“A propulsive mystery thriller”: Harlan Coben’s "mind-bending" new series Lazarus is a different kind of eerie

He's gifted us with some of the best crime dramas on Netflix and now, Harlan Coben is serving up a new mind-bending one in the form of Lazarus. The new series, which is coming to Prime Video, has been described by executive Producers Richard Fee and Nicola Shindler as a "propulsive mystery thriller" and judging the plot, it's exactly that. Unlike previous Coben dramas, Lazarus is the first original idea from the hit author - and let's just say it will introduce us to a different kind of eerie.

Coben explained to Radio Times, “I thought, ‘I could write this as a novel, but I’m seeing it as a TV series.’ It’s a little more of a ghost story, very visual.” The series stars The Count of Monte Cristo's Sam Claflin as forensic psychologist Laz, who returns to his family home after his father (Bill Nighy)’s death - and becomes embroiled in a series of cold case murders, while also grappling with the mystery of his dad's passing. Intrigued? Us too.

While we wait for the series to arrive on Prime Video this autumn, here’s everything you need to know about Lazarus, including the plot, cast and how to watch it.

What is Lazarus about?

As we mentioned, Lazarus is a new series from Harlan Coben, which follows a man (played by Sam Claflin) who returns home after his father's death and begins to have disturbing experiences that he - nor anyone else - can explain. He quickly becomes entangled in a series of cold-case murders, all the while grappling with the mystery of his father's death and his sister's murder 25 years ago.

The official synopsis continues: "Alexandra Roach plays Jenna Lazarus, who has buried herself in a world of spiritual practice but now when her brother returns home and starts experiencing unexplained phenomena, she is forced to confront secrets from her own past."

Harlan worked alongside BAFTA-winner Danny Brocklehurst to write the series, who has called the show “a psychological thriller with an emotional spine. It’s about fathers and sons, love and loss. We have attempted to bring our trademark wit and warmth as well as twists galore.”

Executive Producers Richard Fee and Nicola Shindler added: “Harlan and Danny have created another wonderfully compelling story but this time with an eerie twist. Lazarus has all the ingredients of a propulsive mystery thriller with an extra dose of atmosphere and psychological horror that makes it particularly gripping.”

Who’s in the cast of Lazarus?

The cast of Lazarus includes:

• Bill Nighy as Doctor Lazarus (Dr L)
• Alexandra Roach as Jenna Lazarus
• Sam Claflin as Laz
• Ewan Horrocks Young Laz
• David Fynn as Seth McGovern
• Karla Crome as Bella
• Kate Ashfield as Detective Alison Brown
• Curtis Tennant as Aidan
• Lloyd Lai as Rupert Yuen
• Roisin Gallagher as Laura

Are Harlan Coben thrillers worth watching?

Yes! If you've watched even one such thriller, you're probably already aware quite how compelling they are. Stay Close, starring Cush Jumbo and Richard Armitage, was one of the the highest rated UK series of 2022, and 2024’s Fool Me Once is the sixth most successful Netflix show of all time. From The Stranger to The Woods and Just One Look, Coben has proved himself to have a winning formula.

How can I watch Lazarus?

There’s not long to wait! The series is set to be released on Prime Video this autumn. As soon we have a confirmed date, we'll update you here.

What other Harlan Coben thrillers can I watch now?

Firstly, as we mentioned, Netflix’s Fool Me Once and Stay Close were top-rated shows and both are available to binge in full on Netflix. For more brilliant Harlan Coben thrillers, check out our pick of the best here. And if that's not enough, another one, titled Run Away is currently in the works and stars the wonderful Ruth Jones.