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An Honest Man
The murder of several politicians at sea has shattering implications for a local lobsterman and a young boy.
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 “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.
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 “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.
384 pages, Paperback
First published July 25, 2023
366 people are currently reading
7989 people want to read
About the author
Michael Koryta
51 books2,522 followersMichael 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 573 reviews
February 18, 2024
Loved-loved this book.
This book is not like your normal thriller, it has great depth. During book signings (mostly at Barnes and Nobles) I have the opportunity to talk to readers. I watch them as they move through the piles making their choices. What readers do most often is pick up a book and thumb the pages. I’ve asked some of those who do this why and they say “I look for white on the page. I like a lot of white on the page.” What this means is that the reader is more interested in a book that really moves. The lack of narrative voice means more dialogue and a fast-moving book. I believe the reading public, has like everyone else in society, shifted to a need for more immediate gratification. A large swath of readers prefers not to wait for the story to develop slowly through the narrative voice. They want it to really move.
This is why the thriller has gained in popularity (James Patterson being the one holding up the thriller banner with everyone else in the field trying to follow). The standard mystery structure has an odd number of scenes in each chapter (three, five, or seven) and usually 27 to 35 chapters in the novel. A thriller has only one scene in each chapter and has 75 to 120 chapters. Each scene needs five things to work. Those five things add pressure on the text and pull the reader to the next scene. With a mystery construct those five things come out more slowly as the author has more elbow room to work. In a thriller the author is concerned with cadence and leaves a smaller window to squeeze in those five things. The thriller also puts a greater emphasis the transitions.
Sorry, I digress. What I took the long way around to say/explain is that An Honest Man is unique in this age of immediate gratification because it is a thriller with very little “white on the page.” The story has great depth without drawing down the prose or the pace. These types of great reads are like the Chupacabra becoming more and more elusive. So, when you come across one, latch on to it. Get yourself ensconced in a comfortable chair, sit back and revel in the glow of a master craftsman.
David Putnam author of the Bruno Johnson series (and now the Dave Beckett series).
This book is not like your normal thriller, it has great depth. During book signings (mostly at Barnes and Nobles) I have the opportunity to talk to readers. I watch them as they move through the piles making their choices. What readers do most often is pick up a book and thumb the pages. I’ve asked some of those who do this why and they say “I look for white on the page. I like a lot of white on the page.” What this means is that the reader is more interested in a book that really moves. The lack of narrative voice means more dialogue and a fast-moving book. I believe the reading public, has like everyone else in society, shifted to a need for more immediate gratification. A large swath of readers prefers not to wait for the story to develop slowly through the narrative voice. They want it to really move.
This is why the thriller has gained in popularity (James Patterson being the one holding up the thriller banner with everyone else in the field trying to follow). The standard mystery structure has an odd number of scenes in each chapter (three, five, or seven) and usually 27 to 35 chapters in the novel. A thriller has only one scene in each chapter and has 75 to 120 chapters. Each scene needs five things to work. Those five things add pressure on the text and pull the reader to the next scene. With a mystery construct those five things come out more slowly as the author has more elbow room to work. In a thriller the author is concerned with cadence and leaves a smaller window to squeeze in those five things. The thriller also puts a greater emphasis the transitions.
Sorry, I digress. What I took the long way around to say/explain is that An Honest Man is unique in this age of immediate gratification because it is a thriller with very little “white on the page.” The story has great depth without drawing down the prose or the pace. These types of great reads are like the Chupacabra becoming more and more elusive. So, when you come across one, latch on to it. Get yourself ensconced in a comfortable chair, sit back and revel in the glow of a master craftsman.
David Putnam author of the Bruno Johnson series (and now the Dave Beckett series).
September 2, 2023
Israel Pike returns to Salvation Point Island after spending time in prison for killing his father a decade before. Was it murder or an accident?
When Israel discovers seven men murdered aboard their yacht, including two Senate rivals Israel is regarded as suspect number one, thanks in part to Israel's own Uncle Sterling who has his own agenda.
Meanwhile on the island twelve-year-old Lyman Rankin seeks shelter from an alcoholic and abusive father in an abandoned house only to discover he is not alone. Lyman is greeted by a mysterious woman known only as Hatchet. Layman and Hatchet eventually become friends as he tries to help her. Then both Hatchet's and Lyman's lives are in danger. Where did Hatchet come from? Does she know what happened on that yacht and what is her story?
As Israel steps up to try and help Hatchet and Lyman escape the trouble both of them are in and in the end the island Israel puts his own life in danger trying to do what he thinks is the right thing.
My introduction to Michael Koryta was a good one. Will read more of his books. Recommend this four- star- book.
When Israel discovers seven men murdered aboard their yacht, including two Senate rivals Israel is regarded as suspect number one, thanks in part to Israel's own Uncle Sterling who has his own agenda.
Meanwhile on the island twelve-year-old Lyman Rankin seeks shelter from an alcoholic and abusive father in an abandoned house only to discover he is not alone. Lyman is greeted by a mysterious woman known only as Hatchet. Layman and Hatchet eventually become friends as he tries to help her. Then both Hatchet's and Lyman's lives are in danger. Where did Hatchet come from? Does she know what happened on that yacht and what is her story?
As Israel steps up to try and help Hatchet and Lyman escape the trouble both of them are in and in the end the island Israel puts his own life in danger trying to do what he thinks is the right thing.
My introduction to Michael Koryta was a good one. Will read more of his books. Recommend this four- star- book.
December 2, 2025
Когато беднотията се завърне, покварата също не е далеч.
Хареса ми тази история на Майкъл Корита, ще потърся и други негови книги. Добре се е справил с изграждането на героите. Бързо се чете и увлича.
Израил Пайк е убил човек, излежал е присъда от петнайсет години и се е завърнал на малкия остров край щата Мейн от където е родом. За да се сблъска с недоверието и презрението на малкото останали там кореняци.
Той пръв се качва на дрейфуваща без цел в океана луксозна яхта и нищо не може да го подготви за касапницата, която ще открие на борда ѝ. Дали ще успеят да го превърнат в изкупителна жертва?
Цитат:
"Парите и моралът може да не са близки роднини, но не се изключват взаимно."
Хареса ми тази история на Майкъл Корита, ще потърся и други негови книги. Добре се е справил с изграждането на героите. Бързо се чете и увлича.
Израил Пайк е убил човек, излежал е присъда от петнайсет години и се е завърнал на малкия остров край щата Мейн от където е родом. За да се сблъска с недоверието и презрението на малкото останали там кореняци.
Той пръв се качва на дрейфуваща без цел в океана луксозна яхта и нищо не може да го подготви за касапницата, която ще открие на борда ѝ. Дали ще успеят да го превърнат в изкупителна жертва?
Цитат:
"Парите и моралът може да не са близки роднини, но не се изключват взаимно."
January 17, 2023
Few can harness the wonder of nature—of weather—like Koryta. Riding the storm to its thrilling end is utterly satisfying. And in true Koryta form, the book is chock full of characters you won’t stop thinking about.
March 16, 2023
Israel Pike has a prison record, convicted of killing his father. Israel has returned to Salvation Point Island, Maine, where he never thought he’d return. Only one other person knows the reason. However, that reason may unravel at a frightening speed after Israel is the one to discover and report the death of 7 men on a yacht to the local sheriff who despises him, his father’s brother.
The 1st thriller I read by Michael Koryta a few weeks ago was spine-tingling. I didn’t think he could ratchet up the suspense beyond that novel. I was wrong. Each chapter is a roller coaster ride, and the adrenalin is pulsating without a sip of caffeine, simply the turn of the page. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough as I had to know what the next twist in the investigation would be, and yet I wanted to read slowly enough, so I didn’t miss a clue. As the conclusion came, I was still in the grasp of the gritty ending even as I realized what was coming.
These are characters that grip you within their stories. Their reasons for the actions planned and taken, or are spontaneous in the heat of the moment and taken, stir your emotions and make your heart pound. Don’t miss adding it to your tbr.
Thank you to Mulholland Books and Novel Suspects for the opportunity to read an ARC of this novel.
The 1st thriller I read by Michael Koryta a few weeks ago was spine-tingling. I didn’t think he could ratchet up the suspense beyond that novel. I was wrong. Each chapter is a roller coaster ride, and the adrenalin is pulsating without a sip of caffeine, simply the turn of the page. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough as I had to know what the next twist in the investigation would be, and yet I wanted to read slowly enough, so I didn’t miss a clue. As the conclusion came, I was still in the grasp of the gritty ending even as I realized what was coming.
These are characters that grip you within their stories. Their reasons for the actions planned and taken, or are spontaneous in the heat of the moment and taken, stir your emotions and make your heart pound. Don’t miss adding it to your tbr.
Thank you to Mulholland Books and Novel Suspects for the opportunity to read an ARC of this novel.
March 23, 2024
Israel Pike sees a luxury yacht aimlessly floating. He heads out with his rowboat to find 7 murdered men. And now his revenge filled uncle, who happens to be a cop, has found a way to get revenge on Israel.
Dang… what an excellent page turner!
Dang… what an excellent page turner!
April 7, 2024
‘An Honest Man’ by Michael Koryta is a fabulous noir thriller, reminiscent of some of the best noir private detective novels and movies from the 1940’s. I highly recommend it, gentler readers! But I suggest setting aside time for reading it when there will be no interruptions, like a day, because once the book is half finished it will be impossible to put down.
The story initially takes its time setting up current scenes and past history which slowly reveal more and more information about what is going on. The main characters also are slowly revealed as to who they are. For example, at first, I thought Israel Pike, who is one of the main characters, was in the trouble he was in because he was an immature hothead made stupid by his rages against any authority. Having had a crappy father is obviously a cause for his continuing adult emotional problems. As it turns out eventually, that is only the tip of the iceberg.
I have copied the book blurb:
”The murder of several politicians at sea has shattering implications for a local lobsterman and a young boy.
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 “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.”
The dystopian atmosphere that the island characters live in is believably created through the inclusion of real-life situations that have been on the front pages of news websites. Israel’s past and Lyman’s present mirror each other. Unbeknownst to either one of them, they are also linked in other ways. But while Israel is irreparably damaged by his past experiences, there is still hope for Lyman. Maybe. The author gradually weaves the two separately narrated storylines together into a heart-pounding finish!
I couldn’t put the book down! I have a terrible headache as a result, plus I am hungry, thirsty, and I desperately need a bathroom! It is 2 am as well. So. I highly recommend this novel, and I also recommend putting aside a day to read it. Do not do what I did, picking up the book before dinner thinking only to read a few more chapters….
The story initially takes its time setting up current scenes and past history which slowly reveal more and more information about what is going on. The main characters also are slowly revealed as to who they are. For example, at first, I thought Israel Pike, who is one of the main characters, was in the trouble he was in because he was an immature hothead made stupid by his rages against any authority. Having had a crappy father is obviously a cause for his continuing adult emotional problems. As it turns out eventually, that is only the tip of the iceberg.
I have copied the book blurb:
”The murder of several politicians at sea has shattering implications for a local lobsterman and a young boy.
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 “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.”
The dystopian atmosphere that the island characters live in is believably created through the inclusion of real-life situations that have been on the front pages of news websites. Israel’s past and Lyman’s present mirror each other. Unbeknownst to either one of them, they are also linked in other ways. But while Israel is irreparably damaged by his past experiences, there is still hope for Lyman. Maybe. The author gradually weaves the two separately narrated storylines together into a heart-pounding finish!
I couldn’t put the book down! I have a terrible headache as a result, plus I am hungry, thirsty, and I desperately need a bathroom! It is 2 am as well. So. I highly recommend this novel, and I also recommend putting aside a day to read it. Do not do what I did, picking up the book before dinner thinking only to read a few more chapters….
December 26, 2023
A real thrill ride!
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I had never read any of Michael Koryta’s books until Mulholland Books/Hachette Book Group generously gifted me several ARCs, including “An Honest Man”.
This suspenseful thriller is action-packed and fast-paced. I found myself rooting for Israel, despite him being a murderer. Convicted for killing his own father. The story is set on a bleak fishing island with a forgotten and dying atmosphere. There aren't many likable characters, but the few that are will burrow their way into your heart.
#AnHonestMan #MichaelKoryta #MulhollandBooks #hachettebookgroup #LittleBrownandCo #PhysicalARC #newrelease #thriller #suspense #honestreview #thrillerbookloverspromotions #thrillerfriendsunite #thrillerobsessedbookishclub #lovetoread #bookworms #lovebooks #lovetoreadbooks #fortheloveofbooks #booknerd #bookreviewer
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I had never read any of Michael Koryta’s books until Mulholland Books/Hachette Book Group generously gifted me several ARCs, including “An Honest Man”.
This suspenseful thriller is action-packed and fast-paced. I found myself rooting for Israel, despite him being a murderer. Convicted for killing his own father. The story is set on a bleak fishing island with a forgotten and dying atmosphere. There aren't many likable characters, but the few that are will burrow their way into your heart.
#AnHonestMan #MichaelKoryta #MulhollandBooks #hachettebookgroup #LittleBrownandCo #PhysicalARC #newrelease #thriller #suspense #honestreview #thrillerbookloverspromotions #thrillerfriendsunite #thrillerobsessedbookishclub #lovetoread #bookworms #lovebooks #lovetoreadbooks #fortheloveofbooks #booknerd #bookreviewer
April 10, 2024
Audiobook.
Excellent narration by Robert Petkoff (other than the rather troubling Quebecois accents).
This was a true blue, old-fashioned, character-driven thriller that simultaneously thrilled and gutted me. Israel and Lyman were heroes in their own tragic stories and I, for one, was rooting for them both.
An Honest Man was my first Koryta read and most certainly won't be my last. Wow.
Excellent narration by Robert Petkoff (other than the rather troubling Quebecois accents).
This was a true blue, old-fashioned, character-driven thriller that simultaneously thrilled and gutted me. Israel and Lyman were heroes in their own tragic stories and I, for one, was rooting for them both.
An Honest Man was my first Koryta read and most certainly won't be my last. Wow.
August 26, 2023
Michael Koryta is a competent craftsman, but his oeuvre on balance often fades to me as more careerist than inspired. One exception that kept me reading him was THE PROPHET, and AN HONEST MAN is the first since that 2012 novel to approach that book’s standard of a sting sense of place combined with a good plot combined with what is usually Koryta’s weakness: emotionally compelling, relatable characters that inspire the reader’s empathy because they inspire the creator’s. Most of the time he seems to work from a listless character template. Not this time, happily.
AN HONEST MAN, with its hardscrabble coastal-Maine setting in all is surly beauty, is the best novel set in that area since Stephen Dobyns’ A BOAT OFF THE COAST and Stephen King’s THINNER. It’s a character as much as the brilliantly conceived characters of released murderer Israel Pike and abused twelve-year-old Lyman Rankin. The lead female character, Jacqueline, doesn’t come across as much more than a function of the plot, however, and the main villains feel hastily and lazily sketched. But the book’s strengths overcome these weaknesses, and AN HONEST MAN is a transcendent entry in the oeuvre of a modestly talented craftsman who once in a great while manages to engage a higher gear.
AN HONEST MAN, with its hardscrabble coastal-Maine setting in all is surly beauty, is the best novel set in that area since Stephen Dobyns’ A BOAT OFF THE COAST and Stephen King’s THINNER. It’s a character as much as the brilliantly conceived characters of released murderer Israel Pike and abused twelve-year-old Lyman Rankin. The lead female character, Jacqueline, doesn’t come across as much more than a function of the plot, however, and the main villains feel hastily and lazily sketched. But the book’s strengths overcome these weaknesses, and AN HONEST MAN is a transcendent entry in the oeuvre of a modestly talented craftsman who once in a great while manages to engage a higher gear.
August 5, 2023
Michael Koryta is a true “writer’s writer” and his work is not to be missed. When you see some of the best authors in the business such as Stephen King, David Baldacci, Lee Child, and Lisa Unger heralding his new novel AN HONEST MAN, and speaking about the high esteem they hold a Michael Koryta novel in you realize that this is an author you should also be reading. If you’re not, you should remedy that and hopefully this review might encourage you to check him out.
Israel Pike is a self-proclaimed honest man. This is a statement that might not sit well with the residents of his close-knit community on little Salvation Point Island located off the coast of Maine. Perhaps this is due to the fact that Israel just got released from a 15-year prison stint on a manslaughter rap. Even more specific, it might be hard to digest since the rest of the community know that his victim was his own father.
That fact is certainly not lost on his Uncles Sterling, brother to his late father, who wants nothing more than to put Israel back behind bars and out of his sight at any cost necessary. Israel is well aware of the role his Uncle played in his incarceration as well as the hard time he endured behind bars. Sterling may just get his wish when a mere nine weeks after Israel’s release and return to the island sees him mixed up in a controversial multiple-homicide that he seemingly stumbles upon.
Salvation Island is a fishing and boating community and Israel was raised in that. He has also returned to that life and while out on the water he comes across a luxury yacht that does not appear to have anyone visible aboard it. Israel enters the boat and comes across a pile of carnage in the form of multiple bodies piled up, all apparently murder victims. He reports his findings immediately and is visited by both Uncle Sterling and his boss, a tough female Police Lieutenant named Jennifer Salazar. Showing no remorse for what his nephew did fifteen years earlier, Sterling is quick to want to place serious shade and suspicion upon Israel for this mass homicide.
Things get worse and exceedingly high profile when the majority of the victims turned out to be famous local political and legal figures, including two opponents in an upcoming senate race. Also among the victims was the attorney general who put Israel behind bars, a fact Sterling is sure to use as motive against him.
Running parallel to Israel’s plight is another narrative which will be tied to the overall plot well before things are wrapped up. This one involves a twelve-year-old boy named Lyman Rankin who lives on Salvation Island with his violent and angry father. Lyman likes hiding from his father in some of the abandoned homes around their depressed part of the island. One day, while hiding in one of the neighboring homes, a strange French women breaks in to find Lyman there. Once she sees Lyman is no threat, she allows him to care for her and the various bloody wounds on her body. We will soon learn that she was aboard the deadly yacht Israel came across and swam to shore and safety. Refusing to give her real name, Lyman playfully names her ‘Hatchet,’ and she will come to be a key puzzle piece in this tightly wound plot.
Sterling and the police get a warrant to search all of Israel Pike’s properties and they are especially intrigued by what they find in his office at the dock house he inherited from this grandfather. Inside there are several photos taken of the young children on Salvation Island. Israel learned the photography trade while in prison and claims that the photos are completely innocent with no ill intent. Sterling begins to spread the word to the parents of these children, most of which already do not like Israel or want him there, and they now have a forced vendetta against him as a potential pedophile.
If you think you might know where things are going at this point, I guarantee you will be wrong. Trust me when I tell you to just hunker down and go along for the ride for you are in the presence of a master thriller writer operating near the height of his craft. When the Israel and Lyman plot-lines eventually converge it is well worth the wait. Whether or not Israel’s claims to be an honest man end up being confirmed will be found in the jaw-dropping conclusion to AN HONEST MAN. Another point I want to make is that, as a lifelong reader and lover of great books, I really loved how Michael Koryta uncovered his shout-out to author Gary Paulsen and his classic novel HATCHET with the nickname Lyman utilized for his unexpected guest. This is pointed out in the Acknowledgements at the end of the novel and shows the great literary pedigree Michael Koryta was raised on.
Reviewed by Ray Palen for Book Reporter
Israel Pike is a self-proclaimed honest man. This is a statement that might not sit well with the residents of his close-knit community on little Salvation Point Island located off the coast of Maine. Perhaps this is due to the fact that Israel just got released from a 15-year prison stint on a manslaughter rap. Even more specific, it might be hard to digest since the rest of the community know that his victim was his own father.
That fact is certainly not lost on his Uncles Sterling, brother to his late father, who wants nothing more than to put Israel back behind bars and out of his sight at any cost necessary. Israel is well aware of the role his Uncle played in his incarceration as well as the hard time he endured behind bars. Sterling may just get his wish when a mere nine weeks after Israel’s release and return to the island sees him mixed up in a controversial multiple-homicide that he seemingly stumbles upon.
Salvation Island is a fishing and boating community and Israel was raised in that. He has also returned to that life and while out on the water he comes across a luxury yacht that does not appear to have anyone visible aboard it. Israel enters the boat and comes across a pile of carnage in the form of multiple bodies piled up, all apparently murder victims. He reports his findings immediately and is visited by both Uncle Sterling and his boss, a tough female Police Lieutenant named Jennifer Salazar. Showing no remorse for what his nephew did fifteen years earlier, Sterling is quick to want to place serious shade and suspicion upon Israel for this mass homicide.
Things get worse and exceedingly high profile when the majority of the victims turned out to be famous local political and legal figures, including two opponents in an upcoming senate race. Also among the victims was the attorney general who put Israel behind bars, a fact Sterling is sure to use as motive against him.
Running parallel to Israel’s plight is another narrative which will be tied to the overall plot well before things are wrapped up. This one involves a twelve-year-old boy named Lyman Rankin who lives on Salvation Island with his violent and angry father. Lyman likes hiding from his father in some of the abandoned homes around their depressed part of the island. One day, while hiding in one of the neighboring homes, a strange French women breaks in to find Lyman there. Once she sees Lyman is no threat, she allows him to care for her and the various bloody wounds on her body. We will soon learn that she was aboard the deadly yacht Israel came across and swam to shore and safety. Refusing to give her real name, Lyman playfully names her ‘Hatchet,’ and she will come to be a key puzzle piece in this tightly wound plot.
Sterling and the police get a warrant to search all of Israel Pike’s properties and they are especially intrigued by what they find in his office at the dock house he inherited from this grandfather. Inside there are several photos taken of the young children on Salvation Island. Israel learned the photography trade while in prison and claims that the photos are completely innocent with no ill intent. Sterling begins to spread the word to the parents of these children, most of which already do not like Israel or want him there, and they now have a forced vendetta against him as a potential pedophile.
If you think you might know where things are going at this point, I guarantee you will be wrong. Trust me when I tell you to just hunker down and go along for the ride for you are in the presence of a master thriller writer operating near the height of his craft. When the Israel and Lyman plot-lines eventually converge it is well worth the wait. Whether or not Israel’s claims to be an honest man end up being confirmed will be found in the jaw-dropping conclusion to AN HONEST MAN. Another point I want to make is that, as a lifelong reader and lover of great books, I really loved how Michael Koryta uncovered his shout-out to author Gary Paulsen and his classic novel HATCHET with the nickname Lyman utilized for his unexpected guest. This is pointed out in the Acknowledgements at the end of the novel and shows the great literary pedigree Michael Koryta was raised on.
Reviewed by Ray Palen for Book Reporter
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November 9, 2023DNF at 43%
I loved The Prophet. It was one of the top five reads for me the year I had read it.
Since then, I had read How it Happened, mildly liked it, and then I could barely get into Those Who Wish Me Dead as it had all the feel of a run of the mill thriller.
And now An Honest Man comes out with great hype. His best, they say, and a fast favourite among those who, like me, loved The Prophet.
This one simply missed the mark for me on all fronts. The subject matter of corruption on the island didn't interest me and I couldn't connect with any of the characters. The exact opposite of my experience with The Prophet.
Maybe Koryta was just a one shot pony for me. I'll still keep him on my radar because of how great The Prophet was, though.
By far, I'm the outlier here, so take my opinion as just that.
I loved The Prophet. It was one of the top five reads for me the year I had read it.
Since then, I had read How it Happened, mildly liked it, and then I could barely get into Those Who Wish Me Dead as it had all the feel of a run of the mill thriller.
And now An Honest Man comes out with great hype. His best, they say, and a fast favourite among those who, like me, loved The Prophet.
This one simply missed the mark for me on all fronts. The subject matter of corruption on the island didn't interest me and I couldn't connect with any of the characters. The exact opposite of my experience with The Prophet.
Maybe Koryta was just a one shot pony for me. I'll still keep him on my radar because of how great The Prophet was, though.
By far, I'm the outlier here, so take my opinion as just that.
January 24, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
WOW!
Koryta has an amazing way with words.
He’s an incredible storyteller.
This book is a riveting thriller …
honesty & truth.
The good, the bad & the ugly.
I recommend this novel.
Beware, the subject matter is disturbing.
WOW!
Koryta has an amazing way with words.
He’s an incredible storyteller.
This book is a riveting thriller …
honesty & truth.
The good, the bad & the ugly.
I recommend this novel.
Beware, the subject matter is disturbing.
August 3, 2023
As always, solid writing and sympathetic characters. But parts of the plot didn't convince me.
March 27, 2024
"So how did you preserve what you loved about your home? Tell the right stories and help people find their footing whenever you could. Understand that you were temporary. Understand that being temporary wasn’t a tragedy."
I have read several Michael Koryta books and enjoyed all of then but I think this one is my favorite so far. A fast paced thriller with gripping characters that pull you into their stories, 12 year old Lyman Rankin is my hero and I want to take him home! Every chapter is a page turner, I highly recommend it to thriller lovers.
I have read several Michael Koryta books and enjoyed all of then but I think this one is my favorite so far. A fast paced thriller with gripping characters that pull you into their stories, 12 year old Lyman Rankin is my hero and I want to take him home! Every chapter is a page turner, I highly recommend it to thriller lovers.
December 30, 2023
I’ve never read a Koryta book before and now I’m wondering why? His writing is wonderful and he fleshes out his characters with insight and depth. You will recognize some well worn themes but Koryta makes you root for the characters to overcome all the obstacles placed in front of them. Lyman, the 12 year old boy, is particularly interesting and well fleshed out boy and will pull at your heartstrings.
August 11, 2023
Vacation mode: no review ...slow to start but picks up pace quickly with intriguing plot
August 30, 2023
Fantastic read! So many great characters here. Koryta's best book since The Prophet.
August 10, 2023
Michael Koryta is a pretty good crime/thriller writer. I know him mostly from his standalones, and I've enjoyed a couple of them in the past.
This effort is a pretty tight thriller, set in the beloved "isolated island where something rotten is going on" genre. It's not exactly a whodunit, but there are definitely some mysteries to solve as the book moves along, and they are done properly as to standard tropes and form.
This book doesn't pass the Bechdel test, the protagonist is a man and we mostly see the action from his POV. There are definitely at least a few fleshed out female characters that do a lot more than act as cardboard cutouts, so I think that is good.
I'll give one small complaint. A primary subplot here involves the bad dad who is an abusive drunk, chased wife away, making his remaining child's life a living hell. It's not that this is done badly, but to me it's kind of stale. It's ground that has been trod by so many authors before, and Koryta definitely doesn't go anywhere new.
That's a small nit, not enough to drop a star from what is still a very quick and easy read.
This effort is a pretty tight thriller, set in the beloved "isolated island where something rotten is going on" genre. It's not exactly a whodunit, but there are definitely some mysteries to solve as the book moves along, and they are done properly as to standard tropes and form.
This book doesn't pass the Bechdel test, the protagonist is a man and we mostly see the action from his POV. There are definitely at least a few fleshed out female characters that do a lot more than act as cardboard cutouts, so I think that is good.
I'll give one small complaint. A primary subplot here involves the bad dad who is an abusive drunk, chased wife away, making his remaining child's life a living hell. It's not that this is done badly, but to me it's kind of stale. It's ground that has been trod by so many authors before, and Koryta definitely doesn't go anywhere new.
That's a small nit, not enough to drop a star from what is still a very quick and easy read.
August 1, 2024
This is an excellent thriller! It unfolds a little at a time to reveal the secrets kept by so many on this island. It's mostly told from the point of view of Israel Pike after returning from a 15 year prison sentence for murdering his father. Then alternating with the pov of Lyman Rankin, a 12 year old kid stuck on an island with his mean, abusive father. There are twists and turns and suspense builds as the paths of these characters finally collide. It certainly kept me turning pages!
July 7, 2025
Fantastic effort from Koryta about shady and nasty doings on a dying Maine island where one man, Israel Pike, fights to keep his freedom while searching for the truth about the murder of seven people aboard a yacht. Had me in its grip from beginning to end wanting to find out what happened to these characters. Top-notch writing and strong characterizations keep this one zipping along to its bittersweet ending. No supernatural doings here, which is usually Koryta's strong point, but none are needed as the personal touch works just fine. Koryta has been on a role writing under the pen name Scott Carson but does just fine here as himself. 4.5 stars bumped to 5 for the writing and strong storytelling aspect. Very highly recommended.
August 10, 2023
The story was told very well… I love anything he writes
September 17, 2024
This book started slow, and I will be honest I almost gave up on it. That would have been a huge mistake on my part, as this book has many attributes missing from most thrillers, including emotional depth, complex three-dimensional characters, a strong sense of place, and nuanced, political dimensions. I will not go into plot details, as I would not want to say anything beyond the book’s blurb and you can read that for yourself. But truly a thriller worth reading.
August 8, 2023
I finally finished! This story was so slow that a few times I considered not finishing, but I hate to do that, so I plodded on. The whole story could have been told in about half of the pages without losing any important content. And then came the ending which I hated!
March 15, 2023
Thank you to Novel Suspects insider club and Mulholland books for a physical arc copy.
Israel Pike and Lyman Pike are the two man characters in this book. Israel Pike went to prison after accidentally killing his father Charlie and returns to his corrupt town of Salvation Point Island. Israel is an informant for a fbi agent who was in a task force helping the police investigate the murder that occurs on a yacht at the beginning of the novel. Lyman is a 12 year old who is abused by his father and after running away from him into a abandoned house ends up meeting a mysterious woman he names Hachet. Israel is instantly a suspect and is interrogated by his corrupt uncle who is the assistant sheriff who has bought half the island. It’s revealed that Sterling Pike, Israel’s uncle, has been trafficking little girls and taking money to look the other way. Two girls, Jacquline and Marie Pickard, are killed two man and then their bodyguard killed the rest in order to return home after being taken by Sterling, Cory Rankin, Lyman’s father and the senator that was killed. They also stole the fbi agent that Israel is helping even though she lied to him the entire time. Sterling, Cory, and Caruso, who hired the sisters to spy and approached Israel himself, end up dying at the end trying to apprehend Israel and hurting Lyman. Lyman helps Jacqueline,aka Hachet and she saves him from his dad. Israel ends up dying two after helping Jacqueline and recording his confession and retelling what happened leading up to the end of the book. Jacqueline and Lyman escape to Canada where she is from and that’s the end. I really enjoyed it and may pick up more of Michael Koryta’s books.
http://thecrafybookworm.weebly.com/my...
Israel Pike and Lyman Pike are the two man characters in this book. Israel Pike went to prison after accidentally killing his father Charlie and returns to his corrupt town of Salvation Point Island. Israel is an informant for a fbi agent who was in a task force helping the police investigate the murder that occurs on a yacht at the beginning of the novel. Lyman is a 12 year old who is abused by his father and after running away from him into a abandoned house ends up meeting a mysterious woman he names Hachet. Israel is instantly a suspect and is interrogated by his corrupt uncle who is the assistant sheriff who has bought half the island. It’s revealed that Sterling Pike, Israel’s uncle, has been trafficking little girls and taking money to look the other way. Two girls, Jacquline and Marie Pickard, are killed two man and then their bodyguard killed the rest in order to return home after being taken by Sterling, Cory Rankin, Lyman’s father and the senator that was killed. They also stole the fbi agent that Israel is helping even though she lied to him the entire time. Sterling, Cory, and Caruso, who hired the sisters to spy and approached Israel himself, end up dying at the end trying to apprehend Israel and hurting Lyman. Lyman helps Jacqueline,aka Hachet and she saves him from his dad. Israel ends up dying two after helping Jacqueline and recording his confession and retelling what happened leading up to the end of the book. Jacqueline and Lyman escape to Canada where she is from and that’s the end. I really enjoyed it and may pick up more of Michael Koryta’s books.
http://thecrafybookworm.weebly.com/my...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 9, 2024
Israel Pike, recently released from prison, returns to his hometown of Salvation Point Island in Maine. He never thought he would return to the place where he once murdered his own father.
Now, he’s discovered the murder scene of seven prominent men on a luxury yacht. After reporting it to the local sheriff, who also happens to be his father’s brother, Israel finds himself as a suspect.
Meanwhile on the island, twelve-year-old Lyman Rankin is biding his time hiding from his abusive, alcoholic father. While seeking shelter in an abandoned house he meets a mysterious and hurt woman who he calls Hatchet. She is hiding too and seems to be in danger. Lyman goes out of his way to help the mystery woman who holds so many secrets. Does Hatchet know anything about the murders? What is her name and where did she come from?
This was a story full of secrets and dangers around all corners. The bouncing back and forth between Israel and Lyman’s point of view kept my attention and made it hard to put this book down.
Despite the island being a dark and depressing run down place, I loved the picture painted of it. It was a secluded and rugged island that without the bad people living there could be a beautiful place.
I’m not surprised to find out An Honest Man was a finalist for the 2024 Edgar Award. 🏆
This was my first book by Michael Koryta but certainly won’t be my last.
Now, he’s discovered the murder scene of seven prominent men on a luxury yacht. After reporting it to the local sheriff, who also happens to be his father’s brother, Israel finds himself as a suspect.
Meanwhile on the island, twelve-year-old Lyman Rankin is biding his time hiding from his abusive, alcoholic father. While seeking shelter in an abandoned house he meets a mysterious and hurt woman who he calls Hatchet. She is hiding too and seems to be in danger. Lyman goes out of his way to help the mystery woman who holds so many secrets. Does Hatchet know anything about the murders? What is her name and where did she come from?
This was a story full of secrets and dangers around all corners. The bouncing back and forth between Israel and Lyman’s point of view kept my attention and made it hard to put this book down.
Despite the island being a dark and depressing run down place, I loved the picture painted of it. It was a secluded and rugged island that without the bad people living there could be a beautiful place.
I’m not surprised to find out An Honest Man was a finalist for the 2024 Edgar Award. 🏆
This was my first book by Michael Koryta but certainly won’t be my last.
October 26, 2023
Might you be interested in an under the radar gem? @itsbook talk consistently finds fantastic mysteries and thrillers that I have never heard of before! She brought AN HONEST MAN to @booktalk etc podcast and I picked it up at murder by the book when I traveled to Houston.
I was captivated by the opening scenes of dead bodies on a lavish yacht floating aimlessly in the bay. Who are these victims? Who wanted them dead? Are there survivors? I loved the coastal small town setting, the original premise, and the dynamics between the characters.
This came out in July and it slipped by me; don’t let it slip by you! This my first book my Michael Koryta and certainly won’t be my last!
RATING: 4/5
I was captivated by the opening scenes of dead bodies on a lavish yacht floating aimlessly in the bay. Who are these victims? Who wanted them dead? Are there survivors? I loved the coastal small town setting, the original premise, and the dynamics between the characters.
This came out in July and it slipped by me; don’t let it slip by you! This my first book my Michael Koryta and certainly won’t be my last!
RATING: 4/5
November 23, 2023
Michael Koryta is an author that needs to be on your to buy list if you like a gripping thriller that grabs you and holds on for the entire story.
Salvation Island is anything but salvation. Israel Pike and his family have lived there for generations. But he found some trouble that ended him up in prison. Little did he know how deep the trouble runs in his hometown.
I found myself so invested and cheering on the good guys and wanting to take down each bad guy and not missing a single word because I was looking for clues and trying to figure it all out myself.
This is a must read thriller with an ending that will leave you exhausted with the pace. (And yes I think I may have a crush on Israel)
Salvation Island is anything but salvation. Israel Pike and his family have lived there for generations. But he found some trouble that ended him up in prison. Little did he know how deep the trouble runs in his hometown.
I found myself so invested and cheering on the good guys and wanting to take down each bad guy and not missing a single word because I was looking for clues and trying to figure it all out myself.
This is a must read thriller with an ending that will leave you exhausted with the pace. (And yes I think I may have a crush on Israel)
April 6, 2024
Rounding up to 3/5
What started as a promising read, turned into a convulted mess.
Israel Pike has just been released from prison for the murder of his father. When there is a murder onboard a yacht near the abandoned boatyard, he inherited, he is suspect #1. One of those on board, was his prosecutor, who Israel claims he cannot remember!
In the meantime, a young kid, Lyman, stumbles on a woman after fleeing from his abusive father. She is injured, only wearing a swimsuit and has a lot of cash stained with what looks like blood!?
Sound good? Yea, I fell for that, too
Don’t make my mistake, reader friends!
What started as a promising read, turned into a convulted mess.
Israel Pike has just been released from prison for the murder of his father. When there is a murder onboard a yacht near the abandoned boatyard, he inherited, he is suspect #1. One of those on board, was his prosecutor, who Israel claims he cannot remember!
In the meantime, a young kid, Lyman, stumbles on a woman after fleeing from his abusive father. She is injured, only wearing a swimsuit and has a lot of cash stained with what looks like blood!?
Sound good? Yea, I fell for that, too
Don’t make my mistake, reader friends!
April 23, 2023
Once again, Michael Koryta has created a cast of characters who are unforgettable and who each play a pivotal role in a story that seems to have varying plot lines but end up interacting in unexpected ways. Beautiful, and sometimes, terrifying imagery of nature. And, as a licensed clinical social worker who has worked with children who have experienced trauma - in this storyline, Mr. Koryta has done a masterful job NOT using it as a “ploy” but as an incredible picture of resiliency and courage.
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