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Cork O'Connor #20
Spirit Crossing
Win a free print copy of this book!
14 days and 04:15:55
100 copies available
U.S. only
A disappearance and a dead body put Cork O’Connor’s family in the crosshairs of a killer in the twentieth book in the New York Times bestselling series from William Kent Krueger, “a master storyteller at the top of his game” (Kristin Hannah, #1 New York Times bestselling author).
The disappearance of a local politician’s teenaged daughter is major news in Minnesota. As a huge manhunt is launched to find her, Cork O’Connor’s grandson stumbles across the shallow grave of a young Ojibwe woman—but nobody seems that interested. Nobody, that is, except Cork and the newly formed Iron Lake Ojibwe Tribal Police. As Cork and the tribal officers dig into the circumstances of this mysterious and grim discovery, they uncover a connection to the missing teenager. And soon, it’s clear that Cork’s grandson is in danger of being the killer’s next victim.
The disappearance of a local politician’s teenaged daughter is major news in Minnesota. As a huge manhunt is launched to find her, Cork O’Connor’s grandson stumbles across the shallow grave of a young Ojibwe woman—but nobody seems that interested. Nobody, that is, except Cork and the newly formed Iron Lake Ojibwe Tribal Police. As Cork and the tribal officers dig into the circumstances of this mysterious and grim discovery, they uncover a connection to the missing teenager. And soon, it’s clear that Cork’s grandson is in danger of being the killer’s next victim.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication August 20, 2024
About the author
William Kent Krueger
98 books13.1k followersRaised in the Cascade Mountains of Oregon, William Kent Krueger briefly attended Stanford University—before being kicked out for radical activities. After that, he logged timber, worked construction, tried his hand at freelance journalism, and eventually ended up researching child development at the University of Minnesota. He currently makes his living as a full-time author. He’s been married for over 40 years to a marvelous woman who is an attorney. He makes his home in St. Paul, a city he dearly loves.
Krueger writes a mystery series set in the north woods of Minnesota. His protagonist is Cork O’Connor, the former sheriff of Tamarack County and a man of mixed heritage—part Irish and part Ojibwe. His work has received a number of awards, including the Minnesota Book Award, the Loft-McKnight Fiction Award, the Anthony Award, the Barry Award, the Dilys Award, and the Friends of American Writers Prize. His last five novels were all New York Times bestsellers.
"Ordinary Grace," his stand-alone novel published in 2013, received the Edgar Award, given by the Mystery Writers of America in recognition for the best novel published in that year. "Windigo Island," number fourteen in his Cork O’Connor series, was released in August 2014.
Krueger writes a mystery series set in the north woods of Minnesota. His protagonist is Cork O’Connor, the former sheriff of Tamarack County and a man of mixed heritage—part Irish and part Ojibwe. His work has received a number of awards, including the Minnesota Book Award, the Loft-McKnight Fiction Award, the Anthony Award, the Barry Award, the Dilys Award, and the Friends of American Writers Prize. His last five novels were all New York Times bestsellers.
"Ordinary Grace," his stand-alone novel published in 2013, received the Edgar Award, given by the Mystery Writers of America in recognition for the best novel published in that year. "Windigo Island," number fourteen in his Cork O’Connor series, was released in August 2014.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
July 8, 2024
4.5 stars
William Kent Krueger is an author I automatically know I want to read. His words, his story, his way of telling is what brings me back to anything he writes.
This is the twentieth book in the Cork O'Connor series and each one I have read have proved to be winners.
In this outing, We see that a young woman, daughter of a politician, has gone missing, but there seems to be no trace of her. Many police organizations have been searching to no avail. Then Cork's young grandson, a boy who can perceive things, while searching for a blueberry patch, stumbles upon a grave of an Ojibwe woman, but the same agencies that are so interested in the politician's daughter, show little interest in this Ojibwe girl. Cork's grandson, perceives evil revolving around a deserted cabin near by and from that point on his little life is in danger.
As Cork and the tribal officials investigate, it becomes a very sinister place and the very people Cork loves are in danger of death.
Thank you to William Kent Krueger, Atria Books, and NetGalley for an early copy of this mesmerizing story due out this August.
William Kent Krueger is an author I automatically know I want to read. His words, his story, his way of telling is what brings me back to anything he writes.
This is the twentieth book in the Cork O'Connor series and each one I have read have proved to be winners.
In this outing, We see that a young woman, daughter of a politician, has gone missing, but there seems to be no trace of her. Many police organizations have been searching to no avail. Then Cork's young grandson, a boy who can perceive things, while searching for a blueberry patch, stumbles upon a grave of an Ojibwe woman, but the same agencies that are so interested in the politician's daughter, show little interest in this Ojibwe girl. Cork's grandson, perceives evil revolving around a deserted cabin near by and from that point on his little life is in danger.
As Cork and the tribal officials investigate, it becomes a very sinister place and the very people Cork loves are in danger of death.
Thank you to William Kent Krueger, Atria Books, and NetGalley for an early copy of this mesmerizing story due out this August.
May 29, 2024
The search is on…
⏰ 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫: Missing girls. One white, the other indigenous and the powers that be care only about one. One is found dead and the search continues for the other. Cork O’ Connor and the newly found tribal police force jump into the fray, working to determine who the killer is and if the two cases are connected. Another wrinkle for Cork - his grandson, little Waboo who is gifted with spiritual sight, has been set firmly in a killer’s crosshairs.
💡𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬: I have read EVERY Cork novel and this was a perfect addition. I would say I do NOT recommend reading this as your first Cork Book or be prepared to track a lot of characters. Being a big fan? No issues! Love that everyone came together in this one… the whole family, but no spoilers. Nope.
The story touches on so many issues - missing girls (and trafficking issues with indigenous peoples I was not aware of), but also spirituality, the environment… there’s much to unpack but all are issues currently happening, making the novel relevant and a catalyst for me to read more about these problems.
Because I’m fascinated with spirituality, I’ve read a bit on that and admire that Krueger is like me - just a non-indigenous person who has admiration and respect for Native people. He’s done his research and written a deferential and engaging tale that has continued throughout all 20 books. I appreciate the knowledge and the fantastic writing that has me missing Michigan and summers in the north.
📚𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: Mystery
😍𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨: All the mystery peeps and WKK fans, but especially if (like me) you grew up in the North. Krueger will make you miss home, even with all the pesky murders.
🙅♀️ 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨: Those who don’t like some education in their novels.
Thank you to the author, NetGalley and Atria Books for my advanced copy in exchange for my always-honest review and for the education I always appreciate in these novels. And for the good cry I needed.
(I follow back bookish peeps!): IG @ ScrappyMags
⏰ 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫: Missing girls. One white, the other indigenous and the powers that be care only about one. One is found dead and the search continues for the other. Cork O’ Connor and the newly found tribal police force jump into the fray, working to determine who the killer is and if the two cases are connected. Another wrinkle for Cork - his grandson, little Waboo who is gifted with spiritual sight, has been set firmly in a killer’s crosshairs.
💡𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬: I have read EVERY Cork novel and this was a perfect addition. I would say I do NOT recommend reading this as your first Cork Book or be prepared to track a lot of characters. Being a big fan? No issues! Love that everyone came together in this one… the whole family, but no spoilers. Nope.
The story touches on so many issues - missing girls (and trafficking issues with indigenous peoples I was not aware of), but also spirituality, the environment… there’s much to unpack but all are issues currently happening, making the novel relevant and a catalyst for me to read more about these problems.
Because I’m fascinated with spirituality, I’ve read a bit on that and admire that Krueger is like me - just a non-indigenous person who has admiration and respect for Native people. He’s done his research and written a deferential and engaging tale that has continued throughout all 20 books. I appreciate the knowledge and the fantastic writing that has me missing Michigan and summers in the north.
📚𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: Mystery
😍𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨: All the mystery peeps and WKK fans, but especially if (like me) you grew up in the North. Krueger will make you miss home, even with all the pesky murders.
🙅♀️ 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨: Those who don’t like some education in their novels.
Thank you to the author, NetGalley and Atria Books for my advanced copy in exchange for my always-honest review and for the education I always appreciate in these novels. And for the good cry I needed.
(I follow back bookish peeps!): IG @ ScrappyMags
June 10, 2024
Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for providing an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. The book will be published on August 20th, 2024.
Writing: 3/5 Characters: 4/5 Plot: 3.5/5
This is my first foray into the Cork O’Connor, Minnesota Ojibwe territory mystery series. Obviously I’m way behind because this is the 20th in the series! In this story, a body “felt” by O’Connor’s 7-year old grandson on a berry picking expedition turns out not to be the missing daughter of a local (white) politician, causing the FBI and BCA to lose interest rapidly. But through his grandson’s “visions” they quickly identify the body as belonging to a local native girl, missing for some time. And O’Connor, along with the tribal police and local sheriff, do not lose interest. Danger ratchets up for everyone as more grim discoveries are made and the grandson (among others) appears to be the next target.
There were several other storylines not directly related to the plot. Members of O’Connor’s family are part of a large, and sometimes violent protest at the Stockbridge pipeline. One of his daughter’s has just returned from Guatemala with a pretty deep secret that she isn’t quite ready to share. And there is plenty of depressing stories of trafficking, runaway Native girls, alcoholism, and other stereotypical Native problems. A strong theme of forgiveness, even for people who commit heinous acts, with the blame laid squarely on their bad childhoods. To be honest, this always rubs me the wrong way. Not everyone who has a bad childhood becomes a cold hearted killer, and regardless of the problem’s origin, people who are or who have become sociopaths need to be stopped. But I digress.
Overall, I liked the characters. I found the writing acceptable though a little choppy, sometimes making deep sentiments come off as saccharine when they really aren’t. The plot moved at a good pace, though I didn’t appreciate the preachiness (and the fact that all but one white man were “bad” while all Natives and women were “good.”) I did enjoy the depiction of Native philosophy and positive ways of life when we weren’t focusing on those afflicted by alcoholism, abandonment, etc.
Writing: 3/5 Characters: 4/5 Plot: 3.5/5
This is my first foray into the Cork O’Connor, Minnesota Ojibwe territory mystery series. Obviously I’m way behind because this is the 20th in the series! In this story, a body “felt” by O’Connor’s 7-year old grandson on a berry picking expedition turns out not to be the missing daughter of a local (white) politician, causing the FBI and BCA to lose interest rapidly. But through his grandson’s “visions” they quickly identify the body as belonging to a local native girl, missing for some time. And O’Connor, along with the tribal police and local sheriff, do not lose interest. Danger ratchets up for everyone as more grim discoveries are made and the grandson (among others) appears to be the next target.
There were several other storylines not directly related to the plot. Members of O’Connor’s family are part of a large, and sometimes violent protest at the Stockbridge pipeline. One of his daughter’s has just returned from Guatemala with a pretty deep secret that she isn’t quite ready to share. And there is plenty of depressing stories of trafficking, runaway Native girls, alcoholism, and other stereotypical Native problems. A strong theme of forgiveness, even for people who commit heinous acts, with the blame laid squarely on their bad childhoods. To be honest, this always rubs me the wrong way. Not everyone who has a bad childhood becomes a cold hearted killer, and regardless of the problem’s origin, people who are or who have become sociopaths need to be stopped. But I digress.
Overall, I liked the characters. I found the writing acceptable though a little choppy, sometimes making deep sentiments come off as saccharine when they really aren’t. The plot moved at a good pace, though I didn’t appreciate the preachiness (and the fact that all but one white man were “bad” while all Natives and women were “good.”) I did enjoy the depiction of Native philosophy and positive ways of life when we weren’t focusing on those afflicted by alcoholism, abandonment, etc.
June 23, 2024
I love how Kent Krueger keeps churning out book after book, all set in his beloved northern mid-west, many with the continuing story of Cork O'Connor and his family and neighbors, and lately with the same themes, and yet making them fresh and informative. His recurring themes are subjects close to his heart, the mistreatment of indigenous people by their colonizers and most particularly the vulnerability of young women trafficked, many times abused and murdered, and not given the same respect in their deaths as white women suffering the same fate. His rage at the system is placated by his good-guy protagonists.
June 6, 2024
Sometimes dreams are wiser than waking.
Black Elk
I have missed these characters so much! I immediately felt as though I had wrapped myself in a soft blanket and visited with my old friends as I played flute music softly in the background.
A huge manhunt has been launched to find a local politician’s teenage daughter. Cork O’Connor’s grandson stumbles across the shallow grave of a young Ojibwe woman but no one seems to care about her. Ah, but one does. Cork's grandson, Waaboo. (Little Rabbit.) He's only seven years old but reminds me a lot of Henry.
I love that Spirit Crossing has some gentle reminders about some of what has happened in previous books in the Cork O'Connor Series. That is quite helpful to those who started the series years ago!
I happy dance every time a new book is released in this series and I hope it never ends!!
HUGE thanks to both #AtriaBooks and #NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of Spirit Crossing!! This book is #20 in the Cork O'Connor series, with an expected publication date of August 20, 2024.
#WilliamKentKrueger #IndigenousPeoples
Black Elk
I have missed these characters so much! I immediately felt as though I had wrapped myself in a soft blanket and visited with my old friends as I played flute music softly in the background.
A huge manhunt has been launched to find a local politician’s teenage daughter. Cork O’Connor’s grandson stumbles across the shallow grave of a young Ojibwe woman but no one seems to care about her. Ah, but one does. Cork's grandson, Waaboo. (Little Rabbit.) He's only seven years old but reminds me a lot of Henry.
I love that Spirit Crossing has some gentle reminders about some of what has happened in previous books in the Cork O'Connor Series. That is quite helpful to those who started the series years ago!
I happy dance every time a new book is released in this series and I hope it never ends!!
HUGE thanks to both #AtriaBooks and #NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of Spirit Crossing!! This book is #20 in the Cork O'Connor series, with an expected publication date of August 20, 2024.
#WilliamKentKrueger #IndigenousPeoples
May 20, 2024
Spirit Crossing is my initial encounter with the captivating world of Cork O'Connor, although I have previously read works of William Krueger. This particular masterpiece stands apart from his other creations that I have immersed myself in. One aspect that truly resonated with me was the exploration of Native American culture. While I commend the author's skill in crafting intricate characters, I must admit that the abundance of characters occasionally led to moments of confusion. Despite this minor drawback, I found great pleasure in immersing myself in the narrative and wholeheartedly recommend it to others. Krueger, a gifted storyteller, consistently delivers enthralling tales that leave a lasting impression.
Thank you to Net Galley and Atria Books for the ARC to read and review.
Thank you to Net Galley and Atria Books for the ARC to read and review.
May 27, 2024
This eARC was given to me by Netgalley.com and I am providing an unbiased review.
Krueger's Cork O'Connor series has been one I have enjoyed over the past couple years, and this newest installment just drops me back into their lives and world. The writing style and character world the author has built is just wonderful to read about. A continuing storyline based on previous books (not really what I could call a stand-alone read) is something I just really enjoy. Krueger has a way to bring attention to events that may be fictional in the story, but real issues in our world: oppression of the Native Americans, and how they are treated not just by general public, but Law Enforcement as well; oil pipe-lines and how they could destroy nature, and the fight against the companies that want to build them.
I considered this t book to be well-written and interesting to read. I appreciate how easy it was to read, and become part of the main characters' lives again. Really recommend going back and starting at the beginning of the series for anyone interested in reading this one, and to also check out some of the author's other works as well.
Krueger's Cork O'Connor series has been one I have enjoyed over the past couple years, and this newest installment just drops me back into their lives and world. The writing style and character world the author has built is just wonderful to read about. A continuing storyline based on previous books (not really what I could call a stand-alone read) is something I just really enjoy. Krueger has a way to bring attention to events that may be fictional in the story, but real issues in our world: oppression of the Native Americans, and how they are treated not just by general public, but Law Enforcement as well; oil pipe-lines and how they could destroy nature, and the fight against the companies that want to build them.
I considered this t book to be well-written and interesting to read. I appreciate how easy it was to read, and become part of the main characters' lives again. Really recommend going back and starting at the beginning of the series for anyone interested in reading this one, and to also check out some of the author's other works as well.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 29, 2024
The 20th book in Krueger’s Cork O’Connor series is the best one yet. Cork’s son Stephen and his civil rights attorney fiancé are planning their wedding while at the same time trying to help the Ojibwe and other native people stop the building of an oil pipeline sure to damage the land, the water and their way of life. Anne and her partner Maria have come home from Guatemala for the wedding. Everything seems calm until the day Cork takes his grandson Waaboo blueberry picking on some abandoned farmland and Waaboo finds a grave and he is able to hear her spirit. Meanwhile the daughter of a local politician has disappeared as have several native girls. As Cork and local authorities look into these strange disappearances and find some clues that hint at human trafficking, Henry Meloux tries to keep Waaboo, Anne and other members of the O’Connor family safe, it becomes apparent that Anne may have a secret too.
I have read all the books in this series but this is the only one that had me crying at the end. As only Krueger can, he digs deep into the human condition - at its best and at its worst.
I have read all the books in this series but this is the only one that had me crying at the end. As only Krueger can, he digs deep into the human condition - at its best and at its worst.
June 9, 2024
SYNOPSIS
- Set in Minnesota. Some girls / young women are missing. One is white & a politician’s daughter, and the rest are Indigenous.
- Cork works along different folks to solve what is going on. Also, Cork’s 7 year old grandson, Waboo, has a spiritual connection, and he is able to make some connections in the case.
MY THOUGHTS
- This is the 2nd novel by Krueger I’ve read. I enjoyed The River We Remember more than this one, and I rated it 4 stars.
- There are a lot of characters, and it’s tough to keep them all straight.
- Apparently, this is book #20 in Krueger’s Cork O’Connor series, so I suspect I would have rated higher if I had read the prior 19 books. I would suggest not reading this as the first book in the series for that reason alone.
- The pacing is a little slow, and some parts are repetitive.
- I enjoyed how the book highlights important topics, like the epidemic of missing Indigenous women & violence against Indigenous women. I am glad the author is shedding light on these issues.
- Overall, the story was just okay to me. It was predictable in most aspects, including the ending. There wasn’t anything that made this one stand out to me.
TL;DR: ⭐️⭐️⭐️important topics + commendable for the author to shed light on the epidemic of missing Indigenous women and violence against Indigenous women. I hadn’t read the other books in series, so I don’t recommend it as THE introduction to the series. Overall, story was just okay & predictable in many ways.
Thanks to Atria and Netgalley for this digital ARC in exchanges for an honest review. This book will be published on August 20, 2024.
- Set in Minnesota. Some girls / young women are missing. One is white & a politician’s daughter, and the rest are Indigenous.
- Cork works along different folks to solve what is going on. Also, Cork’s 7 year old grandson, Waboo, has a spiritual connection, and he is able to make some connections in the case.
MY THOUGHTS
- This is the 2nd novel by Krueger I’ve read. I enjoyed The River We Remember more than this one, and I rated it 4 stars.
- There are a lot of characters, and it’s tough to keep them all straight.
- Apparently, this is book #20 in Krueger’s Cork O’Connor series, so I suspect I would have rated higher if I had read the prior 19 books. I would suggest not reading this as the first book in the series for that reason alone.
- The pacing is a little slow, and some parts are repetitive.
- I enjoyed how the book highlights important topics, like the epidemic of missing Indigenous women & violence against Indigenous women. I am glad the author is shedding light on these issues.
- Overall, the story was just okay to me. It was predictable in most aspects, including the ending. There wasn’t anything that made this one stand out to me.
TL;DR: ⭐️⭐️⭐️important topics + commendable for the author to shed light on the epidemic of missing Indigenous women and violence against Indigenous women. I hadn’t read the other books in series, so I don’t recommend it as THE introduction to the series. Overall, story was just okay & predictable in many ways.
Thanks to Atria and Netgalley for this digital ARC in exchanges for an honest review. This book will be published on August 20, 2024.
May 23, 2024
Anyone of this authors books are worth picking up. This one was very interesting in the native side and how they do all stick together. Loved how it was easy to turn tge page abd involve yourself into the storyline.
Thanks to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for an early release of this book
Thanks to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for an early release of this book
Want to read
October 31, 2023Book available August of 2024.
June 19, 2024
This is the 20th book in the series featuring Cork O’Connor. Set in northern Minnesota, these are mysteries that bring to light the issues facing the interplay between the white population and the Ojibwe. Cork, half white and half Ojibwe, always finds himself negotiating the two worlds. I have read about ten of these books and although I missed many leading up to this story, the previous books also stand alone. The similarity in them all is the murder mystery, the terrain of the state, and the lives of the Ojibwe tribe in the present.
This book is no different. Front and center is an exploration of Ojibwe culture and tradition in a hostile environment. In this story, an oil pipeline is being built through sacred Ojibwe land and two young women are missing. One is a senator’s daughter, widely investigated; the other is a young Ojibwe teenager who is forgotten. I am concerned about writers who are maligned if they write outside their culture and identity (i.e. Jeanine Cummins who wrote American Dirt after years of research). Gratefully, this hasn’t happened to Krueger. Part of this may be his close association, friendship, and resources in this community as described in his acknowledgement. These books open the door to new cultural experiences while reading a good old fashioned murder mystery.
The set up:
Cork is no longer a sheriff but after years in law enforcement has solid connections. A lot is happening in the O’Connor household. His son, Stephen, and his civil rights attorney fiancé are getting married. In the weeks before the wedding, they spend their days at the building site of an oil pipeline destined to damage Ojibwe land, their water, and general way of life. Daughter Anne and her partner Maria have come home from Guatemala for the wedding. She is withholding a secret.
Cork takes his seven year old grandson, Waaboo, blueberry picking in an abandoned spot and Waaboo hears a girl’s spirit call to him. This is a gift also experienced by Stephen. This is the way into the mystery. One girl’s body is found in that spot. Cork and law enforcement authorities slowly uncover a more widespread problem, that lead to suspicions of human trafficking. Henry Meloux, a tribal elder and recurring character in all the books tries to protect Waaboo, and other members of the O’Connor from danger through wisdom and calm.
This book excels in its quick pace. While many relevant issues are raised, it is at its heart a murder mystery.
Many thanks to Simon & Schuster and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and honestly review this book.
www.jantramontano.com/readerscafe
This book is no different. Front and center is an exploration of Ojibwe culture and tradition in a hostile environment. In this story, an oil pipeline is being built through sacred Ojibwe land and two young women are missing. One is a senator’s daughter, widely investigated; the other is a young Ojibwe teenager who is forgotten. I am concerned about writers who are maligned if they write outside their culture and identity (i.e. Jeanine Cummins who wrote American Dirt after years of research). Gratefully, this hasn’t happened to Krueger. Part of this may be his close association, friendship, and resources in this community as described in his acknowledgement. These books open the door to new cultural experiences while reading a good old fashioned murder mystery.
The set up:
Cork is no longer a sheriff but after years in law enforcement has solid connections. A lot is happening in the O’Connor household. His son, Stephen, and his civil rights attorney fiancé are getting married. In the weeks before the wedding, they spend their days at the building site of an oil pipeline destined to damage Ojibwe land, their water, and general way of life. Daughter Anne and her partner Maria have come home from Guatemala for the wedding. She is withholding a secret.
Cork takes his seven year old grandson, Waaboo, blueberry picking in an abandoned spot and Waaboo hears a girl’s spirit call to him. This is a gift also experienced by Stephen. This is the way into the mystery. One girl’s body is found in that spot. Cork and law enforcement authorities slowly uncover a more widespread problem, that lead to suspicions of human trafficking. Henry Meloux, a tribal elder and recurring character in all the books tries to protect Waaboo, and other members of the O’Connor from danger through wisdom and calm.
This book excels in its quick pace. While many relevant issues are raised, it is at its heart a murder mystery.
Many thanks to Simon & Schuster and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and honestly review this book.
www.jantramontano.com/readerscafe
June 21, 2024
This is an author I’ll always read, and I was thrilled to receive an ARC from NetGalley. I love his storytelling style and especially enjoyed the exploration of Native American culture in this book. He is a master storyteller who always keeps me coming back for more. If you’re a fan of this authors work — this one will not disappoint!
May 29, 2024
This book continues the Cork O’Connor series that takes place in the Boundary Waters of Minnesota. Like the other books in the series it weaves in a lot of the Ojibwe history, culture and beliefs. This one deals primarily with the disappearance of young native american girls and Anne O’Connor. It is an enjoyable and fast paced read. I recommend this book for those who enjoy reading mysteries that include native american culture.
I received a free Kindle copy of this book courtesy of publisher with the understanding that I would post a review on Goodreads, Net Galley, Amazon, Facebook and my nonfiction book review blog.
I received a free Kindle copy of this book courtesy of publisher with the understanding that I would post a review on Goodreads, Net Galley, Amazon, Facebook and my nonfiction book review blog.
June 19, 2024
My thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for an ARC of this novel.
This is the twentieth in Krueger’s Corcoran (Cork) O’Connor mystery series. I have not read all the earlier ones, but enough to feel a certain fondness for the now-retired former Chicago cop and former sheriff of Aurora, Minnesota. Or sort of retired—he still maintains a private investigating business, run out of Doug’s Shack, the fast food hut he inherited and keeps open to provide employment for local Indigenous youth. He also spends the better part of his time as an unofficial but appreciated assistant to the Tribal Police Force and its many and varied related bodies, all of which play a part in the manhunt, or manhunts, at the centre of this episode.
For those new to the series, which involves his community and his sprawling extended family, Cork is part Irish American, part Annishinaabe (Ojibwa), his first wife Jo passed on many years prior, his second wife, Rainy, is a nurse and community activist. He has three adult children, Jenny, Stephen and Annie. Jenny is married to Daniel Young, also Ojibwa and formerly a resource commissioner, seconded to work for the local security force in charge of missing persons. Their son, called Waaboo (Little Rabbit), was adopted after being found ´under a rock.�� Also reprising their roles from previous novels are tribal healer and sage Henry Meloux and his enigmatic, and seemingly untouchable, protector, known only as Prophet.
Krueger’s stories are characteristically an interweaving of police procedural and domestic drama, and this one ups the ante by introducing a number of family-based subplots. One concerns his son Stephen’s forthcoming marriage to lawyer and activist Belle. Daughter Annie has returned after a long stay in Guatemala, with her lover, a Mayan nurse named Maria, and a much more troubling secret. Grandson Waaboo reveals a new and, to his parents, often frightening ability to see visions and communicate with the dead, like the elder, Henry. There is an often dangerous fight going on between activists from across the country and the powerful oil companies and their massively disruptive pipeline project at Spirit Crossing. Add to this the violent, predatory, misogynistic
nature of the heavy-drinking pipeline workers, and the disappearance of young Indigenous women that has plagued the U.S. and Canada for years. And, add again, the bureaucratic nightmare of federal, state, municipal and tribal jurisdictions for social welfare, public health, and law enforcement.
In the midst of all this is Waaboo’s sense, while blueberry picking with his grandfather and father in a secluded patch, that someone is buried there, and that this person is sad; soon he hears another voice, in the proximity of the first. Because the teenaged daughter of an oil tycoon has gone missing, the FBI take over. The fact that several Native girls are also missing does not interest them, and that is how, directed by the little boy, himself gently ‘taught’ by Henry, the case is left to Cork and the Tribal Police to solve.
It is at times quite a challenge to keep the agents, the agencies, the family members, the community members, the different tribes, the missing girls, and the crooks, entirely straight. To his credit, by painting this larger picture, Krueger gives us a glimpse into the very real racist oppression that has traumatized Indigenous communities for generations, and continues to do so. The key mystery, and the smaller ones, are compelling to read about. His sensitive attention to Ojibwe culture and rituals is interesting and informative. I think the Annie subplot could easily have been cut; Maria seems blissfully one-dimensional, and the story doesn’t relate to the disappearances or the pipeline battle. Nonetheless, if a bit rambling, this volume of the series is definitely worth reading, with or without previous exposure.
This is the twentieth in Krueger’s Corcoran (Cork) O’Connor mystery series. I have not read all the earlier ones, but enough to feel a certain fondness for the now-retired former Chicago cop and former sheriff of Aurora, Minnesota. Or sort of retired—he still maintains a private investigating business, run out of Doug’s Shack, the fast food hut he inherited and keeps open to provide employment for local Indigenous youth. He also spends the better part of his time as an unofficial but appreciated assistant to the Tribal Police Force and its many and varied related bodies, all of which play a part in the manhunt, or manhunts, at the centre of this episode.
For those new to the series, which involves his community and his sprawling extended family, Cork is part Irish American, part Annishinaabe (Ojibwa), his first wife Jo passed on many years prior, his second wife, Rainy, is a nurse and community activist. He has three adult children, Jenny, Stephen and Annie. Jenny is married to Daniel Young, also Ojibwa and formerly a resource commissioner, seconded to work for the local security force in charge of missing persons. Their son, called Waaboo (Little Rabbit), was adopted after being found ´under a rock.�� Also reprising their roles from previous novels are tribal healer and sage Henry Meloux and his enigmatic, and seemingly untouchable, protector, known only as Prophet.
Krueger’s stories are characteristically an interweaving of police procedural and domestic drama, and this one ups the ante by introducing a number of family-based subplots. One concerns his son Stephen’s forthcoming marriage to lawyer and activist Belle. Daughter Annie has returned after a long stay in Guatemala, with her lover, a Mayan nurse named Maria, and a much more troubling secret. Grandson Waaboo reveals a new and, to his parents, often frightening ability to see visions and communicate with the dead, like the elder, Henry. There is an often dangerous fight going on between activists from across the country and the powerful oil companies and their massively disruptive pipeline project at Spirit Crossing. Add to this the violent, predatory, misogynistic
nature of the heavy-drinking pipeline workers, and the disappearance of young Indigenous women that has plagued the U.S. and Canada for years. And, add again, the bureaucratic nightmare of federal, state, municipal and tribal jurisdictions for social welfare, public health, and law enforcement.
In the midst of all this is Waaboo’s sense, while blueberry picking with his grandfather and father in a secluded patch, that someone is buried there, and that this person is sad; soon he hears another voice, in the proximity of the first. Because the teenaged daughter of an oil tycoon has gone missing, the FBI take over. The fact that several Native girls are also missing does not interest them, and that is how, directed by the little boy, himself gently ‘taught’ by Henry, the case is left to Cork and the Tribal Police to solve.
It is at times quite a challenge to keep the agents, the agencies, the family members, the community members, the different tribes, the missing girls, and the crooks, entirely straight. To his credit, by painting this larger picture, Krueger gives us a glimpse into the very real racist oppression that has traumatized Indigenous communities for generations, and continues to do so. The key mystery, and the smaller ones, are compelling to read about. His sensitive attention to Ojibwe culture and rituals is interesting and informative. I think the Annie subplot could easily have been cut; Maria seems blissfully one-dimensional, and the story doesn’t relate to the disappearances or the pipeline battle. Nonetheless, if a bit rambling, this volume of the series is definitely worth reading, with or without previous exposure.
July 3, 2024
Spirit Crossing, William Kent Krueger’s 20th book in his popular Cork O’Connor series, is aptly named for many reasons. It’s a sacred place for the Minnesota tribe of the Anishinaabeg, which is being desecrated by the construction of an oil pipeline. In addition, the plot entails the passing of spirits, those of Native and non-Native people. It is a somber book, but because of the presence of the inimitable healer, Henry Meloux, there is an ever-present spirit of another Power at work.
The deaths are tragic. Young Native women who are runaways or who have been lured into prostitution have gone missing. But the only girl whom law enforcement officials seem to care about is the daughter of a well-to-do white politician. This angers Cork’s son-in-law Daniel, who vows to keep searching for the killers and the missing Ojibwe girls. Cork enlists the help of Sheriff Marsha Dross, and the tribal police.
These events put a damper on the O’Connor family's upcoming celebration. Son Stephen is preparing to be wed. His sister Annie has come home after years of working with poor families in Guatemala. Accompanying her is her beloved Maria. Despite not explaining their relationship to the family, everyone seems to recognize their connection. However, something is deeply troubling Annie; it is a worrisome secret, which she is not ready to share. Both women have nursing experience and are ready and willing to help at the protest site, where Stephen and his fiancée, Belle, have been at Spirit Crossing among the protesters.
After another dead body is found, the situation becomes more tense. Cork’s family is threatened, and even his young grandson Waaboo - Little Rabbit - is in danger. It is a test of love of family and commitment to community and professional duty. It is a tense situation for everyone, but communication among all involved in the case eventually gets results. The calming spiritual presence of Henry is a comfort, particularly to Waaboo and to Annie. As we’ve come to expect in this series, Henry helps others see that life and death is a cycle to be accepted and that the spirit can be freed to walk the Path of Souls. While the setting is in the north country of Minnesota and the problems illustrated affect the Native community there, particularly Native females, the themes of love, life, and death are universal.
I found this to be a grim story at times. I appreciate WKK’s attention to the problem of missing indigenous girls and women, and the issues of abuse, chemical dependency, and murder in their communities. I received a copy of Spirit Crossing in exchange for my honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own. Thanks to Net Galley, Atria Books, and as always, the wonderful Kent Krueger.
5 stars
The deaths are tragic. Young Native women who are runaways or who have been lured into prostitution have gone missing. But the only girl whom law enforcement officials seem to care about is the daughter of a well-to-do white politician. This angers Cork’s son-in-law Daniel, who vows to keep searching for the killers and the missing Ojibwe girls. Cork enlists the help of Sheriff Marsha Dross, and the tribal police.
These events put a damper on the O’Connor family's upcoming celebration. Son Stephen is preparing to be wed. His sister Annie has come home after years of working with poor families in Guatemala. Accompanying her is her beloved Maria. Despite not explaining their relationship to the family, everyone seems to recognize their connection. However, something is deeply troubling Annie; it is a worrisome secret, which she is not ready to share. Both women have nursing experience and are ready and willing to help at the protest site, where Stephen and his fiancée, Belle, have been at Spirit Crossing among the protesters.
After another dead body is found, the situation becomes more tense. Cork’s family is threatened, and even his young grandson Waaboo - Little Rabbit - is in danger. It is a test of love of family and commitment to community and professional duty. It is a tense situation for everyone, but communication among all involved in the case eventually gets results. The calming spiritual presence of Henry is a comfort, particularly to Waaboo and to Annie. As we’ve come to expect in this series, Henry helps others see that life and death is a cycle to be accepted and that the spirit can be freed to walk the Path of Souls. While the setting is in the north country of Minnesota and the problems illustrated affect the Native community there, particularly Native females, the themes of love, life, and death are universal.
I found this to be a grim story at times. I appreciate WKK’s attention to the problem of missing indigenous girls and women, and the issues of abuse, chemical dependency, and murder in their communities. I received a copy of Spirit Crossing in exchange for my honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own. Thanks to Net Galley, Atria Books, and as always, the wonderful Kent Krueger.
5 stars
May 24, 2024
This was smug on so many levels which illuminates the older generation of writers whose egos surpass the need to write with alacrity. Another mystery novel that privots from chapter to chapter on Indian pet names and how stalwart and upstanding Cork's family is.
This author offers up a lot of opinions on Reservation life as a liberal* white boy from Orygun. Surprisingly accurate in comparison to my experiences working for Tribes 30 plus years and whose grandmother is 100 percent First Nations. What he conveniently leaves out, is how racist the tribes are - not only for anyone not native but those of a different tribe. The author paints this picture of native stoicism and forebearance under the strain of attacks from arrogant Feds and whitey that view the Tribes as a turgid anachronism. The Feds I worked with were good people across the board and accomodated the Tribes insistence on funding while being held hostage for crimes that they never committed.
This novel may have been better served, delivering reality rather than aggrandizing Native Americans / First Nations people. The Tribes collective malady is in it's inherent construction. A structure that once served as a means of survival, exists in a world that favors individuality. The outcome where an organization like the Tribes, value the collective over the individual results in wide spread self-esteem issues pursuant to an idealized form of entitlement. The author paints a picture that is certainly not steeped in reality. I doubt he ever lived on a reservation for any length of time and has some "friends" that are native to bolster his credibility.
This novel starts off slower than snail porn with page after page of familial bs that tethers you to the story line in hopes that some movement ensues. Why two lesbians were pertinent to the theme is beyond me. Spending so many chapters on a side story that has no relevance to the outcome, is baffling (see above)*. This digs too deep into injustices perpetrated on natives as a primer for social justice. What the author fails to understand is that they don't care for your version of what they need to become whole, as it is another non-native construct. In other words, go feel good about yourself somewhere else.
What is really weird are the three star reviews that gush about this authors work, while mine paints a most gutteral 3-star review. The native americans that go missing is also a big problem for our reservations out west. The author gets kudos for bringing more light to the issue with broader exposure.
3.2/5
This author offers up a lot of opinions on Reservation life as a liberal* white boy from Orygun. Surprisingly accurate in comparison to my experiences working for Tribes 30 plus years and whose grandmother is 100 percent First Nations. What he conveniently leaves out, is how racist the tribes are - not only for anyone not native but those of a different tribe. The author paints this picture of native stoicism and forebearance under the strain of attacks from arrogant Feds and whitey that view the Tribes as a turgid anachronism. The Feds I worked with were good people across the board and accomodated the Tribes insistence on funding while being held hostage for crimes that they never committed.
This novel may have been better served, delivering reality rather than aggrandizing Native Americans / First Nations people. The Tribes collective malady is in it's inherent construction. A structure that once served as a means of survival, exists in a world that favors individuality. The outcome where an organization like the Tribes, value the collective over the individual results in wide spread self-esteem issues pursuant to an idealized form of entitlement. The author paints a picture that is certainly not steeped in reality. I doubt he ever lived on a reservation for any length of time and has some "friends" that are native to bolster his credibility.
This novel starts off slower than snail porn with page after page of familial bs that tethers you to the story line in hopes that some movement ensues. Why two lesbians were pertinent to the theme is beyond me. Spending so many chapters on a side story that has no relevance to the outcome, is baffling (see above)*. This digs too deep into injustices perpetrated on natives as a primer for social justice. What the author fails to understand is that they don't care for your version of what they need to become whole, as it is another non-native construct. In other words, go feel good about yourself somewhere else.
What is really weird are the three star reviews that gush about this authors work, while mine paints a most gutteral 3-star review. The native americans that go missing is also a big problem for our reservations out west. The author gets kudos for bringing more light to the issue with broader exposure.
3.2/5
June 21, 2024
Another home run by William Kent Krueger! We continue the tale of Cork and his family as they deal with crime and social issues. Many reviewers talked about all the characters, but if you have read the series, you have come to know and love each and every one. As is typical in his books, there are a number of threads that must be followed, some are a part of the mystery, others are the stories of the characters that make up the fascinating town of Aurora and the O’Conner family. What I appreciate about Krueger, is the authentic way that he weaves his story around many of the social issues facing the indigenous people of America.
The late Howard Thurman compared pity and compassion when he wrote: “There is already a vast abundance of room for pity … [including] self-pity, that sticky substance that ruins everything it touches…. There is pity in me—pity for others. But there is something in it that cannot be trusted; it is mixed with pride, arrogance, cunning. I see this only when I expose myself to the eyes of God in the quiet time. It is now that I see what my pity really is and the sources from which it springs.
God is making room in my heart for compassion: the awareness that where my life begins is where your life begins; the awareness that … your needs cannot be separated from … my needs; the awareness that the joys of my heart are never mine alone—nor are my sorrows. I struggle against the work of God in my heart; I want to be let alone. I want my boundaries to remain fixed, that I may be at rest. But even now, as I turn to [God] in the quietness, [God’s] work in me is ever the same.
God is at work enlarging the boundaries of my heart.” (Howard Thurman, Meditations of the Heart)
That is what a William Kent Krueger book does, it enlarges our heart, not so that we develop pity, but that the seed of compassion can begin to grow.
I thank the publisher Atria books and NetGalley for providing a copy of this book for an unbiased review.
The late Howard Thurman compared pity and compassion when he wrote: “There is already a vast abundance of room for pity … [including] self-pity, that sticky substance that ruins everything it touches…. There is pity in me—pity for others. But there is something in it that cannot be trusted; it is mixed with pride, arrogance, cunning. I see this only when I expose myself to the eyes of God in the quiet time. It is now that I see what my pity really is and the sources from which it springs.
God is making room in my heart for compassion: the awareness that where my life begins is where your life begins; the awareness that … your needs cannot be separated from … my needs; the awareness that the joys of my heart are never mine alone—nor are my sorrows. I struggle against the work of God in my heart; I want to be let alone. I want my boundaries to remain fixed, that I may be at rest. But even now, as I turn to [God] in the quietness, [God’s] work in me is ever the same.
God is at work enlarging the boundaries of my heart.” (Howard Thurman, Meditations of the Heart)
That is what a William Kent Krueger book does, it enlarges our heart, not so that we develop pity, but that the seed of compassion can begin to grow.
I thank the publisher Atria books and NetGalley for providing a copy of this book for an unbiased review.
June 20, 2024
I've read This Tender Land and The River We Remember by William Kent Krueger, but never any of the Cork O'Connor series. So when Spirit Crossing became available, I had noticed that it was #20 in the series. As an advance reader, I thought I would see whether I would be lost (or not) when starting in with book #20. There were a lot of characters, but I didn't feel lost at any time in the story. I do feel that there are "back stories" that I had missed, but I do feel that Spirit Crossing was very well done and can stand on its own.
Often when I'm reading, I will have several books "in progress" at the same time. Not so with Spirit Crossing. I was fully engaged and wanted to know what was going to happen next.... and finished reading within a couple days.
Young women are disappearing. The disappearance of a white woman gets more attention than the disappearance of native American women. Heartbreaking.
A young boy about 7 is an endearing soul. (Loved him!) and has just realized that he has the ability to sense spirits.
I've been meaning to read more books by William Kent Krueger; reading Spirit Crossing has definitely caught my attention and I plan to start filling in the blanks.
Many thanks to William Kent Krueger for writing this novel to bring the disturbing situation of women who disappear without much communication between agencies. So sad that falling between the cracks is such a real problem; but for the most part it is going unnoticed. Kudos to William Kent Krueger for recognizing this issue and trying to open society's eyes.
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for approving my request to read the advance read copy of Spirit Crossing in exchange for an honest review. Publication date is Aug 20, 2024. Approx 336 pages. Highly recommended.
Often when I'm reading, I will have several books "in progress" at the same time. Not so with Spirit Crossing. I was fully engaged and wanted to know what was going to happen next.... and finished reading within a couple days.
Young women are disappearing. The disappearance of a white woman gets more attention than the disappearance of native American women. Heartbreaking.
A young boy about 7 is an endearing soul. (Loved him!) and has just realized that he has the ability to sense spirits.
I've been meaning to read more books by William Kent Krueger; reading Spirit Crossing has definitely caught my attention and I plan to start filling in the blanks.
Many thanks to William Kent Krueger for writing this novel to bring the disturbing situation of women who disappear without much communication between agencies. So sad that falling between the cracks is such a real problem; but for the most part it is going unnoticed. Kudos to William Kent Krueger for recognizing this issue and trying to open society's eyes.
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for approving my request to read the advance read copy of Spirit Crossing in exchange for an honest review. Publication date is Aug 20, 2024. Approx 336 pages. Highly recommended.
July 4, 2024
Thank you NetGalley for an opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review. I have only read a couple other Cork O’Connor series, this book does stand alone but I’m sure I was missing some backstories from previous books that may have added to the read. I feel lucky to have some pieces to trace backwards as I read more of this series.
The book got off to a slow start for me, but confession: I’m not a big mystery fan but love this author. By 25% in the book had me and I couldn’t put it down.
Cork is a retired lawman who can’t stay away. There were a lot of characters and I can’t say I kept them all straight. The underlying story involved missing girls, one white and one indigenous and led to a nest of human trafficking, a real problem in the world that people don’t know a lot about. Cork’s seven year old grandson has some ability to see dead people, which I thought would be corny but actually worked here, though I would not have let my 7 year old near and investigation, if it seems dangerous is is! But the Cork family are made of tougher stock, the child was helpful in several ways. At the same time Cork’s adult daughter is coming home to celebrate another child’s wedding, but also to share some difficult news.
The relationships Cork has built over time (and 20 books) with his community is almost a character in the book as I feel this is what allows him to uncover the truth, and also protects him from harm. I appreciated the Native American culture and its part in the story.
Side note : There are many indigenous references in the Cork books. Their beliefs surrounding death seem so beautiful and comforting, parallel in many ways to Christian ideas but connected to the earth, which I have come to appreciate so much more deeply as an adult who has experienced loss. I live in WI, these books take place in Northern MN, so there is some ground to explore on this nearby.
The book got off to a slow start for me, but confession: I’m not a big mystery fan but love this author. By 25% in the book had me and I couldn’t put it down.
Cork is a retired lawman who can’t stay away. There were a lot of characters and I can’t say I kept them all straight. The underlying story involved missing girls, one white and one indigenous and led to a nest of human trafficking, a real problem in the world that people don’t know a lot about. Cork’s seven year old grandson has some ability to see dead people, which I thought would be corny but actually worked here, though I would not have let my 7 year old near and investigation, if it seems dangerous is is! But the Cork family are made of tougher stock, the child was helpful in several ways. At the same time Cork’s adult daughter is coming home to celebrate another child’s wedding, but also to share some difficult news.
The relationships Cork has built over time (and 20 books) with his community is almost a character in the book as I feel this is what allows him to uncover the truth, and also protects him from harm. I appreciated the Native American culture and its part in the story.
Side note : There are many indigenous references in the Cork books. Their beliefs surrounding death seem so beautiful and comforting, parallel in many ways to Christian ideas but connected to the earth, which I have come to appreciate so much more deeply as an adult who has experienced loss. I live in WI, these books take place in Northern MN, so there is some ground to explore on this nearby.
July 2, 2024
Spirit Crossing is the 20th book in the Cork O'Connor series. This story starts when Cork, his son-in-law Daniel, and his grandson Waboo go picking for blueberries at their spot and find that it has been picked clean by animals. Cork says he knows of another spot on a past clients property who once paid him in blueberries for finding his niece and nephew. There Waboo finds a grave by one of the bushes and communicates with the lost soul. Police are hopeful that it is the missing body of a local politician's daughter, but Waboo tells his family that the spirit was that of an indigenous person and not a white. While the police move on in trying to locate the politician's daughter, Cork and the Tribal police continue on a path to determine who the body of the indigenous girl is and how she came to be buried in that patch that only a few people know about. As they dig more and more into this mystery, Waboo and Cork's family is put more at risk by the day.
Having never read a book in this series, I found it to be a great read and can see myself going back and reading others in the series as well. There were several characters at play in this book, but I was able to sort them all out and keep track of them all. William Kent Krueger wrote one of my favorite books (This Tender Land) that I always recommend to people. I have others on my TBR, but it is looking like I'm going to have to add this series as well.
Thank you NetGalley and Atria Books for the advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
#NetGalley #SpiritCrossing #AtriaBooks #WilliamKentKrueger
Having never read a book in this series, I found it to be a great read and can see myself going back and reading others in the series as well. There were several characters at play in this book, but I was able to sort them all out and keep track of them all. William Kent Krueger wrote one of my favorite books (This Tender Land) that I always recommend to people. I have others on my TBR, but it is looking like I'm going to have to add this series as well.
Thank you NetGalley and Atria Books for the advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
#NetGalley #SpiritCrossing #AtriaBooks #WilliamKentKrueger
June 20, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria books for the ARC.
The foundation of this story focuses on the different ways media and law enforcement respond to missing white teenagers versus missing Native American teenagers. Content includes sexual exploitation, trafficking, misogyny, and physical abuse.
I have read all of the Cork O’Conner series and William Kent Krueger’s other standalone novels. Most of the other books in the series are told from Cork’s perspective, I always enjoy his inner monologue and how he investigates crime. This book was told from multiple points of view and because of that the tone was disjointed and at times the plot was hard to follow. Characters that play a large role in Cork’s life in most of the previous books felt like background characters. To some extent even Cork felt like a less important character in this book.
One of the other things I love about Krueger‘s writing are the vivid and detailed descriptions of the natural environment in rural Minnesota. His writing gives me the ability to have a clear mental picture of the landscape; this book lacked those descriptions and was much more gritty and “just the facts.” A lot of driving to this place and that and calling people to give updates…
On the whole this was a middling book in the series, one of my least favorite. As a fan of the series it was still worth reading and I will still read the next.
The foundation of this story focuses on the different ways media and law enforcement respond to missing white teenagers versus missing Native American teenagers. Content includes sexual exploitation, trafficking, misogyny, and physical abuse.
I have read all of the Cork O’Conner series and William Kent Krueger’s other standalone novels. Most of the other books in the series are told from Cork’s perspective, I always enjoy his inner monologue and how he investigates crime. This book was told from multiple points of view and because of that the tone was disjointed and at times the plot was hard to follow. Characters that play a large role in Cork’s life in most of the previous books felt like background characters. To some extent even Cork felt like a less important character in this book.
One of the other things I love about Krueger‘s writing are the vivid and detailed descriptions of the natural environment in rural Minnesota. His writing gives me the ability to have a clear mental picture of the landscape; this book lacked those descriptions and was much more gritty and “just the facts.” A lot of driving to this place and that and calling people to give updates…
On the whole this was a middling book in the series, one of my least favorite. As a fan of the series it was still worth reading and I will still read the next.
June 21, 2024
Cork O’Connor’s males (family) have gone blueberry picking only to find that their usual spot has been trampled and no blueberries. Cork tells them he knows another blueberry patch that probably still has blueberries as it is a well hidden spot. At the blueberry patch, Cork O’Connor’s grandson speaks to a ghost of a young Ojibwe woman.. Nobody seems to care, except Cork and the newly formed Iron Lake Ojibwe Tribal Police. As Cork and the tribal officers dig into the circumstances of this death, they find a connection to the missing teenager. At the same time, there is a disappearance of a local politician’s teenaged daughter. It is major news in Minnesota. A manhunt is launched to find her but no one finds her. Cork’s grandson is in danger of being killed. The killer may noy want the grandson to continue on having visions or talking to the dead for fear of being found out.
The author has written an excellent mystery novel with Native Americans. It is a stunning novel that capitivated me. I stayed up all night to read this novel. It makes me seriously think about going back to the first book of this series. I have never read this series. I didn’t have any problem reading it as a stand-alone novel.
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I wasn’t obligated to write a favorable review. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
The author has written an excellent mystery novel with Native Americans. It is a stunning novel that capitivated me. I stayed up all night to read this novel. It makes me seriously think about going back to the first book of this series. I have never read this series. I didn’t have any problem reading it as a stand-alone novel.
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I wasn’t obligated to write a favorable review. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
June 25, 2024
This was a great addition to the Cork O’Connor series. I’ve read several, and lucky for me, there are some I can still read for the first time. It was fun to slip back into the O’Connor family life in Northern Minnesota. There are several things I love about his writing and this book:
1. His ability to weave an interesting story that may seem disparate until the end.
2. The Native American influence that permeates the book.
3. Characters that are incredibly unique.
4. The land takes center stage and is a central character in all of his books.
In Spirit Crossing, the family is reunited for the impending wedding of one of Cork’s sons. His daughter, Annie, comes back from her work in Guatemala with a friend named Maria. (Her arc is so beautiful.) The tension mounts as a young white woman is missing weeks after a young native woman has also disappeared. The reaction from law enforcement is distinctly different, all while a dispute about a pipeline through sacred land has ignited a powder keg on the reservation and beyond.
I can’t say enough how I loved Cork’s grandson, Waaboo (Little Rabbit), who has a gift of sight that he is learning about.
The book is tense and nonstop action about the missing girls and the fight over the pipeline. Krueger is a unique writer who builds passionate, heart-felt stories that you can’t put down.
Thank you, Atria Books and NetGalley, for the advanced readers copy.
July 1, 2024
The Cork O’Connor series continues to work its magic for me. And magic is the exact word, as this book involves spirits and visions. I’m not a big fan of magic realism, but WKK had me totally believing that young Waaboo, Cork’s 7 year old grandson, has the ability to see and talk with spirits.
In this, the 20th book, a young wealthy, white woman, the daughter of a politician, has gone missing. And, as to be expected, it’s causing a huge uproar with both the news and the different police agencies. The fact that a young Ojibwe girl has been missing for six months without any real effort to find her is unfortunately par for the course. Cork and his family are searching for wild blueberries when they stumble across a shallow grave and Waaboo speaks to a troubled spirit. But as soon as it’s determined the corpse isn’t the white woman, no one is interested except the tribal police and the local sheriff. Along with all this, Annie has returned home from Guatemala with her girlfriend. But it’s obvious she’s hiding something else from her family.
There’s also a subplot about a pipeline being built that will cross sacred tribal lands and efforts to stop it.
I just love these characters. These are all people I would love to spend my time with. Henry better live forever!
As always, WKK’s writing is beautiful and evocative. Despite the horrific subject matter, the book left me with a feeling of peace.
This would not work as a standalone. But for those already familiar with the series, it is a great addition.
Make sure to read the Author’s Note, which tells the sad inspiration for this story.
My thanks to Netgalley and Atria Books for an advance copy of this book.
In this, the 20th book, a young wealthy, white woman, the daughter of a politician, has gone missing. And, as to be expected, it’s causing a huge uproar with both the news and the different police agencies. The fact that a young Ojibwe girl has been missing for six months without any real effort to find her is unfortunately par for the course. Cork and his family are searching for wild blueberries when they stumble across a shallow grave and Waaboo speaks to a troubled spirit. But as soon as it’s determined the corpse isn’t the white woman, no one is interested except the tribal police and the local sheriff. Along with all this, Annie has returned home from Guatemala with her girlfriend. But it’s obvious she’s hiding something else from her family.
There’s also a subplot about a pipeline being built that will cross sacred tribal lands and efforts to stop it.
I just love these characters. These are all people I would love to spend my time with. Henry better live forever!
As always, WKK’s writing is beautiful and evocative. Despite the horrific subject matter, the book left me with a feeling of peace.
This would not work as a standalone. But for those already familiar with the series, it is a great addition.
Make sure to read the Author’s Note, which tells the sad inspiration for this story.
My thanks to Netgalley and Atria Books for an advance copy of this book.
July 2, 2024
An engrossing, moving, thought-provoking novel.
Having read and adored nearly all of the author‘s previous books except the Cork O‘Connor series, I already expected a well-written novel, but wasn‘t sure I‘d find my way around the series given this is already book no. 20, according to GoodReads.
Well, I needn��t have worried. William Kent Krueger does a formidable job of expertly introducing even a newbie like me to the extended O‘Connor family, but in a way that I‘m assuming won‘t feel too annoyingly repetitive for longtime readers.
„Spirit Crossing“ begins with the accidental discovery of a buried young Native woman by Cork O‘Connor‘s 7-year old grandson. While the big agencies continue searching for another missing (white) girl, hardly anyone seems to care about this one.
The book, with its many layers, including spirituality, indigenous culture, protection of the environment, and racism, reads more like a literary novel than a mystery/suspense novel, and that‘s a good thing. With strong characters, haunting prose, and a thought-provoking plot (do not skip the author‘s note in the back!), „Spirit Crossing“ may have been my first Cork O‘Connor book, but it definitely won‘t be my last.
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
„Spirit Crossing“ is slated to be released on August 20, 20/4.
Having read and adored nearly all of the author‘s previous books except the Cork O‘Connor series, I already expected a well-written novel, but wasn‘t sure I‘d find my way around the series given this is already book no. 20, according to GoodReads.
Well, I needn��t have worried. William Kent Krueger does a formidable job of expertly introducing even a newbie like me to the extended O‘Connor family, but in a way that I‘m assuming won‘t feel too annoyingly repetitive for longtime readers.
„Spirit Crossing“ begins with the accidental discovery of a buried young Native woman by Cork O‘Connor‘s 7-year old grandson. While the big agencies continue searching for another missing (white) girl, hardly anyone seems to care about this one.
The book, with its many layers, including spirituality, indigenous culture, protection of the environment, and racism, reads more like a literary novel than a mystery/suspense novel, and that‘s a good thing. With strong characters, haunting prose, and a thought-provoking plot (do not skip the author‘s note in the back!), „Spirit Crossing“ may have been my first Cork O‘Connor book, but it definitely won‘t be my last.
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
„Spirit Crossing“ is slated to be released on August 20, 20/4.
June 10, 2024
Every once in a while, Kent Krueger writes a book that tears your heart out. This is one.
My other thought off the top of my head is that it seems that novels bringing missing and murdered Native women to our attention is almost becoming a sub-genre because it is so common. With the jurisdictions of local, state and federal authorities over native lands such a mash up, too much falls through the cracks.
Annie and her girlfriend Maria come back to Aurora from Guatemala for Stephen and Belle's wedding. The whole family is reunited under one roof as they wait for this happy occasion. One of my thoughts was damn, that's a big house with a huge dining room table. Cork, Stephen, Daniel and Waboo head out to go blueberry picking. The 612's got to their spot first and picked the bushes dry. They go to another patch where Waboo has a vision and they find what could be a grave. Is it a local girl that has gone missing? Is it a white girl from a wealthy family who has also gone missing. Interspersed with this mystery is a story of a pipeline being built and people trying to stop construction.
Then there is Annie. I can say no more. Except, I thought that during this part of the story, that Jo would get more than a brief mention.
My other thought off the top of my head is that it seems that novels bringing missing and murdered Native women to our attention is almost becoming a sub-genre because it is so common. With the jurisdictions of local, state and federal authorities over native lands such a mash up, too much falls through the cracks.
Annie and her girlfriend Maria come back to Aurora from Guatemala for Stephen and Belle's wedding. The whole family is reunited under one roof as they wait for this happy occasion. One of my thoughts was damn, that's a big house with a huge dining room table. Cork, Stephen, Daniel and Waboo head out to go blueberry picking. The 612's got to their spot first and picked the bushes dry. They go to another patch where Waboo has a vision and they find what could be a grave. Is it a local girl that has gone missing? Is it a white girl from a wealthy family who has also gone missing. Interspersed with this mystery is a story of a pipeline being built and people trying to stop construction.
Then there is Annie. I can say no more. Except, I thought that during this part of the story, that Jo would get more than a brief mention.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 10, 2024
I was given an opportunity to read this latest in the Cork O'Connor series. # 20! How is this possible? It seems as if it was just yesterday that I was introduced to Cork and his family! Although I would like to say that each book could be read as a stand alone, I really think a new reader to this series would be missing out on something special. Cork's family and his relationship with Henry Meloux is an integral part of this series and the stories that each book tells. You must start at the beginning with Iron Lake! You must!
In this book, the daughter of a local politician has gone missing. There are also a couple of Ojibwe girls gone missing, but that isn't getting the press that the local politician's daughter commands. When Cork takes his grandson out blueberry picking and the grandson stumbles across a shallow grave of a young woman, it is feared that this may be the politician's daughter--but it isn't! It is one of the missing Ojibwe girls. Is there a connection? While Cork along with the newly formed Tribal police investigates, Cork's grandson becomes the focus of the killer.
Awesome read! I was on the edge of my seat until the last page. Loved it!!!
In this book, the daughter of a local politician has gone missing. There are also a couple of Ojibwe girls gone missing, but that isn't getting the press that the local politician's daughter commands. When Cork takes his grandson out blueberry picking and the grandson stumbles across a shallow grave of a young woman, it is feared that this may be the politician's daughter--but it isn't! It is one of the missing Ojibwe girls. Is there a connection? While Cork along with the newly formed Tribal police investigates, Cork's grandson becomes the focus of the killer.
Awesome read! I was on the edge of my seat until the last page. Loved it!!!
July 9, 2024
Spirit Crossing by William Kent Krueger pierced me to my heart. There are many characters and subplots in Krueger’s most recent novel, but he seamlessly interweaves all into a plot that is alternately heart-wrenching and heart-warming—but always relevant and true to the challenges Indigenous peoples face now and into the future.
Cork O’Connor and his family are confronted by life and death issues, both within and outside of their family. A murdered white girl and several missing Native American women and girls loom large in this story. A member of the O'Connor family is confronted with an existential challenge, and layered on top is a pipeline that threatens native water that has supplied nutritional and cultural sustenance to Indigenous peoples for centuries.
The wisdom and internal peace of Henry Meloux ties the subplots together, and Prophet, who was introduced in an earlier novel, is present once again as a force of strength and loyalty. Readers will be drawn into this rich story of loss, love, and gratitude. Many thanks to NetGalley for offering me the opportunity to read this book.
Cork O’Connor and his family are confronted by life and death issues, both within and outside of their family. A murdered white girl and several missing Native American women and girls loom large in this story. A member of the O'Connor family is confronted with an existential challenge, and layered on top is a pipeline that threatens native water that has supplied nutritional and cultural sustenance to Indigenous peoples for centuries.
The wisdom and internal peace of Henry Meloux ties the subplots together, and Prophet, who was introduced in an earlier novel, is present once again as a force of strength and loyalty. Readers will be drawn into this rich story of loss, love, and gratitude. Many thanks to NetGalley for offering me the opportunity to read this book.
June 1, 2024
Alrighty, well, I jumped in at the deep end, so I had a lot of characters to keep track of and that’s what happens when you don’t start at book one. This did slow me down a bit at the beginning, but Krueger does a great job of reminding you who is who throughout the book so it didn’t take long to get a handle on the characters.
I thoroughly enjoyed the Native American culture and learning new things about spirituality, it was fascinating for me and a great example of why reading outside your comfort zone can be a great thing!
The mystery in this book unravels at a reasonable pace and unnecessary details didn’t bog me down. The cultural history weaved throughout is well thought-out, detailed, and is highlighted by wonderful characters. I’m a sucker for a good sage, and Henry Meloux might be one of my favorite sages out there!
Now, I will probably go start at book 1 and work my way through this incredible series.
Thank you to Netgalley and Atria books for for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
I thoroughly enjoyed the Native American culture and learning new things about spirituality, it was fascinating for me and a great example of why reading outside your comfort zone can be a great thing!
The mystery in this book unravels at a reasonable pace and unnecessary details didn’t bog me down. The cultural history weaved throughout is well thought-out, detailed, and is highlighted by wonderful characters. I’m a sucker for a good sage, and Henry Meloux might be one of my favorite sages out there!
Now, I will probably go start at book 1 and work my way through this incredible series.
Thank you to Netgalley and Atria books for for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
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