Book Review: ‘Lightning Strike: A Cork O’Connor Mystery’ By William Kent Krueger

This is book number 18 of the Cork O’Connor series and my first time reading one. I loved it! Not sure where I have been for the previous 17 but I am all in for future novels with the character. Cork is well-written and this novel is a prequel in the series, as we learn about Cork’s live as a young teen and the tragedy that happened to him. Cork is now the sheriff of Aurora, a small town on the shore’s of Minnesota. It also covers the Indian Reservation. A spell-binding story and if you’re like me and haven’t read the previous novels don’t worry, it’s easy to follow along. We flashback to when Cork was 12 years old and his Dad Liam was the Sheriff. Cork and his friend Jorge come across the dead body of Big John, who was hanged and it sets off a flurry of trouble. Did John kill himself? It seems like he did as there are numerous bottles of booze found at his house, even though he’s been sober for a long time. Liam is ready to say it was suicide but Cork isn’t so sure and soon he and his friends are following the crumbs of the case. Things are not adding up. And Cork thinks he’s seeing the spirit of Big John and that he is not at rest. Soon Cork is sharing what he learns with Liam and he takes another look at the case after getting blood work and things may not be what they seem and soon Cork and his friends find their lives in danger.

You can pick up Lightning Strikes in stores on Tuesday, August 24th from Atria.