Last Words by Michael Koryta

You practically have to keep a score card when following one of author Michael Koryta’s thrillers.

Koryta has a way of moving back and forward between possible killers so fast you’re never quite sure who to suspect. His latest release, LAST WORDS, is a prime example of his masterful talents.

Narrator Robert Petkoff does an excellent job giving voice to the various characters. His pitch and mannerisms give depth to the characters. Petkoff captures the emotions of the story beautifully with his cadence and vocals.

Florida-based death-row defense lawyer Markus Novak’s life derailed when his wife was murdered while the two of them were working on a case. Still searching for her killer two years later, Novak has put his life and career on the line one too many ties. His boss sends him to Indiana to review a cold case just to get him out of town.

The 10-year-old cold case involves a teenage girl who disappeared inside a cave system beneath a rural farm. Days later the girl’s lifeless body was brought out of the cave by Ridley Barnes. All these years later Barnes, who called to have the case reopened, continues to claim he has no memory of what happened inside the cave. Living under a cloud of suspicion, Barnes wants answers even if it costs him his life.

Novak soon finds the town turning against him when he claims to have spoken to the dead girl’s mother, who he learns is also dead. Novak is later kidnapped and left in the cave to die, but Barnes rescues him. The town doesn’t believe his kidnap story and Novak begins to fear for his own life, but can’t leave until he knows the truth about the girl’s death.

Just when you’re sure you know who the killer is, Koryta throws you a curve and a new suspected killer is introduced with even more motive. Koryta switches back and forth from the suspects always leaving you wondering who the real killer is. The twists will have you second guessing yourself as you try to solve the mystery along with the protagonist.

The characters are complex and well-developed. Through detailed descriptions listeners/readers will feel they are in the cave as the search for the truth unfolds. Moving at a steady pace, this thriller is laced with suspense and adrenaline-fueled moments. The heart-pounding action will keep you on the edge of your seat.

LAST WORDS is a blend of past and present mysteries that carries listeners/readers on a roller coaster ride of emotions as they try to discover which devious mind belongs to the killer.

Last Words by Michael Koryta, Narrated by Robert Petkoff, Hachette Audio, @2015, ASIN: BOOY1JUUK, Unabridged, Run Time: 14 Hours and 44 Minutes 

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this audio book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

Thanks for stopping by today. Are you familiar with Koryta’s work? If so, do you have a favorite book he’s written? Do you like books where you’re constantly changing your mind about who the killer is?

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