Reviews

Red Knife by William Kent Krueger

mjbsw's review against another edition

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3.0

To me, a 3* is what I refer to as a good, fun, “filler” book to be read between the ones that emotionally destroy you or nonfiction that breaks your brain.

ninasbooks57's review

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5.0

Another great book by Krueger!! He just keeps getting better and better!! This nook dealt with a number of issues so prevalent today! Couldn’t put it down!!

jansbookcorner's review against another edition

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5.0

Just when I start wondering how Mr. Krueger can tell a different Cork story - he does. Looking forward to the next case.

dana_reads_books's review

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dark mysterious reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

book_concierge's review against another edition

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3.0

Digital audiobook performed by David Chandler
3.5***

From the book jacket: When the drug-related death of a powerful businessman’s daughter is followed by the execution-style murder of the head of an Ojibwe gang known as the Red Boyz, the citizens of Tamarack County brace themselves for war. Former sheriff Cork O’Connor, a man of mixed heritage, tries to mediate the feud. … Cork must confront a horrific truth: violence is a beast that cannot be contained.

My reactions:
This is book # 8 in the Cork O’Connor series, though I’m reading it out of order.

Cork is a marvelous central character. He’s a family man and the heavy influx of drugs is hitting close to home for him. His seventeen-year-old daughter, Annie, is just a year younger than the dead girl. Annie will help Cork understand some of the dynamics of teen life in Tamarack County.

I also really like Sheriff Dross – a woman Cork hired some years back when HE was sheriff. She’s determined, dedicated and a keen observer.

The plot deals with vigilantism, gun control, disaffected teens, drug cartels and family dynamics. Krueger writes a fast-paced, intricate mystery with plenty of suspects, and enough twists and turns to keep even the most diligent reader guessing.

David Chandler does a fine job of performing the audio. He has a lot of characters to deal with and I was never confused about who was speaking.

katemoxie's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional hopeful mysterious sad tense fast-paced
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Thought provoking.  

naluju's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Reliable author and main chracter!

bek67's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Cork is in the thick of it again when the daughter of a successful businessman dies from an overdose. Of course the father is a total bully and colossal jackass so he threatens to take out who he believes is responsible (an Ojibwe gang). When the leader of the Red Boyz and his wife is killed execution style, 
the sheriff and the Ojibwe look to Cork to discover the truth. How does a former sheriff always end up in the middle of murder mysteries? Well, probably because he is a former law officer but also because he is also part Ojibwe. 

I feel like this book does a great job of exploring Cork's beliefs about violence and what he wants to impart to his son. He is a man conflicted about what he knows must be done. The subplot about his daughter and her friend and what happens at the end had me on the edge of my seat! 

readinggrrl's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional mysterious reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

cfl97's review

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dark emotional mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0