Known for placing ordinary people in extraordinary and dangerous situations, Coben creates complex, fast-paced plots full of unexpected twists that keep readers engaged and on the edge of their seats. Fool Me Once, set in both New York and his birthplace, New Jersey, follows this trend, offering a mystery-solving adventure in a vibrant and familiar location.

Initially, readers may perceive the protagonist, Maya, as a grief-stricken widow—a woman who lost her sister in a frightening robbery and, four weeks later, her husband too. What else remains for her but to attempt to make sense of her life and be there for her 2-year-old daughter, Lily?

When she sees her apparently deceased husband on a nanny cam just a day after his funeral, she is shocked, disturbed, and left to question her sanity. Thus, the readers witness a traumatized but brave and determined warrior gearing up to find her husband's killer and solve the mystery.

It turns out that Maya’s character is more complex than it seems. Her husband's murder is not traumatizing for her; in fact, she is the one who killed him. Using irony, Coben skillfully unveils the layers of her persona, exposing not only Maya's vulnerable side but also her strength. She may have been fooled, but she, in turn, did not hesitate to return the favor. In this context, the novel's title aptly captures the essence of Maya's character and motivations.

Another common literary device Coben uses is imagery. He describes characters in a straightforward manner that instantly conjures up mental images. In fact, one might argue that his ability to vividly depict characters is one of his strengths.

Maya maintained her military bearing—head high, spine straight, shoulders back. ...As a soldier, you stand at attention because, on some level, it either gives you strength or, just as important, makes you appear stronger to both comrades and enemies."

The paradox lies in Coben's writing style. While his imagery is vivid and clear, he creates a story where nothing is as it seems. On the surface, each character appears one-dimensional, but Coben introduces multiple layers to most of them, creating an exciting narrative.

Most of the story is presented from a limited third-person perspective, specifically from Maya's point of view. However, the final chapter shifts to a first-person perspective from Shane, Maya's best friend. Coben intentionally does this to provide closure to the story. This change allows readers to witness the characters' lives after the main events, gaining insights into their motivations and decisions.

In summary, Fool Me Once aligns with the conventions of the thriller genre, providing suspense, unexpected twists, and high-stakes situations. However, it also touches on social issues such as military service, trauma, and the consequences of one's actions. Thus, Coben elevates the novel beyond a typical thriller, providing readers with a more layered and thought-provoking narrative that resonates with the complexities of real-life challenges.

Additionally, it is worth mentioning that, on January 1, 2024, Netflix released an eight-part TV series based on the novel, introducing several changes. The most significant was the development of Detective Kierce's character, the inclusion of new characters, and the shift in setting from the US to the UK. Similar to the novel, the Netflix TV show received a mix of positive and negative reviews.