Overview

• Published Oct. 14, the thriller marks Witherspoon’s first novel and Coben’s first collaboration with a co-author.
• Set around an international conspiracy, the story centers on Army combat surgeon Maggie McCabe without revealing key twists.
• Witherspoon developed the concept during the pandemic, then sought out Coben for his structuring and suspense expertise after pitching him in New York.
• She drew on her parents’ military medical careers, recalling early childhood on a U.S. base in Germany to shape McCabe’s background.
• The authors say they hope to adapt the book for film or TV and envision multiple installments, with Witherspoon aiming to inspire girls to pursue surgery.