Helpful Score: 3
If you enjoy Craig Johnson, then William Kent Krueger is right up you alley. Both write the cold backcountry police procedural with folklore and the surrounding environment being as essential a character as anyone else mentioned in the storyline.
Cork OConnor and his attorney wife Jo are in the middle of a separation due to his downward spiral after losing an election to maintain his position as sheriff. Now out of the house and trying to keep an old run down seasonal restaurant afloat, Cork receives a call from a friend that is panicked over her missing son. Of course, there is more to the story, since Pauls last newspaper delivery was to the local judges home and now the judge has been found with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Everyone but Cork is in a hurry to close this case, but there is something nagging at Cork. This suicide is tied up too neat and clean and that is just something that does not settle right with the ex-Sheriff in him.
Then one night it all comes to a boiling point. A Windigo is calling out names, ambitions fuel murder, secrets that should stay hidden are photographed for all to see and Cork is right there in the middle with an unlikely ally and a future that will undoubtedly be even more complicated then what he was bargaining for.
I really enjoyed this book and look forward to the next in the series. There were a couple of loose ends left dangling and I am glad that Krueger did not wrap everything up in a neat little bow. This is a book that you have to let sit with you for a little while. You have to let the relationships float around in your brain and wonder aloud, what if or what about, before you can put the whole story to rest.
Good job Mr. Krueger.
Cork OConnor and his attorney wife Jo are in the middle of a separation due to his downward spiral after losing an election to maintain his position as sheriff. Now out of the house and trying to keep an old run down seasonal restaurant afloat, Cork receives a call from a friend that is panicked over her missing son. Of course, there is more to the story, since Pauls last newspaper delivery was to the local judges home and now the judge has been found with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Everyone but Cork is in a hurry to close this case, but there is something nagging at Cork. This suicide is tied up too neat and clean and that is just something that does not settle right with the ex-Sheriff in him.
Then one night it all comes to a boiling point. A Windigo is calling out names, ambitions fuel murder, secrets that should stay hidden are photographed for all to see and Cork is right there in the middle with an unlikely ally and a future that will undoubtedly be even more complicated then what he was bargaining for.
I really enjoyed this book and look forward to the next in the series. There were a couple of loose ends left dangling and I am glad that Krueger did not wrap everything up in a neat little bow. This is a book that you have to let sit with you for a little while. You have to let the relationships float around in your brain and wonder aloud, what if or what about, before you can put the whole story to rest.
Good job Mr. Krueger.
Helpful Score: 2
My first book by this author and a wonderful debut novel. Once started I couldn't put it down. The start to the Cork O'Connor series and I look forward to reading more by this author.
Helpful Score: 2
This is the first book in the Cork O'Connor series and it fills in all the details of Cork's life in Aurora. What wonderful descriptions he gives of the area and people that set the stage for a suspenseful mystery. what a great start and I can't wait to read the rest of the series.
Helpful Score: 2
Well I think I just found my new favorite author. Chilling run and the plot and pace quickens as you rush to the end of the book! Amazing first book for author William Kent Krueger, you would have thought he had been writing for years! I like the style as he writes-throw in some Indian folklore from MN tribes as he refers to the Windigo-it sends shivers up your back on a cold night like Stephen King might, tangled mystery that makes you want to know who done it-with quirky characters like one of my other favorites Jonathan Kellerman, and a with a style and flair I can't compare to any others. Looking for a new favorite author I think I just found him for you. Kudo's to William Kent Krueger, I can't wait to read the next in the series as I love your main character Cork O'Connor, former sheriff of Aurora, he has flaws, faults, and hidden skeletons in his closet, but throughout the book I found myself liking him and rooting for him right to the very end!!!!
Helpful Score: 1
Excellent book! I've read all his books and each one is a page-turner. Minnesota author and his books are set in Minnesota. If you are from MN you will recognize many names and places. Also a lot of Native American perspective.
Helpful Score: 1
A really well written novel. I loved every minute of it!
Helpful Score: 1
In this first of a series, Chicago cop Cork O'Connor and his lawyer-wife Jo have moved back to his northern Minnesota hometown of Aurora to improve their quality of life. It didnt work. They split and Jo is working for Indian tribal rights while Cork is running a diner and gift shop, sleeping with the hired help, and wanting to get back with his wife and daughters. A former judge apparently commits suicide, an Indian newsboy disappears, and Cork is drawn into the mystery in conflict with the newly elected sheriff, wife Jo and her lover (the judges son), as well as local tribal leaders. Theres plenty of plot and this appears to be a solid basis for the series.
Helpful Score: 1
Debut novel--want to read all as they come out--like this character very much and keeps you turning pages as fast as you can--very good!
This book is the first in the series. A friend of mine gave me book 7 so I thought I'd start with book 1. I'm enjoying reading this series so far. The main character is interesting to me since he is 1/2 Irish and 1/2 Native American. I learned a few things from this book also.
Very engaging mystery, the vivid sense of the northern Minnesota setting being the strongest thing about it, and there also some very tense and exciting parts including the climax. First in a series featuring Cork O'Connor. I recommend it although I couldn't really get into the 2nd one and didn't finish it. Perhaps the rest ofthe series will be as good as this first one.
this is a great series
Great series! Would recommend them to all mystery lovers
Enjoyed immensely. very absorbing and well written without being gory or distasteful.
If I had to name my favorite novel of all time, it would be Ordinary Grace by William Kent Kreuger. For years I've been aware of Mr. Krueger's very successful and long-running mystery series featuring protagonist Cork O'Connor. I've considered reading the first book several times, but was reluctant for fear I wouldn't enjoy it. Plus it's a big commitment to begin a 20-book that's still being written!
Fortunately, my book club selected Iron Lake, book 1 in the Cork O'Connor series, for our April title so I finally read it. And of course, it was fabulous. It has the traits I love about Ordinary Grace:
- Midwestern sensibility
- excellent and approachable writing
- deeply flawed and relatable characters
- strong sense of place
- compelling and interesting mystery
Set in rural northern Minnesota, the police procedural features Cork O'Connor, a former Chicago police officer whose going through a rough patch. He recently lost his county sheriff position, his good friend died, his wife asked him to move out, and he misses his kids. His Irish and Anishinaabe Indian heritage uniquely enables him to build relationships with (most of) the members of his community.
Although he's no longer law enforcement, he uncovers several crimes by being in the wrong places at the wrong times. His lack of confidence in the new sheriff finds him investigating to find the truth. Along the way, we learn the basics of his backstory.
It's telling that a novel written 25 years ago still has a hold list for all formats at my local library. I look forward to many more visits to Cork O'Connor's world through the audiobook narration of David Chandler.
Fortunately, my book club selected Iron Lake, book 1 in the Cork O'Connor series, for our April title so I finally read it. And of course, it was fabulous. It has the traits I love about Ordinary Grace:
- Midwestern sensibility
- excellent and approachable writing
- deeply flawed and relatable characters
- strong sense of place
- compelling and interesting mystery
Set in rural northern Minnesota, the police procedural features Cork O'Connor, a former Chicago police officer whose going through a rough patch. He recently lost his county sheriff position, his good friend died, his wife asked him to move out, and he misses his kids. His Irish and Anishinaabe Indian heritage uniquely enables him to build relationships with (most of) the members of his community.
Although he's no longer law enforcement, he uncovers several crimes by being in the wrong places at the wrong times. His lack of confidence in the new sheriff finds him investigating to find the truth. Along the way, we learn the basics of his backstory.
It's telling that a novel written 25 years ago still has a hold list for all formats at my local library. I look forward to many more visits to Cork O'Connor's world through the audiobook narration of David Chandler.
The first book in the Cork O'Cochran series and the one that got me hooked. Krueger is wonderful at developing characters that you care about and want to find out what happens to them next. A good place to start this series.
Having seen William Kent Krueger several times at events held at my local independent bookstore, I've always intended to read his Cork O'Connor mysteries-- especially since I loved his book, Ordinary Grace. A few years have passed since I first had that intention, so it was time to pry that particular paving stone out of my personal Highway to Hades.
Iron Lake is the first Cork O'Connor mystery and introduces us primarily to Cork, his estranged wife, Jo, his girlfriend, Molly, and his mentor, Sam Winter Moon. Cork is one-quarter Native American, and I loved the way Krueger wove the Ojibwe and Anishinaabe culture and folklore into the story. The winter landscape of northern Minnesota also figured prominently, and I don't think anyone is ever going to be able to convince me that sweating myself silly in a sauna and then running out and jumping into a lake through a hole in the ice is a fun thing to do.
The mystery is solid, and the pacing is steady and true as Cork works his way through all the secrets that have been kept over the years by several of the townspeople. Some extremely suspenseful situations and a chase over the lake ice kept me glued to the story.
Was there anything that I didn't care for? Yes. The two women were a bit too stereotypical for me. Jo was such a "wronged woman" that I rolled my eyes so far back in my head that they almost stuck. As for Molly, she was the typical love interest of the hero. Even though I hate to admit it, I never really warmed up to Cork himself, and I'm not sure why. As much as I did like Iron Lake, I can certainly see myself reading the next book in the series to see if Mr. O'Connor improves upon acquaintance.
Iron Lake is the first Cork O'Connor mystery and introduces us primarily to Cork, his estranged wife, Jo, his girlfriend, Molly, and his mentor, Sam Winter Moon. Cork is one-quarter Native American, and I loved the way Krueger wove the Ojibwe and Anishinaabe culture and folklore into the story. The winter landscape of northern Minnesota also figured prominently, and I don't think anyone is ever going to be able to convince me that sweating myself silly in a sauna and then running out and jumping into a lake through a hole in the ice is a fun thing to do.
The mystery is solid, and the pacing is steady and true as Cork works his way through all the secrets that have been kept over the years by several of the townspeople. Some extremely suspenseful situations and a chase over the lake ice kept me glued to the story.
Was there anything that I didn't care for? Yes. The two women were a bit too stereotypical for me. Jo was such a "wronged woman" that I rolled my eyes so far back in my head that they almost stuck. As for Molly, she was the typical love interest of the hero. Even though I hate to admit it, I never really warmed up to Cork himself, and I'm not sure why. As much as I did like Iron Lake, I can certainly see myself reading the next book in the series to see if Mr. O'Connor improves upon acquaintance.
Okay for first in a series. Second book will need to be better for me to read anymore.
This is the first book that I have read by this author and it does not disappoint. Cork O'Connor is an interesting character, full of emotion, depth, and is quite logical and smart. This first book is good. Will read more.
Good characters, good story.
I've been listening to this series out of order, but enjoying it immensely nonetheless. Love the characters, storyline and setting. Looking forward to the next installment that I can get my hands on.
The mystery in this book is not particularly surprising, but there is a great sense of place and a foreboding atmosphere. Cork's resentment over losing the sheriff's office, his guilt about his marriage, his love for his children all come through very clearly. I thought Krueger's story of why Cork was recalled was too easy on the character; if that scene were in the news today I don't think public sentiment would swing away from the sheriff, and I don't see a current lawman having so much guilt over it. IMO anyway. I liked how Cork inserted himself into the murder investigations and charged right along as though he were still the sheriff; that the current sheriff let him do it was also interesting. A welcome departure from the mystery stereotype is that Cork does not become a suspect himself, although it's thrown out there, nothing comes of it.
All in all, while the mystery itself and some of the characters were a bit stereotypical, the scene-setting and character building are excellent. I finished the book in about 5 hours without effort, so it zooms right along. Very easy to see why this has become a successful series.
All in all, while the mystery itself and some of the characters were a bit stereotypical, the scene-setting and character building are excellent. I finished the book in about 5 hours without effort, so it zooms right along. Very easy to see why this has become a successful series.
A very good first novel. It is good enough to have caused me to read all of the others in the series. The writing gets better as you go through the later books.
This is the best mystery I have read in quite some time. The characters are vivid, and the story is a solid mystery with several twists and turns.
First in a series set in northern Minn. near Indian reservation. About a sheriff and his woes. Prize winner for Best First Novel in 1998.
This is a great thriller. I have already requested his next 3 books!
First in Krueger's series about Cork O'Connor.
Very well written. Fast paced, engaging, very believable characters.
I really enjoyed 'Ordinary Grace" by the same author so I thought I would read this. This book was pretty good although predictable. I do love the way he sets the scene though.
Really good read. At first, I was a bit overwhelmed with so many characters and situations, but about 10 chapters in, that confusion was eliminated.
This book encompasses a lot of things, The Windigo legend, an Indian Reservation and a casino, politics and cops, white man against Indian, infidelity, blackmail and a beautiful snowy Minnesota setting. Once you get into it, its a great read!
This book encompasses a lot of things, The Windigo legend, an Indian Reservation and a casino, politics and cops, white man against Indian, infidelity, blackmail and a beautiful snowy Minnesota setting. Once you get into it, its a great read!
Just discovered this series, read this first book in the series and love it. Krueger can make you feel how cold it is by his discriptions of the weather and how warm the homes are. The characters are well drawn and flawed - just like real life. Am looking forward to the rest of the series.
