Day: March 22, 2021

Book adaptation: ‘The Stranger’ by Harlan Coben

Harlan Coben’s ‘The Stranger’ is now a Netflix original series. Photo: google

Harlan Coben is a #1 bestselling author and one of the world’s leading storytellers. His suspense novels are published in forty-five languages and have been number one bestsellers in more than a dozen countries, with seventy-five million books in print worldwide. His Myron Bolitar series has earned the Edgar, Shamus, and Anthony Awards, and many of his books have been developed into Netflix series, including his adaptation of “The Stranger,” headlined by Richard Armitage, and “The Woods.” “The Stranger” tells the story of a secret that destroys a man’s perfect life and sends him on a collision course with a deadly conspiracy. The television adaptation is available on Netflix and stars Richard Armitage, Siobhan Finneran, and Hannah John-Kamen. (amazon, 2021)

The Stranger appears out of nowhere, perhaps in a bar, or a parking lot, or at the grocery store. Their identity is unknown. Their motives are unclear. Their information is undeniable. Then they whisper a few words in your ear and disappear, leaving you picking up the pieces of your shattered world. Adam Price has a lot to lose: a comfortable marriage to a beautiful woman, two wonderful sons, and all the trappings of the American Dream: a big house, a good job, a seemingly perfect life. Then he runs into the Stranger. When he learns a devastating secret about his wife, Corinne, he confronts her, and the mirage of perfection disappears as if it never existed at all. Soon Adam finds himself tangled in something far darker than even Corinne’s deception, and realizes that if he does not make exactly the right moves, the conspiracy he has stumbled into will not only ruin lives, but it will also end them.


New book release: ‘Win’ by Harlan Coben

‘Win’ is Harlan Coben’s new novel. Photo: amazon

Harlan Coben is a #1 bestselling author and one of the world’s leading storytellers. His suspense novels are published in forty-five languages and have been number one bestsellers in more than a dozen countries, with seventy-five million books in print worldwide. His Myron Bolitar series has earned the Edgar, Shamus, and Anthony Awards, and many of his books have been developed into Netflix series, including his adaptation of “The Stranger,” headlined by Richard Armitage, and “The Woods.” His new book “Win” is a thrilling story that shows what happens when a dead man’s secrets fall into the hands of a vigilante antihero—drawing him down a dangerous road. (amazon, 2021)

“Win” revolves around heiress Patricia Lockwood who over twenty years ago was abducted during a robbery of her family’s estate then locked inside an isolated cabin for months. Patricia escaped, but so did her captors and the items stolen from her family were never recovered. Until now. On the Upper West Side, a recluse is found murdered in his penthouse apartment, alongside two objects of note: a stolen Vermeer painting and a leather suitcase bearing the initials WHL3. For the first time in years, the authorities have a lead — not only on Patricia’s kidnapping, but also on another FBI cold case — with the suitcase and painting both pointing them toward one man. Windsor Horne Lockwood III — or Win, as his few friends call him — does not know how his suitcase and his family’s stolen painting ended up with a dead man. But his interest is piqued, especially when the FBI tells him that the man who kidnapped his cousin was also behind an act of domestic terrorism — and that the conspirators may still be at large. The two cases have baffled the FBI for decades, but Win has three things the FBI does not: a personal connection to the case; an ungodly fortune; and his own unique brand of justice.

Exploring downtown Brownsville

Saturday I headed out to downtown Brownsville to check out the Art Cube Exhibit Lazos de mi Cuidad at Linear Park. Nine local artists painted the larger than life cubes as part of this year’s Charro celebrations and are now displayed outside the Brownsville Museum of Fine Art. It is nice to see an artist community in Brownsville and all these impressive works of art are colorful, represent the city well, and are definite conversation starters. Local artists Miriam Hernandez, Clarissa Martinez, Eduardo Del Angel, Sam Rawls, Monica Lugo, Josie Del Castillo, Alejandra Zertuche, Ruby Garza, and Jonathan Hernandez contributed to this art project that demonstrate Brownsville’s vibrant culture.

While there, I stopped by the Brownsville Farmers’ Market to see if anything caught my eye since I rarely actually purchase anything at these things. Not that they do not sell quality products, but I am so picky about what I buy even though I desperately want to support local vendors. To my surprise I noticed someone selling vegan pastries so of course I had to check it out. Kudos to Vegangela.tx for her tasty and cruelty free baked goods. That morning she had cupcakes and brownies so I went with a sampler of four cupcakes: the Chai Latte, Earl Grey, chocolate, and vanilla. Let me just say that the Chai Latte one was delicious; it is not a flavor you often see here in the Rio Grande Valley, so that is why I jumped at the opportunity. As a vegan, I am always looking to support local vegan businesses, since they are hard to come by and should be encouraged. I hear she sold out, that is awesome!

Stopping by downtown Brownsville on a Saturday morning was a definite pleasure. Next time I think I will take my time and check out the rest of the park and the surrounding businesses.  I hear 7th and Park is right around the corner and is vegan friendly.