Last Words by Michael Koryta

Markus Novak just wants to come home. An investigator for a Florida-based Death Row defense firm, Novak’s life derailed when his wife, Lauren, was killed in the midst of a case the two were working together. Two years later, her murderer is still at large, and Novak’s attempts to learn the truth about her death through less-than-legal means and jailhouse bargaining have put his job on the line. Now he’s been all but banished, sent to Garrison, Indiana to assess a cold case that he’s certain his boss has no intention of taking.

As Novak knows all too well, some crimes never do get solved. But it’s not often that the man who many believe got away with murder is the one calling for the case to be reopened. Ten years ago, a teenaged girl disappeared inside an elaborate cave system beneath rural farmland. Days later, Ridley Barnes emerged carrying Sarah Martin’s lifeless body. Barnes has claimed all along that he has no memory of exactly where — or how — he found Sarah. His memory of whether she was dead or alive at the time is equally foggy. Tired of living under a cloud of suspicion, he says he wants answers — even if they mean he’ll end up in the electric chair.

But what’s he really up to? And Novak knows why he’s so unhappy to be in Garrison – but why are the locals so hostile towards him? The answers lie in the fiendish brain of a dangerous man, the real identity of a mysterious woman, and deep beneath them all, in the network of ancient, stony passages that hold secrets deadlier than he can imagine. Soon Novak is made painfully aware that if he has any chance of returning to the life and career he left behind in Florida, he’ll need to find the truth in Garrison first.

This was my first book by Michael Koryta and I am now a fan! I plan on requesting his previous books to read as he is a master story teller. "Last Words" drew me in from the start and from that point forward I could not get enough! There were so many twists and turns that kept you guessing and on the edge of your seat for resolution until the very end. The characters are well developed and create in the reader a sense of alliance with some and enemies of others. I hope the main character becomes a series of books that Koryta is planning on doing as there are stories left untold! I listened to this book while I was driving to and from work and there were times where I just wanted to keep driving around so I could hear more of the story. This book was absolutely riveting to listen to! Robert Petkoff is hands down one of the BEST readers I have heard. He altered his voice just enough to give each character a distinct quality so you knew without a doubt who was speaking without going too overboard. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for an outstanding read with the caution that once they start reading they won't be able to stop.  

Reviewed by Courtney (my daughter)

*Thank you to Hachette Audio and Mitch for this review copy*