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

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

Writing and performance

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

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.

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.

Great story!

Koryta knows how to tell a good story! I’ve read or listened to most of his books and I have never been disappointed. Well worth a listen.

Too drawn out

I found a story to drawn out. The main characters of Israel and the investigative officer who got him involved in going undercover, didn't ring true. The best characters of this book were Lyman and hatchet. I would've much more preferred if the store had focused on them and made the others side characters, overall I was not impressed although the performance by the narrator was pretty good. Not sure if I will try another book from this author again

Held my attention, I liked the characters.

The characters were engaging and the story was sad but seemed very real. The Island took on a life of its own.

Innocence on one side on the other horror

The reader was excellent and the characters well build up with strength and intensity ! The island descriptions were dramatic and wind blowing.

Outstanding listen!

Israel Pike is the hero we didn’t know we needed!
This was one of the best listens I’ve had in a while. I was hooked about 30 minutes in and had a hard time stopping it when I needed to get out of the car. The ending was bittersweet but where Lyman ends up and Hatchet…. made my heart happy. Highly recommend spending a credit on this one!