Part Irish, part Anishinaabe Indian, Corcoran “Cork” O’Connor is the former sheriff of Aurora, Minnesota – population 3,752. 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, he’s found that there’s not much left in life that can shock him. But when … when the town’s judge, Robert Parrant, is brutally murdered, and Eagle Scout Paul LeBeau is reported missing, Cork takes on a mind-jolting case of conspiracy, corruption and scandal.
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all of his are great start with the first and I got them from the library and started one in the afternoon read one a day in a sitting
This book isn’t my usual type of read, but I met the author at a conference and was so impressed, I wanted to try his first book. It’s grim but the protagonist, Cork, is so complicated and so dedicated to justice (not just the law) that he added a positive to all of the hurdles, disappointments, and deaths that he had to deal with. The setting itself with its frigid cold set a mood, and the villains–and there was more than one of them–proved harsher than the weather. Indian lore added a distinct flavor to the story. I don’t want to say too much and give anything away, but me being me, I had trouble with one part of plot, but it fit the tone of the book. For a gritty, serious read, this is a good book to pick up and try.
This debut of a series set in northern Minnesota features Cork O’Connor, an ex-Chicago cop who gets caught up in the murder of a young Native American boy. It’s an emotional and evocative novel that I often recommend to book clubs who want “more than the typical mystery.”
After reading a friend’s review and recommendation, I decided to give this book a try. I’m glad I did.
Iron Lake is the first in William Kent Krueger’s Cork O’Connor series. It was first written and published in the late 1990s, but the story is just as relevant today as it was then.
Cork O’Connor is a former sheriff of Aurora, Minnesota. He’s part Irish and part Anishinaabe and dedicated to seeing justice is served. He lost his job in an election recount after an unfortunate event involving the shooting deaths of a local citizen and Sam Winter Moon, one of Cork’s father’s closest friends. Cork’s marriage is also on the rocks, but he hopes to salvage things for the sake of his children.
When a young Native American boy goes missing, and a prominent but disliked judge dies by apparent suicide, Cork gets involved. The trail leads to a number of Arora’s citizens, both white and Indian. He discovers corruption, lies, and greed.
There is a vast cast of characters, but not so many as to be confusing. The description of the Minnesota winter and landscape puts the reader in the heart of the setting. I also enjoyed learning bits of Native American folklore—something that is of interest to me. The plot was well-written and had plenty of breadcrumbs to keep me guessing.
This was my first time to read William Kent Krueger, but it won’t be my last.
Thoroughly enjoyed it. Have read the author’s two most recent novels and gave them 5*. This is the first Cork novel I’ve read and will definitely be reading more.
Well done mystery. The setting (MN winter/lake environment, Native American lore, small town) is described in a way that you are there…it actually feels cold! Being the first in a series, the characters are introduced. The former sheriff is the main character…he has his flaws, but he goes to great lengths and risks his safety to get the truth. A family man with respect for the Native American culture. Looking forward to reading more in the series.
Well written by an author using language with precision. The plot is also complex and different enough from other novels of this genre to keep my attention
Fun book. Characters are well developed.
I really like this series
finally started a series I have wanted to read for quite some time ever since I read the wonderful “This Tender Land” and “Ordinary Grace”. The Cork O’Connor series is made up of seventeen books centered around Corcoran “Cork” O’Connor” the former sheriff of Aurora, Minnesota. O’Conner is the interesting combination of part Irish and part Anishinaabe Indian, and it seems he is regarded as being on the outside by both groups. The first book begins with his coming to grips with his ousting as sheriff and the way it happened, as well as his eviction from his marital home. He misses his wife and children, his job, and his life.
Now a judge has been murdered and a young Indian paper boy is missing. Cork can’t keep his nose out of these cases much to the consternation of the current sheriff, but he can’t or won’t stop his personal investigation. When secrets begin popping up too close to home, he must decide if it is worth it. Another interesting aspect to this story is the constant cold and deep snow. To this Florida girl it is almost too much to deal with, like another whole character to deal with in itself.
I loved this book, and I was fascinated by the character of Cork O’Connor. A flawed man to be sure, but an honorable man, honest and a loving father. I can’t wait to see how his character develops in the next book. I gave this book four stars.
Really good book. It is the first book in a series but it does stand alone. Almost as great as his Ordinary Grace — which I consider one of the best books ever written — and The Tender Land.
This is the first book in the Cork O’Connor series by William Kent Krueger. I read this book when it first came out and have been a fan ever since. Over the years his writing has greatly matured and his stories have gotten ever better.
A good suspenseful read. Not particularly complicated, however several characters are entangled in complicated relationships. Does not end as one would expect.
This is my first read in this series-it won’t be my last -I found the Native lore fascinating-as well as the twisted mystery plot – Definitely not a happily ever after -Brilliant characters -Read it is one day -couldn’t put it down
Love the entire series.
You must continue your writing. I am confident, you have a great readers’ base already! Ultra omega burn
Atmospheric, Midwestern noir
The 20th anniversary edition of Iron Lake may be my first introduction to Cork O’Connor, but I’m confident it won’t be my last. William Kent Krueger’s story is full of small-town politics set against a bitterly cold winter. The twisty plot kept me turning pages well into the night.
The 20th anniversary edition of Iron Lake may be my first introduction to Cork O’Connor, but I’m confident it won’t be my last. William Kent Krueger’s story is full of small-town politics set against a bitterly cold winter. The twisty plot kept me turning pages well into the night.
The beginning of a really remarkable series!
This was the first book in his detective that I read by Krueger. It’s well worth the read!