THE PROPHET

Author:  Michael Koryta

Genre:  Thriller, Standalone

Published:  2012

Personal Rating:  4.25/5 (very good +)

Format:  eBook

Yearly Count:  65

From NetGalley:

"I wonder if you possibly believed it when you looked into my eyes and told me that you had already passed your greatest test, that forgiving the man who raped and murdered your sister was that test. I disagreed with you then. I still do, coach. There are greater tests coming."

Two brothers in a small Midwestern town: one the high school's beloved football coach on the verge of a state championship, one scraping by as a bail bondsman. Their sister was abducted and murdered when they were teenagers, and they've been divided since that day. Now a new killing with ties to each of them has forced a painful and adversarial reunion.

I discovered Koryta when I found his name on the 2003 Winner of the Private Eye Writers of America list.  I really enjoyed that first book and eventually read the second in that series, but wasn't as enthralled.  Since then he has really made a name for himself, but I have stalled -- until The Prophet appeared on NetGalley.  

Not only did I thoroughly enjoy the plot of The Prophet, but I loved getting a football fix.  The plot had unexpected moments and kept me on my toes.  I never knew for sure where it was going.  I did guess correctly regarding much of the football action, but loved it despite knowing.

There were many relationships explored with a variety of characters that kept every chapter interesting and the pages turning.  I'm so glad to have revisited Koryta's work!  

My thanks go to Little, Brown & Company and NetGalley for providing me with this eGalley. The Prophet is scheduled to be published on August 7, 2012.