Netflix’s latest Harlan Coben thriller stars James Nesbitt and Minnie Driver in what critics are calling a ‘mind-bending’ mystery with multiple twists.

Netflix’s latest thriller from crime writing genius Harlan Coben is essential viewing this January.

Dropping on New Year’s Day (Thursday, 1st January), the eight-episode drama Run Away marks the 15th series adapted from Coben’s bestselling novels and could prove to be his finest work yet.

The series stars James Nesbitt and Minnie Driver as parents whose daughter Paige (portrayed by Ellie de Lange) has vanished without trace. Their frantic hunt takes a dark twist when she’s discovered busking in a park.

After Simon (portrayed by Nesbitt) violently confronts his daughter’s dubious boyfriend Aaron Corval (Thomas Flynn), he finds himself the chief suspect in a murder probe when the young man is subsequently found dead.

A fathers’ desperate search for his daughter takes a grim turn (Image: NETFLIX)

He also recruits private investigator Elena Ravenscroft (Ruth Jones) to help unravel the puzzle.

Following previous Netflix successes including Fool Me Once and Missing You, devotees of Coben’s books and their screen adaptations have learnt to anticipate countless twists, edge-of-your-seat suspense and sufficient red herrings to keep viewers second-guessing multiple times per episode.

Variety’s critique described the series as “mind-bending” and noted: “Shocking revelations, horrifying cruelty and complex lies engulf the narrative itself, even when it leans toward the preposterous.

Simon becomes the prime suspect of a murder investigation (Image: NETFLIX)

“Still, the stellar cast, taut pacing and inventive storylines keep the show engaging, even when it could’ve very well fallen apart.”

The Independent also awarded the series favourable marks, whilst acknowledging Run Away is “junk food TV” that serves up gratifying excitement in bite-sized chunks.

“Netflix has really mastered a particular alchemy here: a surefire formula that relies on lurching from one twist to the next, before landing a final gut-punch so seismic that you’re left completely disoriented,” they wrote.

Highlighting Nesbitt’s commanding central turn, they continued: “Anchoring it all is Nesbitt. As the dogged, deceptively hard Simon, he adds a lacquer of gravitas to this slick operation.

Gavin & Stacey’s Ruth Jones is on the case as PI Elena Ravenscroft (Image: NETFLIX)

“Despair haunts his face throughout, but, this being Coben, there are also traces of pitch-black humour as the bodies pile up. And they really do, in scenes that are often visceral and pretty grisly.”

Viewers who’ve already devoured the series have likewise been singing the adaptation’s praises. One fan posted on Reddit: “Generally, I have enjoyed it, it is his typical [mystery] story with a few plot twists, shocks and red herrings. Perfect for a lazy day.”

Another concurred: “Binged it today. It was all I ever want from these Netflix Coben adaptations.”

Yet another enthusiast dubbed it an “incredible watch”, suggesting Run Away thoroughly warrants pole position on your Netflix queue this weekend.

Run Away is available to stream on Netflix.