Is Harlan Coben’s Shelter based on a book?

Harlan Coben’s Shelter is hitting Prime Video this week. But does the title indicate this is based on a book, and if so, which one? Find out here!

Since 1990, Harlan Coben has been one of the most prolific and popular mystery writers out there. Only 26 when he began his career, Coben has been known for scores of great stories, ranging from stand-alone mysteries to a few series. His most famous character has been Myron Bolitar, a former basketball player turned sports agent who keeps getting involved in murder cases. The character has been featured in 11 novels so far.

Surprisingly, rather than Myron, the new Prime Video series focuses on his nephew, Mickey. Orphaned at a young age, Mickey moves to the small New Jersey town of Kasselton to stay with his aunt. Soon befriending two classmates, Mickey finds himself involved in a mystery of a missing student that uncovers dark secrets.

So is this based on one of the original novels, or is it an original tale?

Which novel is Shelter based on?

It appears the series adapts the first novel in the Mickey series, Shelter, published in 2011. A key difference is that Myron appears in the novel as Mickey lives with him, and there is some tension between them. In the series, Myron has been replaced by Mickey’s aunt, Shira, played by Constance Zimmer.

It’s unknown why Myron doesn’t appear unless there are plans to adapt the character for his own series. It sounds like Season 1 will follow the plotline of the novel. If the series gains new seasons, it’s possible they may adapt the following two novels, Seconds Away and Found. Perhaps the showrunners can also find a way to fit Myron in after all.

So anyone wanting to see Shelter may want to check out the novel first to get an idea of the future thrills.

Harlan Coben’s Shelter premieres on Thursday, August 18, on Prime Video.