Based on Harlan Coben’s novel, Netflix’s Fool Me Once has captivated audiences with its thrilling plot. Fool Me Once, an eight-episode British television series produced by Quay Street Productions for Netflix in 2024, is based on Harlan Coben’s 2016 novel of the same title. Despite geographical differences, the book and series have identical endings.
As fans delve into the intriguing plot, the inevitable question arises: how does the series compare to the original novel?
Fool Me Once: book vs. series
The premise of both the book and the series centers on Maya, a military veteran, and her husband, Joe. Joe’s murder catalyzes Maya’s eerie discovery on a nanny cam—a supposedly deceased Joe appears to be alive, setting the stage for a haunting investigation.
The series, created by Coben, Danny Brocklehurst, Nicola Shindler, and Richard Fee, keeps the core mystery but adds twists. The book is set in New York, while the series takes place in the fictional town of Winhurst, England.
In an exclusive interview with RadioTimes.com, Michelle Keegan discussed the series’ departure from the novel. Keegan said:
“The book is set in New York, so it’s completely different now that they’re in Manchester.” It kind of grounded it for me.”
Coben also wrote the script for the series, which is based closely on the book. The interconnected web of Maya’s military past, Claire’s murder, and Joe’s violent history remain central themes, ensuring that the essence of Coben’s storytelling is preserved.
Claire, Maya’s sister, agrees to join whistleblower Corey in investigating the Burkett family to prevent the release of audio evidence that reveals Maya’s direct violation of orders, which resulted in civilian casualties.
Joe Burkett, Maya’s husband, murders her after discovering Claire’s incriminating leaks, retrieves the evidence, and stages the crime scene to appear as a failed robbery.
Flashbacks show Maya’s growing doubts about Joe, prompting her to covertly test a bullet from their gun, confirming it as the weapon used to murder Claire.
Joe tries to shoot her in retaliation but realizes he is out of ammunition. Maya shoots and kills him, then fabricates a story about a failed biker robbery.
At the Burkett Mansion, Maya confronts Judith, Caroline, and Neil, revealing their involvement in illegal pharmaceutical dealings as well as the nanny cam and Claire’s murder deceptions.
In an unexpected turn of events, Neil fatally shoots Maya with her gun. However, Judith’s discovery of a hidden camera on the mantelpiece reveals that Corey and Sami were watching via livestream, exposing the Burketts to millions.
All about the Netflix series- Fool Me Once
Danny Brocklehurst developed the show, which stars Michelle Keegan, Richard Armitage, Adeel Akhtar, Emmett J. Scanlan, and Joanna Lumley.
Harlan Coben, the series’ creator, also served as executive producer for the show, which premiered on January 1, 2024.
Fool Me Once, part of Netflix’s larger effort to bring Coben’s literary creations to the screen, delves into themes of betrayal and revenge while also leaving an indelible mark on its characters, steering their fates in unexpected directions.