The Ridge

By: Michael Koryta

Narrated by: Robert Petkoff

In an isolated stretch of Eastern Kentucky, on a hilltop known as Blade Ridge, stands a lighthouse that illuminates nothing but the surrounding woods. For years the lighthouse has been considered no more than an eccentric local landmark - until its builder is found dead at the top of the light, and his belongings reveal a troubling local history.

For Deputy Sheriff Kevin Kimble, the lighthouse-keeper's death is disturbing and personal. Years ago Kimble was shot while on duty. Somehow the death suggests a connection between the lighthouse and the most terrifying moment of his life.

Audrey Clark is in the midst of moving her large-cat sanctuary onto land adjacent to the lighthouse. Sixty-seven tigers, lions, and leopards and one legendary black panther are about to have a new home there. Her husband, the sanctuary's founder, died scouting the new property, and Audrey is determined to see his vision through.

As strange occurrences multiply at the Ridge, the animals grow ever more restless, and Kimble and Audrey try to understand what evil forces are moving through this ancient landscape, just past the divide between dark and light.

The Ridge is the new thriller from international best seller Michael Koryta, further evidence of why Dean Koontz has said "Michael Koryta's work resonates into deeper strata than does most of what I read" and why Michael Connelly has named him "one of the best of the best."

©2011 Michael Koryta (P)2011 Hachette

Not a bad book

But not a great book. I listen when I'm working outside, in a doctor's office and at the end of the day when there's time. If the book is really good it holds my attention. If not, my mind strays and I have to back track. Found it hard to focus on this one some of the time.

The Ridge is excellent!

What made the experience of listening to The Ridge the most enjoyable?

This one is a real page turner. The Ridge starts slowly, almost lazily, giving each character flesh and personality, then allows the reader to see into the minds of each. The other impact that I felt when reading, was that it is so visual. One can see the deep woods surrounding the town; the beauty of the cats at the preserve; and the omnipresent lighthouse.

Kevin Kimball is revealed to be a man of intelligence, great honor, and fortitude, and he does not waver. His is a lonely life, but he attends to duty in the face of all odds. He is truly the strong, silent savior of his town from the beginning to the very last, nail biting end.

This is a ghost story, but not one that can be totally labeled as such. It is not quite like any that I have read, mainly because of the way that it is told. Upon completion, I was filled with a tinge of sadness, but the end is a matter of just the way it had to end. I cannot give any hints about this story, because to do so would be unjust to the reader who has not read this book, but I must say, you will not be disappointed. The Ridge is one of the best books I have read in some time, and now, I am hoping that a movie is made. This one really needs to be on film.

Missed it by that much...

A mix of police procedural, murder mystery and supernatural thriller, The Ridge's varying elements never quite coalesced into a satisfying whole for me. It's written pretty well and the narration is solid but by the last third of the book, I was struggling to get to the finish line.

A Plus

My second Michael Koryta, and another winner. A storyline that keeps you involved from the start and top-notch narration.

Disappointing

I was disappointed by the story. It was predictable and none of the characters was believable.

Great story with a great narrator

The story was very good. Spooky without a lot of gore and violence. It does have some but nothing gory or over used. I dislike book that use blood and gut in place of a good storyline. This one does not. It's not for kids but should be OK for most young adults.
From the internet...
"THE RIDGE is a classic ghost story, penned by a master. I couldn't put it down, even though I almost screamed when the wind blew a branch against the tree outside my study. Yes, it's that scary."
—Stephen King

Enjoyed it very much

I’m afraid that too often I begin listening to a book but lose interest long before I finish. Not the case with this one. Story was well written and well narrated. Unfortunately, there is a sex scene that should have been left out. I almost quit listening when early on there was a reference to the main character having an erection. Just not necessary to make the story good -has the opposite effect. Great literature doesn’t need that kind of detail.

New Author For Me: Great, Original Plot

The Ridge had an original and fairly complex plot. I really enjoyed this book. The idea of a lighthouse, with a purpose. in the middle of a forest is a great concept. The author combined a number of ideas and timeframes really well to tell the story behind the mysterious happenings in the forest. It's difficult to expand on this review without including spoilers, so I'll just say pick it up for a good story with some supernatural elements.

The only complaint I would have is that since the author included so much in the book, some parts of the book left me wanting more information. I also questioned some of the characters' actions, which is normally a big thing for me since it can take me out of the story with a "WTF are you doing" moment. Fortunately, these instances weren't that egregious and I still enjoyed the book.

The negatives, however, didn't take it out of the "love it" category, though it would technically be a 4 1/2 star review for me. I just enjoyed it too much to put 4 stars.

I picked this up on a 2 for 1 sale and don't regret it. I've since picked up some of Koryta's other books and have enjoyed what I've heard so far, though the one I'm reading now is not as engrossing as this story was.

-NOTE: I take the ratings literally: "Love it", "It's Great", "Pretty Good", "It's OK", and "Not for me". So even books I like may get a three or four star rating.-

Not my genre but enjoyed it

Story interesting, not too predictable. Narration was excellent! Not really my genre but I enjoyed the story and storytelling.

Very very cool story!

Any additional comments?

Another wonderful production and a terrific job of storytelling by Michael Koryta. Lots of surprise moments and wonderful characters made this a great read. I love that this author researches the heck out of his subjects, always pulls me in to the story and offers a whole new fascinating subject to frame and support the ghost story.