"Like the beads of that bracelet, all things are connected. The past, the present, the future. One long, beautiful work from the hand of Kitchimanidoo. You, me, those who have gone before us, and those who come after, we are all connected in that creation. No one is ever truly lost to us."
-Henry Meloux, from the novel
Number 10 and counting down in the Cork O'Connor series by this author! I'm definitely a fan. Pretty much inhaled this one---it was quite a page turner. A five rating, for sure.
I have become very fond of Cork O'Connor but my second favorite character is Henry Meloux, member of the Grand Medicine Society, one of the Midewiwin, one we might call a medicine man, of the Ojibwe nation. At 90+ years, he is very wise and so quotable (see above).
In this installment, the Department of Energy is considering the storage of nuclear waste in the Ladyslipper Mine, a large iron ore excavation. This causes quite an uproar in the community---the Iron Lake Reservation natives and other residents of Tamarack County, Minnesota. Cork is hired as a security consultant.
Cork soon discovers a secret area of the mine containing 6 murder victims, five dating back to 1964 while his father was sheriff and investigating a mystery called "The Vanishings." The 6th body has been added quite recently. Immediately, Cork becomes involved in the investigation. When a life-long friend confesses to one of the murders and the gunshot wounds of two victims match Cork's own handgun passed down from his father, the mission becomes very personal and more desperate.
O'Connor has been having frequent nightmares about the death of his father. During the murder investigation, mysteries are revealed about his father, and it will take Meloux to help him recover long-buried memories.
Krueger is very adept at both character and plot development, but his writing style sets him apart from many mystery writers. I found this review from another author which expresses my opinion, as well:
"There's a reason why William Kent Krueger is known as a writer's writer. His stories are works of art, literary wonders that beautifully capture a sense of place while they deliver a powerful emotional punch." --Tess Gerritsen
I look forward to #11, Northwest Angle.
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