Advertisement You know how it goes. A problem is presented and you say you’ll help. You’re eager to get to work. You dig in and things go well. Then you’re asked to do more.
And more.
Pretty soon, you’re up to your ears in a mess you never wanted. What you do want is out of the situation, but that ain’t happening any time soon.
Private Investigator Corcoran “Cork” O’Connor is up against something big: his people need justice for two brutal murders, while the citizens of Tamarack County want answers for another death. In the new book “Red Knife” by William Kent Krueger, Cork knows he needs to cut through clues to solve the problem.
For many years, northern Minnesota’s Ojibwe Indian Tribe co-existed peacefully with local white residents. Sure, there were issues, but they were settled amicably until Kristi Reinhardt, spoiled daughter of businessman Buck Reinhardt, was found dead. Then everyone pointed fingers at the Red Boyz.
Led by Alex Kingbird, the Red Boyz were a tight gang of Native young men who were learning to embrace their Ojibwe history and morality. Kingbird advised the Red Boyz, teaching them to stay drug-free and clean. Most of them did…
Except Lonnie Thunder. Lonnie saw money in meth, and he gave drugs to the wrong rich girl. Kristi OD’ed, and her father wanted revenge.
When Kingbird promised to give the grieving father justice, he called on Cork O’Connor to facilitate a meeting. Cork had been the local sheriff years ago and was trusted by both sides. Although O’Connor was Irish through and through, the blood of his Native grandmother ran through his veins.
And the meeting might’ve happened, had it not been for the brutal murder of Alex Kingbird. The leader of the Red Boyz and his young wife were duct-taped and executed. The Ojibwe said Reinhardt did it. Others said Thunder was behind the storm. As two deaths become more deaths, war between the cultures seemed imminent. Could Cork slice through the conflict before it got out of hand?
This time of year, it’s always nice to look forward to curling up with a good novel at the end of the day. “Red Knife” is perfect for that.
Author William Kent Kruger knows how to weave a tale. This book, the latest in the “Cork O’Connor Mystery” series, is jammed with a great cast, any of whom could have been the killer. Cork himself is one of those White-Hatted guys who see the world in shades of grey and is willing to break the law sometimes, even though he doesn’t like himself much afterward. There are a couple of very well-done twists and surprises in this mystery, which makes it a very satisfying read.
At the end of a long day, don’t you want something that will clear your head of all the clutter? If you do, involve yourself in this novel. “Red Knife” is a clear-cut winner.
Terri Schlichenmeyer lives in the La Crosse area and reviews books as The Bookworm.
Send her messages via realtime@lacrossetribune.com.
