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Envy the Night
In this first stand-alone novel from the critically acclaimed Edgar Award-finalist, Michael Koryta fulfills his early promise with a dark and mature novel of a young man trying to escape his past.
It has been seven years since Frank Temple III joined the rest of the world in learning his father's bloody secret: The U.S. marshal maintained a covert career as a contract killer, a double-life that ended in suicide to avoid prosecution and prison.
The shocking revelation triggered years of anonymous drifting for Frank, time spent running from his legacy and struggling to believe that the father he'd loved so dearly was entirely in the wrong. After all, the victims hadn't been innocents. And Devin Matteson, the man who'd lured his father into the killing game only to later give him up to the FBI, is probably the darkest of the lot. Those are troubling thoughts, and Frank tries to stay away from them. But when an old family friend calls to say that Matteson is returning to the isolated Wisconsin lake that was once sacred ground for their families, it's a homecoming Frank knows he can't allow.
His arrival in town reveals a situation far from the expected, though.
While Matteson is nowhere to be found, his old cabin is indeed occupied---by a strange, beautiful woman and a nervous man with a gun. When a pair of assassins from Miami arrive on their heels, Frank knows Matteson can't be far behind. And while the wise move would be to call in the police and get out of town fast, that just doesn't feel right. After all, contract killer or not, Frank's father was at heart a teacher. And his son excelled at the lessons.
Family secrets, mob hitmen, and a father's shadowy legacy combine to make this Koryta's most compelling thriller yet.
It has been seven years since Frank Temple III joined the rest of the world in learning his father's bloody secret: The U.S. marshal maintained a covert career as a contract killer, a double-life that ended in suicide to avoid prosecution and prison.
The shocking revelation triggered years of anonymous drifting for Frank, time spent running from his legacy and struggling to believe that the father he'd loved so dearly was entirely in the wrong. After all, the victims hadn't been innocents. And Devin Matteson, the man who'd lured his father into the killing game only to later give him up to the FBI, is probably the darkest of the lot. Those are troubling thoughts, and Frank tries to stay away from them. But when an old family friend calls to say that Matteson is returning to the isolated Wisconsin lake that was once sacred ground for their families, it's a homecoming Frank knows he can't allow.
His arrival in town reveals a situation far from the expected, though.
While Matteson is nowhere to be found, his old cabin is indeed occupied---by a strange, beautiful woman and a nervous man with a gun. When a pair of assassins from Miami arrive on their heels, Frank knows Matteson can't be far behind. And while the wise move would be to call in the police and get out of town fast, that just doesn't feel right. After all, contract killer or not, Frank's father was at heart a teacher. And his son excelled at the lessons.
Family secrets, mob hitmen, and a father's shadowy legacy combine to make this Koryta's most compelling thriller yet.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published August 5, 2008
94 people are currently reading
1708 people want to read
About the author
Michael Koryta
54 books2,524 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 226 reviews
May 10, 2013
Obratite pažnju na ovog autora... Nisam ga birala, ali sam mu bila urednik... Prijatno me je iznenadio... Dobro i interesantno piše, čak i kad žanr nije vaš "cup of tea"... :)
April 6, 2016
It bugs me that some reviewers feel they must reiterate the plot and storyline. My comments simply tell you how I felt as I read through the chapters and, finally, arrived at the last lines.
Throughout the story (and 2 other of his books), I enjoyed his use of the language and his skill at creating realistic dialogue among his characters. In my opinion, his characters are more "real" than many thriller comic book style superheros. There is a graciousness that often spills into his writing - it certainly shows in his dedications and acknowledgements. Koryta has an ability to portray the thoughts of characters much older than he is himself - I find that extremely interesting. Even though I do read a lot of thrillers and admit there are only so many types of villains one can portray, the 2 bad guys in this book were effectively drawn without any cliche sing-song voices or other histrionics, they just got down to their very scary work most efficiently and effectively. Suspense was successfully created and the plot had just enough twist/turn to keep my interest. Even though I thought I guessed the punchline at the end I didn't care when I arrived. What did surprise me was that as I read the last few lines, I could feel a great satisfaction growing in me and all I could think of was: Gee whiz! this guy's got "IT". Then, before I closed the book, I thought: Hmmmm, he just created a nice little set-up in case he ever wants to revisit this place and develop the characters for another series. I really liked that idea.
As a postscript to those who didn't like this book or felt it too pedestrian for their taste: You know, most of us are living a cliched life with very few exceptions. There is a John Grisham book (The Confession) that elicited the same sort of critique and I commented there that it was for those exact reasons that I DID like the story. We, all of us, are constantly reflecting back on some incident or influence in our lives that will ultimately define or destroy us. In the end, it is the choice that makes us who we are. Those "cliches" too are woven through the storyline in Envy the Night. For who among us has had no imprint from our past? Who among us has no backstory that has colored who we have become? It is in the eloquence of the voice telling the story that creates the impact. In my considered opinion, Michael Koryta is an eloquent voice of his generation and, it seems, he has much to say. Quite frankly, he's got my attention.
DD@Phila
Throughout the story (and 2 other of his books), I enjoyed his use of the language and his skill at creating realistic dialogue among his characters. In my opinion, his characters are more "real" than many thriller comic book style superheros. There is a graciousness that often spills into his writing - it certainly shows in his dedications and acknowledgements. Koryta has an ability to portray the thoughts of characters much older than he is himself - I find that extremely interesting. Even though I do read a lot of thrillers and admit there are only so many types of villains one can portray, the 2 bad guys in this book were effectively drawn without any cliche sing-song voices or other histrionics, they just got down to their very scary work most efficiently and effectively. Suspense was successfully created and the plot had just enough twist/turn to keep my interest. Even though I thought I guessed the punchline at the end I didn't care when I arrived. What did surprise me was that as I read the last few lines, I could feel a great satisfaction growing in me and all I could think of was: Gee whiz! this guy's got "IT". Then, before I closed the book, I thought: Hmmmm, he just created a nice little set-up in case he ever wants to revisit this place and develop the characters for another series. I really liked that idea.
As a postscript to those who didn't like this book or felt it too pedestrian for their taste: You know, most of us are living a cliched life with very few exceptions. There is a John Grisham book (The Confession) that elicited the same sort of critique and I commented there that it was for those exact reasons that I DID like the story. We, all of us, are constantly reflecting back on some incident or influence in our lives that will ultimately define or destroy us. In the end, it is the choice that makes us who we are. Those "cliches" too are woven through the storyline in Envy the Night. For who among us has had no imprint from our past? Who among us has no backstory that has colored who we have become? It is in the eloquence of the voice telling the story that creates the impact. In my considered opinion, Michael Koryta is an eloquent voice of his generation and, it seems, he has much to say. Quite frankly, he's got my attention.
DD@Phila
January 17, 2016
I love books that the authors have a natural storytelling feel to him. Nothing at all feels forced in his writing. He has a knack for intriguing dialogue. None of the characters sound alike.
I was pulled in right at the beginning, and the suspense never stopped. The description of the land was done with grace. The characters were written incredibly well. Each of them did not change just to suit the story. They stayed true to their nature.
I feel like if I wrote detail thoughts on this book, I would give away the ending and all the surprises. I don't like writing crime book reviews because I'm afraid of giving away to much.Just know that who I thought was the guilty party was not.
I was pulled in right at the beginning, and the suspense never stopped. The description of the land was done with grace. The characters were written incredibly well. Each of them did not change just to suit the story. They stayed true to their nature.
I feel like if I wrote detail thoughts on this book, I would give away the ending and all the surprises. I don't like writing crime book reviews because I'm afraid of giving away to much.Just know that who I thought was the guilty party was not.
August 22, 2016
This was another great book by the author. It was well written, with a tense, taut plot, and a surprise ending. The characters were believable and the dialogue was crisp.
Frank Temple III is now 24. He was told when he was 17 that his father, a professional killer and US Marshall, was betrayed by Devin Mattesson. Matteson lured Frank's dad into the killing business, and then turned on Frank's dad to save himself from prison, according to the FBI. Frank has been warned that Matteson is on his way back to Wisconsin and decides to kill him.
But there are other people involved and soon innocent people are tortured/ killed. All this takes place in a remote part of backwoods Wisconsin.
One quote: "... and stepped out into a cool breeze that came at him like a kiss."
I am counting this for Wisconsin in my US state challenge.
Frank Temple III is now 24. He was told when he was 17 that his father, a professional killer and US Marshall, was betrayed by Devin Mattesson. Matteson lured Frank's dad into the killing business, and then turned on Frank's dad to save himself from prison, according to the FBI. Frank has been warned that Matteson is on his way back to Wisconsin and decides to kill him.
But there are other people involved and soon innocent people are tortured/ killed. All this takes place in a remote part of backwoods Wisconsin.
One quote: "... and stepped out into a cool breeze that came at him like a kiss."
I am counting this for Wisconsin in my US state challenge.
March 5, 2013
Wow. Really good suspense thriller. Good ending. Good lines. I didn’t want to stop reading.
I liked Frank. His hit man father trained him with guns and fighting. When faced with violence, he’s lightning fast and tough. It’s fun that bad guys have no idea what they’re up against. But Frank does not want a violent profession. He has been wandering for several years, trying different colleges. He thought about writing.
I liked the character Ezra. He came from Detroit where he was around too much violence - killing and maiming for dollars. To get away he volunteered for Vietnam, which wasn’t as bad. Then he moved to northern Wisconsin and became a hunting and fishing guide. I liked his thought that “the lake and forest drained away the violence. It had healed him.” I loved that Ezra was an unknown threat. Thugs had no idea what they were up against.
I liked the end of the book. The main characters survive.
Throughout the book, I was smiling. - smiling at the joy of a good writer. There were some great action scenes. Some hit men come to the area. They attack Nora who owns an auto body shop. Frank coincidentally arrives in time to save her. More attacks and violence come later.
I liked the logic and reasons for characters put in harms way. I didn’t feel the author was using stupidity except one time. Nora did something stupid which put her in danger. Frank should have insisted on something, yet emotions were involved. So I forced myself to go with it.
I laughed and chuckled several times, not because of comedy, but because I was delighted and surprised at thoughts and actions.
Examples of good lines.
1. After seeing a thug do something and watching Devin, Frank thinks “Devin is good at these things - kidnaping and murder.”
2. One FBI agent tells a second agent not to come to town or he’ll arrest him. As soon as they hang up, the second guy picks up his car keys.
3. After witnessing some violence, Frank was being questioned at the police station. A new guy walks in and Frank asked him where he was from. The guy said what makes you think I’m not from here. Frank said “You don’t look excited.”
I loved the way the author was inside various characters’ heads: Jerry, Nora, Frank, Grady, Ezra. It’s why third person is so great. You can feel the fear and suspense and strategies inside various characters. When they pondered, it was the right amount. It added good depth.
A NEGATIVE:
A couple of times I did not like the jumping around. Bad guy pulls a knife, then the scene switches to another place and characters before telling what happened with the knife. It’s a typical writing device to prolong suspense. It’s artificial. I did not like it. There was plenty of “natural suspense” due to thugs in the area.
NARRATOR:
The narrator Mark Boyett was excellent except for one thing. His voice for Nora was too wimpy whiny or something. Some men have trouble voicing women. It’s ok not to raise your voice to a high pitch. Just use a regular voice with the emotions the woman would have. Other than that I loved his tone and the way he interpreted. Good sense of wonder.
DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Unabridged audiobook length: 11 hrs and 24 mins. Swearing language: mild, maybe only one occurrence. Sexual content: none. Setting: current day northern Wisconsin with a few back stories. Book copyright: 2008. Genre: mystery suspense thriller.
OTHER BOOKS BY THIS AUTHOR:
I was disappointed with The Cypress House published three years later. Gave it 2 ½ stars. Koryta has a Lincoln Perry detective series that I might try sometime.
I liked Frank. His hit man father trained him with guns and fighting. When faced with violence, he’s lightning fast and tough. It’s fun that bad guys have no idea what they’re up against. But Frank does not want a violent profession. He has been wandering for several years, trying different colleges. He thought about writing.
I liked the character Ezra. He came from Detroit where he was around too much violence - killing and maiming for dollars. To get away he volunteered for Vietnam, which wasn’t as bad. Then he moved to northern Wisconsin and became a hunting and fishing guide. I liked his thought that “the lake and forest drained away the violence. It had healed him.” I loved that Ezra was an unknown threat. Thugs had no idea what they were up against.
I liked the end of the book. The main characters survive.
Throughout the book, I was smiling. - smiling at the joy of a good writer. There were some great action scenes. Some hit men come to the area. They attack Nora who owns an auto body shop. Frank coincidentally arrives in time to save her. More attacks and violence come later.
I liked the logic and reasons for characters put in harms way. I didn’t feel the author was using stupidity except one time. Nora did something stupid which put her in danger. Frank should have insisted on something, yet emotions were involved. So I forced myself to go with it.
I laughed and chuckled several times, not because of comedy, but because I was delighted and surprised at thoughts and actions.
Examples of good lines.
1. After seeing a thug do something and watching Devin, Frank thinks “Devin is good at these things - kidnaping and murder.”
2. One FBI agent tells a second agent not to come to town or he’ll arrest him. As soon as they hang up, the second guy picks up his car keys.
3. After witnessing some violence, Frank was being questioned at the police station. A new guy walks in and Frank asked him where he was from. The guy said what makes you think I’m not from here. Frank said “You don’t look excited.”
I loved the way the author was inside various characters’ heads: Jerry, Nora, Frank, Grady, Ezra. It’s why third person is so great. You can feel the fear and suspense and strategies inside various characters. When they pondered, it was the right amount. It added good depth.
A NEGATIVE:
A couple of times I did not like the jumping around. Bad guy pulls a knife, then the scene switches to another place and characters before telling what happened with the knife. It’s a typical writing device to prolong suspense. It’s artificial. I did not like it. There was plenty of “natural suspense” due to thugs in the area.
NARRATOR:
The narrator Mark Boyett was excellent except for one thing. His voice for Nora was too wimpy whiny or something. Some men have trouble voicing women. It’s ok not to raise your voice to a high pitch. Just use a regular voice with the emotions the woman would have. Other than that I loved his tone and the way he interpreted. Good sense of wonder.
DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Unabridged audiobook length: 11 hrs and 24 mins. Swearing language: mild, maybe only one occurrence. Sexual content: none. Setting: current day northern Wisconsin with a few back stories. Book copyright: 2008. Genre: mystery suspense thriller.
OTHER BOOKS BY THIS AUTHOR:
I was disappointed with The Cypress House published three years later. Gave it 2 ½ stars. Koryta has a Lincoln Perry detective series that I might try sometime.
July 24, 2024
When Frank Temple III learns that contract killer Devin Matteson is on his way to Willow Lake, WI, he heads there right away. Matteson has been warned not to return to the area. Frank blames Matteson for his father's suicide and wants revenge. When Frank arrives, Matteson is nowhere to be found. Instead, he finds a beautiful woman and a mysterious guy with a gun who Frank met earlier in the day. In a matter of hours, a pair of hitmen have arrived and are asking questions about the mysterious man with the gun. Frank knows they work for Matteson and that Matteson will be arriving shortly.
It took me a long time to figure out where this story was going. We spent a lot of time in Frank's head where he flashed back to his father's death and how his life changed after that event. When the two hitmen came to town, the action picked up. Unfortunately, it slowed down in the middle of the book and the story became a little confusing. Thankfully the pace picked up again near the end.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Mark Boyett. He does a decent job with the voices, but there were just too many characters for me to keep track of. My rating: 3.5 Stars.
It took me a long time to figure out where this story was going. We spent a lot of time in Frank's head where he flashed back to his father's death and how his life changed after that event. When the two hitmen came to town, the action picked up. Unfortunately, it slowed down in the middle of the book and the story became a little confusing. Thankfully the pace picked up again near the end.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Mark Boyett. He does a decent job with the voices, but there were just too many characters for me to keep track of. My rating: 3.5 Stars.
December 10, 2015
I've never read Michael Koryta before, and I wish I had. He's good. His narrative has the simplicity of a natural storyteller, but a storyteller with an edge. He understands suspense. He understands evil. He knows a good story. And Envy the Night is an example of that knowledge.
It all started with a phone call. "He's coming back." Devin Matteson. The man who gave up his father to save his own skin. The man who was responsible for his father's death. All this Frank Temple III thought as he walked out of a Midwestern jail. It was the 2nd time Frank had been in jail, both for intoxication. He had only wanted a taste. A taste that reminded himself that he was nothing like his father, who had been a U.S. Marshall. He had also been a hit man for Matteson. Frank acknowledged that, but he was a good father. Good enough for him to packup and head for the Wisconsin cabin. His father's cabin, and Frank III was going to kill Devin Matteson.
Matteson had been warned to stay away from the island, and he had for 7 years. Why come back? Why come back, now? Frank had been thinking this when a Lexus blew by him. Florida plates. Devin. Frank sped up and caught up with the luxury car abruptly hit his brakes. Frank couldn't stop. The sound of metal crunching, tires screeching, then the crashes. Both men got out of their cars. One, young; the other of an indistinguishable age with grey hair. Not Matteson.
What's going on here? Who is this man? Why is he up in Wisconsin at Devin's cabin on the Matteson's island? And who are the two men tracking the grey haired man? All the bloodshed that follows began with a phone, then an accident.
It all started with a phone call. "He's coming back." Devin Matteson. The man who gave up his father to save his own skin. The man who was responsible for his father's death. All this Frank Temple III thought as he walked out of a Midwestern jail. It was the 2nd time Frank had been in jail, both for intoxication. He had only wanted a taste. A taste that reminded himself that he was nothing like his father, who had been a U.S. Marshall. He had also been a hit man for Matteson. Frank acknowledged that, but he was a good father. Good enough for him to packup and head for the Wisconsin cabin. His father's cabin, and Frank III was going to kill Devin Matteson.
Matteson had been warned to stay away from the island, and he had for 7 years. Why come back? Why come back, now? Frank had been thinking this when a Lexus blew by him. Florida plates. Devin. Frank sped up and caught up with the luxury car abruptly hit his brakes. Frank couldn't stop. The sound of metal crunching, tires screeching, then the crashes. Both men got out of their cars. One, young; the other of an indistinguishable age with grey hair. Not Matteson.
What's going on here? Who is this man? Why is he up in Wisconsin at Devin's cabin on the Matteson's island? And who are the two men tracking the grey haired man? All the bloodshed that follows began with a phone, then an accident.
July 8, 2016
I suspect that Koryta has finally hit his stride. For some reason I stuck with him, having a sense that he had great potential. This book confirmed that impression.
The descriptions of the lake and the terrain are those of a person who must love this particular view from his own backyard.
The thoughts and actions of each of the players stayed true to their nature throughout the book. Because of the unpredictability of human nature, plot nuances switch with lightning fast pace. As an observer, I found that each choice, once made, was in character, but since I am not the person, I would never have thought of it myself. I was constantly surprised by some of their decisions. Michael Koryta knows his subjects all too well. Has he multiple personalities of his own?
The descriptions of the lake and the terrain are those of a person who must love this particular view from his own backyard.
The thoughts and actions of each of the players stayed true to their nature throughout the book. Because of the unpredictability of human nature, plot nuances switch with lightning fast pace. As an observer, I found that each choice, once made, was in character, but since I am not the person, I would never have thought of it myself. I was constantly surprised by some of their decisions. Michael Koryta knows his subjects all too well. Has he multiple personalities of his own?
July 22, 2012
"Envy the Night" is a taut crime thriller in the Dennis Lehane/Harlan Coben vein. It is also Michael Koryta's first stand-alone novel. His first four novels featured the Perry/Pritchard detective duo. This story is about Frank Temple III, a twenty-something young drifter with a strange and sordid family history: his father, a U.S. marshall, committed suicide after an FBI investigation revealed that he was also a mob hit-man for years. The story made national news and it also made (at the time) 17-year-old Frank's life a living hell. Roughly ten years later, still trying to find himself, Frank finds himself journeying back to the cabin where he and his father used to vacation, only to find that someone from his father's past is already waiting for him. Koryta is a gifted writer, and this novel displays his gifts wonderfully. It's dark, moody, and suspenseful as hell. It's also a moving story about fathers and sons and, most importantly, how the sins of the fathers are often paid for by the son.
July 1, 2018
Michael Koryta is one of my favorite authors. He can bring me out of a reading slump like almost no other except Stephen King. Envy the Night was just what the reading doctor ordered.
Frank Temple III's father has taught him well. When faced with a situation he simply can't turn away from, Frank steps up just as he's been trained. Set in northern Wisconsin, you will be captured by the scenery, the smells, the sounds, the weather. Koryta is a master storyteller who will hold you tight for every word, every page. He knows when to write more and when the story is finished. Magnificent! You will want to keep the lights on, just in case. You never know who will be at the door, or in the car, next.
Frank Temple III's father has taught him well. When faced with a situation he simply can't turn away from, Frank steps up just as he's been trained. Set in northern Wisconsin, you will be captured by the scenery, the smells, the sounds, the weather. Koryta is a master storyteller who will hold you tight for every word, every page. He knows when to write more and when the story is finished. Magnificent! You will want to keep the lights on, just in case. You never know who will be at the door, or in the car, next.
June 18, 2019
I have read almost all of Michael Koyrta's books but I understand that this was his first standalone. One thing that I really like about this author is that he keeps the descriptions short but understandable. I hate reading about the color of the drapes, the rugs, and the walls in every room of the house that some writers seem to think is essential to the story. I really liked the main character and how he handled having to come to grips with the realization that what he had always thought about his father was far from the truth. As The story unfolds with this situation and comes to a suspenseful conclusion about Frank, his family, and his father's legacy of death. A really good story by a really excellent author.
February 24, 2022
This is the second book I’ve read by Michael Koryta and I liked the first one (Those Who Wish Me Dead) better. While this was a good mystery/thriller story, for me, it just wasn’t as exciting or as interesting as I thought it would be when I added it to my reading list. It was a familiar storyline: a man comes home after wandering the country for seven years and he comes back to the same old ghosts and demons.
For most of the story, it was turning out to be a solid 3star rating with the really slow unfolding of the characters and their backgrounds. If it weren’t for the last part of the story, that would have been my rating too. However, it was the last 20% of the story that finally got really exciting. Loved the ending, which was what ultimately improved my overall rating.
For most of the story, it was turning out to be a solid 3star rating with the really slow unfolding of the characters and their backgrounds. If it weren’t for the last part of the story, that would have been my rating too. However, it was the last 20% of the story that finally got really exciting. Loved the ending, which was what ultimately improved my overall rating.
March 27, 2011
I really enjoyed this book, much more so than So Cold The River. It was a gritty crime story with interesting characters and a fast-moving plot that wrapped up nicely. Well written and compelling. Perhaps it's the supernatural angle that the author has trouble with. Will check out more of his works.
September 4, 2020
Koryta continues to impress me with his developed characters, dialogue and tense plot. Shout out for descriptive Wisconsin lake passages
July 26, 2018
A short take:
I liked Frank and Ezra quite a bit, and I could have read far more about them and less about the main plot, which involves crooks and past betrayals and the desire for revenge and all that...
Here’s a point that just bugged me: to get all of the players in one beautiful, rural location, Koryta moves his characters around in a manner that relentlessly gave off a contrived vibe. At times, I felt like I could see the plot outline lingering behind the page—could see a phantom hand moving this piece here and that piece there. The story just felt forced.
But those two characters: bravo. In fact, if Koryta ever returns to Frank Temple III, I’ll pick that story up.
I liked Frank and Ezra quite a bit, and I could have read far more about them and less about the main plot, which involves crooks and past betrayals and the desire for revenge and all that...
Here’s a point that just bugged me: to get all of the players in one beautiful, rural location, Koryta moves his characters around in a manner that relentlessly gave off a contrived vibe. At times, I felt like I could see the plot outline lingering behind the page—could see a phantom hand moving this piece here and that piece there. The story just felt forced.
But those two characters: bravo. In fact, if Koryta ever returns to Frank Temple III, I’ll pick that story up.
February 24, 2009
Fans of Stephen Hunter are sure to think that they've died and gone to heaven when they read this captivating book.
It's as if Hunter's character Bob Lee Swagger has returned to provide another adventure. In Hunter's work, Swagger is a decorated former Marine sniper who served in Viet Nam. He is living the legend of his father, former Arkansas State Trooper Earle Lee Swagger.
In "Envy the Night" Frank Temple III his warrior family tradition. Frank Temple fought on D Day and continued in the military, decorated posthumastly for his service in Korea.
Frank II followed tradition in Viet Nam in Special Ops and later as a U.S. marshall worked as an exterminator of the criminally evil criminals who escaped justice due to some technicalities and are freed into society to continue their crimes.
Frank II was handled by Devin Masterson who supposidly gives up Frank II to the authorities when their actions are discovered. Rather than face disgrace and prison, Frank II commits suicide as the Federal agents arrive at his home to arrest him.
Now Masterson has escaped from prison and Frank III is summoned to his father's cabin by Ezra Bullard, a long time friend of Frank III's father. Ezra has been looking after the cabin in young Frank's absence.
As he travels to the cabin, Frank is involved in an auto accident. Although it's clearly Frank's fault, the other driver pleads to let him pay the expenses and keep it from the authorities.
When the cars are towed to Nora Stafford's garage, her mechanic finds a tracing device hidden in the other driver's car.
Nora is at her office when one of the men tracking the car arrives and demands to know where the car's owner is. As she is being manhandled by this thug,
Frank arrives and remembering the lessons learned from his father, knocks out the attacker.
When the police arrive and try to arrest the thug, one of the thugs friends shoots the policeman and they escape.
The author has written a true page turner and has the reader pulling for young Frank from the start. The psychological impact of Frank first seeing his father as a hero and when young Frank is seventeen realizing that his father is a hit man is well developed. The tension mounts concerning the possibility of Frank turning into another killer or being able to rise above violence.
When Masterson arrives at the lake, his wife Rene and the other car's driver (Vaughn) are there. How Masterson seeks to find his wife and seek revenge on Vaughn is central to the drama of the novel.
Young Frank's attempt to stop Masterson with Ezra's help is at the other end of the drama. A secondary story is the growing attachment between Nora and Frank.
The lake itself represents purity and cleansing. The lake's restorative ablilities have helped Ezra maintain his sanity after Viet Nam and as the action of the novel concludes it seems as if the lake helps one of the characters survive.
A wonderful read listed by many mystery reviews as one of the top mysteries of 2008.
Highly Recommended!
It's as if Hunter's character Bob Lee Swagger has returned to provide another adventure. In Hunter's work, Swagger is a decorated former Marine sniper who served in Viet Nam. He is living the legend of his father, former Arkansas State Trooper Earle Lee Swagger.
In "Envy the Night" Frank Temple III his warrior family tradition. Frank Temple fought on D Day and continued in the military, decorated posthumastly for his service in Korea.
Frank II followed tradition in Viet Nam in Special Ops and later as a U.S. marshall worked as an exterminator of the criminally evil criminals who escaped justice due to some technicalities and are freed into society to continue their crimes.
Frank II was handled by Devin Masterson who supposidly gives up Frank II to the authorities when their actions are discovered. Rather than face disgrace and prison, Frank II commits suicide as the Federal agents arrive at his home to arrest him.
Now Masterson has escaped from prison and Frank III is summoned to his father's cabin by Ezra Bullard, a long time friend of Frank III's father. Ezra has been looking after the cabin in young Frank's absence.
As he travels to the cabin, Frank is involved in an auto accident. Although it's clearly Frank's fault, the other driver pleads to let him pay the expenses and keep it from the authorities.
When the cars are towed to Nora Stafford's garage, her mechanic finds a tracing device hidden in the other driver's car.
Nora is at her office when one of the men tracking the car arrives and demands to know where the car's owner is. As she is being manhandled by this thug,
Frank arrives and remembering the lessons learned from his father, knocks out the attacker.
When the police arrive and try to arrest the thug, one of the thugs friends shoots the policeman and they escape.
The author has written a true page turner and has the reader pulling for young Frank from the start. The psychological impact of Frank first seeing his father as a hero and when young Frank is seventeen realizing that his father is a hit man is well developed. The tension mounts concerning the possibility of Frank turning into another killer or being able to rise above violence.
When Masterson arrives at the lake, his wife Rene and the other car's driver (Vaughn) are there. How Masterson seeks to find his wife and seek revenge on Vaughn is central to the drama of the novel.
Young Frank's attempt to stop Masterson with Ezra's help is at the other end of the drama. A secondary story is the growing attachment between Nora and Frank.
The lake itself represents purity and cleansing. The lake's restorative ablilities have helped Ezra maintain his sanity after Viet Nam and as the action of the novel concludes it seems as if the lake helps one of the characters survive.
A wonderful read listed by many mystery reviews as one of the top mysteries of 2008.
Highly Recommended!
September 3, 2008
ENVY THE NIGHT (Thriller-Frank Temple III-Wisconsin-Cont) – Ex
Koryta, Michael – Standalone
Thomas Dunne Books, 2008, US Hardcover – ISBN: 9781312361587
First Sentence: Frank Temple III walked out of the county jail at ten in the morning with a headache, a citation for public intox, and a notion that it was time to leave town.
Seven years ago, Frank Temple learned that his FBI agent father had also been a contract killer. His father was committed suicide just before he was to be arrested. Frank learned that Devin Matteson was the one who had turned his father and then gave him up to the FBI.
Now Frank learns, from Ezra, his father’s close friend, that Devin is headed back to the Wisconsin property where Devin’s father, Frank’s father and Ezra had once been friends, and where Frank is determined to bring justice for his father.
Koryta is one of those authors whose books I can not start without finishing it the same day.
I can’t think of a wrong note in the book, but his absolute strength is in the characters. He made me care about the protagonists, uncertain of the actions of the secondary characters and fear the villains. His dialogue is so good, I didn’t notice it. It’s a natural part of the whole story. His sense of place so accurate, you feel the elements. His action and suspense so palpable, I had to keep going to find the ending. His final twist so well done, I did not anticipate it.
The book is violent, but it is also very human with just the right dash of humor. But amongst all that, there are elements of philosophy, pathos, a bit of wisdom and an element of hope.
I have been a fan of each of Koryta’s books, and this was no exception. In the Acknowledgement, Ms. Koryta thanks, among others, Dennis Lehane and Michael Connelly. To my mind, he is easily fits easily among their ranks, if not a bit above. This is a man who really knows how to write.
Koryta, Michael – Standalone
Thomas Dunne Books, 2008, US Hardcover – ISBN: 9781312361587
First Sentence: Frank Temple III walked out of the county jail at ten in the morning with a headache, a citation for public intox, and a notion that it was time to leave town.
Seven years ago, Frank Temple learned that his FBI agent father had also been a contract killer. His father was committed suicide just before he was to be arrested. Frank learned that Devin Matteson was the one who had turned his father and then gave him up to the FBI.
Now Frank learns, from Ezra, his father’s close friend, that Devin is headed back to the Wisconsin property where Devin’s father, Frank’s father and Ezra had once been friends, and where Frank is determined to bring justice for his father.
Koryta is one of those authors whose books I can not start without finishing it the same day.
I can’t think of a wrong note in the book, but his absolute strength is in the characters. He made me care about the protagonists, uncertain of the actions of the secondary characters and fear the villains. His dialogue is so good, I didn’t notice it. It’s a natural part of the whole story. His sense of place so accurate, you feel the elements. His action and suspense so palpable, I had to keep going to find the ending. His final twist so well done, I did not anticipate it.
The book is violent, but it is also very human with just the right dash of humor. But amongst all that, there are elements of philosophy, pathos, a bit of wisdom and an element of hope.
I have been a fan of each of Koryta’s books, and this was no exception. In the Acknowledgement, Ms. Koryta thanks, among others, Dennis Lehane and Michael Connelly. To my mind, he is easily fits easily among their ranks, if not a bit above. This is a man who really knows how to write.
February 3, 2009
After three successful P.I. novels featuring Lincoln Perry, Michael Koryta has written a stand-alone thriller that is superior to them all. Koryta first arrived on the crime scene as the new kid on the block. He was 21 when he penned the outstanding TONIGHT I SAID GOODBYE, which made him the youngest winner of the St. Martin’s Press annual private-eye contest. Koryta then wrote two more Lincoln Perry novels: SORROW’S ANTHEM and A WELCOME GRAVE. The last one was nominated for the 2008 Shamus Award, but neither really matched the careful plotting of the first novel. Nevertheless, ENVY THE NIGHT breaks new ground for Koryta and I hope, gives us a glimpse of what is in store for future novels.
This page-turner starts with an enigmatic phone call, which puts Frank Temple III on the road to rural Wisconsin and on a collision course with his past. When he was sixteen, he discovered that his father was a hit man. All Frank knew was that he was a good father and he died because of an associate tipped off the F.B.I. Now, after a seven-year exile, that man is traveling back to the Wisconsin, and Frank vowed that he would never let that happen. However, Frank’s plans of retribution are put on hold after a car accident unwittingly involves Nora Stafford, the young owner of a body shop. Headed in the same direction as Frank, two hit men from Miami decide that she knows too much.
Koryta artfully explores a legacy of violence and whether Frank can resist being turned “into a gun.” Packed with action and sharp dialogue, Envy the Night is thrilling ride. At every turn, Koryta keeps the story moving with unexpected twists. Mesmerized by the outstanding characterization of Frank and Nora and the tense action sequences, I read Envy the Night in just two days. This story is a real winner.
This page-turner starts with an enigmatic phone call, which puts Frank Temple III on the road to rural Wisconsin and on a collision course with his past. When he was sixteen, he discovered that his father was a hit man. All Frank knew was that he was a good father and he died because of an associate tipped off the F.B.I. Now, after a seven-year exile, that man is traveling back to the Wisconsin, and Frank vowed that he would never let that happen. However, Frank’s plans of retribution are put on hold after a car accident unwittingly involves Nora Stafford, the young owner of a body shop. Headed in the same direction as Frank, two hit men from Miami decide that she knows too much.
Koryta artfully explores a legacy of violence and whether Frank can resist being turned “into a gun.” Packed with action and sharp dialogue, Envy the Night is thrilling ride. At every turn, Koryta keeps the story moving with unexpected twists. Mesmerized by the outstanding characterization of Frank and Nora and the tense action sequences, I read Envy the Night in just two days. This story is a real winner.
January 8, 2021
Another fine outing by Mr. Koryta, exploring the blurred lines between right and wrong.
Frank Temple bears the burden of his name. He is Frank Temple III. His father, Frank Temple II, was one of the good guys--Vietnam veteran (special forces) and later a U.S. Marshall. Until he dies by suicide, and the whole nation discovers he has been doing contract killing for hire. Of course, the people he kills are not nice guys. But . . . .
His father’s death occurs when Frank III is just 17. His young life is turned upside down and he is adrift for 7 years. He gets a phone call from an Army buddy of his father's that causes Frank to head to Wisconsin where he owns a cabin (inherited from his dad.)
This is a good thriller involving old enmities, old friendships, the FBI, organized crime figures, family drama and even a little romance.
A page turner for me.
Frank Temple bears the burden of his name. He is Frank Temple III. His father, Frank Temple II, was one of the good guys--Vietnam veteran (special forces) and later a U.S. Marshall. Until he dies by suicide, and the whole nation discovers he has been doing contract killing for hire. Of course, the people he kills are not nice guys. But . . . .
His father’s death occurs when Frank III is just 17. His young life is turned upside down and he is adrift for 7 years. He gets a phone call from an Army buddy of his father's that causes Frank to head to Wisconsin where he owns a cabin (inherited from his dad.)
This is a good thriller involving old enmities, old friendships, the FBI, organized crime figures, family drama and even a little romance.
A page turner for me.
June 16, 2021
Another great book of suspense by Michael Koryta. I am surprised I had not read him before now, but I am playing catch up.
February 16, 2024
Koryta has become one of my favorite authors, and this thriller may not end up being my favorite, but it's still a fantastic, page-turning novel that kept me desperate to read more. His storytelling and the wonderfully believable characters he creates stand out above many of the suspense novels I pick up--they just have such depth, each story feels more real than not, as if we're seeing into a world rather than being told a short tale of one.
Absolutely recommended.
Absolutely recommended.
October 2, 2023
Koryta's first standalone novel was fantastic. Well paced and cleverly plotted. Koryta finds the perfect balance of violence and heart. Koryta should be on your must-read list of authors. Highly recommended!
April 23, 2020
An older Koryta, but only now widely available on audio. (Audible only when first published). Like Koryta's others, this is a compelling thriller, rich in landscape detail (upper Midwest/Wisconsin), and characters whom we care about--and they survive! Deadly secrets haunt our young protagonist and drive the pace. Violent but ultimately upbeat.
couldn-t-finish-it
April 29, 2020I got about 1/3 into this, it was just too boring for me to focus on it or care what was going on.
July 28, 2023
Well-written and engaging.
January 22, 2019
Good characters, good pacing, plenty of action, believable plot.
December 6, 2023
2.5 rounded; good enough to finish, but too slow to recommend; narration got the job done.
May 31, 2010
PROTAGONIST: Frank Temple III
SETTING: Wisconsin
SERIES: Standalone
RATING: 4.5
Being the offspring of an infamous person can generate some serious baggage for an individual. That is certainly the case for Frank Temple III, whose father was a Federal agent who became a contract killer. That bad choice of Frank Temple II's led to his death. He taught his son many lessons, including how to be quick in the face of danger. Despite the way that his father died, Frank III feels a strong need to atone for his death. Another FBI agent named Grady Morgan pointed him in the direction of another criminal, Devin Matteson, as the impetus behind his father's death. Early on, Frank decided that since Matteson was located in Florida, he would let sleeping dogs lie. But when he hears that Matteson is on the move to his remote cabin on a lake in Wisconsin, Frank is compelled to seek vengeance.
Frank settles in to a cabin that was owned by his father and maintained by a hunting and fishing guide named Ezra Ballard, who has put his own seamy past behind him. At the start of his visit, he sees an SUV with Florida plates that he is sure belongs to Matteson. He rams the vehicle, only to find that he was mistaken. Both his car and the SUV need repairs; they randomly select a garage to take care of the situation. The garage is run by Nora Stafford, who is struggling to make ends meet and trying to keep the garage open on behalf of her seriously ill father. The random phone call that at first seems to be a blessing turns out to be quite the opposite.
Various unsavory characters are descending upon the area, and several people are killed. The tension mounts as the encounter with Matteson looms; Nora, Ezra and Frank are working together, although it seems that Frank may only have revenge on his mind. He's a difficult person to read. He doesn't reveal much of himself, although he finds himself opening up somewhat to Nora. She, in turn, is conflicted about her feelings about Frank. On the one hand, he has helped and protected her; on the other, his moral compass seems extremely skewed. She really doesn't understand why she trusts him at all.
Koryta has done a great job in developing a group of complex characters who drive forward an engrossing plot, full of tension and action. I really liked the fact that so much around the characters and plot was unpredictable. One minor quibble was that I thought that he used a cop-out as far as the future of one of the characters—how the situation resolved was never well explained.
I've read the Lincoln Perry series by Koryta and have to say I'm very impressed by the growth Koryta has shown as a writer in this his first standalone. Characterization, plot, setting and dialogue are all first rate in this excellent thriller. Koryta has shown a high degree of originality, and I look forward to his future works. In most cases, I anticipate the next book in an author's series; in this case, I hope that he will concentrate his efforts on standalones.
SETTING: Wisconsin
SERIES: Standalone
RATING: 4.5
Being the offspring of an infamous person can generate some serious baggage for an individual. That is certainly the case for Frank Temple III, whose father was a Federal agent who became a contract killer. That bad choice of Frank Temple II's led to his death. He taught his son many lessons, including how to be quick in the face of danger. Despite the way that his father died, Frank III feels a strong need to atone for his death. Another FBI agent named Grady Morgan pointed him in the direction of another criminal, Devin Matteson, as the impetus behind his father's death. Early on, Frank decided that since Matteson was located in Florida, he would let sleeping dogs lie. But when he hears that Matteson is on the move to his remote cabin on a lake in Wisconsin, Frank is compelled to seek vengeance.
Frank settles in to a cabin that was owned by his father and maintained by a hunting and fishing guide named Ezra Ballard, who has put his own seamy past behind him. At the start of his visit, he sees an SUV with Florida plates that he is sure belongs to Matteson. He rams the vehicle, only to find that he was mistaken. Both his car and the SUV need repairs; they randomly select a garage to take care of the situation. The garage is run by Nora Stafford, who is struggling to make ends meet and trying to keep the garage open on behalf of her seriously ill father. The random phone call that at first seems to be a blessing turns out to be quite the opposite.
Various unsavory characters are descending upon the area, and several people are killed. The tension mounts as the encounter with Matteson looms; Nora, Ezra and Frank are working together, although it seems that Frank may only have revenge on his mind. He's a difficult person to read. He doesn't reveal much of himself, although he finds himself opening up somewhat to Nora. She, in turn, is conflicted about her feelings about Frank. On the one hand, he has helped and protected her; on the other, his moral compass seems extremely skewed. She really doesn't understand why she trusts him at all.
Koryta has done a great job in developing a group of complex characters who drive forward an engrossing plot, full of tension and action. I really liked the fact that so much around the characters and plot was unpredictable. One minor quibble was that I thought that he used a cop-out as far as the future of one of the characters—how the situation resolved was never well explained.
I've read the Lincoln Perry series by Koryta and have to say I'm very impressed by the growth Koryta has shown as a writer in this his first standalone. Characterization, plot, setting and dialogue are all first rate in this excellent thriller. Koryta has shown a high degree of originality, and I look forward to his future works. In most cases, I anticipate the next book in an author's series; in this case, I hope that he will concentrate his efforts on standalones.
August 5, 2017
Michael Koryta is one of my favorite all time authors. I think what I like best about him is that not only does he come up with suspenseful, surprising plots, but his characters are marvelous and his sense of place unmatched. Did I mention his prose soars, and not in a fake noticeable way but just enough to transport and carry along in a marvelous roller coaster ride?
I particularly liked this novel, a standalone about a young man scarred by his relationship with his father – a powerful, loving "hit man" who rationalized his work as a necessity in a treacherous world. Frank Temple III was inducted early into the world of "do it to him before he does it to you," even though his father's actual work was kept from him until after his father's suicide. The news of his beloved father's profession came as a shock and made Frank determined never to go down the same path. But the tentacles of the past are strong and when the hitman who gave his father up in order to save himself comes back into his life, he is confronted by a temptation almost too strong to bear.
Michael Koryta always makes you care as much about the emotional outcome as you do about the physical one. There are questions, red herrings, twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat, but the main question is always: can this young man save himself?
There's also a very nice love story. Five stars.
I particularly liked this novel, a standalone about a young man scarred by his relationship with his father – a powerful, loving "hit man" who rationalized his work as a necessity in a treacherous world. Frank Temple III was inducted early into the world of "do it to him before he does it to you," even though his father's actual work was kept from him until after his father's suicide. The news of his beloved father's profession came as a shock and made Frank determined never to go down the same path. But the tentacles of the past are strong and when the hitman who gave his father up in order to save himself comes back into his life, he is confronted by a temptation almost too strong to bear.
Michael Koryta always makes you care as much about the emotional outcome as you do about the physical one. There are questions, red herrings, twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat, but the main question is always: can this young man save himself?
There's also a very nice love story. Five stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 6, 2013
Michael Koryta's "Envy the Night" is a very good revenge novel and a very good thriller. The characters of Frank Temple III, Ezra Ballard, and some others are well drawn. Frank is a highly skilled warrior with a grudge and Ezra is a real killing machine. No wonder they remind me of Robert Crais' Elvis Cole and the ultimate killer, Joe Pike.
The reader gets the whole picture of what is going on by about one-third of the book, and from then the plot moves speedily towards a long and explosive conclusion (about one hundred pages of pure action - not my favorite, but it is well done). The plot is not entirely believable, but do we really care about it? The novel is quite formulaic and Hollywood-styled; perhaps it was written with a hope to become a movie script?
The novel is written competently, if a little bit overwrought. I much prefer Cole/Pike to Temple/Ballard, mainly because of economy of Mr. Crais' writing style. But I have to admit "Envy the Night" has a very high entertainment value. And to make it clear, there is nothing else there but entertainment, no depth of any kind. If I liked to read books for entertainment only, this one would get at least four stars. But since I like to look for more than just fun in books that I read my rating is
Three stars.
The reader gets the whole picture of what is going on by about one-third of the book, and from then the plot moves speedily towards a long and explosive conclusion (about one hundred pages of pure action - not my favorite, but it is well done). The plot is not entirely believable, but do we really care about it? The novel is quite formulaic and Hollywood-styled; perhaps it was written with a hope to become a movie script?
The novel is written competently, if a little bit overwrought. I much prefer Cole/Pike to Temple/Ballard, mainly because of economy of Mr. Crais' writing style. But I have to admit "Envy the Night" has a very high entertainment value. And to make it clear, there is nothing else there but entertainment, no depth of any kind. If I liked to read books for entertainment only, this one would get at least four stars. But since I like to look for more than just fun in books that I read my rating is
Three stars.
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