This book is broken into two parts. The first part tells the story of how Cork investigated the brutal murder of Chastity and how her husband the went to jail for it. Axel admitted to killing her but Cork never felt that was the truth.

Twenty years later the crime has resurfaced and Cork agrees to look into it again.

This book has a lot of different dynamics at play, with affairs, drugs, and abuse. It's not particularly uplifting and somewhat slow.

Book 21 in the popular Cork O’Connor mystery series, taking place in rural Minnesota where O’Connor was once Sheriff. Part Anishinaabe Indian and part Irish, and previously a cop on Chicago’s South Side, in this book, O’Connor looks back at a case where he may have put the wrong man behind bars. Engaging, colorful, appealing characters. A little more filler than I like (or maybe the filler just wasn’t that interesting to me) but a good entertaining read.

The next installment of the Cork O'Conner mysteries doesn't disappoint. Revisiting an old case, Cork must dig deep to see if the wrong man was convicted. Will appeal to all mystery lovers even if this is their first read in the series.

I’ve read all of the author’s books, and I must admit, I’m starting to prefer their standalone novels to this series. The action is thrilling and fast-paced, but it’s beginning to feel a bit repetitive. Overall, it’s still a pretty enjoyable read, but maybe I’ve become accustomed to this genre. Thanks to NetGalley for the advance copy!

A new William Kent Krueger novel is always cause for celebration. That's especially true when it's a Cork O’Connor mystery. O'Connor, along with Walt Longmire, has been the best sheriff in the genre since his debut in Iron Lake. While Cork is no longer the sheriff of Tamarack County, Apostle's Cove is a reminder he's still got plenty of great adventures for readers to enjoy. Krueger has crafted another terrific thriller as Cork has the rare opportunity to right a wrong. Apostle's Cove centers around an incident which took place when Cork was a young sheriff. It seemed to be an open and shut case, but was it? Krueger does a great job of presenting both the original investigation and the revisited one. It's a fascinating glimpse into the past and present Cork O'Connor. Of course, no Tamarack County book would exist without the great supporting cast that populate the series. O'Connor has never walked alone and Apostle's Cove is a strong reminder of that fact. This is a winning addition to a legendary series. I'm already looking forward to Cork O'Connor #22. Thank you to Atria Books for the advance reading copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

I’ve read almost all of William Kent (“Kent”) Krueger’s Cork O’Connor mysteries and plus his stand-alone novels. I am always excited when he writes a new one. So, I was thrilled to receive Apostle’s Cove, number 21 in the O’Connor series, as an ARC. While not my favorite, it still has plenty to offer.

It’s late October, just a few nights before Halloween, and Cork is ruing the approach of his 60th birthday when his son Stephen calls with a request. He’s working as an intern for a nonprofit group that examines evidence in old criminal cases and seeks to overturn wrongful convictions if there is new evidence. Stephen reminds his father of the first major crime he investigated after he became sheriff. He pushes, saying he is convinced that an innocent man was sent to prison. There’s a catch, however. The man, an Ojibwe named Axel Boshey, had confessed to the murder.

Twenty-five years earlier, Boshey’s wife had been found bludgeoned to death in her home. Her husband was nowhere to be found, but there was strong evidence implicating him. He located, arrested, and questioned. He claimed to have little memory of the events of that night, which was not surprising, since he was a known alcoholic. Nevertheless, Cork did his due diligence. He questioned others. There were gaps in Boshey’s story, and there were other suspects. Because of his drinking and the problems in the marriage, Boshey stood out as a strong suspect. Still, Cork was not 100% convinced, even after the man vehemently confessed.

The story alternates between the past and the present. O’Connor interviews many of the locals, those who knew the victim and the suspect. When Stephen calls, Cork is now retired and working as a private investigator. He accesses the old records and attempts to question some of the old witnesses. His daughter, Jenny, accompanies him as “Watson” to his “Sherlock.”

As usual, Krueger throws in some typical O’Connor family life – in the time when Cork is re-visiting the investigation: daughter Jenny, husband Daniel, and her son, Aaron Smalldog, known as Waaboo (“Little Rabbit)In the past time period: his sister-in-law Rose, children, and his late wife Jo who was the attorney who represents Alex Boshey – yes, they managed do their jobs even though they were working for opposite sides, more or less, in those days. And of course, no book would be complete without the wise, Henry Meloux, past and present. Waaboo is excited about Halloween, but he also senses the return of the Windigo, and the entire family fears for Cork and Jenny as they hunt for the person who may be the true killer.

Could it be true? Could an innocent man have been sitting in prison all those years? Axel Boshey is a different man from the one who entered prison a quarter century earlier. He has a purpose now, and he’s not sure he wants to leave, even if he’s cleared of the crime that put him there. But to Corcoran O’Connor, this is about justice. Will justice prevail?

As in all of Krueger’s books, this is a character-driven novel with Cork at the center. He has a strong moral compass, and this time, he’s confused. He’s unsure of the signs, and he repeatedly turns to Henry for guidance until the elderly Mede must beat him over the head with words for O’Connor to see what is right in front of him. It’s hiding in plain sight. There is a lot of misdirection, but it is there to see. This would not be Krueger if there weren’t the obvious love for Native people and customs, justice, and family.

Thanks to NetGalley, Atria Books, and WKK. My thoughts are my own.

4 stars

This is my first time with the Cork O'Connor series, though I’ve read other books by Krueger and have always enjoyed his writing.

The novel weaves together two timelines: one follows the murder as it happens and the subsequent investigation, while the other jumps ahead twenty-five years. In the present, Cork’s son comes forward with concerns that the wrong person was convicted, leading Cork to reopen the case and seek out the real story. I think this organized the story well enough that it made it easy to follow.

I read this in a day. The mystery was fascinating, with clever twists and turns that kept me guessing until the end. The characters are genuinely likable, and the story is enriched by the vibrant cultural traditions and practices of the Ojibwe people. Their language, sense of community, and spiritual beliefs are woven beautifully into the narrative, adding depth and authenticity to the story.

Although part of William Kent Krueger’s Cork O’Connor series, Apostle’s Cove could be read as a standalone. Is crafted as a current story with a lengthy retrospective shift that explains the murder and the situation that follows. Expertly assembled, the mystery unspools rather quickly in the retrospective and resolves in the current. Is interesting and entertaining but a bit limp in the ending.

Thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for the opportunity to read this ARC.

I'd like to thanks Atria Books, William Kent Krueger and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of the 21st book in the Cork O'Connor series.
I was concerned that being so far into the series, I might be lost. But because Apostle's Cove takes place in the present and the past, it's a great entry point into the series.
I found the story genuinely entertaining. Most characters were layered with surprising experiences and secrets.. Some minor characters felt a little flat.
Cork O'Connor seems a little like he belongs in a traditional noir book. It works for me, as I've always enjoyed noir storytelling.
The setting was, in turn, lovely and atmospheric. I appreciate the respect for culture and spirituality.
The ending, overall, felt satisfying, though I'm still not sure who the real culprit is.

This books takes us back into the world of Cork Corcoran. This, the 21st book in the series, can be enjoyed two ways. First as a return further exploring the life and atmosphere of this northern Minnesota area or as a newcomer, This can be easily read as a standalone story.

As the book opens, although Cork is no longer sheriff, he is still fully immersed in town business. He receives a call from his son Stephen who in his work in the Innocence Project, has identified a case Cork investigated twenty years earlier. He is certain the convicted man, Axel Boshey did not commit the crime.. Cork was never fully convinced of the man’s guilt and wants to rectify this miscarriage of justice if it is, indeed, true.

The book is divided in two parts. The first is twenty years ago when the murder was committed; the second is the current investigation. I was happy it was structured this way in that you had the whole history first and didn’t have to flip back and forth between then and now as is common in so many books.

It is a compelling story that immerses us in the conflict between the white and native American cultures but it doesn’t preach. Although at its center is the investigation of the crime, the parts of the book that describe Ashinaabe/Ojibwe traditions are most absorbing. Cork often seeks counsel of an elderly Mide, a healer, named Henry Meloux, who always offers cryptic advice that Cork needs to interpret. Cork’s seven year old grandson has a special connection to this Mide and has visions and intuition. He has his own understanding about the investigation and fears that the Windigo, a mythical ogre, is lurking and won’t leave until blood is shed.

All in all, I’d say it is a compelling mystery, with great atmosphere and setting. Cork's changes, as he ages, makes him more complicated and interesting character.

Recommend.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Atria for this advanced reading copy and the opportunity to provide an honest review.

William Kent Krueger once again proves he’s a master of storytelling with Apostles Cove, the 21st in his Cork O'Connor series. Set in the Northwoods of Minnesota like most of the series, this one's a little different, as the first half of the book is set at the time of a murder 25 years earlier, and the second half focuses on present-day efforts to set right the conviction of a young Native American man 25 years before that was based on a confession that never felt right to Cork.

One of the nice things about going back in time is that the reader is reunited with a young Cork, his wife Jo, and both of his daughters, Annie and Jenny, as children. The dual timeline also allows Krueger to explore how some people and towns grow over time, and how some stagnate.

Krueger's writing doesn't disappoint, although this novel has less of a focus on the beauty of the Boundary Waters.

There's enough here for someone new to Aurora MN and the O'Connor family to enjoy without having read the previous books in the series, but anyone who reads Apostles Cove will almost certainly be delighted to find 20 previous books to add to their TBR list.

Highly recommended for readers who appreciate a well-written mystery and a fully realized cast of characters.

4.5 stars 🌟

I've only read one other book by William Kent Krueger ("This Tender Land") and none of the books in his Cork O'Connor series. I also preface this review by saying that I am a white reader with an interest in indigenous cultures, but that does not, in any way, make me qualified to assess the Native American lore or language in Krueger's books. "Apostle's Cove" is an enjoyable mystery, very well-written, and it appears to handle Anishinaabe culture in a thoughtful manner. The story is very interesting and kept me engaged throughout; as such, I'd highly recommend it to others. As a reader with interests in Native Americans, I will definitely be seeking out books like Marcie Rendon's 'Cash Blackbear' mysteries, Angeline Boulley's 'Firekeeper's Daughter,' and Linda LeGarde Grover's 'In the Night of Memory' because books by writers like these three will provide authentic representation of Anishinaabe life.

Another great book by William Kent Krueger. Full of suspense and mystery. Keeps you guessing until the very end. Great family dynamics too. I love the closeness of Cork"s family.

William Kent Krueger splits the timeline in his 21st entry into his Cork O'Connor series. It works, and it sets the novel up as a stand-alone, a good move to readers arriving late in the series.

Cork revisits a case from 25 years ago based on new information. He was never comfortable with the case, never quite believed that the man who confessed was actually guilty. We are transported to a time when Cork was a new sheriff, still finding his feet as he deals with the brutal murder of a white woman and her Ojibwe husband who confesses. Cork has. many friends and connections on the reservation and seeks to understand why he has such reservations about Axel's confession. As with all these novels, Krueger explores Ojibwe culture and tradition as he approaches people he's known for years in his new role as sheriff. Krueger uses late fall in the Iron Range of Minnesota to build to the atmosphere of the story.

Apostle's Cove is a strong and emotional mystery that pays off in many ways. Twenty-one books into the series, Cork O'Connor continues to grow as a character and human being. That's what makes this novel so satisfying.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for a digital review copy in exchange for an honest review.

I received a copy for review purposes. All opinions are honest and mine alone.


Told in duel timelines, APOSTLE’S COVE is an opportunity for readers to return to the time when Cork O’Connor was sheriff of Tamarack County. Part one of the story takes place 25 years ago, which just happens to coincide with the start of this remarkable series from author extraordinaire, William Kent Krueger. Readers are also in for a treat with his then wife, Jo, her sister Rose and daughters Annie and Jennie as youngsters. Jo plays a prominent role as a lawyer for the accused. Krueger is masterful with the intricate interplay between husband and wife as professionals and life partners.

Those who enjoy small town procedurals will be very happy with this story. A very colorful woman from town has been murdered. Prominent people are tangled up in confusing relationships. Family members have conflicting stories and racial issues plague at every turn.

A brief but motivating prologue in current day informed Cork that he had most likely sent the wrong man to prison for the death of the woman in the case he and Jo are trying to solve in part one. Readers move on to current day to find out what actually happened in part two. In this section, Cork returns to being a PI, his wife Rainy and grandson Waaboo join in along with daughter Annie, Sheriff Dross and Henry Meloux, the Mide healer - such an amazing cast of characters. If you enjoy character driven stories that feature unique and relatable individuals, this will be a pleasure.

I very much enjoyed having two large sections rather than bouncing back and forth every chapter or two. Character development is better, storytelling is tighter and the entire reading experience is more satisfying. Well, it might be that WKK is just a fine craftsman.

As always, Krueger delivers beautiful word pictures of Tamarack county and surrounding areas. Along the way, readers are blessed to be given tiny insights to the Ojibwe wisdom alongside the horrible racial issues plaguing
indigenous peoples. Books that entertain as well as enlighten are priceless📚

Read and reviewed from a NetGalley eARC, with thanks

Once again, William Kent Krueger hits a homerun. Over the years it has been fun following the trials and travails of the O'Connor family in Aurora, MN. In this latest instalment, we go back 20+ years to the first murder investigation of the new sheriff Cork O'Connor. It was fun to get this glimpse into the O'Connor family when the girls were young and before their son was born.

Cork feels compelled to reinvestigate this first murder because his son is convinced that the man put in jail for the crime is innocent. It is a classic, whodunit, and it gave great insights into the family that we have come to love and know over these 21 books.

The worst part of any books in the Cork O'Connor series is that once you start you can't put it down, and when finished you wished there was more! I look forward to the next installment, and am anxious to see the direction the series goes in.

Thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for an Advanced Copy of the book, for an unbiased review.

This is the 21st book in the series involving Cork O’Connor, now about to turn 60, the part-Irish, part-Anishinaabe Indian ex-sheriff of the small town of Aurora, Minnesota in Tamarack County. While no longer formally serving in law enforcement, Cork now occasionally works as a private investigator.

This installment begins as Cork receives a call from his son Stephen, who is doing nonprofit work for unjustly incarcerated inmates. Stephen has been asked to look into the case of an Ojibwe man, Axel Boshey, whom his father sent to prison 20 years earlier. At the time, Cork, working on his first murder investigation as sheriff of Tamarack County, didn’t totally believe Axel committed the brutal murder, but Axel confessed. Now Axel has recanted his confession, and Cork is determined to find out what really happened and who was responsible.

The book has two parts. The first takes place in the past, and in the second, present-day Cork revisits what he did back then. He is driven by guilt and regret that he may have sent the wrong person to prison.

The more Cork tries to uncover the secrets and lies from the past, the more danger he himself faces from those bent on hiding the truth.

Evaluation: Although this is part of a series, it is quite possible to read this installment without feeling lost. On the contrary, Krueger manages to pull you into the O’Connor family immediately. Krueger is a good writer, and I love how he integrates Native American culture and an appreciation for the landscape into his stories. In addition, the continuing unwarranted and irrational prejudice toward Native Americans is a recurring theme of Krueger’s, and lends passion to his stories.

Whether you come to his novels for the murder-mystery aspect, the depiction of a strong, loving family, or the insights into Native American culture, his books are a rewarding reading experience.

A well-paced page-turner by Krueger. His well-developed characters and their relationships are certainly true-to-life. The tangential relationships that make the main characters who they are, the loss experienced, and the impact on the community...all make for a gripping murder mystery that is hard to put down.

William Kent Krueger (Kent) continues to add to the Cork O'Connor saga by going backwards in time, reopening a cold case from 25 years in the past when as a relatively new sheriff he was responsible for a member of the Ojibwe population is incarcerated for the brutal murder of his wife. As with all other entries in this series, there is a great deal of atmosphere provided by the late autumn setting, and the characters come to life thanks to his remarkable prose. He manages to infiltrate native tradition and lore into every page, enlightening while entertaining.

I don’t know why William Kent Krueger isn’t a household name by now. The Cork O’Connor series continues to deliver some of the most immersive, well-crafted mystery fiction out there, and Apostle’s Cove might be one of the best. If shows like Yellowstone and Longmire can make it to TV, there’s no reason this series shouldn’t follow. The setting, the themes, the characters - very cozy mystery with a bite.

What makes this Apostle's Cove so compelling is how Krueger juggles two timelines and keeps you fully locked into both. That’s hard to pull off, but he does it seamlessly. In the present day, Cork is wrestling with his own aging and regrets when his son Stephen calls with a bombshell: a decades-old conviction Cork was responsible for may have been wrong. The man in question, Axel Boshe, an Ojibwe enrolled person,is the key to unraveling what really happened.

As Cork reopens the investigation, the threats from years before surface again. Clearly there is someone in Tamarack County that would would like these secrets to stay buried. Krueger’s writing balances character-driven drama with a true sense of place and culture. The characters are complex, the connections electric and the story is always elevated above an average rural crime thriller.

If you haven’t picked up this series yet, now’s the time. And if Netflix is listening, it’s time to start casting!
#Atria #ApostlesCove #WilliamKentKrueger #CorkOConnorMysteries #WindigoVibes #WhyIsntThisAShowYet