Red Knife: A Novel (Cork O'Connor Mystery Series)

We have read all of Krueger's books, love everything about them but RED KNIFE seems to stand far above the others in brilliance of story and plot. The multi-faceted ending really does it. We anxiously await his next.

This is a typical William Kent Krueger "Cork" Corcoran novel with plenty of action and suspense. However, it was a little slow-going at the beginning and did not capture my attention as quickly at the beginning as most of his books do. It was a very good read, however.

I must have missed it on the description. I like to buy used books at least in "good" but I prefer "very good". I really don't like used library books. Possibly this was my fault but wish the description was more clear on this. I do look forward to reading this book though/

The Red Boyz exist, supposedly, to foster pride in their Ojibwe heritage. The young men who belong to this secretive group forbid drug use, but private investigator and former Tamarack County sheriff Cork O'Connor - himself part Ojibwe - suspects them of dealing in drugs for use by non-Native Americans, elsewhere in the country. When Kristi Reinhardt dies from a meth overdose, her father, Buck, swears revenge. The little town of Aurora, Minnesota is torn apart by what follows. First Alexander Kingbird, head of the Red Boyz, is executed in the yard of his home along with his wife. Then Lonnie Thunder, the man Buck Reinhardt believes reponsible for Kristi's death, turns up missing - which complicates the search for the killers of the Kingbirds, since Alex is rumored to have been protecting Lonnie (a supposed Red Boyz member). Cork O'Connor finds himself drawn into the murder investigation, and his mixed heritage makes that experience especially difficult as he struggles to balance his conflicting loyalties. Where does his allegience to the law end, and his commitment to his grandmother's people take over?

This taut mystery/suspense novel builds toward an ending that's surprising, but more than sufficiently foreshadowed. Cork's conflict is well written, and the characters introduced for this story only are fleshed out deftly in response to the story's development. Still, for me there is a bit too much plot vs. characterization. Other readers will no doubt feel differently.

--Reviewed by Nina M. Osier, author of 2005 science fiction EPPIE winner "Regs"

First Sentence: It was not yet dawn and already he could smell death.

A young woman has died from her Meth addiction and her father vows revenge. He blames the Red Boyz, a group of young Ojibwe men, and their leader. When the leader and his wife are found brutally murdered, there is fear of a war breaking out between the whites and the reds.

Cork O'Conner, former sheriff and part Ojibwe, is asked to help find the killer and keep things calm between the two factions.

Krueger once again displays his writing talent. His characters come to life, added by his dialogue. They are real people with real relationships, good and bad. There is poignancy to them and you see their growth, not only through the series but in this particular book. Krueger's sense of place takes you to the location. He invites you to share in the sights, sounds and smells.

My one small complaint is that the introduction to the characters in a confrontational scene seemed very abrupt. It felt as though Kruger needed to get past that point in order to get to the final scenes in the book. It wasn't terrible but left me with a feel of "where did they come from?". But that could just be me.

From reading this, I suspect it is the last in the Cork O'Connor series. I appreciated Krueger tying up the ends with the family through and after the final climatic scene. While I understand an author wanting to move on, I shall miss Cork, his family and friends. [Note: It appears there will be more books in this series.]

Cork O'Connor, in this latest chapter in the series, is torn between his Indian and White heritages amidst violence in the rural Minnesota landscape. What sets it off is the death of a drugged young girl, pitting various elements against each other with Cork in the middle.

At the heart of the problem are some young Indians known as the Red Boyz. When their leader and his wife are found murdered, Cork understands that a powder keg of racially inspired conflict is at hand. Cork, the ex-sheriff, is drawn into the investigation, placing him in jeopardy as well. The novel is said to be based on a real story, and portrays the racial conflicts and drug violence of the present day.

As usual, the author shows his deep knowledge of the North Country landscape and Indian history and culture. Written simply but forcefully, the novel continues to enthrall the reader as have the past entries in the series. Recommended.

This was my first William Kent Kreuger novel, but it won't be my last. He is long on all the things which make a very compelling story...depth of characters, rich backstories, descriptive environments and culture. The principal, Cork O'Connor, is a retired police sheriff still being drawn into lending his experience in police matters. And in this circumstance, where there is a potential backlash against the Ojibwe by the surrounding townspeople, his mixed blood heritage is critical to solving the death of a teen girl from an overdose and defusing the situation. His understanding of the customs and traditions of 'The People', his friendships and familiarity with people and areas on the reservation make an intriguing aspect of this story.
Mr. Kreuger is a master of turning plotlines upon themselves and weaving an intricate story which keeps the reader involved at every turn.
The ending was satisfying with Cork participating in a daring confrontation which preserves The People's sanctity over their own land.
This is an excellent read and I look forward to spending more time with Cork, his family and The People in Minnesota.

My first requirement in fiction is that it contain at least one and preferably two or more characters that I can relate to and perhaps admire. William Kent Krueger has always delivered that with the Cork O'Connor series. Cork, his family and some friends are admirable characters.

If the book has no one I like or admire, I have no interest in their activities.

The thing I've enjoyed least in the series to date is how harshly Krueger uses Cork, Jo and other key characters are literally run through the ringer in every book. Perhaps this is normal for the genre, but I believe Krueger pushes it to the limit.

I was somewhat OK with the plot of Red Knife until the very end. Given the amount of suffering that Krueger incorporated in the primary plot, I thought the unrelated blood bath and suffering at the end went far beyond overkill. Pun intended.

All I can figure is that Krueger is either a gun control proponent trying to make some kind of point, or a very unhappy person.

I have created a happy ending for Red Knife where Annie plays softball at UW Madison and Cork goes back to happily flipping burgers at Sam's Place. As for me, that will be the final ending of the series.

Lighten up William!

While there is not always harmony in rural Minnesota especially in Tamarack County between the Anglos and the Native Americans who reside on the Ojibwe Reservation, there is respect. Now there is a war coming ever since Alexander Kingbird formed the gang the Red Boyz, who affirm that Anglo law does not apply to them; rumors fly they are part of the illegal drug pipeline. Kristi Reinhardt died from a dose of Meth given to her by the Red Boyz whose name is Thunder. Buck Reinhardt want the leader of the Red Boyz gang dead as Kingbird defies the law hiding Thunder on the Rez.

Alexander asks part Ojibwe former sheriff and current private detective Cork O'Connor to arrange a meeting with Buck so that the Red Boyz leader can assure the grieving angry man that justice will be done. He fears that if he takes matters into his own hands, a heated race war will ignite. However, before that can occur Alexander and his wife Rayette are executed; almost immediately afterward Buck is killed in a drive by shooting. Tensions have boiled over between the two groups with Cork believing only the hidden Thunder is able to ease the rising conflict before an open war explodes.

The Cork O'Connor mysteries are consistently some of the best regional whodunits. Cork has switched from law enforcement to private detective work, but though at times he misses his former job not in this case; he is thankful that he is no longer a sheriff as he has to go outside the law to insure justice occurs and a deadly war prevented. The story line is told from various viewpoints so the reader obtains a deep understanding of the Ojibwe need for the youth to know and cherish their heritage while many of the Anglo sees that as ironically an internal form of immigration. William Kent Kreuger is at his best with this strong thriller as his hero struggles to stop a lethal range war that will only harm everyone.

Harriet Klausner

It seemed a change from Kruger's usual stories and the final chapters seemed to me as an add-on, not earlier presented nor as a part of the rest of the tale so that it could have been omitted without an loss. The rest of the mystery had the usual twists and character development that brings me back to his books.

Note: All my recent "reading" is done via audio book.

I spent a lot of summers up in the area of Minnesota where Krueger's books takes place. He's pegged the people characteristics of the area so well its amazing. I'd be laughing well listening....cause I knew that guy....no, that wasn't his name....but I was sure it was him just the same.

Pros: A good basic story line. It keeps you interested from beginning to end, and you can't easily see where its going.

Cons: The last part didn't have to happen. I thought the ending got too "Soap Opera"-ish. Had he stopped it short of the last "episode" I think it would have been 4 stars. I'm not sure what point Krueger was trying to make at the end. He also locked himself into some futures for his characters. Not a good idea I think.

Whew! I didn't think Kreuger could recover the unique magic of the Cork O'Connor series after "Mercy Falls" - by far, the worst of the series.

"Red Knife" is excellent! In my opinion, it is the best in the series. Krueger delves into the turmoil and secrets of the people of Aurora, MN as O'Connor tries to return the close little community back to some normalcy. Krueger presents conflict, on many levels, and resolves them with twists and turns that make it difficult to put the book down. Even better, Krueger (like many of his peers: Robert B. Parker, Steve Hamilton, and Michael Koryta to name a few of my favorites) returns to the character development of familiar and new characters and helps the readers to feel as if they know each one personally. The themes of family, honor, pride, and love are found throughout. It's a great read. "Red Knife" leaves me anxiously waiting for a continuation of the series.

We ordered these books on September 11th and received 4 of the 12 ordered today - it was like Christmas! I want to thank the store and your team of sellers for the prompt service and quality of books received. Please keep up the good work. We are very appreciative on our end! Again, thanks!

Another great book from Kent Kruger. The Cork O'Conner decetive series is always like a continuation of the last one you have read, but with a new chapter. I highly recomend all of Kent Kruger's books.