Sorrow's Anthem

Lincoln Perry #2

by Michael Koryta

In the beginning it was all about money. Then things got personal.

This is the story that Ed Gradduk tells his best friend, and private investigator, Lincoln Perry. Ed is on the run, hiding from the police who intend to arrest him for arson and murder.

When Gradduk is killed in a violent confrontation with police, Perry cannot shake his friend's death and vows to understand the forces that brought him down.

With an intense exploration of both character and crime, Sorrow's Anthem establishes Michael Korya as one of the top young mystery writers in America today.

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Fiction, Mystery Thriller, Crime, Audiobook, Suspense

309 pages, Hardcover

First published February 7, 2006

About the author

Michael Koryta (pronounced Ko-ree-ta) is the New York Times-bestselling author of 14 suspense novels. His work has been praised by Stephen King, Michael Connelly, Lee Child, Dean Koontz, James Patterson, Dennis Lehane, Daniel Woodrell, Ron Rash, and Scott Smith among many others, and has been translated into more than 20 languages. His books have won or been nominated for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize, Edgar® Award, Shamus Award, Barry Award, Quill Award, International Thriller Writers Award, and the Golden Dagger. They've been selected as "best books of the year" by publications as diverse as the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Amazon.com, O the Oprah Magazine, Entertainment Weekly, People, Reader's Digest, iBooks, and Kirkus Reviews.

His recent thriller Those Who Wish Me Dead was named the summer's best thriller by both Amazon and Entertainment Weekly, and was selected as one of the year's best books by more than 10 publications. The audio version was named one of the best audio books of the year, as well, the second time that Robert Petkoff's narration of Michael's work has earned such an honor. The novel is currently being adapted as a major motion picture by 20th Century Fox.

Michael's previous work ranges from a trio of supernatural novels--So Cold the River, The Cypress House, and The Ridge, which were all named New York Times notable books of the year and earned starred reviews from Publishers Weekly--to stand-alone crime novels such as The Prophet (A New York Times bestseller) and Envy the Night (selected as a Reader's Digest condensed book), to a series of award-winning novels featuring private investigator Lincoln Perry--Tonight I Said Goodbye, Sorrow's Anthem, A Welcome Grave, and The Silent Hour.

Various film and television adaptations of the books are underway, with The Prophet, So Cold the River, The Cypress House, and Those Who Wish Me Dead all optioned as feature films, and the Lincoln Perry series and The Ridge being developed for television. Michael has written for the screen in both feature film and television. Oscar and Emmy winners are attached to every project.

Before turning to writing full-time, Michael worked as a private investigator and as a newspaper reporter, and taught at the Indiana University School of Journalism. He began working for a private investigator as an intern while in high school, turned it into his day job in the early stages of his writing career, and still maintains an interest in the firm. As a journalist, he won numerous awards from the Society of Professional Journalists.

Michael's first novel, the Edgar-nominated Tonight I Said Goodbye was accepted for publication when he was 20 years old. He wrote his first two published novels before graduating from college, and was published in nearly 10 languages before he fulfilled the "writing requirement" classes required for his diploma.

Michael was raised in Bloomington, Indiana, where he graduated from Bloomington North High School in 2001, and later graduated from Indiana University with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice. In 2008 he was honored as a "distinguished young alumni" by Indiana University, and in 2010 he was named "distinguished alumni' by the criminal justice department.

Michael's passions outside of writing and reading involve a variety of outdoor pursuits - hiking, camping, boating, and fishing are all likely to occupy his free time when he's not working on a new book. Some of his favorite spots in the world are the Beartooth Mountains, the setting of Those Who Wish Me Dead and a place to which he returns at least twice a year; the flowages of the Northwoods in Wisconsin, where he began fishing with his father as a child and still returns each fall; St. Petersburg, FL, and the Maine coast.

Reviews

[Metodi Markov · Rating 4 out of 5]

Хареса ми и този роман на Корита.

Добре е развил сюжета и е интересно да следваш Линкълн Пери в търсенето на справедливост за негов отдавна изгубен приятел.

В живота е така - често губим добри другари, а е трудно да намерим нови!

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Private Investigator, Lincoln Perry determines that his childhood friend has been wrongly accused of killing a woman who was found in a burned house from a fire police think Ed Gradduk set. Perry's partner, Joe, agrees to help Perry investigate the arson. But Gradduk is killed, and Perry believes the police is responsible for his death. It is an interesting mystery with some close calls for Perry. At first I didn't think this second of a series was as good as the first. I do like the partnership between Perry and partner Joe. As I reflect a few days later, I give it 3 1/2 star. I am enjoying Michael Koryta's writing.

[Laurie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm really enjoying this series. My only wish is that Joe would have a more significant role in the stories. This story wove all over the place picking up more and more players along the way. It was a bit tough to keep them all straight at times but was really entertaining. I'm definitely game for the third installment.

[LJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

SORROW’s ANTHEM (Private Investigator-Cleveland, OH-Cont) – VG
Koryta, Michael – 2nd in series
Thomas Dunne Books, 2006- Hardcover
Private investigator Lincoln Perry’s childhood friend, Ed Gradduck has been videotaped leaving an arson fire; a house containing the body of a murdered woman. Lincoln and Ed have been estranged for years, but Lincoln doesn’t believe his friend is guilty and offers to help Ed. Ed bolts and is run over by the police. But was it accidental or did the police want to keep Ed quiet.
*** Koryta’s second book is a solid follow on to his first. I really enjoy the contrast of Perry, the not-yet-30 investigator and his partner, Joe Pritchard retired after 30 years on the police force. But this was definitely Perry’s story and really a story of friendship. The author uses fire and weather well to add tension and to build the suspense to an exciting climax. The story is very well plotted with excellent dialogue. I loved the explanation for the books title and look forward to more books in this series.

[Matt Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's a lot to like about how Michael Koryta turns a phrase.

Koryta once again takes the familiar ground of the PI mystery and populates it with his own unique characters and narrative. He has that knack to strike a deep chord with the perfect phrase. His prose--deep, but not overcooked--made me smile in appreciation multiple times. It's hitting that inner tuning fork that gives the reader a genuine and relatable experience, and Koryta proves he can do it in Sorrow.

But we're not only here for fancy wording. How's the story? Just fine. Lincoln Perry and his surrounding cast are aptly engaging, the plot complex enough to entertain throughout, and enough of a web of connection to keep you both interested and surprised in a few places. The world of this series grows in a significant way in Sorrow, one that readers can appreciate and sense real change in its characters. The plot slowed a tad near the end, but the authenticity in the way the story played out was commendable.

It's enough for me to know that an author can make the familiar so unique that I'll be back for more. It's starting to look to me like Michael Koryta is a name you can bank on for suspense and mystery.

Recommended for mystery/PI fans and those who like their stories with resounding echoes of the past and what might have been.

[John Sheridan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don't think this quite lived up to the standard of the first lincoln perry book but he and his partner joe pritchard are engaging characters and the plot certainly kept me guessing so overall an enjoyable book and certainly more than enough to keep me interested in the next book in the series.

[Tay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! Reminds me of the Robert Crais’ Elvis Cole series and even features a Joe as a sidekick. Kortya’s fascinated with fire lol.

[Josh · Rating 3 out of 5]

The second novel to feature former cop and current PI Lincoln Perry, throws the exuberant justice dealer into a world of conman, police corruption and killers of past and present. This time round, the case is personal and a little hard to believe - Lincoln's childhood friend Ed Gradduk is accused of murder and arson. Without provocation, Lincoln jumps at the chance to clear his friends name (with whom he hadn't been in contact with for 10yrs). Despite this, Koryta does establish a method to the madness via a backstory which would be well served as an independent book in its own right (perhaps as a prequel to 'Tonight I Said Goodbye'). Slowly the reasons for Lincoln's cause become apart if not a little unbelievable, however, the action and intertwining past and present plot more than account for this. It should be noted that Koryta is somewhat tongue in cheek when it comes to Lincolns sudden need for involvement which suited the author's style well but perhaps not the over enthusiastic and sometimes hot-headed PI's persona. Of the bit players, I felt Lincoln's partner, Joe a retired veteran cop, could've been used more - he often came across as two-dimensional and didn't really add much to the story apart from providing a link to information associated with some corrupt cops via his former contacts on the force. While Amy, areporter and close friend of Lincoln, was a nice cameo with the tension between them evident throughout the novel. If I were to classify this within the parameters of genre fiction, I'd lean more towards thriller than harboiled PI, Koryta is a great writer of urban close combat action and 'Sorrow's Anthem' is a perfect example. 3 stars.


Side note - I love the title which is derived from police and ambulance sirens in the night - they play a sorrow's anthem. Nice.

[Scott Rhee · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Sorrow's Anthem" is the second in Michael Koryta's series featuring private eyes Perry and Pritchard. Koryta is an excellent writer, in the same vein as Dennis Lehane. He is definitely an author to keep an eye on.

[Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

He was so young when he wins an Edgar for his first novel, now a whole year older (22) when his second Lincoln Perry came out in '06. This dude can write a crime novel and a hard-boiled mystery. No sophomore slump here.

[gert · Rating 3 out of 5]

god, I am so behind on reviewing my summer reads. so behind. but wanted to get this one in before I forgot (when I let them pile up, at most they'll get a star rating!)

loved it. but unfortunately, like so many series, not as much as the first. but what really got me - made me want to remember to write a review - is the subtle and pretty writing. don't get me wrong - this here be a smash'em/shoot'em detective book, complete with the expected snappy dialogue. but there are bits that highlight a wee bit more of a literary vibe. the title is one of them. both in its description, but also as it represents a specific memory. this book is all about memories, and it did give me many moments pause - how loyal are my memories of my childhood? how accurate? do I still count on the people I did then? can they count on me?

anyway - recommend this one, as well as the first book without reservation. am currently on the third, and finding it a bit of a slog. so not sure how long it'll be before that puppy gets reviewed.

[Chrissie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid 4 stars - maybe 4.5. Will be looking up more by this guy.

[Matt Wainwright · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book pretty much from start to finish. Good character development with some backstory to Lincoln. Will keep on the Lincoln Perry books.

[Dan Banana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good continuation of series.

[Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the Lincoln Perry series, particularly the audio book read by Scott Brick. 4-½ Stars.On to number three of the series.

[Vince Waechter · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot of twists and turns in this story. Never quite sure who is the bad guys.

[Glen Guldbeck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read from Michael Koryta. This is the second book in the Lincoln Perry series, and his second published novel. Such a wonderful talent. It amazes me that he was in his early twenties when he penned this novel. Highly recommended!!

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Michael Koryta continues to deliver with this Lincoln Perry mystery. Equally at home in supernatural thrillers, this series is pure noir, set in Cleveland and would make Dashell Hammett proud with the two gumshoes and Dennis Lehane proud with the slimeball villains. Koryta uses this second novel of the series to delve more into Perry's past particularly as it relates to his old neighborhood and why he moved away. Excellent mystery.

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well crafted plot has Lincoln Perry reaching into his past for clues to help a childhood friend who is violently killed. There are those who don't want past secrets uncovered and are willing to kill to avoid that resurrection which puts Perry in the thick of things.

[Nolan · Rating 3 out of 5]

If books could celebrate anniversaries, this one would have celebrated its 13th year on my hard drive last month. It’s more than high time I read it and move on. It was worth the 13-year wait.

Lincoln Perry hadn’t been back to the old neighborhood in Cleveland for years. He left in disgrace after his efforts at helping an old boyhood friend backfired and the friend went to prison. The neighborhood essentially turned on him. He and his friend were permanently estranged, and there was nothing to bring him back there.

Now a private investigator, Perry gets word that his old friend is accused of murder, and he’s not convinced of the truth of that. He shows up at a local bar owned by a mutual friend of he and the accused man, and he finds Ed Gradduk, his former friend, in the bar. He offers to help, the two go for a walk, and a police car runs Ed down in the open street then runs over him again to ensure he is thoroughly dead.

Perry is convinced his friend didn’t kill the woman who died in a house fire. He vows, against all kinds of opposition, to get justice for his friend.

This is fast action, and there’s plenty of mystery and suspense here. The relationship between Perry and the newspaper reporter, Amy Jo, is a fascinating thing to watch. The partnership between Perry and his friend, Joe, makes this series worth reading more of.

[DG · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story of a tragic hero, old-style neighborhood mobs, long time frenemies, and local corruption. The action is quick and the tension gripping. But it's the tragedy and complexity of old friendships that have soured or gotten confused over the years that adds depth and feeling to the matter.

I had not read the first book in this series, but that didn't change my enjoyment. It did, however, prompt me to go find that first book and get it, too!

There's also the fact that while the hero has been disgraced and fired from the police department unfairly, it was his desire for personal glory that led to his downfall. He sort of feels his fate was due to his poor motives. Further, the snafu that got him fired landed his best friend in jail and effectively sets him on a long path that ends in death. The guilt from this is palpable and so his motives for insane stubbornness in the face of danger is totally believable. In fact, you're rooting for him because you feel his need for even some small relief from his inner torment.

This was my first Micheal Koryta book, but it won't be my last. If you like hard hitting, action packed detective stories with tainted characters all the way around, this is your guy!

[Jennifer Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a solid procedural with great, believable characters and a twisting story that keeps the pages turning. The one problem? Koryta is even better now than he was then. And that really is the one problem. I discovered Koryta through his more recent works, so I went into this book with incredibly high expectations. I've since discovered that he wrote this when he was only 22--TWENTY-TWO!--and the debut book before it when he was only 21, which is remarkable, and as a procedural or mystery, it really is a great book. The problem, though, is that Koryta has gotten better over time, and his more recent books are fantastic. Call this an 8 on the procedural scale, and call his more recent works 12 (on a 10-point-scale) of thrillers.

So, would I recommend this book? This series? Absolutely. But if you've discovered Koryta through his more recent works, know that the books in his Lincoln Perry series are more traditional procedurals, and written when he was a younger, still developing writer--albeit an incredibly talented one already. And if I'd discovered him through this book, I'm sure I still would have picked up more of his work, which is probably all that needs to be said.

[Richard Thompson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A somewhat grudging 3.

A childhood friend of Lincoln Perry has been accused of murder and arson. Lincoln, who as a Cleveland police officer, arrested Ed Gradduck for selling drugs years earlier — partly in the hope that Gradduck would provide information on the drug supplier save himself from prison and a life of crime — has been wracked with guilt and ostracized in the community when Gradduck decides to keep his mouth shut and do the time. Gradduck is out of prison and Lincoln is determined to clear him of the new charges; Ed is not a killer or an arsonist... In his guilt-driven zeal to clear Ed, Lincoln bounces around like a pin ball with little regard common sense, good investigative practices or basic risk assessment skills. The plot is basically solid, but the overwrought emotional arc gets a bit tiresome.

This was book #45 on our 2020 Read-alouds List.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lincoln Perry relates in this book that his father, an EMT for the city of Cleveland, referred to the sound of sirens as sorrow's anthem. That sound spells sorrow for somebody. Hence the book title.

Lincoln is estranged from his best friend of childhood, Ed Gradduk. Near the beginning of this book, Ed dies in a gruesome accident involving the police. Lincoln becomes obsessed with proving his friend is not guilty of the crime police claim Ed committed.

Much is learned in this book about Lincoln's childhood and secrets that have been hidden for more than a decade come to light. Arson, police misconduct, organized crime, murder made to look like suicide--it is a complicated tale and it takes time to unravel.

Lincoln's partner Joe is seriously wounded at the end of this book and barely survives.

[Chris DiLeo · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you read a book in only two days, that book deserves 5 stars..

I've read many of Koryta's books (favorites include THE PROPHET, LAST WORDS, AN HONEST MAN), but of his Lincoln Perry novels I'd only read his debut, TONIGHT I SAID GOODBYE. This book is the second Perry novel and it's even more engaging than the one that kicked off the series.

Though it gets a bit bogged down at the end with the necessary mystery-novel confession of what is really going on, the book moves like a runaway train up until that point, and I was completely engaged. The writing is sharp and keeps you turning those pages.

Koryta wrote this book when he was in his early twenties, but it reads like the work of a veteran writer and as a fan of his work, I can testify that his writing has only gotten better and better.

[Lenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

In my humble opinion Koryta grew a lot after his book was published. While it’s been a while I remember the book to be a promising career start. Even all the years later I found him and read most of his recent books. When I went back and read the first one I thought “good start” but not great

While his second book “Sorrow’s Anthem” is a great look at him developing his writing and building strong characters. It was so well written I’m glad I had uninterrupted time to read because I didn’t want to put it down.

It was suspenseful, emotional, and hooked me quickly. I found his character of Lincoln Perry an excellent protagonist and his emotional investment into this case a great dynamic of the book. Totally worth the read almost 20 years later

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first read Michael Koryta when I found his book The Prophet at a library fund raising sale. From that first book I was hooked on this author and I loved his writing style. It was even more impressive when I found out that at the time he wrote that book he was 22 years old. Koryta paints a picture with words that makes the reader truly feel what is happening to the characters. This is the story of two best friends that chose entirely different paths in life and how Perry must now struggle to understand and accept what has happened to his friend. This is an author that just can't disappoint.

[M. Sprouse · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Sorrow's Anthem" built up momentum like a runaway truck down a steep grade. Once I got to the 2nd half,I found it so hard to let go even at midnight before a work day. Like that truck, Lincoln Perry cuts across curves lacking patience and a certain amount of wisdom, but what man in his early 30s doesn't. I'm sure Michael Koryta is tired of hearing it, but not quite as good as "Tonight I said Goodbye" but what is? I had designated that as the best book I'd read that particular year. So this book is still damn good, and I highly recommend it. I wish he would pick up the Lincoln Perry series again.

[Peg Schwarz · Rating 3 out of 5]

The narrator of the audio book wasn't my favorite. I thought a couple times that I would like the story better if I was reading vs listening to him. The story was good with lots of twists.

Lincoln's childhood friend went to prison and Lincoln was part of the reason why. Then he's accused of setting a fire and murdering a woman. Lincoln knew he wouldn't have done that so he reached out to help him only to see his buddy killed as a police car ran him over. The plot thickens as it seems likely that the mob is involved and there might be dirty cops. Then there are more fires and more questions.

[Elisabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve enjoyed Koryta’s later novels, so decided to go back to the beginning. Couldn’t get his first novel,Tonight I said Goodbye, published in 2005 when he was 21 (!). This one came out a year later.
It was well done, certainly, but not amazingly so. Excellent for early in his career and so young, of course, but stayed true to a lot of similar novels. (Reminded me a bit of Robert Craig’ Elvis Cole novels, not that that’s a bad model!)
Anyway, I found I didn’t really connect with these characters and found the plot unremarkable. But it kept me reading.