An Honest Man

A Novel

By: Michael Koryta

Narrated by: Robert Petkoff

Length: 11 hrs and 21 mins

Publisher's summary

From the New York Times bestselling author of Those Who Wish Me Dead: The murder of several politicians at sea has shattering implications for a local lobsterman and a young boy in this action-packed thriller.

Israel Pike was a killer, and he was an honest man. They were not mutually exclusive.

After discovering seven men murdered aboard their yacht – including two Senate rivals – Israel Pike is regarded as a prime suspect. A troubled man infamous on Salvation Point Island for killing his own father a decade before, Israel has few options, no friends, and a life-threatening secret.

Elsewhere on the island, 12-year-old Lyman Rankin seeks shelter from his alcoholic father in an abandoned house only to discover that he is not alone. A mysterious woman greets him with a hatchet and a promise: “Make a sound and I’ll kill you.”

As the investigation barrels forward, Lyman, Israel, and the fate of the case collide in immutable ways. Written with mounting suspense, stirring emotion, and deep understanding of character, Koryta continues to prove why Stephen King has called him “a master” and Michael Connelly has deemed him “one of the best of the best, plain and simple.”

©2023 Michael Koryta (P)2023 Mulholland Books

Critic reviews

"A macabre ghost ship adrift off the coast of Maine, a nest of islanders bristling with dark history, an ex-con/prodigal son and a lone cop allied against a depraved criminal network, a boy on the run from violence who must shelter a young woman who seems to have emerged from the sea itself—all woven together so deftly, and with such intensity of feeling, that the reader must simply hang on as the waves keep coming—and man do they come. An Honest Man is one hell of a ride, and Michael Koryta is a master at the helm."
—Tim Johnston, NYT Bestselling author of Descent and The Current

"Elegantly written, stark and gorgeous. Michael Koryta is a treasure, and his skillful wisdom with character and setting and emotion are unmatched. An Honest Man will captivate you from page one. It is wry and knowing, ridiculously immersive, and utterly heartbreaking. It's a story that feels not only truly told, but actually true...aching with the bitterness of reality, and the danger that comes not only from greed, but also from love. I will admit, Michael Koryta makes me cry every time. This is terrific book by a supremely gifted storyteller."—Hank Phillippi Ryan, USA Today bestselling and award-winning author

Writing and performance

I thoroughly enjoy this book. The character development was excellent. The story was very engaging and the reading was superb.

A bit too much violence

The story was a good one. Interesting characters and setting but lots of violence. I finished it because I wanted to see what happened but fast forwarded through a lot

Rich read

A rich, nuanced, complex story rendered with simplicity and heart. Enjoyed it very much. Highly recommended.

Complex family relationships

Story seemed to go on and on…repetitive at times. Trigger warning: child abuse is present and described.

Tells it Like it Is

This is not a happy, uplifting story. It is ugly, brutal and probably triggering for some. The title is for the most part correct. I always trust that Koryta will tell a solid story, but that does not mean I have to like it. Am glad the bad guys got what was coming to them, but it was stressful to get to that point. There was one death too many for five stars, Not sure what else could have happened, however. Well done.

Great Story

I love anything by Michael Koryta. I appreciate that story was well told without giving details of the horrors those poor women experienced

Great story, great characters

Great story, great characters! I could not put it down and was sorry when it ended!

Awesome

The story is excellent and all the narrators made me feel like l was there.

Pleasant Surprise

I had never heard of this author but was attracted by the storyline. I enjoyed this book and may seek out the author’s other books. I was hoping it might be the start of a series, but I am guessing from the ending that it will not be. Oh well. Still a good listen.

Very well written

In general, the author seems to get better with each of his books. Very smoothly written actually, appropriate use of metaphors and the plot is timely. Unique and demonstrates justice. Definitely worth the read. Should buy this book.