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William Kent Krueger’s latest New York Times bestseller is a thrilling exploration of the motives, both good and ill, that lead men and women into the difficult, sometimes deadly, political arena.
The dying don’t easily become the dead.
Cork O’Connor is sitting in the shadow of a towering monolith known as Trickster’s Point, deep in the Minnesota wilderness. With him is Jubal Little, who is favored to become the first Native American elected governor of Minnesota and who is slowly dying with an arrow through his heart. Although the men have been bow-hunting, a long-standing tradition among these two friends, this is no hunting accident. The arrow turns out to be one of Cork’s, and he becomes the primary suspect in the murder. He understands full well that he’s been set up. As he works to clear his name and track the real killer, he remembers his long, complex relationship with the tough kid who would grow up to become a professional football player, a populist politician, and the lover of the first woman to whom Cork ever gave his heart. Jubal was known by many for his passion, his loyalty, and his ambition. Only Cork knows that he was capable of murder.
“While the murder mystery is an essential element of the novel, more important is the look at the relationships of the various characters, to each other and to the locale.”
“Krueger has crafted a strong and memorable series that never fails to surpass itself with each installment. Trickster's Point continues that tradition, containing some of Krueger’s best prose to date in what is perhaps his strongest, most intriguing novel yet.”
“Unlike many series, Cork and company age and evolve with each book. Time does not stand still and we share in the triumphs and tragedies of Cork. We watch his children grow up and, in some cases, move away. That constant change makes these novels all the more compelling.”
“Mystery fans can count on William Kent Krueger for an absorbing book with lots of twists and turns. He's an author who isn't afraid to take chances with his characters.”
“An absorbing plot and a rewarding read.”
“You might place Cork O’Connor, of this very accomplished series, halfway between Jesse Stone (not that warm) and Jack Reacher (not that hard)—and even add a dash of Douglas Corleone’s wise-guy Corvelli.”
Anonymous
Posted August 25, 2012
I am new to the world of Cork O'Connor. In fact, let me be truthful...I'm a bookseller who rides the bus, and had finished off my latest book during lunch. On my way out the door, I picked up an advance readers copy, not really expecting much.
Was so swiftly engrossed in this novel...the characters, the premise, and within 24 hours of starting it, the resolution.
Now the good thing about finding an author who is well into a series is that you have his previous novels to fulfill your fix. And, this I did. In fact, sideboarded my carefully laid out reading list in order to read the eleven preceeding this. May I say the first three have kept me intrigued.
You go into a mindset here, where characters take precedence over a plot. Plot, well crafted, brings you back to the characters.
If this is your introduction to Cork O'Connor, relish it-as well as knowing you can find previous episodes....k
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.EdShannon
Posted August 21, 2012
I got an ARC and this is really good. See below... Trickster’s Point by
William Kent Krueger Atria Books, 2012 Review by Ed Shannon Perhaps joy
and hope are strange words to describe a murder mystery; but with a
writer of William Kent Krueger’s skill, suspense and mystery rise above
normal descriptors. The newest novel in Krueger’s Cork O’Connor
series, Trickster’s Point, is not only tightly crafted and plotted but
also a joy to read. Set in the beauty of Northern Minnesota, the novel
begins with O’Connor being interrogated about the death of Jubal Little,
the odds on favorite to win Minnesota’s election for Governor. The
initial evidence points to Cork and drives him to clear himself and
search for the murderer of his childhood friend. Filled with credible
suspects and motives, the novel follows Cork as the past and present
flow together in a mystery that continually surprises and examines the
nature of love and friendship, of the complexities of human nature. An
integral part of the joy in this novel, as well as the entire series, is
the manner in which Krueger combines a taut mystery and Native American
culture with the humanity of his main character, Cork O’Connor. Cork is
flawed but also much more. He is named Ogichidaa, one who stands
between--between his people and evil. Cork rises above tragedy and
danger in a search for truth; but truth is not always justice, justice
not always truth. He must strive to balance his Shinnob heritage and
his law enforcement background as he faces the darkness of human nature
while protecting his people, friends, and family. This conflict as well
as the central murder mystery make Cork O’Connor one of the most
intriguing protagonists in the entire suspense genre. In fact, he is so
well crafted that Krueger’s novels rise above the label of genre to
those books that force us to face our own humanity, our own flaws.
Joy and hope. Yes, the writing is a joy with its well-plotted mystery
and flowing description of Minnesota’s natural beauty. Yes, there is
joy in Cork’s acceptance of the existence of tragedy and evil but also
in an unending belief in hope. Hope that light overcomes darkness, that
balance can be achieved. This hope is inherent in the Shinnob culture,
in Cork’s Irish Catholic heritage and is skillfully achieved in William
Kent Krueger’s novels.
3 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.tedfeit0
Posted August 26, 2012
Cork O’Connor has faced many perplexing situations in this long-running series set in Upper Minnesota. None, however, is as stunning as takes place in this latest chapter, perhaps because it begins at Trickster’s Point, where, according to Native American legend nothing is what it seems as the spirits play games. At the foot of the monolith sit Cork and Jubal Little, the presumptive future Governor of Minnesota. An arrow protrudes from Jubal’s chest, right through his heart. He asks Cork to remain with him rather than go get help, and it takes three hours for him to die, during which he rambles on, sort of confessing many past transgressions, but really leaving more questions than answers.
The arrow is an exact replica of those Cork makes for himself, leading to the suspicion that Cork may have killed his boyhood best friend. And Cork has to solve this mystery to exonerate himself. Another body is found nearby, that of a white man with a rifle. Who is he, and why is he there? Was he to have been backup in case the killer missed his target?
While the murder mystery is an essential element of the novel, more important is the look at the relationships of the various characters, to each other and to the locale. The author’s appreciation of Native American culture and the environment in which the story takes place is, as usual, sensitive and insightful. Jubal is an enigmatic character, almost too large to be believed. Cork, however, continues to grow with each new entry in the series.
Highly recommended.
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted October 1, 2012
Another winner from Krueger.
I have enjoyed all of his Cork O'Conner
series. The hardest part is waiting for the
next book.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted September 29, 2012
Being from minnesota it has been fun reading this series. I enjoyed everyone.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted September 23, 2012
Another great book, have read all in the series and not disappointed by any of them. All great reads.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted September 18, 2012
This has been the best of the series so far. Sad ending though.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted September 15, 2012
This was a great read, as are all of William Kent Krueger's Cork O'Connor books. Again, we are reminded just how human Cork is in that his past is such an integral part of why he stayed and let his old childhood chum bleed out rather than drive out for help. Revisiting his past and how he got to where he finds himself in this book, squarely under suspicion for murder, is a riveting read. I got my first book in this series as part of the Nook Free Friday selection. I am so glad they offered it since it introduced me to this series. I feel like I have also gotten a culture lesson about the native Americans living in Minnesota and how they have joined white mans society but retained so much of their culture.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted September 15, 2012
I love this series.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted September 14, 2012
I stumbled upon Kruger's first in the O'Connor Series (Iron Lake) a couple of years ago and have read and enjoyed each and every one with Trickster's Point being among my favorites! His style creates a smooth and interesting read while keeping the suspense going right to the end of the book. I cannot recommend his books more to those that are looking for an exceptional new writer that displays his vast knowledge of the outdoors and mystery!! It is no surprise to me that he made the best seller list right out of the chute with this one!! Keep them coming Kent!!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted September 14, 2012
I purchased this as a pre-order and waited for it to be available. Boy, I was not disappointed. It is in my opinion, the best book in the series Mr. Krueger has written. Good plotting, great characters and even better dialogue. A real five star winner.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted September 14, 2012
I love his booksd and they always keep you coming back for more. Great book.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted September 14, 2012
I'm so glad I discovered this author. (I do believe it was from a free Friday book offer, his first book. It worked because I then subsequently ordered the rest of the series.) Cork is one of my favorite characters. Its an excellent mystery and the pieces of the puzzle all fall into place by the end of the book. I will preorder his next book again like I did this book.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted September 11, 2012
I always look forward to the next installment in this series. Within a few pages I feel like I am greeting an old friend. You haven't seen them in a while, but it's like you've always been with them. I think it is a combination of Mr. Krueger's excellent job of developing and maintaining his character's identity and his ability to tell a good story in an interesting way. I hope this series continues.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Excellent book! The book starts with a hunting trip and Cork becoming the main suspect in the hunting accident death of his friend. Cork doesn't believe it wasn't an accident. We watch Cork progress between dealing with his emotions and his past growing up. Excellent thriller and mystery. This series is a joy to read and just keeps getting better.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted September 4, 2012
another excellent book in an excellent series
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.PTN
Posted September 1, 2012
Amazing. Krueger's prose really does transport you to Northeastern MN. Very satisfying read.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.reader1WI
Posted April 12, 2012
This book is still on preorder, but I have read all of Mr. Krueger's books and I am eagerly awaiting this book. Cork O'Conner series are the best. From the start they keep you involved and sad when the book ends. Great writer.
reader1WI
1 out of 6 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted February 25, 2013
Big fan of Wm Kent Krueger--got me hooked with "Iron Lake". Have recommended his series to lots of people.
Trickster's Point is a great continuation of the Cork O'Connor saga. Great opening up to the interrogation that sets
the theme. However, I'm not sure how Cork's 'thesis statement' to the investigator was really true. But I'll leave that to
other literary critics who like to parse the plots more precisely than I do.
pengesser
Posted February 11, 2013
I have enjoyed each of the books in this series and this one was no disappointment. I like the little twists the author presents and you usually don't see the ending coming. I highly recommend to anyone that likes a good mystery.
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Overview
William Kent Krueger’s latest New York Times bestseller is a thrilling exploration of the motives, both good and ill, that lead men and women into the difficult, sometimes deadly, political arena.
The dying don’t easily become the dead.
Cork O’Connor is sitting in the shadow of a towering monolith known as Trickster’s Point, deep in the Minnesota wilderness. With him is Jubal Little, who is favored to become the first Native American elected ...