Copper River

I am not going to comment on an individual book, rather the 17-book series as a whole. I am not up to the 13th novel, and dread reaching the end. Hopefully, Mr. Krueger will continue with Cork O'Connor's story. These books are not whodunits, nor are they shoot-em-uppers; rather, they are filled with awe at the beauty of nature, family and the representation of Native Americans in a respectful, informative way. That said, if you're seeking suspense and action, you will not be disappointed....just pick up IRON LAKE and embark on this fantastic journey!

I've enjoyed the entire Cork O'Connor series. I just completed Copper River and have started Thunder Bay. Easy reading and keeps your attention.

William Kent Krueger is one of my favorite authors and I was not disapointed in this book. It is however, a sequel to Mercy Falls (his previous) so I would recommend you read it first so you are aware of the history. They are both stand alone books though so it is an enjoyable read none the less. Good suspense with a double twist at the end.

Another edge of your seat mystery from Krueger. Since Cork has been the protagonist in a number of books, I feel like I know him and care what happens to him and his family. This was a very suspenseful book. The only thing that was a little graphic for me was the killing of the dogs... But I still loved the book and will ready any that he writes!

In the spirit of full disclosure, I report that Kent is a fellow member of the Minnesota Crime Wave, as well as the critique group I belong to, and we are friends. Having said that, let me assure you that this is a dynamite book. Another in the fine Cork O'Connor series. Those who have read Mercy Falls will naturally want this book since it completes the arc that begins with the previous book. Nevertheless, Copper River is complete within its own covers. But there is considerably more here than resolution to the turmoil conjured up in Mercy Falls. O'Connor, wounded by a professional killer, goes to ground in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan with distant relatives in an uncomfortable situation. Family relationships are always an important part of Krueger's novels. This book also explores some horrific circumstances that effectively demonstrate that our often common view of bucolic small-town life is sometimes at serious odds with reality. O'Connor, fearing for his family, has taken refuge with the widow of a man he once arrested. While he heals he is drawn inexorably into the life of his nephew and the boy's interesting teen aged companions. That life finally leads to the uncovering of crimes first revealed in one of the most moving open scenes I have ever read in a novel in this or any genre. Krueger is a fine writer and he knows how to build suspense while telling a good story. But his real strength is in the characters he develops and their interactions. But don't just take the word of this reviewer. Pick up a copy and read the first page. Just the first page. Not the cover copy, or that on the flaps. Just page one. Then decide.

According to the late Mickey Spillane, "Nobody reads a mystery to get to the middle. They read it to get to the end. If it's a letdown, they won't buy anymore. The first page sells that book. The last page sells your next book." There is no better description of William Kent Krueger's Cork O'Connor series than that. Krueger is one of those writers who "the older he gets, the better he writes." Beginning with the first book, "Iron Lake," I've read every one in the series. Krueger was apprehensive about the ending in the 5th book, "Mercy Falls." I think he described it as "risky." In my opinion the risk paid off, because I couldn't wait to read "Copper River," to pick up where "Mercy Falls" ended. As with the previous five books, once I began reading "Copper River," I couldn't put it down until I had finished. I hate coming to the end of Krueger's books. They're that good.