I've jumped into this series after reading the author's prequel, Lightning Strike. I found I had no problem picking up the details of these characters' lives but I'm sure the story would be richer for having read the series from start to finish.

This book centers around the Ojibwe healer, Henry Meloux, who at 105 is still going strong in the northwoods of Minnesota. A city woman named Dolores Morriseau comes to him for advice--she is trying to find peace in her life and is worried about her marriage. But unfortunately she brings trouble to Henry as she is pursued by four ruthless strangers. Henry leads Dolores and his great-niece Rainy, Cork's wife, into the Boundary Waters territory to escape these men but one of them is a very good tracker. Meanwhile Cork and Dolores's brother are also in pursuit and to make matters worse, an early spring snowstorm is threatening. A very dramatic and tense story with a wild natural setting and rich characterizations. I still do want to read this entire series some day!

I received an arc from the author and publisher via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.

Another good book in this continuing series. The characters continue to evolve through the years of the series. The plot is interesting and unexpected twists.

Although my favorite William Kent Krueger books remain Ordinary Grace and This Tender Land, the Cork O’Connor mystery series continues to grow on me. Fox Creek, Cork O’Connor # 19, will please all fans of this Minnesota-based series and win new fans. It may not be best to begin a series with the book 19, but readers new to Krueger’s books will have no problem starting here.

A stranger identifying himself as Lou Morriseau approaches Cork O’Connor, asking the private investigator to find his missing wife Delores. According to Morriseau, she has become “fascinated with Indian stuff lately” and is believed to be having an affair with an Indian named Henry Meloux. Although Cork doesn’t tell Lou Morriseau, he immediately knows something is wrong with this story. Cork has known Henry Meloux many years, and Henry has passed his hundredth birthday.

Going straight to Henry, Cork finds him in the company not only of Delores, but also Cork’s wife Rainy, who had just finished leading Delores in a traditional sweat. Delores has come to Henry for spiritual guidance aimed at rebuilding her marriage to Lou Morriseau. This sounds like a an easy case, one quickly resolved.

There is one big catch. The Lou Morriseau Cork shows Delores on his phone—the one trying to find her—is not her husband, but a stranger.

When a group of men descend on Henry’s cabin, Henry, Delores, and Rainy go missing. Realizing they might have been kidnapped, Cork sees clues indicating Henry might have taken the women into the woods to escape their pursuers.

From this point, the narrative begins shifting between Cork, Rainy, the Wolf (a tracker called LeLoup hired to hunt down Delores), and Cork’s son Stephen. As LaLoup and others track Delores, Henry and the women attempt to evade capture or death, Cork searches desperately for both groups, and Stephen plays his own roles elsewhere, the suspense builds. No one knows what the others are doing. Readers know, but do not understand the reason behind the strangers' pursuit of Delores.

If readers begin to sense the story is winding down too early, they have a surprise in store for them, for the chase is only part of the story. Why is a stranger posing as Delores’ husband, and who is that stranger? Why has he or someone else determined to spend a great deal of money in a high-tech pursuit? Where is Delores’ real husband Lou, and what role does he play the larger story?

William Kent Krueger keeps readers guessing, but he does much more. He gives his readers a strong sense of the Minnesota landscape, educates them about Native American traditions and mindset, and demonstrates how cultural clashes of the past may have evolved but have not vanished in the 21st century.

Thanks to NetGalley and Atria/Simon and Schuster for an advance reader copy of this highly recommended novel.

Cork O'Connor has been approached by a man to find his missing wife Dolores Morriseau - he claims she is involved with a man named Henry Meloux. Cork knows the ancient Objibwe healer and knows that isn't true and heads to Henry's cabin to see if he is helping the woman and why her husband is looking for her. When Doris appears with Cork's wife Rainy from a recent sweat, she states that the man in the picture Cork shows her is not her husband, nor does she know where her husband.
Cork heads back home to identify who the man actually is and why he is looking for Doris. Before Cork can get back to Henry's, Henry senses that men are coming to hunt for Doris, so he, Rainy and Doris head into Boundary Waters to escape the men and get to a safe place.
When Cork is unable to locate the man who hired him, he returns to Henry's cabin, only to find it empty and evidence that people are looking for the trio. Cork along with his son-in-law follow the trail hoping to catch up with the hunters before they can harm the trio.
At the same time, Cork's son Stephen investigates the husband, hoping to discover his location and discover what the hunters are really after. A race against time.
#NetGalley #Atria Books

he ancient Ojibwe healer Henry Meloux has had a vision of his death. As he walks the Northwoods in solitude, he tries to prepare himself peacefully for the end of his long life. But peace is destined to elude him as hunters fill the woods seeking a woman named Dolores Morriseau, a stranger who had come to the healer for shelter and the gift of his wisdom. Meloux guides this stranger and his great niece, Cork O’Connor’s wife, to safety deep into the Boundary Waters, his home for more than a century. On the last journey he may ever take into this beloved land, Meloux must do his best to outwit the deadly mercenaries who follow. Meanwhile, in Aurora, Cork works feverishly to identify the hunters and the reason for their relentless pursuit, but he has little to go on. Desperate, Cork begins tracking the killers but his own skills as a hunter are severely tested by nightfall and a late season snowstorm. He knows only too well that with each passing hour time is running out. But his fiercest enemy in this deadly game may well be his own deep self-doubt about his ability to save those he loves.

I try to read everything this author writes. I first read his two stand alone books, and then started the Cork O'Connor series. The series is best read in order as he builds the action and characters from one book to the next, but I could not turn down the opportunity to read his latest book even though I have about 10 to read before it, because I like his writing so much. I found out in the author's notes that he actually based this book on a real event. I highly recommend reading his books in order, as I now need to go back and fill in some gaps presented in this book, but I did enjoy this book very much and inspires me to go back and read the ones that I have not read. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for granting my request to read this book.

Fast paced, nailbiter!! I tore through the pages of FOX CREEK. This is Krueger's most thrilling read!!

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. Cork is flipping burgers at this restaurant when he is approached by a man requesting his help to find his wife. When Cork finds her at a prominent medicine man's hut, she informs him that it was not her husband at all and now her life is in danger. I am new to the Cork O'Conner series but I am fully invested! Each book can be read on its own or in order. #FoxCreek #WilliamKentKruger #Aug2022

I have received this ARC at no cost from Netgalley.com and am providing an unbiased review.

This is book nineteen in the Cork O'Connor series, and I am surprised (yet very happy) it has made it out. A couple of years ago I became a fan of this series and each time I hear there is a new book in the series coming out, I get excited.

Where to start? Hmmm. I have always liked how Krueger has built up this Native American community that Cork lives in, and the amount of nature surrounding it. The character Henry Meloux, being a 'medicene man' is a great secondary character, and helps lead the reader into a prediction to the direction of how some of the story will go. With Cork's retirement from law enforcement (a few books ago) it is nice to get away from some the legalese and procedures that would normally have to be followed, allowing the author to freely dictate how Cork will act/react to things in a more natural manner. An interesting point I have noticed in the past few books, is that they are about our environment, pointing out ways companies (and governments) are (or could be) destroying it.

Not sure what else I am able to say about this story, except I enjoyed it. It's always nice to return to a favored character when reading, and this is just another example of such. Not sure if there is more story to write in regards to Cork, but if there is a way, I know I would enjoy to read yet another book.

Fox Creek (Cork O'Connor #18)
by William Kent Krueger

A young woman, Delores, asks Ojibwe healer Henry Meloux and his niece, Rainy, to help her understand the problems she is having with her husband. He is missing and if he is finished with her she wants to learn to accept it but if he needs help of some kind, she wants to help him. Then Cork arrives at the cabins to tell his wife Rainy and Meloux that the wife's husband is looking for her. But no, it's not her husband, it's one of a group of mercenaries, trying to find the husband through his wife.

Meloux is past 100 years old now. But he's been walking in the wilderness daily, sometimes not coming back to the cabin for days. Old as Meloux is, he is also more than prepared to lead Rainy and Delores into the wilderness to escape the men who are following them. Such an old man shouldn't be able to outwalk these mercenaries, especially since they have a skilled tracker with them. But Meloux doesn't use his body to elude the men, he uses all the knowledge he's gained over the last century. And he has Rainy with him, a former nurse and a woman who has learned so much from Henry.

The Boundary Waters have played such a huge part in this series and Cork knows the Boundary Waters, too. His father, his mentor Sam, and Meloux have all shared it with him over the years. Now, he and the missing man's brother are tracking the men who are tracking his wife, Delores, and Meloux, not knowing why these men want Delores and her husband. There is so much more to the story and it takes us to several locations, introducing us to some new characters who I hope will be a part of the series, in the future.

Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for this ARC.

Cork O’Connor is back with a stellar new book from William Kent Krueger. Cork is approached by a man claiming his wife has disappeared and is having an affair with Henry Meloux, the old Ojibwa healer. Cork heads out to investigate only to realize after the fact all is not as it seems. Henry, Cork’s wife, and the missing wife are on the run in the wilderness trying to stay clear of the mercenaries chasing them. It’s up to Cork to save them before it is too late.

Mr. Krueger broke this book into four narratives with Cork, Rainey (Cork’s Wife), Stephen (Cork’s Son), and one of the mercenaries. I thought this was a great choice and really added to the book. The switch from view point was seamless and well timed. It added to the suspense and at times allowed you see the events in the story from another viewpoint. As you read the book Mr. Krueger does a great job making you feel like you are in the middle of the action.

This book is one of the best I have read this year. I finished it in just over a day. I didn’t want to put it down. This is a must read. The characters, storyline, and setting are all top notch. Thank you to @Netgalley @WmKentKrueger and @AtriaMysteryBus for a free advance copy for an honest review.

Huge thanks to Atria Books and NetGalley for the ARC! I read this book slowly because now that I’ve finished I am again waiting for the next book!

As usual with this series a suspenseful and meaningful story is told. Great care and respect is given to the Native peoples represented in this story and also the underlying political and environmental issues that are at play in the hoarding of resources that this story delves into.

I always appreciate the beautiful description of the natural landscape that the author weaves into his stories. Nature is another character that is always present in each of his books.

I also enjoyed the representation of strong capable women in this story. Rainy!

I also hope that one of the new characters appears in the next book. No names so, no spoilers.

In Krueger’s nineteenth Cork O’Connor novel, Fox Creek, the revered (and extremely elderly) Henry Meloux has vanished, most unfortunately, with Cork’s wife, Rainy. Many of Krueger’s novels are chase novels centered in the Minnesota wilderness, and this novel is one of those, as Henry, Rainy and another woman are tracked by an expert known as LaLoup, and followed in turn by Cork and a native cop, the brother in law of the other missing woman. The narratives alternate between Cork, Rainy, and LeLoup, but the overriding theme of this novel might be (as in several other Cork O’Connor novels): do not underestimate Henry Meloux, even if he is, as in this novel, almost 100 years old.

Krueger’s gifts, along with a skill at delineating character, include a narrative drive that does not let up. Beautifully written these books may be, but they are also non stop stories, hard to put down. As the book progresses, the reader is drawn into the thought processes of Henry and LaLoup, and to a lesser extent, Cork and Rainy. The way all of the characters think and react determine the story. This story truly belongs to Henry which is a delight, because Henry brings clarity of thought and reaction to everything he does. He makes things seems simple, and of course the simplest actions and reactions are often the most difficult.

I loved being back in the company of these characters and taking a trip through the Minnesota wilderness, danger filled though it might be. As in every Krueger novel, there’s also a thoughtful social commentary integrated into the plot. Not sure how he manages that in an action novel, but he does. Thank heavens for the series detective.

This is the newest addition to the Cork O'Connor series written by William Kent Krueger. In this story, Cork, his wife and son are on the hunt for Dolores Morriseau. Dolores came to wise man and healer, Henry Meloux, for help. Turns out there are men searching for her so Henry leads Dolores and his niece, Rainy, to safety deep in the backwoods and waters. The story is as much about Henry as Cork or any of the other characters. It's a story of redemption and change. It's also a story of Cork's doubt and deep love for his family, which now includes his grandson. Will Cork catch the merceneries and find Dolores before it's too late? WKK knows how to write a story and he writes it with beauty and grace. This is another book I read slowly. I didn't want it to end. His writing is deep and lavish, but still carries a good pace and keeps the intrigue going until the end. He knows how to show that even the best of us struggle with self-doubt and uncertainty...and even the worst are capable of redemption. My thanks to Net Galley and Simon & Schuster for the ARC of this novel which will be published August 23, 2022.

This is my third read of Williams and although I did really like this book nothing tops This tender land and Ordinary grace will always be two of my all time favorite reads. My downfall was I have not read any of the books prior to this number 18 in this series but it still didn’t put me off I do think it took me a little longer to fully grasp everything because I didn’t know the story line to previous books it was still really well written and a wonderful story line. I do feel like though you can read this as a stand alone and still enjoy it. I feel like William spins a magnificent tale as only he can tell no one writes and tells a story as he does. This book is one I will definitely be thankful I read and recommend!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Fox Creek by William Kent Krueger
Cork O’Connor and the fam are back! When a woman seeks out Henry Meloux for help to heal her marriage things go topsy-turvy fast. Rainy is there leading a sweat for the woman when men who are after her are headed to Crow Point. But Henry Meloux whose over 100 now always knows when trouble is coming and leads the women in to the woods to keep them safe. There were some real nailbiter moments in this one! This is book 19 of the Cork O’Connor series. As always there a lovely mix of mystery, politics, suspense and Native American affairs. This book comes out August 23, 2022. Thanks to Atria books and NetGalley for the arc. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A masterful thriller that is beautifully written. A great page turner that's fast paced and action packed. Great tension, interesting elements related to Indian Affairs and politics without being heavy handed. This novel is as thought provoking as it is entertaining

Fox Creek is the latest book in Krueger’s Cork O’Connor series set in Aurora, MN, at the edge of the Boundary Waters. In this outing, a man calling himself Lou Morriseau comes to town wanting Cork to find his missing wife. In the meantime, Delores Morriseau has traveled to the camp of the ancient Ojibwe healer Henry Meloux to seek his guidance. Cork goes to Henry’s camp and finds Delores with Henry and Cork’s wife Rainy, who is also Henry’s great niece. When Cork returns to town, the man calling himself Lou Morriseau has disappeared and Cork soon realizes he has put Henry, Rainy and Delores in danger because it is not Morriseau who is looking for his wife, but a crew of professional killers. This thriller is a fast-paced and deadly game of cat and mouse with Cork hunting the crew that is hunting Henry, Rainy and Delores. As with many of Krueger’s stories a main theme is a current day issue important to all of us, infused with Ojibwe knowledge.

The Cork O’Conner series does a great job of blending mystery, politics, Indian affairs and action packed suspense. This time, a woman has come to Henry Meloux seeking healing. While there, men come looking for her, but Henry is able to steer both her and Cork’s wife, Rainy, away into the woods. Thus begins a fast paced race of the men tracking them while Cork tracks the men. Told from three POVs, including one of the trackers, the book moves at a furious pace while never sacrificing the Indian mysticism and philosophy the series is known for. There’s a new character that I can only hope re-appears in future books.
In an interesting twist, given recent developments with climate change, WKK uses real life events from the early and mid-20th century as the basis of this mystery.
I have read many of the books in this series (not always in order). I don’t think it’s necessary to have read all of them to appreciate this book, but having some prior experience with the series would help. I will say, every time I do read one of the books it makes me want to catch up with those I’ve missed. In the past, I’ve recommended this series to fans of Louise Penny and I believe that is still a fair comparison.
My thanks to Netgalley and Atria Books for an advance copy of this book.

I find I have come very late into this established series with Cork O'Connor as the main character. I have missed out on 17 books, but this riveting story can be a stand-alone with subtle explanations as to who the series long characters are.
Ojibwe healer, Henry Meloux has journeyed this world for over a century. He finds himself leading his great niece, Rainy (Cork's wife) and Dolores Morriseau, to safety from vicious hunters, mercenaries. It is a puzzle as to who is after Dolores and why. It's probable that is has something to do with her missing husband. In the meantime, Cork is investigating into the disappearance and then into the men who are after Henry and his companions.
I appreciate that the author allows the characters and the environment to tell and be the story. I love the strength, wisdom and ability of Henry who listens to nature and the Creator. A wolf is on the hunt, perhaps he is a match for Henry, and Cork, too.
I enjoyed the action, tension and ultimate plot of the story. Getting to know the characters in the book I definitely want to read more in the series. I want to thank Atria Books and NetGalley for my advanced reader's copy. This is my own unsolicited opinion.

Thank you NetGalley and Atria for this E-ARC!

It all begins when Dolores visits Henry Meloux, an elderly healer/medicine man and is quickly whisked into the woods. Just before a man approaches PI Cork O’Connor, stating he’s Dolores’s husband Lou, and would he be able to help find her. Cork pays a visit to Henry, and discovers that the man who said he was Lou isn’t.

Henry along with his niece Rainy have taken Dolores into the woods for her safety. Henry could sense danger approaching and knew it was directed at Dolores. Sure enough, they’re being tracked. They spend days in the woods, all in an attempt to stay hidden but confuse the men tracking them.

Meanwhile, the real whereabouts of Lou are unknown. The entire community + friends end up getting involved. Cork follows the men and his family into the woods, while his son visits Lou’s family where he ends up teaming up with Belle, Lou’s sister.

It becomes a long journey hiding, tracking and becoming near impossible to determine why or what information Dolores may have that’s important to these men. They need to find Lou or catch up to the men tracking Dolores, Rainy and Henry… whatever comes first.

This book is considered a mystery/thriller but it’s much more than that. It’s culturally rich, historically significant and full of self discovery.

Fox Creek is unlike any other mystery/thriller I have read. It has taken on a historically significant event that’s both political and impactful to the Indigenous communities, and has shed light on said event.

The power of storytelling and listening to the creator is so strong in this book and is a vital role in the conclusion.

Another great book by William Kent Krueger!