Excellent as all of Cork O'Connor's stories are!

Life sometimes makes you reflect on what has happened to you many years ago. When Cork gets a call from his son, a lawyer who works for unjustly accused inmates, he is forced to look back on a case he was involved in twenty years ago.

The man, Axel Boshey, was convicted of a heinous crime and even though Cork's gut told him that Axel might not be guilty, Axel was tried and convicted and sent to prison. Cork is compelled to re investigate the crime and the people involved in the tragedy and there are some truly evil, no morals, people roaming about Tamarack County.

Cork hits obstacles and some might even threaten his life. What did happen those twenty years ago, and when even Axel refuses to cooperate, it is an uphill battle getting to the truth?

As always this was a wonderfully written saga that held my interest throughout. William Kent Krueger has always provided a tale that has a tad of mysticism and Indian lore within it.

Cork's son Stephen currently works for a non-profit dedicated to securing freedom for unjustly
incarcerated inmates. Stephen informs his father that he believes a murder case Cork investigated as
the newly elected sheriff twenty-five years ago sent an innocent man to prison. Details of the original
investigation are detailed along with the doubts Cork had about the murder conviction. After visiting
the inmate at the prison, Cork goes back to look at his original notes on he case and to question people
involved at the time. As his daughter Jenny helps his investigation, it becomes clear that someone sees
it as a threat.
Beautifully written dual time-line story.
#ApostlesCove #AtriaBooks #NetGalley

Cork is faced with the need to re-evaluate one of his very earliest cases that looks to have resulted in the wrongful conviction of an Ojibwe man and has important consequences now. Although Cork is part Ojibwe and is a local, he still faces all of the distrust and enmity that Ojibwe justifiably feel toward law enforcement. The characters are well developed and the story is too credible. Riveting.
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected egalley from Atria Books via NetGalley.
#ApostlesCove #NetGalley @AtriaBooks @williamkentkrueger #corkoconnorBk21 #sheriff
#addictiveseries #suspensethriller #secrets #relatives #relationships #domesticviolence #murder #ojibwe #minnesota #localgossip #familydynamics #friendship #culturalexploration #oldcase #culturalheritage #Windigo

Corcoran O’Connor is back!!! And followers will not be disappointed with Kent Krueger’s twenty-first novel following Cork’s life in northern Minnesota. (You can read it as a stand-alone, but there will be spoilers for the earlier books. My advice … Go back and start with #1: Iron Lake.)

Cork’s son is working to help unjustly imprisoned inmates gain release from prison. A new client is an Ojibwe man who was sentenced to life for murder in one of the first cases handled by Cork after he had been elected sheriff 25 years ago.

Complicating matters is that the prisoner has found a mission in helping other prisoners to leave their anger and find peace. He is not sure he should abandon this role. And he remembers virtually nothing of the murder to which he confessed.

There are twists and turns, and Cork’s grandson warns that the Windigo has returned.

I will read anything by this guy!

This is the current book (book 21) in the Cork O'Conner series and it continues with Cork O’Connor revisiting a case from his past and confronting mysterious deaths in the present.

Synpopsis:"A few nights before Halloween, as Cork O’Connor gloomily ruminates on his upcoming birthday, he receives a call from his son, Stephen, who is working for a nonprofit dedicated to securing freedom for unjustly incarcerated inmates. Stephen tells his father that decades ago, as the newly elected sheriff of Tamarack County, Cork was responsible for sending an Ojibwe man named Axel Boshey to prison for a brutal murder that Stephen is certain he did not commit. Cork feels compelled to reinvestigate the crime, but that is easier said than done. Not only is it a closed case but Axel Boshey is, inexplicably, refusing to help. The deeper Cork digs, the clearer it becomes that there are those in Tamarack County who are willing once again to commit murder to keep him from finding the truth. At the same time, Cork’s seven-year-old grandson has his own theory about the investigation: the Windigo, that mythic cannibal ogre, has come to Tamarack County…and it won’t leave until it has sated its hunger for human blood."

This book had so much wrapped up in it and I loved every page of this personal investigative mystery! WKK does not disappoint!!

Thank you to the author, publisher, and Netgalley for this arc in exchange for this review!

Apostle's Cove is the 21st book in the Cork O'Connor series by William Kent Krueger. The story begins with Cork receiving a phone call from his son who works for a nonprofit that works at freeing people who have been wrongly incarcerated. His son brings up a man named Axel Boshey who was incarcerated decades ago for the murder of his girlfriend by Cork. He asks Cork to meet with Axel and consider revisiting the investigation to potentially free Axel. The novel then flashes back 25 years to provide the insight to the murder scene, how the crime was investigated and ultimately Axel confessing to the murder.

In the current time, Cork and his daughter Jenny begin to investigate in more detail the murder and those who could have potentially committed the crime. It quickly becomes clear that someone doesn't like the fact that Cork is snooping into the case again and sends a clear message for him to back off. He becomes more committed to solving the case and absolving Axel of his innocence. In doing so, it leads to more murder and chaos.

Great mystery as always with the Cork O'Connor series that has its share of twists and a penultimate ending.

Thank you NetGalley and Altria Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion and review.

#NetGalley #Apostle'sCove

Thank you to atria books and NetGalley for this arc.

I have yet to dislike a William Kent Krueger book and I didn’t dislike this one either.

I thought the story line was well written and the characters were very well developed. I don’t want to give away the story line, but I would strongly urge readers to give this one a try.

William Kent Krueger delivers another outstanding novel featuring Cork O’Connor in a suspenseful, character-driven story. As always, Cork finds himself caught between two worlds—the traditions of his Ojibwe heritage and the demands of the modern justice system. While investigating a murder, long-buried secrets surface, tensions rise, and the town becomes increasingly divided. As the truth draws near, Cork must protect himself and his family from the danger closing in as he gets closer to the truth.

Apostles Cove by William Kent Krueger is the twenty first book in the mystery series about Cork O’Connor. This installment starts out with Stephen, Cork’s son, now in law school, calling his dad to tell him he thinks he put the wrong man in jail twenty five years ago. Axel Boshey was found guilty of killing his wife (by admission) and sentenced to life in prison all those years ago. But he recently recanted that admission, and so Cork looks into the case again. What I really liked about this book is something some fans of the O’Connor series may not. It was a lot of straight up storytelling as we learn about the murder and investigation from all those years ago. I feel like some of the books in this series get a bit far fetched, especially with the shoot ‘em up action that often takes place. I like just reading a slowly drawn out story. This does have a bit of action towards the end, but it seems more believable than usual, which I appreciated.
I also thought this felt more current and modern, which even some of the recent series books lacked a bit. Overall, I enjoyed this from beginning to end, and I thank NetGalley and Atria books for my ARC.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 Stars – A Gripping, Atmospheric Mystery

The Apostles Cove pulled me in from the very beginning. The mystery was gripping, full of tension and twists that kept me turning the pages. The setting added a haunting atmosphere that really elevated the story, and the pacing was spot-on—never dragging, always pulling you deeper into the secrets of the town.

The characters were well-drawn, and I especially enjoyed how the layers of the plot unfolded gradually, keeping me guessing until the end. It wasn’t a perfect read—there were a few moments that felt slightly over the top—but overall, it was a compelling and satisfying mystery.

Definitely a strong 4-star read. I’ll be watching for more from this author!

William Kent Krueger delivers another compelling entry in the Cork O'Connor series with Apostle's Cove, an exploration of justice, family, and the weight of past decisions. When Cork learns he may have wrongfully convicted an Ojibwe man decades ago during his time as sheriff, the story becomes both a murder mystery and a meditation on how the past often doesn’t stay in the past.

What I appreciate most about Krueger's writing is his respectful portrayal of Cork's Irish and Native American heritage, and how those cultural threads weave through every page. The author never treats this as a side issue, but as fundamental to understanding both Cork and the community he serves. The Ojibwe wisdom that surfaces throughout the story feels authentic, and I always learn something when I read his books.

The dual timeline structure works particularly well here, allowing us to see Cork as a young sheriff alongside his late wife Jo, while also following his current investigation as a private investigator. The contrast between Cork's certainty as a young lawman and his more seasoned, deliberate approach in the present day adds real depth to the character development we’ve witnessed through the series.

As we’ve come to expect, the mystery is a good one – a small-town murder with tangled relationships and racial tensions. I enjoy Krueger's ability to ground the procedural elements in genuine human emotion and cultural understanding.

While it was helpful to know some of the players, you don’t have to read all of the books in order in this series. In fact, I feel like you could pick any of them up and start right there. This one is a particularly appealing place to start. Because of the 25-year time jump, you get to read about Cork as a very young sheriff.

Apostle's Cove is a fairly solid entry into the Cork O'Connor series. As always, Cork winds up in the middle of a murder mystery and brings along friends and family to help solve it. His grandson, Waboo, is heavily featured as he has been in recent books. Henry, possibly the best character in the whole series, is a bit unbelievable as he is now over 100 years old, but he is always an integral part of the story.

As in most of the books, shenanigans from the past are discovered and are impacting current life. The main story, of a young woman brutally murdered in her home in the presence of her child, is chilling but in some ways winds up getting pushed to the side. We see and hear a lot more about her mother and her lovers, and she is left largely undrawn and shadowy.

A major flaw in the series is the increasing focus on Cork's daughter, Jenny. Jenny is obnoxious, selfish, overbearing, and completely irritating. She is ruining the series and needs to be relegated to a much smaller role. His other daughter, Ann, was unceremoniously and insulting dispatched at the end of the last book. It was literally a blink-and-you-miss-it moment and is, without doubt, the lowest moment in the entire series. Ann deserved better. Krueger needs to do a hard pivot away from Jenny and focus more on other characters such as her husband and son.

Overall, this was a decent entry in the series. I am hoping that the next one is better.

Thank you NetGalley and Atria Books for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

It was a gruesome murder. A young mother murdered in her home and too many people with motive and opportunity to commit the crime. Cork was never certain they put the right person in jail all those years ago, but he put it out of his mind when the man confessed. But now, with his son working for the Innocence Project, he’s questioning it all again. Will Cork find the truth before the killer takes him down?

Apostle’s Cove is Willim Kent Krueger’s 21st installment in the Cork O’Connor series. Revisiting one of Cork’s early cases, this novel features dual timelines filled with mystery and suspense. The author weaves indigenous traditions and discriminations into both timelines to give readers an authentic look at what these characters would have encountered in both timelines. This is a novel about not settling for the easy answer and digging for the truth.

I give Apostle’s Cove 5 out of 5 stars. This novel gets a perfect 5.0 score from me – I have no complaints with this novel! I was a latecomer to the works of this author and kick myself every time I read another of his works. This was a quick read for me only because I couldn’t put it down – it’s been a while since I had a book I stayed up late to read and started my day early to read a few chapters of, too. This was a fantastic book that delivered domestic thrills, romance, and family drama in a way that only this author can.

I have been anxiously awaiting this book since finishing Spirit Crossing last year. With discussions of child molestation, murder, and other violence, this book may be the best directed to mature audiences over 16. This book would be a great starting point for readers new to this series, too – it makes a great standalone read and a great continuation of Cork’s story. If you love other series like Marc Cameron’s Arliss Cutter or Craig Johnson’s Longmire, I think you’ll love this series, too!

Thank you to Netgalley and Atria Books for this advance reader copy of Apostle’s Cove by William Kent Krueger. Previously, I read 3 books by this author, Ordinary Grace, The River We Remember and This Tender Land, and thoroughly enjoyed all 3 of them. This is the first time I am reading one of his mysteries. This is the 21st book in the Cork O’Connor series; but don’t let that deter you, this can be read as a standalone book.

The story takes place in Aurora MN, where Cork O’Connor gets a call from his grown son Stephen, informing him that Cork may have sent an innocent man to jail 25 years ago. The book then jumps back 25 years to the story of a murder and the man who confessed to committing the crime.

Much of the book describes the murder and original investigation in detail. The story is very well written; it moves along and quickly and keeps your interest as you get a very good feel for all of the characters.

The last section of the book jumps back to the present day and the re-investigation of the crime introduces several twists, turns and surprises.
The masterful writing of William Kent Kruger combined with this suspenseful page turning mystery makes this a must read.

First a big thank you to Atria Books for the DRC of "Apostle's Cove".

How I love me some William Kent Krueger!

One would think after writing 20 books based on Cork O'Connor in the fictional town of Aurora, MN, book #21 would be a ho hum, formulaic read. Anything but!

In "Apostle's Cove", Krueger takes a different approach from his previous O'Connor books. He has us going back 25 years to Cork's first big homicide. After setting the scene, Krueger toggles back to current days. No spoilers from me, but know there are some predictable moments, but some surprises too. He kept me interested to the very end. and also wanting to go up to Aurora in the Fall.

Apostle’s Cove is the 21st installment in William Kent Krueger’s Cork O’Connor series—and once again, he delivers a compelling and emotional mystery rooted in past choices and present consequences.

The novel follows a dual timeline: one during Cork’s time as sheriff, and the other in the present day, as new information casts doubt on a decades-old conviction. The pacing starts off a bit slower than expected, but once the core of the mystery unravels, I found myself staying up late just to see how it would all play out.

Krueger’s signature blend of suspense, layered characters, and a strong sense of justice is alive and well here. And while this book is a solid continuation for longtime fans, it’s also a great starting point—thanks to the author’s ability to weave in background without overwhelming new readers.

Thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you to Atria Books and NetGallery for the advanced reader copy!

William Kent Krueger never disappoints! I have been a fan of the Cork O'Connor series for a while now and am glad I was able to read this upcoming new mystery. The plot revisits a closed case that occurred 25 years prior and the former sheriff Cork O'Connor is wondering if he indeed caught the right person for the gruesome murder that happened decades ago. Consistent with Krueger's other books, this book is rich in detailing character development as it relates to Native American history and its impact on racial tensions and stereotypes against crime. I would highly recommend this book for mystery fans!

I’ve read William Kent Krueger’s This Tender Land and loved it, so when I was given the opportunity to read another one of his books I was very excited! Not having read any of the Cork O’Connor series, I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to jump in to this book as a stand alone, but I did no problem. The pacing of the book was really well done, it never felt like there was a lull that I needed to power through. The storyline and mystery kept you invested. My favorite character was the wise old Henry Meloux, an ancient Ojibwe healer. He always seemed to give Cork what he needed at the right time. Cork is part Native American, so he has ties to the reservation and relationships with many of the people, such as Henry. However you feel the tension in the character, as Cork is also a sheriff, which historically haven’t treated the natives well. You feel the friction of Cork wanting and trying to help and also needing to abide by the law. A large part of the book is a flash back to the original case being explored. There was one part that I was confused by; when we flashed forward and Cork had a second wife. Maybe if I’d read the series I wouldn’t have been bothered, but because I didn’t I had to flip back to the beginning and try and figure out who this Rainy person was, because all the sudden she was there (and in the flashback I had been reading about his with Jo, so I was confused). He eventually explains it, but I was initially confused.
Overall it was a great mystery read, and I’m excited for my husband to read it as well! A big thanks to Atria Books and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

I love William Kent Krueger’s novels. I had never read Krueger’s small town police procedural series featuring Cork O’Connor, but this was a great place to jump in since the author flashes back to Cork’s first case.

Cork receives a call from his son, Stephen, who is working for a nonprofit organization who helps free prisoners wrongly convicted. Stephen tells his father that he believes he made a mistake 25 years ago, when he helped imprison an innocent man for murder.

The story breaks off in two parts: the first part looking back at what happened when a young mother was murdered. The second part, is set in present time as Cork and his daughter begin investigating the murder all over again.

This was a ery interesting police procedural set in a small town in Minnesota near a Native American reservation. The characters were scandalous and the murder investigation kept you guessing. There were many flawed characters in the story, so there were many possibilities of who the murderer could be.

Thank you NetGalley and Atria Books for allowing me to read an Advanced Reader Cooy in exchange for an honest review. Krueger is a fantastic author, who never disappoints. #NetGalley #Apostle’sCove

What an unexpected delight! The Cork O’Connor series from William Kent Krueger is the longest running book series that I have ever read. It is hard to believe that Mr. Krueger has taken us back to Tamarack county 21 times now, and keeps giving us unique stories filled with compelling characters whose voices have grown dramatically over the years. And he has done it again.

I loved this book! The story is told in two separate timelines. The first half of the book primarily covers events from 25 years earlier surrounding the murder of young woman and the prosecution of her husband, who eventually confessed to the killing. By going back in time, we are allowed to revisit some characters and events from previous novels, which for long time readers, willl be quite a thrill.

The last half of the story takes place in the present, as Cork attempts to determine the real guilt or innocence of the man who is currently spending the rest of his life in prison.

I enjoyed the first half of the novel, both for the nostalgia of reacquainting myself with characters from the past, but also for the slow-burn telling of the original murder and the efforts of Cork to make sure that the right person is arrested. The second half of the book has a much faster pace, as events quickly fall into place and questions are answered at a breakneck pace, culminating in a very satisfying ending.

Another winner from William Kent Krueger!