The works of author Harlan Coben have served as the inspiration for multiple different shows on the Netflix streaming service – Stay Close, The Stranger, Safe, Gone for Good, The Woods. Now Amazon is also getting in on the Coben action, having ordered a thriller series based on Coben’s novel Shelter (pick up a copy HERE). Shelter happens to be the first book in a trilogy, and MGM / Amazon has the rights to all three of the novels, so we could see Shelter continue on for a few seasons.
Jaden Michael (Vampires vs. the Bronx) plays the character at the center of the series, Mickey Bolitar. The show will follow
Bolitar as he navigates his new life with a mom in rehab, a dead father, an annoying aunt, and a new school in New Jersey with a camel as its mascot. When a creepy old lady who may or may not be a ghost tells Mickey that his father isn’t dead, Mickey is sure he’s losing his mind on top of everything. Mickey finds a grounding force in Ashley Kent, another new student who’s lived through her own tragedy. But then Ashley goes missing, and as Mickey searches for her, he learns that everything she told him was a lie—and that he is in serious danger unless he gets to the bottom of what happened to her and his father. Mickey’s search thrusts him into a world of conspiracy, lies, and the darkest aspects of humanity.
Variety reports that Michael is joined in the cast Constance Zimmer as Shira Bolitar, Adrian Greensmith as Arthur “Spoon” Spindell, Abby Corrigan as Ema Winslow, Sage Linder as Rachel Caldwell, and Brian Altemus as Troy.
Amazon’s Vernon Sanders had this to say about the series order:
Harlan Coben’s Shelter is a rare action-thriller centered on the strength of family bonds that we are confident our Prime Video audience will enjoy. Rich with young adult and coming-of-age themes, the story is so special because of how it resonates across all demographics, which is what Harlan does best. From the original Myron Bolitar series to Mickey’s journey of resilience and self-discovery, Harlan is a wiz at creating sharp, distinct characters and we’re thrilled to team up with him, MGM Television, and the very talented Jaden Michael, who we know will do an incredible job of bringing Mickey Bolitar to life.”
Rola Bauer of MGM International TV Productions added:
With Shelter, Harlan takes you on a thrilling journey full of mystery and suspense, while also capturing the anxieties of teenage experiences. We have an extraordinary cast, with the talented Jaden Michael playing Mickey Bolitar. This story is perfectly set to captivate audiences all over the world.”
I’m not familiar with the Mickey Bolitar books, but it sounds like Amazon has the makings of a successful franchise on their hands. Have you read the books? If so, leave a comment down below and let us know if you think Shelter will be an interesting series.