickey that his father is alive.
• Kitty Hammer Bolitar: Mickey's drug-addicted mother who has checked into a rehab facility.