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tracie_mcd's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
alex_mabel's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
jansbookcorner's review against another edition
4.0
A murder (actually more than one murder) mystery that is the first in the Cork O’Connor series. With it being the first book there is a lot of time setting up the background. Who is Cork O’Connor? Where does he live? What is the connection of the area with the people of the Iron Lake Reservation? At times the background seemed to almost be filler, but in the end it was necessary for the story.
Mr. Krueger describes things, especially scenery, in a way that I can picture clearly in my mind. His writing draws me in and makes it real. There were enough twists and turns that even though it was a little predictable, I found myself second guessing where I thought it was headed. After finishing the book I was left thinking about where the story goes in the future. I’ve said before that is an indication of a good book. In this case I can compare where I think it should go with where it actually does go as I will continue the series.
Mr. Krueger describes things, especially scenery, in a way that I can picture clearly in my mind. His writing draws me in and makes it real. There were enough twists and turns that even though it was a little predictable, I found myself second guessing where I thought it was headed. After finishing the book I was left thinking about where the story goes in the future. I’ve said before that is an indication of a good book. In this case I can compare where I think it should go with where it actually does go as I will continue the series.
lhamilton2835's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
Suspense series-the narrator was a great fit. A good recommendation for men. It took me a while to get into it, maybe because of how busy my life is right now. I plan to read the next one to help me decide how far in want to go in the series.
book_concierge's review against another edition
4.0
From the book jacket: Part Irish, part Anishinaabe Indian, Corcoran “Cork” O’Connor is the former sheriff of Aurora, Minnesota. Embittered by his “former” status, and the marital meltdown that has separated him from his children, Cork gets by on heavy doses of caffeine, nicotine, and guilt. Once a cop on Chicago’s South Side, there’s not much that can shock him. But when the town’s judge is found dead of a gunshot wound and a young Eagle Scout is reported missing, Cork takes on a mind-jolting case of conspiracy, corruption, and scandal.
My reactions:
This is book one in a series that has become immensely popular and catapulted William Kent Krueger onto a list of the best mystery / thriller writers. The plot is satisfyingly complex, with many suspects, unclear motives, uncertain crimes (Accident? Suicide? Murder?), and more twists and turns than the most fiendish roller coaster.
Holding it together is Cork O’Connor. This is a complicated man; generally, a good guy with a strong moral compass and guiding sense of justice, he is not without flaws and makes his share of personal mistakes. Yet he is uniquely able to investigate both in town and on the reservation, giving him clues and information that is often withheld from “outsiders.”
I’ve had this series on my tbr for ages and regret that I waited so long to begin. I’ll be reading more of this series.
My reactions:
This is book one in a series that has become immensely popular and catapulted William Kent Krueger onto a list of the best mystery / thriller writers. The plot is satisfyingly complex, with many suspects, unclear motives, uncertain crimes (Accident? Suicide? Murder?), and more twists and turns than the most fiendish roller coaster.
Holding it together is Cork O’Connor. This is a complicated man; generally, a good guy with a strong moral compass and guiding sense of justice, he is not without flaws and makes his share of personal mistakes. Yet he is uniquely able to investigate both in town and on the reservation, giving him clues and information that is often withheld from “outsiders.”
I’ve had this series on my tbr for ages and regret that I waited so long to begin. I’ll be reading more of this series.
jake36d's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
cat_book_lady's review against another edition
3.0
The first of William Kent Krueger’s suspenseful detective series featuring hard-nosed, part Native American Corcoran “Cork” O’Conner as he winds his way through the twists and turns of Iron Lake to solve the town’s mysterious murders amidst political corruption. I especially love the Obijwe legends such as the Windigo that Krueger brings so that we come to learn and respect the traditions of The People while also becoming a part of Cork’s personal and professional complicated world.
If you want a good start to a fully satisfying series that will engross you while also being immersed in Native American tradition, start here. Might I also suggest his other phenomenal novels - Ordinary Grace and This Tender Land - which are a step above his mysteries, which will leave you utterly astounded with their compassion, astounding impact, and beautiful, heartwarming storytelling. Either way, you can never go wrong with Krueger.
If you want a good start to a fully satisfying series that will engross you while also being immersed in Native American tradition, start here. Might I also suggest his other phenomenal novels - Ordinary Grace and This Tender Land - which are a step above his mysteries, which will leave you utterly astounded with their compassion, astounding impact, and beautiful, heartwarming storytelling. Either way, you can never go wrong with Krueger.