Title: So Cold the River
Author: Michael Koryta
First published January 1, 2010
503 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780316053631 (ISBN10: 0316053635)
Rating: 3.55
Overview
When Alyssa Bradford offers Eric Shaw a documentary job, he jumps at the opportunity to uncover the mysterious past of her 95-year-old billionaire father-in-law, Campbell Bradford. Armed with only the name of his hometown and an antique water bottle, Eric sets out on his journey.
As he delves deeper into Bradford’s past, he discovers a once-glorious hotel that housed movie stars, presidents, athletes, and mobsters, and hot springs that cured everything from insomnia to malaria. Neglected for years, the resort has been restored to its former grandeur just in time for Eric’s stay.
But as he settles in, he starts experiencing frightening hallucinations, drawing him deeper into the town’s dark history. What Eric uncovers is a long-forgotten evil that will stop at nothing to regain its lost glory.
So Cold the River is a suspenseful and chilling tale that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
About the Author
Meet Michael Koryta, a successful author with 14 suspense novels under his belt. His books have been praised by some of the biggest names in the industry, such as Stephen King, Michael Connelly, and James Patterson, and have been translated into over 20 languages.
Michael’s work has been nominated for and has won various literary awards, including the Los Angeles Times Book Prize and the Edgar® Award. His recent thriller, Those Who Wish Me Dead, was named the summer’s best thriller by Amazon and Entertainment Weekly and is currently being adapted into a major motion picture by 20th Century Fox.
Michael’s previous work ranges from supernatural novels to stand-alone crime novels and a series of award-winning novels featuring private investigator Lincoln Perry. His books have been adapted for film and television, with several projects currently in the works.
Before becoming a full-time writer, Michael worked as a private investigator and journalist, winning numerous awards for his work.
Michael grew up in Bloomington, Indiana, and graduated from Indiana University with a degree in criminal justice. Outside of writing, his passions include outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, boating, and fishing.
Some of his favorite spots in the world include the Beartooth Mountains, the flowages of the Northwoods in Wisconsin, St. Petersburg, FL, and the Maine coast.
Editoral Review
So Cold the River by Michael Koryta is a captivating suspense novel that weaves together supernatural elements and historical mysteries to create a unique and compelling story. Koryta, known for his bestselling thrillers, delivers another expertly-crafted novel that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.
Set in the small town of West Baden, Indiana, the story follows the journey of Eric Shaw, a failed filmmaker, as he embarks on a strange and haunting mission. Hired by a wealthy client to make a documentary about the town’s historic mineral springs, Eric journeys deep into the heart of the town’s forgotten past, uncovering secrets and betrayals that have been buried for generations.
As Eric delves deeper into the town’s history, he finds himself tangled in a web of intrigue and deception that threatens to consume him. With the help of a mysterious psychic and a young woman named Annabel, he must navigate the treacherous waters of the supernatural to unlock the secrets of the past and save himself from an uncertain fate.
Koryta’s mastery of suspense is on full display in So Cold the River, as he expertly employs historical details and supernatural elements to keep readers guessing until the very end. The setting of West Baden, with its elaborate architecture and eerie abandoned buildings, serves as a character in its own right, adding to the brooding atmosphere of the novel.
The characters in the novel are well-drawn and complex, each with their own motivations and secrets. Eric Shaw is a flawed protagonist, struggling with his own demons as he searches for the truth about the town’s past.
Annabel is a feisty and determined young woman, who brings a refreshing energy to the story. And the psychic, Arlen Wagner, is a fascinating and enigmatic figure who adds a layer of intrigue to the story.
Koryta’s writing is precise and descriptive, painting vivid pictures of the town and its inhabitants. His use of supernatural elements is subtle and effective, adding an eerie and unsettling tone to the story.
While the book may not be for everyone, as it relies heavily on historical and supernatural elements, it is a must-read for fans of suspense and mystery. So Cold the River is a chilling and thought-provoking novel that is sure to keep readers engrossed from beginning to end.
That being said, the novel is not without its flaws. At times, the pacing can be slow, and some of the subplots feel extraneous.
However, these minor quibbles do little to detract from the overall impact of the novel. In conclusion, So Cold the River is a genre-bending novel that is equal parts suspense, horror, and historical fiction.
Koryta’s expertly-crafted prose and intricate plotting make it a compelling and thrilling read. Fans of Stephen King, Gillian Flynn, and Dennis Lehane will find much to enjoy in this novel.
I highly recommend it. 4.5 stars out of 5.
