Rise the Dark by Michael Koryta

◊ RISE THE DARK by Michael Koryta

◊ Series: A Mark Novak Novel, Book #2

◊ Narrator: Robert Petkoff

◊ Audible Audio Edition

◊ Listening Length: 12 hours and 1 minutes

◊ Program Type: Audiobook

◊ Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Suspense

◊ Version: Unabridged

◊ Publisher: Hachette Audio

◊ Audible.com Release Date: August 16, 2016

◊ Language: English

◊ ASIN: BO1G92LOPW

SYNOPSIS:

Mark Novak's greatest mystery may be his own....

Rise the dark. These were the last words written in Lauren Novak's notebook before she was murdered in a strange Florida village. They've never meant anything to the police or to her husband, investigator Markus Novak. Now the man he believes killed her is out of prison and draws Markus to the place he's avoided for so long: the lonely road where his wife was shot to death beneath the cypress trees and Spanish moss in a town called Cassadaga.

In Red Lodge, Montana, a senseless act of vandalism shuts the lights off in the town where Sabrina Baldwin is still trying to adjust to a new home and mourning the loss of her brother, who was a high-voltage linesman just like her husband, Jay. As the spring's final snowstorm calls Jay deeper into the mountains, chasing the destruction on the electrical grid, Sabrina is abducted by Garland Webb, the man Markus Novak believes killed his wife. Drawing them all together is a messianic villain who understands that you can never outpace your past. You can only rise against the future.

This the kind of book that will make you hesitate to take a shower when you’re home alone.

Author Michael Koryta has that uncanny ability to weave a story that seeps into your bones and takes over your thoughts even when you walk away from the book.

Narrator Robert Petkoff brings the eeriness home with his mannerisms. Petkoff delivers the lines perfectly for the suspense factor. His varying vocals gives each character their own unique sound, enhancing this thriller.

Koryta brings protagonist Mark Novak back from his previous story, LAST WORDS. Koryta provides just enough background that new listeners/readers aren’t left in the dark about Mark’s earlier troubles while also enticing them to learn more. The characters are well developed with multi-layers. The secondary characters are just as complex adding depth to the story.

The setting moves around smoothly. Koryta’s vivid descriptions and eye for details puts the listener/reader alongside the characters. Their emotions and reactions can be felt through the rich dialogue.

Koryta blends suspense and mystery with sadistic killers, homegrown terrorism and panic for a well thought out page-turner that is plausible. He blends in just a hint of romance, a dash of family togetherness, and a glint of humor to keep the story from being too dark giving it a good balance.

RISE THE DARK is an action-packed tale that will keep you guessing. While Koryta gives an ending to the story, he also hints at more to come for Mark. Adrenaline-fueled, this thriller is the stuff news headlines are made of.

Rise the Dark by Michael Koryta, Mark Novak series (Book #2), Narrated by Robert Petkoff, Hachette Audio, @2016, ASIN: BO1G92LOPW, Unabridged, Digital Download, Run Time: 12 Hours and 1 Minutes (*This story is also available in print and eBook.)

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 so much for stopping by. Are you a fan of thrillers? Have you read Koryta’s earlier book, LAST WORDS? Do you enjoy thrillers that could tie in with recent events in the news?