Michael Koryta Sorrow's Anthem

Sorrow's Anthem

Michael Koryta

Dunne, Feb 2006, $22.95, 320 pp.

ISBN 0312340109

In Cleveland, private investigator Lincoln Perry plays HORSE with Amy Ambrose when her editor informs her that an arsonist was taped burning down a house with a woman inside. The suspect, Ed Gradduk, eluded the cops, but upon hearing that name, Lincoln is stunned as they were best friends as children. Several years later, Lincoln, adhering to his oath as a cop, had arrested his pal.

Still feeling guilty of betrayal, though he knows he did the right thing, Lincoln wants to help Ed. He visits Ed's hostile mother and then his pal Scott Draper, when Ed comes down the stairs of the bar insisting he never killed the woman regardless of tapes. Cops see Ed who flees; they drive after him, but when he stumbles they accidentally hit and kill him. Lincoln believes Ed and decides to prove his friend's innocence to clear his name. With the help of his partner Joe Pritchard, Lincoln begins his quest not realizing that his path leads to a serial arsonist protected by those who could make trouble for Lincoln.

The second Perry hard-boiled detective tale (see TONIGHT I SAID GOODBYE ) is a terrific who-done-it because of the hero's belief that though he did the right thing as a cop years ago, he failed his pal by not being there afterward; thus clearing Ed's name is an obsession heated by a need for redemption. The twists and turns of the arson-murder investigation are clever and plausible, while quite entertaining. The key cast members, not just Lincoln, seem genuine, especially characters like Ed's mom who holds Lincoln culpable for her son's downfall. Michael Koryta provides a deep mystery with a strong support cast, and a powerful lead detective working the mean streets of Cleveland.