Those Who Wish Me Dead (novel)
| Industry | Publishing |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | United States |
Those Who Wish Me Dead is a novel authored by American writer Michael Koryta, released in June 2014 through Little, Brown and Company. The book was later transformed into a 2021 movie featuring Angelina Jolie in the lead role.
Plot
Following the murder witnessed by Indiana teenager Jace Wilson, his parents are unable to place him under witness protection because the perpetrators have ties within law enforcement. Consequently, they entrust Jace's protection to Ethan and Allison Serbin, operators of a wilderness survival program for at-risk youth located in Montana. The killers, Jack and Patrick Blackwell, pursue Jace—who now goes by the name Connor Reynolds—into the mountainous terrain. As they draw nearer, Ethan and Jace escape deeper into the wild during an intense forest fire combined with an impending electrical storm. There, Connor encounters Hannah Faber, a former smokejumper turned fire lookout, who is committed to safeguarding him after a previous lapse.
Characters
- Jace Wilson / Connor Reynolds
- Ethan Serbin
- Allison Serbin
- Jack Blackwell
- Patrick Blackwell
- Hannah Faber
- Jamie Bennett
Reception
Janet Maslin of The New York Times characterized the book as "a lean, propulsive action-adventure thriller" that offers surprising sophistication beyond its wildfire setting.
Library Journal awarded it a starred review, emphasizing the cunning nature of the Blackwell brothers and the gripping mountain fire that heightens the tension.
Kirkus Reviews commended Koryta’s skill in creating suspense and his expert use of setting, describing the work as "brilliantly orchestrated" and ranking it among top summer reads.
Madhulika Sikka from NPR praised it as an "elegantly written, taut thriller with an amazing sense of place," appealing to readers beyond typical thriller conventions.