It's no mystery why Harlan Coben's appearance in Maplewood on Thursday, March 22 at Words Bookstore is big news.

Coben's titles — including The Woods, Promise Me, The Innocent, Just One Look, No Second Chance, Tell No One and Gone For Good — have appeared at the top of all the major bestseller lists including the New York Times, London Times, Publishers Weekly, Los Angeles Times, Wall Street Journal and USA TODAY.

Winner of the Edgar Award, Shamus Award and Anthony Award - the first author to win all three – Coben will meet with fans, sign books and answer questions, just two days after the release of his latest book Stay Close.

Stay Close will be released on March 20, 2012 and Publishers Weekly has given it a glowing star review: “In this masterful stand-alone, Coben writes with wit and irony, and his flair has never been stronger.”

Coben was born in Newark. He grew up and attended school with Governor Chris Christie in Livingston before graduating from Amherst College. Coben now lives in Ridgewood, New Jersey with his wife, a pediatrician, and their four children.

Coben’s books have been published in 37 languages around the globe and have been #1 bestsellers in a dozen countries.

His novel Tell No One was made into a critically acclaimed French film and received four French Oscars and the French Golden Globe for best picture. An American version is in the works; Universal Studios picked up the movie rights and Ben Affleck is set to direct.

Purchase of Stay Close is required to attend the event at [words] and space is limited. If you cannot attend the event but would like a signed copy put aside, please call: 973-763-9500 or email events@wordsbookstore.com

Words Bookstore has hosted over 100 events, including appearances by Garrison Keillor, former mayor Ed Koch, Burt Malkiel, David Javerbaum, Dionne Warwick, Sarah Blake, Lev Grossman, Julie Salamon and three former governors. During the first two years of operation, [words] was selected as Best Independent Bookstore in the state by, New Jersey Monthly Magazine.

Harlan Coben, international bestselling author, will appear at Words Bookstore on March 22 at 12:30 p.m, two days after the release of his latest mystery, Stay Close. Words is located in the heart of Maplewood village at 179 Maplewood Avenue, Maplewood. Visit wordsbookstore.com for more information.