Copper River

William Kent Krueger’s fabulous Cork OConnor series is definitely a step up from most offerings in the genre of police/deceive stories. Cork, who is part Native American, living in northern MN with his family, was the sheriff, then not, then again, but always in the center of any troubles in his county. Those troubles are not run of the mill murders, but intertwined and intriguing mysteries.
William Kent Krueger is an author who is in my top ten and his writing spans other genres. “This Tender Land,” for example is an absolute treasure, one Ive gifted to many friends.

4.5 Stars — perhaps his best yet in the Cork O’Connor series. You get two major plots (with a subplot or two or three) for the price of one! In (eventually) wrapping up the story-line from his previous installment (Mercy Falls), we are also treated to a gripping tale of young adults in peril in/around the small town of Bodine, Michigan on the Upper Peninsula (U.P.). Kreuger does a very good job of introducing and developing three new characters — his cousin, Jewell; her teenage son, Ren; and his best friend “Charlie” (Charlene). The primary plot moves forward like a slow-rolling freight train, eventually reaching a satisfying conclusion. As always, Cork has to face down some pretty violent characters amidst some pretty grim circumstances. But in this story he is ably assisted by a former FBI agent (Dina) and two very plucky (yes, I used the adjective “plucky”!) teens. Are Krueger’s plots always believable? Not really. But he does such a good job of developing his characters — their foibles, their experiences, their motivations, their essential humanity — that the reader can forgive him his occasional narrative excesses. Also, he is fantastic at capturing the feel of the landscape of northern Minnesota and (in this case) the U.P. of Michigan. Highly recommended.

I love all of William Kent Krueger books, but have to say so far this is one of my favorites. I love how in this book he has so many things going on that keep you charged and in turn makes you want to plow on reading to see what happens. This book is a continuation of the previous book where the main character Cork finds himself in a barrel of trouble and then add in a few more characters and another side plot, that is what makes this book so interesting and suspenseful. His characters have depth and are very original in all of his books, some characters are regulars and I look forward to them and have come to know and love them. Books like this make me hopeful at some point they are taken to the big screen as this would make a fantastic movie. If you haven’t read any of Krueger’s books do yourself a favor and pick up his first “Iron Lake” and join in on the fun. I haven’t read at a pace like this for years, perhaps since a kid, and have enjoyed the trip immensely so far!!

I plan to read EVERY single Cork OConnor book so I was very happy to see I have many to go. The story lines are always vivid and I love the characters who I can clearly see in my minds eye as well as the scenery. I was born and have always lived in Michigan so this one was particularly engrossing for me. I swear I could even smell the musky earth of the Keweenaw Peninsula. William Kent Krueger makes it feel like you are THERE.

I dont read to be educated or enlightened. I read to be entertained. And I am always entertained reading one of these stories.

This author takes me to areas of the country I have never seen. Before I go to bed, my evening routine includes a mental journey to the northern climes with his characters. I feel as though Im right there with them in the beautiful landscape and its hard to put the book down to get some sleep. All his books are full of characters which seem almost real. I plan to read all the books in this series.

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