I’ve finally finished “Apostle’s Cove” by William Kent Krueger, and it was a good read, although I likely would have enjoyed it more if I were more familiar with the multitude of characters.

I inadvertently picked this one up not realizing it was part of a series—it’s the 21st book in the Cork O’Connor series about a sheriff in a small town adjacent to an Indian reservation. It was written very well as I’ve enjoyed this author before, however I likely would have enjoyed it more if I’d read the previous books.

If you’ve never read this author before, he’s an excellent writer of historical fiction and I highly recommend “Ordinary Grace” by him.

This book earned 3.5 stars from me. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced reader copy. This book published last week, so pick up a copy.

Apostle’s Cove is the twenty-first book in the Cork O’Connor series, but it can be read as a standalone.

Cork O’Connor arrested Axel Boshey, an Ojibwe man, for murder twenty years ago. But his son, Stephen, a lawyer, told him he believed Axel was innocent. And they began to reinvestigate the case.

I liked that the author showed the past and gave a lot of details about what was going on at the time. And then it was brought back to present time.

There was also quite a lot of Native American representation, which was nice to see.

While this was interesting, and I wanted to know what truly happened, I found the story a bit slow. And it honestly didn’t keep my attention the whole time.

William Kent Krueger is an amazing author that has writing the thriller down to an art. His writing is more than superficial. I was o the edge of my seat the entire time. The book was a nail biter that I could not put down. If you love thrillers that are atmospheric this is the one for you.

Thank you NetGalley & Atria Books for allowing me to read this ARC!

This is my second Cork O'Connor book. I understand that there are quite a few. Understandably. His character is appealing and the setting is magnificent. This one has to do with a murder from a past time, and a man unjustly accused. He doesn't really want to leave prison now, so is opposed to the opening up of the case. He is a different man than the one who was convicted years before and finds comfort and safety in his role at the prison. None the less the truth, while elusive, is out there and it is up to Cork to right the wrong that he was part of years ago. Great read! Thanks to #NetGalley#Apostle's Cove#WilliamKentKrueger for the opportunity to read and review this book.

In my humble opinion, a reader should read at least one of William Kent Krueger’s book in their lifetime and this would be a definite selection. The reverence for life, amidst some vivid descriptions of crime, is reflected in the gentle nature of an Indian and nature itself. This particular story begins after the retirement of Sheriff Cork O’Connor shortly before Halloween when Cork receives a phone call from his son, Stephen, telling Cork that an early case involving an Ojibwe man, Alex, was sentenced to life for a crime Stephen is convinced he didn’t commit. Thus begins the tale of a man who is not convinced he would want to be out of prison, The family connection to each other is so strong in Krueger’s book. Thanks to the author, NetGalley, and Atria Publishing Group for an ARC of this book; this is my honest review.

I will start out by saying William Kent Krueger is one of the most gifted writers and storytellers I’ve read. His newest novel, Apostle’s Cove, #20 in the popular Cork O’Connor series, is an engrossing tale of jealousy, murder, excess, mental health issues, family, community, and of course, Native American traditions and spiritualism, and is set in the north woods of Minnesota.

The story begins when Cork’s son gets a call from his law student son, Stephen, who works for a nonprofit group that specializes in cases involving wrongly convicted prisoners, Stephen asks his dad about a case from 25 years ago, when he was sheriff of Tamarack County. Cork led the investigation when a young woman, Chastity Boshey, was found brutally murdered in her cabin, and her mother, Aphrodite McGill, was found sitting beside her, covered in blood and holding a knife. Cork's son believes the wrong person was sent to prison, and he wants his dad to re-open the case.

I really liked that the first half of the novel is set in the past, when the crime occurred and follows the ensuing investigation, and the second half is set in the present, when an older -- and hopefully, wiser, Cork reinvestigates the case, with help from his adult daughter, Jenny. No spoilers here, but I much preferred getting to read this in two complete sections, rather than the back-and fort in time format that is used by many writers.

There are lots of characters in Krueger's novels, and if you haven't read any of his previous Cork O'Connor books, it may be a bit confusing at first. But Krueger is so good at fleshing out his characters and making them so interesting that it isn't an issue.

Many thanks to the author, NetGalley, Atria Books/Simon & Schuster for the eARC and the opportunity to read this terrific novel. All opinions are my own.

3.25 stars rounded down.

As a newcomer to the Cork O'Connor series, I think this was a solid entry point. Even though there were a lot of characters, the plot was relatively easy to follow. The dual timelines probably helped with this. I also appreciated the respectful Native American representation.

That said, I did not find the central mystery terribly compelling. It never seemed clear how we were supposed to feel about the murder victim, and I don't think it's a spoiler to say that I found it frustrating that so much of the outcome hinged on three (!) separate characters' hazy recollections of the murder itself immediately after it took place. There also isn't much suspense or tension here; it's written in a very procedural style, where first one thing happens and then another thing happens. I would have liked to have felt more emotionally invested in the outcome -- or even to have felt that more of the characters themselves were emotionally invested in the outcome. It was missing that spark for me.

In Apostle’s Cove, the 21st entry in William Kent Krueger’s long-running Cork O’Connor series, Krueger once again proves why he’s a master of atmospheric, character-driven mysteries. This novel delivers a compelling blend of suspense, emotional depth, and moral complexity that fans of the series have come to expect.

The story opens with Cork O’Connor receiving a troubling call from his son, Stephen, who now works for a nonprofit organization dedicated to exonerating the wrongly convicted. Stephen reveals a shocking possibility: Cork may have helped send an innocent man to prison decades ago. This revelation sets the stage for a dual timeline narrative that is both gripping and thought provoking.

The first half of the novel transports readers back more than 20 years, to a time when Cork was newly elected sheriff of Tamarack County. A young mother is found brutally murdered, and her Native American husband quickly becomes the prime suspect. Despite Cork’s initial doubts, the man confesses to the crime and is convicted. But was justice truly served?

The second half of the book returns to the present day, where Cork haunted by the past and driven by a need for truth, decides to reinvestigate the murder. He’s joined in his investigation by his daughter Jenny, now an author, whose presence adds a fresh and welcome dynamic to the series. Together, they begin to peel back the layers of a case that may not be as open-and-shut as it once seemed.

Krueger’s storytelling is as evocative as ever. The autumnal setting, with its crisp air and Halloween undertones, perfectly complements the novel’s themes of reckoning and redemption. The pacing is brisk without sacrificing depth, and the prose flows effortlessly, making this a truly immersive read.

The supporting cast is rich and memorable. Characters like Aphrodite, the murdered woman’s enigmatic mother, and Wild Bill Gunderson, the former sheriff with secrets of his own, add texture and intrigue to the narrative. Each character feels fully realized, contributing meaningfully to the story’s emotional and investigative arcs.

Apostle’s Cove is more than just a mystery—it’s a meditation on guilt, justice, and the enduring bonds of family. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the series or a newcomer, this novel stands strong on its own while deepening the legacy of Cork O’Connor. It’s a perfect read for fall—or any season—crafted by a storyteller at the top of his game. Thank you to William Kent Krueger, Netgalley, and Atria Books for a free advanced readers copy for an honest review.

Cork O’Connor, haunted by old ghosts: a gripping return to Tamarack County.

4.5 stars rounded up.

Shortly before Halloween, Tamarack County, MN sheriff-turned-PI Cork O’Connor gets a call from his son, Stephen, who now works to free the wrongfully convicted. Stephen believes Cork may have sent an innocent Ojibwe man, Axel Boshey, to prison decades ago for the brutal murder of his wife. Compelled to reopen the case, Cork finds himself confronting both old mistakes and fresh danger.

Though it marks the 21st entry in William Kent Krueger’s Cork O’Connor series, "Apostle Cove" works beautifully as a standalone or even as an introduction to the series, especially since much of the novel unfolds in the past. Krueger’s strengths are all here: layered, fully fleshed out main and side characters, vivid settings, and carefully thought-out plots, all tied together by his elegant yet unpretentious prose and a deep moral core. Cork O’Connor is a deeply likable and complex character who still makes for a very intriguing lead protagonist even decades into his career, and 21 books in.

The first part of the book, set some twenty years earlier in the immediate aftermath of a brutal murder, is the novel at its most gripping: tense, haunting, and steeped in both community life and Cork’s complicated role as the local sheriff. The present-day thread, while shorter and more predictable, still carries weight thanks to Krueger’s beautiful writing and the resonance of its themes, among them justice, prejudice, and the ongoing struggles of Native peoples.

"Apostle’s Cove" is both a compelling mystery and a poignant reflection on guilt, legacy, and the costs of truth. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the series, it’s a story you will not want to miss.

Many thanks to Atria Books and William Kent Krueger for providing me with an ARC of the book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

„Apostles Cove“ was first published on September 2, 2025, and is available now.

I have not read the Cork O'Conner's series so I am reading this as a stand alone which is ok but might have been better with the back story. An Ojibwe man, Axel, sits behind bars for a murder he may or may not have committed. Twenty years behind him, he has settled into this way of life. Cork O’Connor revisits a case from his early days as Sheriff of Tamarack County. His son, Stephen, working for a nonprofit organization, The Innocence Project, seeking freedom for prison inmates unjustly incarcerated, has called to tell him a man, Cork was responsible for sending to prison is innocent. This begins a novel which relives a long ago crime and its conclusion bringing everything to the present day when Cork meets with Axel Boshey again to try to understand where the old investigation may have gone wrong. Twenty, twenty-five years have passed. Some people involved are gone now but many are still around. Some still with similar lives and attitudes as in years past. Axel's children are working tirelessly to free him. They believe in his innocence. I did like the idea of it being on the resev. The story unravels, it is a good story but missing something for excitement in my opinion. 3.5 rounded up. Thanks to Netgalley, the author and publisher for this opportunity.

William Kent Krueger knows how to write a thriller that has added depth, making them a must read for anyone who wants to sit at the end of their seat while learning more than a typical thriller can teach. His writing is addictive, suspenseful and oh so atmospheric - this is the perfect spooky read for the Halloween/Fall season coming up.

Thank you Netgalley and Atria Books for the chance to read an ARC of Apostle's Cove by William Kent Kreuger. This is the 20th book in the series, and I loved reading it as much as I had the previous books in the series! After being told by his son that he may have sent an innocent man to prison 25 years ago, Cork starts to investigate a crime that has always bothered him. The first half of the book is set in the past, with Cork as the Sherriff of Tamarack County investigating the murder of Chasity Boshey. It was wonderful to be able to read about Cork's first wife Jo, and their young daughters again. The 2nd half is present day with Cork, and his daughter Jenny investigating the 25 year old crime. I love that Cork's grandson Waaboo and Henry Meloux appear in the story and the series continued to feature the Native American culture and spirituality. Because the first part of the book is set in the past this could be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading the series!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 out of 5 stars)

Apostle’s Cove is another solid, haunting addition to the Cork O’Connor series. William Kent Krueger once again delivers a slow-burn mystery full of heart, tension, and those signature themes of justice, family, and Ojibwe culture that fans of the series have come to expect.

This time, the story pulls Cork back into one of the most troubling cases of his past- a murder he investigated decades ago that may have sent the wrong man, Axel Boshey, to prison. The call comes from his son Stephen, now a lawyer working with the wrongfully convicted, and that family connection adds emotional weight to the investigation. Krueger weaves past and present timelines really well here, slowly revealing long-buried secrets in Tamarack County.

I especially appreciated the way Cork’s whole family is involved- Jenny, Stephen, even his young grandson Waaboo, who senses something supernatural stirring. The Wendigo lore isn’t central this time, but it adds that familiar mystical tension that longtime readers will recognize. That said, the true horror here is human, not mythological.

The pacing is deliberate but never dull, and while the mystery is gripping, the real strength lies in the relationships- Cork’s moral struggle, his loyalty, and the weight of past mistakes. Krueger’s writing is as rich and thoughtful as ever.

Whether you’re deep into the series or jumping in here, Apostle’s Cove is a rewarding read. Not my all-time favorite Cork book, but it hit all the right notes—and it stuck with me after I turned the last page.

A big thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Crime Fiction
Murder Mystery
Detective Story
4.5 ☆’s

Krueger is such a phenomenal author! His stories are atmospheric, captivating and have so much depth. I wasn’t sure how that would come through in a detective novel but it did, as he weaves Native American lore throughout the story.

Wrongful imprisonment, tangled relationships, and racial tensions weave a story that keeps you guessing to the very end.

I used to LOVE detective/crime fiction novels back in the day, but I haven’t picked one up in a long time. Why are they so cozy?! And why did I stop reading them?! Thank you @netgalley & @atriabooks for this ARC and reminding me that crime fiction is so good!

Another great Cork O’Connor story. Twenty-five years ago, when he was sheriff, Cork and his staff investigated a murder to which Axel confessed. Cork was never 100% convinced that Axel committed the murder despite his confession. Now 25 years later, Cork’s son, Steven calls to tell his dad to tell him, he probably put the wrong man in jail 25 years ago. Now Cork is on a mission to find out the truth of what happened 25 years ago — but there are some who want to make sure that he fails even if it means more bloodshed.

📜Quick Summary: When Cork’s son Stephen pops by, bringing up an old cold case that sent a man to jail for murder, Cork doesn’t know what to expect. Except…his son drops a bomb on him, saying “Dad, I think you sent an innocent man to jail.” As we flashback to the murder case that never left Cork’s mind, we relive this case with Cork and his family. What happens when almost 20 years later, Cork has his son trying to help him free a potentially innocent man?

❣️Initial Feels: WKK drops a bomb on us in the opening chapter, and then flashes us back to Cork’s first big case. I’m ready for the ride!

👀Trigger Warnings: murder of pregnant woman

🌶️Spice Level: not really what it’s about

📖Read if you want: slow burn mystery, police procedural novel

🙋🏼‍♀️Moving Character: Although Cork was our main character, I enjoyed watching Axel’s journey. It was messy, heartbreaking, devastating, and full of despair. Without giving away what happened, just know that he made impacts on so many people’s lives.

🗨️Thoughtful Words: “A person’s heart is the treasure chest of their life. It holds all that is dear, all they would fight and die for.”

“...every falling leaf comes to rest where it was always meant to be.”

💡Final Sentiments: This is book #20 in the Cork O’Connor series and though I have only read a few of them, they can be read as standalone. I do think at some point I would love to start at the beginning, as many other readers have mentioned watching Cork’s growth through every novel. WKK’s writing is phenomenal, and I am always impressed by his ability to weave together such intricate story lines. I loved the first part, and how it flashed to one of Cork’s first cases, and the effects the case had on him. Enter part two, and although we see Cork in his “new” life, this old cold case has shaken him up. It was a case that he never felt fully satisfied with, and watching him pursue justice was honorable. I loved this one!

🌟Overall Rating: 4.5 stars

🔉Special thanks to William Kent Krueger, Atria Books, and NetGalley for this arc of Apostle’s Cove.

📘Grab yourself a copy on September 2, 2025!

Cork O’Connor returns to the pages and this time it is to revisit a closed case. Old doubts return and prejudices against Native Americans are once again brought to the surface. Books in this series are consistent, current, and well written. Apostle’s Cove is no exception.

4.5 stars, rounded upwards.

Apostle’s Cove is the 20th novel in the Cork O’Connor mystery series by William Kent Krueger. The series takes place in a fictional town of Aurora, Minnesota near an Indian Reservation. Most of the characters are all or partly Ojibwe (also known as Chippewa, or Shinnob). Apostle’s Cove is an area with spectacular views, and it is home to the malign widow of an enormously wealthy man, who built a mansion there.

My thanks go to NetGalley and Atria Books for the review copy. This book is available to the public now.

This story commences with Cork receiving a call from his son, Stephen, who’s working with The Great North Innocence Project, an organization that helps people that have been wrongly convicted. Cork is a restauranteur and private detective now, but Stephen tells him that during his time as sheriff, Cork sent an innocent man to prison. For 25 years, Axel Boshey has been serving out a lifetime term for a murder he didn’t commit. He confessed to it in order to shield the person he thought to be the actual killer. Now Stephen wants Cork to go back, untangle the mess, and get Axel out of lockup.

The story—and the series—is helped considerably by its appealing recurring characters. The two most compelling ones are the very oldest—Henry Meloux, an ancient wise man that lives in the forest and counsels those that seek his help—and the very youngest, the seven-year-old grandson affectionately known as Waaboo, a child with supernatural powers to whom the spirits speak.

Halloween is fast approaching, and there is great excitement as the small community prepares for it. Waaboo is excited, yet also troubled. The Windigo, a cannibalistic spirit, is nearby, and it’s hungry. It isn’t here for Waaboo, but nevertheless, he is disturbed by it.

The story is complex and, in most regards, believable. I read multiple books at a time, but while I read this one, the others became sidelined much of the time. This series is reliably well written and entertaining, and so it is with Apostle’s Cove.

Can you jump in mid-series? I did. I began reading it with the 18th in the series. Whereas it’s more fun once you recognize the characters, there’s nothing that will confuse a new reader.

Highly recommended to those that enjoy the genre.

4.5⭐
As always, William Kent Krueger combines a haunting meditative story and stellar procedural. Cork O'Connor, long retired as sheriff, learns one of his early cases has been taken up by the Innocence Project. Looking into old case files and re-interviewing those involved stirs up old prejudices. Kruger's dexterous touch instills the setting and actions with Native American culture and mythology.

All books authored by William Kent Krueger are great reads! Strong characters (especially the Native Americans), the always exquisite scenery, and an amazing storyline all make Krueger's 20th installment of his Cork O'Connor mystery series incredible. I highly recommend.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Atria and William Kent Krueger for the complementary copy, in exchange for my honest review.