Lightning Strike; William Kent Krueger
Atria Books - 2021
Lightning Strike is a story takes us back to 1963 when Cork O'Connor was a young boy of twelve. At the time his father Liam was the town sheriff of Aurora, Minnesota. It's the summer when Cork with his friend Jorge are exploring the woods as Boy Scouts on a camping trip when they find the body of a man hanging from a tree near Lightning Strike. The dead man is one they recognize, Big John Manydeeds, the uncle of a friend, a man who had been struggling with alcohol addiction. At first glance it appears to be a suicide but, the Ojibwe people refuse believe this from Liam, a white man with Irish ancestry. Liam married a woman whose mother was an Ojibwe woman and he was always considered an outsider to members of the tribe. While Liam works on the investigation, young Cork begins a search for his own clues and his findings indicate that Big John's death may not be a suicide as originally believed.
This was a well crafted coming of age mystery with well developed characters and a number of supporting characters as well. I anticipate these characters will surface again in other series offerings. I especially enjoyed the father and son relationship between Liam and Cork. I did think young Cork seemed a little too wise beyond his years. The Native American culture was interesting and yet sad to read about and the racism which existed in 1963 unfortunately hasn't changed all that much over the last 50+ years. There are plenty of surprises that pop up in this story and the historical details were quite fascinating.
I'm a little late getting into this mystery series featuring Cork O'Connor. I did love the author's book, Ordinary Grace which I read for my book group. This book is actually a prequel to the Cork O'Connor character and gives the newcomers to the series insight into how he got to become a small town Minnesota sheriff. I look forward to other series books.
RATING - 4/5 stars
NOTE: (An eGalley was sent to me by Atria and Edelweiss in exchange for my unbiased review.)
Sounds like another winner from Krueger.
ReplyDeleteYes, his writing seems to have substance which is something that has been missing from some new authors I've tried.
DeleteI've only read one of the Cork O'Connor mysteries (the first in the series) and would like to read this one. Maybe once I'm all caught up on Deborah Crombie's series, I'll start reading this one.
ReplyDeleteYes, his writing has real depth, I think this would be a great series to focus on. I was going to try and fill in my missing Louise Penny, now I've only read 1/3 to 1/2 book I haven't been motivated to change that lately.
DeleteIt does sound like a promising series.
ReplyDeleteI read the very earliest Cork O'Connor books years ago but never continued with this series. I really enjoyed them and how human and flawed Cork comes off. This sounds interesting and a bit intense. I need to go back to the beginning and start over with this series.
ReplyDeleteI thought Ordinary Grace was wonderful and unfortunately just haven't gotten around to another of his novels. Looking forward to this one!
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like a really interesting story.
ReplyDeleteI've read two of Krueger's Cork O'Connor books and really enjoyed them. He's a good writer. I like that this book gives you a look at Cork's life at a younger age. Can't wait to read it. :)
ReplyDeleteLooks like my comment disappeared- or maybe it will pop up and this will be a duplicate. If so, please disregard. :) I seem to have trouble commenting on some blogs. anyway- this looks quite good, and what a cover.
ReplyDeleteMy comments have been disappearing on a lot of blogs lately, too, Greg.
DeleteBlogger is dreadful Greg; it's not you it's Blogger LOL
DeleteI seriously need to get back to WKK's books. I read the first in the Cork O'Connor series, loved it and somehow have not read any more, which is ridiculous. I love the sound of this too.
ReplyDeleteI plan to read more as well now. Great writing.
DeleteI'm glad you enjoyed this one. I've wanted to start this series ever since I read This Tender Land. I follow William Kent Krueger all over social media. He seems wonderful!
ReplyDeleteI definitely plan to read the series, perhaps fall/winter would be a good time.
DeleteI loved Ordinary Grace, too, and have been considering his Cork O'Connor series. Glad you enjoyed this one.
ReplyDeleteYes, I hope to begin this series perhaps in fall.
DeleteI should read more of Krueger. He's really very good.
ReplyDeleteHe is very talented.
DeleteKen simply loves this series--He read this one, and is up to #9 or #10 in the rest of the series. Glad it was a good read for you.
ReplyDeleteI will be wanting to read more like Ken but, I am always a bit hesitant to start a new series.
DeleteI am interested to hear about his mysteries since I have enjoyed his contemporary fiction.
ReplyDeleteI hate to start a new series but, this is one that seems worth it.
DeleteI agree with your assessment of this book and that Cork seemed too wise for his age but I forgave it because so much of the rest of the book was excellent. I've yet to continue the series though I fully intend to.
ReplyDeleteTerrie@Bookshelf Journeys
Kent Krueger is indeed an excellent writer who knows how to draw the reader deep into his storyline. I want to read more and own a couple.
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