Review copy was received from NetGalley, Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Fox Creek by William Kent Krueger Narrator: David Chandler
Series: Cork O'Connor #18
Published by Recorded Books on August 31, 2021
Genres: Mystery, Suspense
Pages: 336
Length: 9 hours, 54 minutes
Format: Audiobook, eARC
Source: NetGalley, Publisher
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The ancient Ojibwe healer Henry Meloux has had a vision of his death. As he walks the Northwoods in solitude, he tries to prepare himself peacefully for the end of his long life. But peace is destined to elude him as hunters fill the woods seeking a woman named Dolores Morriseau, a stranger who had come to the healer for shelter and the gift of his wisdom.
Meloux guides this stranger and his great niece, Cork O’Connor’s wife, to safety deep into the Boundary Waters, his home for more than a century. On the last journey he may ever take into this beloved land, Meloux must do his best to outwit the deadly mercenaries who follow.
Meanwhile, in Aurora, Cork works feverishly to identify the hunters and the reason for their relentless pursuit, but he has little to go on. Desperate, Cork begins tracking the killers but his own skills as a hunter are severely tested by nightfall and a late season snowstorm. He knows only too well that with each passing hour time is running out. But his fiercest enemy in this deadly game of cat and mouse may well be his own deep self-doubt about his ability to save those he loves.
I waited awhile for the few audio books without David Chandler narrating in the Cork O’Connor series to be rerecorded by him. I caught up to current this year since that happened and was ready for more. I would read these books in order as the personal and career changes happen as we go along.
The O’Connor family is a family of caring, faith and compassion. These stories are set in the beauty of Minnesota’s north country and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. There are many native people here. The stories are ones of faith, protecting the environment, and learning your path. The mysteries are engaging and thrilling.
Cork, and oftentimes his family, are in danger as he seeks answers. In Fox Creek, he looks for missing persons and the reasons why they are missing. Henry and Rainey save one of the missing from kidnapping, but are still tracked into the Northwoods by the mercenaries. Stephen takes a different route to find out more about why this is happening. They all face danger and have some physical harm. Everyone, including me, is worried about Henry as Stephen had a vision of what might be his death.
I won’t spoil the reasons or what happens to everyone, that’s to be read and enjoyed. This author never disappoints. The author’s note points out that the story is based on actual events which happened in the area and the ongoing efforts of natives to protect the natural environment and resources.
Narration:
David Chandler is the voice of this series and the one I hear in my head. The Minnesota locations and Indian words were pronounced as I expected. I appreciate his handling of all the voices of both genders, with distinct voices for all the main characters. Mostly these are Cork, Henry, Rainey, Stephen and Wabu. I was able to listen comfortably at my usual 1.5x speed.
Listen to a clip: HERE
About William Kent Krueger
Raised in the Cascade Mountains of Oregon, William Kent Krueger briefly attended Stanford University—before being kicked out for radical activities. After that, he logged timber, worked construction, tried his hand at freelance journalism, and eventually ended up researching child development at the University of Minnesota. He currently makes his living as a full-time author. He’s been married for over 40 years to a marvelous woman who is an attorney. He makes his home in St. Paul, a city he dearly loves.
Krueger writes a mystery series set in the north woods of Minnesota. His protagonist is Cork O’Connor, the former sheriff of Tamarack County and a man of mixed heritage—part Irish and part Ojibwe. His work has received a number of awards, including the Minnesota Book Award, the Loft-McKnight Fiction Award, the Anthony Award, the Barry Award, the Dilys Award, and the Friends of American Writers Prize. His last five novels were all New York Times bestsellers.
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I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 22-COYER
*sigh* I just saw the 5 stars in every category💜 I cannot wait! Anne, David Chandler is also the voice I hear in my head for all things related to this series.
It’s just a love affair with me and this series.
The series sounds exciting, I’m glad you’re enjoying it.
Thanks Wendy! Everything is so well developed, setting, characters, plots.
I’ve only read a few books in this series, but I did like them. And my mom has read them all. 🙂
I really enjoy them so much!
I have heard so many great things about this author and definitely want to read his work. This sounds like a wonderful series.
I love these books SO much. I hope you do get to try them.
Yet another series to add to my ever growing TBR. 😊
I can’t recommend this one any more highly. It’s a huge favorite.
Wow, five stars all around. Me thinks I need to try this series. Lovely review Anne.
It’s amazing. I cannot recommend it any more highly. Every book is so good. I recommend the audio.
I didn’t get to the first Cork O’Connor book that you recommended for the RAT, but its a when not if thing. I’m so glad to see this far along a five star book and that is great that a favored narrator has finished the series to date.
Thanks Sophia. It’s just the most awesome series.
Wow! 5 stars in every category? I need to start this series. Fab review, Anne!
You do Rachel! It is great on audio. It helps that the setting is Minnesota where I lived for 35 years. But there is so much in these books. I am sure you can find them at your library. I ended up buying them all on audio because I love them.
This sounds good. Mmmmmm. Maybe
It’s a favorite. Great narrator. I enjoy the outdoor settings but also the intellectual consideration of how a person should live their life and treat others which is below the surface of the mystery.
I’ve read a couple of his books and loved them so I think I need to give this series a try. Wonderful review!
Thank you, Suzanne. I would start at the beginning. I highly recommend them. Every one is a gem.