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?

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?

*This post contains affiliate links.