Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this novel. I've read all of the Cork O'Connor series, and this installment is among the best.

Cork is feeling down as he faces another birthday, and soon he finds himself investigating a murder. The catch? It's one he handled as sheriff 25 years ago. Did he send an innocent man to prison?

In a different section of the novel, readers get to follow along with a younger Cork as he investigates the murder for the first time and see some characters who are gone in the present day. It's nice to revisit the dynamic between Cork and his late wife, Jo, and the similarities between how he worked with her and how he works on investigations in the present day with his adult daughter, Jenny.

This novel pulled me in fast, and I could have easily ignored everything to read it in one sitting. Alas, I forced myself to read only a little each day to make it last, and I still want more of Cork's story.

Many thanks to William Kent Krueger, Atria Books, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this novel. Krueger never disappoints, and this is another well-plotted, well-written and very satisfying entry in the Cork O’Connor series.

Apostle’s Cove by William Kent Krueger, his latest Cork O’Connor murder mystery, did not disappoint. The past meets the present when Cork’s son, Stephen, asks him to investigate a decades old murder in order to free a wrongly accused prisoner. Cork finds that he did indeed miss some key evidence. Bringing that to light begins a series of events ending in another gruesome murder by the real killer.. Halloween and Indian lore play a part as Cork brings justice to his town. Highly recommended to fans of mysteries involving indigenous peoples.

I read Apostle’s Cove as an ARC from NetGalley and was thoroughly impressed. This 21st installment in the Cork O’Connor series masterfully blends Cork’s early years as sheriff with his present-day life, breathing fresh energy into the series. Krueger’s writing is as evocative as ever, and the return to Cork’s roots adds emotional depth and renewed purpose. A compelling, heartfelt entry that feels both nostalgic and new—longtime fans will be especially rewarded.

An Absolute Masterpiece! Cork O'Connor Faces His Darkest Case Yet!

Wow. Just, wow. Apostle's Cove is hands down one of the most gripping, atmospheric, and emotionally resonant novels I've read in a long time. William Kent Krueger has once again proven why Cork O'Connor is one of the most compelling characters in crime fiction, and this installment is a tour de force that kept me utterly spellbound.

The premise alone is chilling: Cork, on the cusp of sixty, is forced to confront a ghost from his past when his son, Stephen, challenges a conviction Cork made two decades prior. The murder of Axel Boshey, an Ojibwe man Cork put behind bars, quickly becomes a raw wound for Cork to reopen. The added layer of Boshey's inexplicable refusal to cooperate only deepens the mystery and Cork's personal torment.

From the moment Cork dives back into the cold case, the tension is palpable. The narrative expertly weaves together the present-day investigation with the chilling implications of the past, making it clear that powerful forces in Tamarack County are determined to keep the truth buried – even if it means more murder. The suspense builds relentlessly, and I found myself holding my breath more than once as Cork dug deeper into the dangerous secrets.

But what truly elevates this novel to five-star status is the masterful integration of the supernatural and spiritual elements. Cork's seven-year-old grandson's chilling theory about the **Windigo**, the mythic cannibal ogre, isn't just a side plot; it's a terrifying, ever-present undercurrent that perfectly mirrors the human darkness Cork is uncovering. This blending of folklore with the gritty reality of a murder investigation is simply brilliant, adding layers of primal fear and a sense of ancient evil that truly sets this book apart.

Krueger's writing is as rich and evocative as ever, bringing the stark beauty and hidden dangers of the New Mexico badlands to vivid life. The characters are deeply human, flawed, and utterly believable. The emotional stakes are incredibly high, both for the victims and for Cork himself, whose integrity and family are constantly on the line.

**Apostle's Cove is more than just a crime novel; it's a powerful exploration of justice, redemption, sacrifice, and the enduring presence of dark forces, both human and mythical. It's a gripping, heart-pounding journey that I couldn't put down. Highly, highly recommend!

Pulled me in as always. Kruger is a master at spinning a yarn. Ending whodunnit was a little convoluted. I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review

Can never turn down a cork book. This was the first one that I actually read rather than listen to, and I thought it was just as good if you’re into audiobooks, the person who reads them is really great, but so is the print version.

Review from Fantastic Fiction:
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 is book 21 in the Cork O’Conner series, which I have followed and enjoyed.

Apostle’s Creed is Kent Krueger at the top of his game. He is truly one of the greatest writers of this generation.

25 years ago, as a new sheriff, Cork O’Connor arrested an Ojibwe man, Axel Boshey, for a brutal murder. Although Cork had serious doubts about the case, Axel pled guilty and was sentenced to prison.

Now, Cork’s son Stephen is convinced Axel is innocent, and asks his father to reopen the case. Cork’s decision will open a Pandora’s box of lies, secrets, treachery, and murder.

This reader devoured this novel in one sitting, and cannot recommend it highly enough. William Kent Krueger is a national treasure! “Apostle’s Cove #NetGalley #SaltMarshAuthorSeries

A phone call from former Sheriff Cork O'Connor's son Stephen, a lawyer with the Innocence Project takes him back to his first murder case as the newly elected sheriff of Tamarisk County. The first half of the book is Cork returning to the murder of Chastity Boshy, ostensibly by her husband Axel. Cork always had doubts even after Axel confessed. Now 25 years later Axel's son Sunny is convinced his father is innocent and wants Stephen and Cork to prove his innocence. Axel still isn't sure what happened that night. As Cork revisits the case all these years later, much is shaken loose as we learn what really happened.
Mr. Krueger never fails to entertain. His books are an absolute delight to read. He weaves a tight tale all while incorporating bits and pieces of Anishinaabe culture and lore into the story. He creates a community and setting that is a rich character in and of itself, in addition to an intriguingly moral yet fallible main character as well as a rich and fully developed supporting cast. I am not just entertained while reading the Cork O'Connor books, I learn something as well.
My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and provide my honest review of this book.

It was nice to jump into another book starring Cork O'Connor and his family. This story takes Cork back twenty five years when he arrested a man for murder who was sentenced to life without parole and Cork was never comfortable with it being just. Now, his son Stephen asks him to look back at this case as he believes the man is innocent. The man, serving life in prison has recanted his confession. This sets off Cork's re-investigation with help from Jenny and others.

I was caught up in this story right from the beginning and could not put the book aside. It was great to go back to when Jo was alive and then also to the present day when Rainey was Cork's wife and family lived with him. There are those who do not want this investigation to continue.

Another great book by William Kent Krueger. Thank you NetGalley and Atria books for this ARC.

3.75 stars, and I rounded to 4 stars.
I came into the book with no expectations, and I was pleasantly surprised.
I enjoyed it.
Cork O'Connor is investigating a case from his past life as a sheriff. He has always been bothered, almost haunted, regarding a verdict on a case that sent a man to prison. His son asks him to take a look into the case, and Cork and his daughter, Jenny, end up going down a crazy road with danger around every corner.
This was my first book with Cork O'Connor, and I did fine having not read any of the previous books. In fact, the character development was done so well that I didn't feel like I had missed out on anything and was able to connect with the characters as well as I would have had this been a standalone book.
The structure of the writing was very well done. I was shocked by how well the dual timelines are written. I always say that I think that is one of the hardest things to pull off as a writer, but Krueger executed it so perfectly.
I also enjoyed the pace of the book; it kept me engaged, and I really didn't want to stop reading.
If this isn't a mini-series, I could absolutely see this being something made for TV.
I am now tempted to go and read more of Cork's adventures and get more of his story!
Thank you to NetGalley and William Kent Krueger for the opportunity to read this ARC!
Happy Reading!

Cork O’Connor is contacted by his son, Stephen, who is working for an innocence project. He tells Cork that he believes one of his first cases as sheriff convicted an innocent man. Then Krueger takes us back in time to that case. Cork was never convinced the suspect was guilty but he confessed and was then convicted. Back to today Cork reworks the case. Fast paced. Good read. Cork O’Connor series is one of my favorite characters.

“Apostle’s Cove” by William Kent Krueger, the 21st installment in the Cork O’Connor series, is a captivating blend of past and present that kept me hooked from the first page. Though this was my first entry into the Cork O’Connor universe, Krueger’s vivid character development and seamless storytelling made it easy to dive in without feeling lost. The dual timeline structure was executed beautifully, weaving together history and mystery in a way that deepened the narrative and heightened the suspense. Krueger’s prose is atmospheric and emotionally rich, and the pacing never lagged. I truly couldn’t put it down. This book definitely left me eager to explore the rest of the series.

Thank you, NetGalley and Atria Books for the ARC.

A 4.5* read!

Cork O'Connor, a retired Sheriff and sometime PI, has his life thrown for a loop, when his son calls him
to tell him that a person who was convicted and jailed for life for a brutal murder he investigated as sheriff, may actually be innocent. His son work's for a Justice program that helps find evidence to free wrongly convicted people.
As Cork goes full on in investigating the new information from his son, the story takes you back to the time of the crime and subsequent investigation and conviction of a local native who was married to the victim at the time of her death.
Great suspense with riveting characters and a story line that pulls you right in.
Krueger does a good job with the transition from then to now: a writing tool I am not usually fond of.
Goid read.

Another winner from author William Kent Krueger in the Cork O'Connor series. A case that sent a man to prison twenty-five years ago is being reviewed by a group who feel the man is innocent. Cork was the sheriff when the man was sentenced to prison for the death of his wife. The novel is written in two parts. The first part revisits the case and Cork's involvement in it. The second part revolves around Cork's search for the truth and for justice. Am an avid Krueger fan and love the characters he has created. Cork is a man with a conscience and a man aware that he may also have faults. This particular entry really shows the familial basis of Cork's character. Thanks to Net Galley for the arc.

If you’re craving a cozy fall read that mixes small-town secrets, a dash of the supernatural, and Cork O’Connor’s trademark grit, then Apostle’s Cove is your perfect ticket. Krueger delivers once more with a compelling tale set in Tamarack County where a decades-old wrongful conviction becomes the center of a tense investigation—and maybe even a supernatural twist! Cork is feeling the birthday blues when a call from his son, Stephen, sparks a ride through the shadowy corners of justice. Decades ago, Cork locked up Axel Boshey for a brutal murder, but now Stephen’s convinced the man is innocent. Trouble is, Axel isn’t exactly eager to clear his name, and someone—or something—is willing to go to murderous lengths to keep the truth buried. And just to add some spooky spice, Cork’s grandson has a wild theory that a Windigo is lurking around, hungry for blood. This story is equal parts mystery, family drama, and folklore-fueled fun. Krueger expertly balances suspense with heartfelt moments, all sprinkled with his signature humor and wit. Whether you’re a fan of true-crime intrigue or tales of legendary monsters, this book will keep you guessing—and slightly spooked—until the very last page. So, grab some popcorn, settle into your favorite chair, and enjoy a rollercoaster of a read that proves William Kent Krueger is a master of blending the real with the rumored—and making it all utterly captivating. Four stars!

Apostle's Cove by William Kent Kreuger is a captivating read that kept me engaged until the very last page. This book marks my first encounter with the Cork O’Connor series, although I am familiar with other works by Kreuger and regard him as an outstanding author. The narrative revolves around Cork's quest to unravel the brutal murder of a young mother.

The story unfolds in two timelines: the first depicting the murder as it occurs, leading Cork to send an individual to prison following an investigation that leaves him with lingering questions. Fast forward twenty-five years, and Cork’s son reveals his belief that an innocent man has been wrongfully convicted for the crime, prompting Cork to resume his search for the truth.

Cork is a compelling protagonist, and the novel is populated with a diverse cast of characters. As a part Native American, Cork's investigation leads him into the reservation, where I enjoyed discovering the rich cultural beliefs and practices. Overall, I would rate this book a solid 4 stars!

William Kent Krueger, never disappoints his readers. I only started reading Cork O’Connor mystery series a couple of years ago. After I read This Tender Land. I love Cork, I love his family. I love his story. And you really don’t need to read his books in order. Cork is part Indian.so this is a main part of his stories.
His son Stephen, brings to his father, an old case, where a man was accused of killing his wife. The man who Cork was responsible for sending this man to prison. I hate to give away more. This is just a must read for Cork fans. Just go out and buy this book.
I would love for someone to develop these stories for Netflix or Prime.

What a story!! Thank you NetGalley and Atria books for this ARC! This grabbed me from the very beginning—just the right amount of rich description to really paint and picture but keep you interested. I felt like I was watching a miniseries! Great character development and story development starting with the case 25 years prior and then in the now. Will be highly recommending to those that love drama, mystery and crime! One of my favorites so far this year.