Seconds Away: A Mickey Bolitar Novel cover

Seconds Away: A Mickey Bolitar Novel

Author: Coben, Harlan

Reading Metrics

Grade Level Upper Grades (UG 9-12)
Book Level 3.8
Points 9.0
Fiction/Nonfiction Fiction
Word Count 66726
Points per Word 0.000135
Page Count 338
Points per Page 0.026627

Description

When tragedy strikes his family, high-school student Mickey Bolitar becomes entangled in a murder mystery that soon puts his new friends in danger. This fast-paced YA thriller mixes suspense and teenage drama as Mickey races against time to uncover hidden secrets in his small town. The story's gritty tone includes profanity and graphic violence, set against a tense, high-stakes world. It is the second book in the Mickey Bolitar series.

Quick Summary

Seconds Away picks up right after the events of Shelter, and Mickey Bolitar is back on the case, this time tangled in a murder that hits close to home. The story crackles with the same blend of teenage banter, family drama, and genuine suspense that made the first book a hit, and the stakes feel higher because the danger is more personal. It's a great choice for readers who love a good whodunit but also want some humor and heart, especially if you enjoyed the earlier Mickey Bolitar adventure or the fast-paced investigations of Alex Rider. Parents should be aware that the book contains some strong language and a few graphic violent scenes, so it's best for older teens who can handle the intensity. The plot moves at a breakneck speed, and the twisty turns keep you guessing until the very end, making it hard to put down.