
Jace Wilson, 14-years old, unwittingly witnesses a murder and has the good sense to get away but left his ID behind. The killers are two cold-blooded brothers, Jack and Patrick Blackwell, and they never leave anyone behind. Jace is in a unique witness protection location, a wilderness skills program in the mountains of Montana. His instructor, Ethan Serbin, knows he’s there but doesn’t know which of his students is Jace.
This is one of those books that hooks you from the first sentence. Knowing that a young teenager is the hunted prey just elevated the suspense level to almost unbearable proportions. The Blackwells are two of the scariest villains I’ve read in fiction and, trust me, I’ve encountered some monsters. The beautiful but isolated Montana setting provided a surreal contrast to the nightmare created by the Blackwells search.
The characters who come to Jace’s aid…Ethan, his wife, Hannah the fire tower lookout among others…added even more depth to the story. Jace was also an extraordinary young boy who made this more interesting. The journey was just as important as the outcome. Plus, there was a twist at the end that blindsided me hugely. NEVER saw it coming, not even a hint. The climax was bittersweet but an appropriate ending for the characters and the story.
Absolutely superb narration! Robert Petkoff made a suspenseful story even more riveting. Everything was perfect…character distinctions, perfectly pitched voice elevation, pacing. This was my first time listening to Petkoff and when I discovered he narrates the Immortals After Dark series, I got the next book in audio format.
This is my first book by Koryta and I’m adding more to my shelf. It’s a perfect blend of mystery, suspense and thrills. If you can listen to the book, you’ll enjoy this story even more.
Book Info
- Release Date: June 3, 2014
- Narrator: Robert Petkoff
- Audio Length: 10 hours, 31 minutes
- Publisher: Hachette Audio
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo
(Thanks to Hachette Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)

This definitely sounds like a book I would enjoy. Great review Jonetta.
Thank you, Carla! It is definitely in your wheelhouse.
Great review, Jonetta!
Thank you, Brenda!
Fantastic review! I’m definitely adding the audiobook to Goodreads.
Thanks, Nicki! You’ll want this one on audio.
I really like his books and this is one I haven’t read, so I’m adding it to my TBR.
This was my first and it sold me on the author.
Hmm, doesn’t seem like this is available in the UK. Shame, sounds like something I’d enjoy. Have you tried the Mark Novak books by the same author?
Cathy, I found this on the Amazon UK site. Here’s the link:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Those-Who-Wish-Me-Dead-ebook/dp/B00HW2EGOA/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1559747468&sr=8-1
I have both of the Mark Novak books but haven’t read them yet.
Oh yes, I can get the book, I fancied the audio, the cd price £74.95! And that’s used! There seems to be an issue with Hatchette publishing in the UK, I’ve had this problem before when trying for audios they publish.
I downloaded one of the Mark Novak books to try.
Oh my goodness😳 That’s outrageous and does seem to be a publisher issue.
Loved your review, Jonetta! 🙂 Seems like a book I’ll thoroughly enjoy. Thanks for the recommendation.
Thanks, Debjani! I think this is one you’d like.
Excellent review! I’m sure I would love this.
Thanks, Anne! You’d love this on audio💜
sounds great! Wonderful review!
Definitely another one to look out for! 😀
It’s one of my most favorite!
Fab review! It definitely sounds like a great story.
Thank you, Yvo💜
Well, now I really want to read this, Jonetta! I’ve not read him before either, and wow! Great to know about the audio, too, of course. Wonderful review, my friend! ♥️
Thank you, Jennifer💜
Wonderful review! I’ve had my eye on this one, and I’m definitely going to read it now. It’s my kind of book for sure. Love your review, Jonetta!
Thank you, Stephanie💜 It DEFINITELY is your kind of book!
You’re welcome! I love finding my kinds of books! 💜
Terrific review that makes me want to run to audible immediately.
Thank you, Marialyce! This is the one to add to your wishlist.
I loved this story so much. I grabbed because of how much I love Petkoff. It was my first Koryta book. Those twins were creepy. Great review.
Melanie @ Hot Listens & Books of My Heart
Yay! I was hoping you’d eventually get to this and love it.
This sounds really good! Great review 🙂
Thanks, Deanna!
This sounds so amazing, I’m adding it to my list. I think I already had one of his novels on my list but I need to check. In that case, I really need to start reading this author. Thanks for the fab review!
Thank you and I hope you love it, Inge💜