A review by poedogruns
The Prophet by Michael Koryta

4.0

What is interesting about this novel is the story of two brothers coping with the murder of their 15 year old sister. Each becomes a very different man from the other brother.[return][return]Adam Austin is a bailsman living on the edge in a small town. There is a sense of restless violence boiling down within his soul. Kent Austin is a hero football coach seeking a state championship for his team. He is a mainstream kind of a guy, trying to be a steady father and husband.[return][return]The story heats up when the star wide receiver's girlfriend is brutally murdered. Adam becomes entangled in the investigation and Kent's family is threatened by the unknown killer. History collides with the present as the brothers try to find peace from within the brutal murders, as well as resolve their own desire for revenge and forgiveness.[return][return]Throughout the novel, Koryta writes methodically, creating tension and excitement, not only from the investigation and pursuit of the killer, but also from the football team's march to the championship game. Coming from a small town obsessed with high school football, this story felt authentic to me. I also liked the suggestion of faith that does not descend into being a preachy piece. The Prophet is an enjoyable read.