Last Words

By: Michael Koryta

Narrated by: Robert Petkoff

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.

Critic reviews

ACCLAIM FOR THOSE WHO WISH ME DEAD:
"Warning: Michael Koryta's wonderful, riveting, and harrowing Those Who Wish Me Dead may just move you to tears. Enjoy at your own risk."—Harlan Coben, #1 bestselling author of Missing You and Six Years

Great story

The ending was terrific and the story suspenseful. Great read and enjoyable highly recommended great

Twisty turny good!

There's usually a touch of supernatural in Michael Koryta's books, which I like. Quite a bit less in this one, in case you don't.

The plot kept me guessing, was it this person, that person, or maybe this one? I didn't guess about one of the bad guys till it was revealed, which is just the way I like it. I find it boring if I figure out whodunnit too early.

A real page turner

A gripping tale, excellent narration and original plot line with unexpected but credible twists and turns.

Another favorite!

Koryta weaves an intricate story, full of realized characters, layered onto interesting landscapes and backdrops. The experience is altogether visceral. The pace is perfect for a twisting plot without dragging or getting confusing. A recommended read!

Almost Made IT

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

Continued trying to hope that I would care how this book ended. Made it to 12 hours out of the 14 and had to stop. Just. didn't. care.

If you’ve listened to books by Michael Koryta before, how does this one compare?

Listened to "Those Who Wish Me Dead" which for me was better written, more interesting, and had characters that I cared about.

Which character – as performed by Robert Petkoff – was your favorite?

Voice talent was excellent...I was able to easily determine which character is speaking.

Do you think Last Words needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

uh, no.

Any additional comments?

Will try another book by this author, but it may take a while.