IRON LAKE

Cork O'Connor is a man whose life seems to be falling apart. He is separated from his wife who is pushing for a divorce. He was the sherrif for years but got voted out of office on a vote for a lack of confidence. When Darlene LeBou asks his help in finding her son who didn't return after delivering newspapers, Cork is glad to help. He feels that his skills are finally needed. Tracing the boy's route in the midst of a snowstorm, Cork goes to the last house on the route and finds the old man, a retired judge, dead. The local officials seem quick to call this a suicide as the old man had cancer and they tell Cork that the boy is probably with his father, an alcoholic Indian. Cork isn't so quick to accept these easy explanations but the truth may get him killed. A couple of months ago, I listened to Vermillion Drift and I became a fan of William Kent Krueger. This book, the first in the series, was great. I loved how well the characters are drawn. There were many, but it wasn't confusing. Cork is a man who obviously has some serious flaws and is not in a great place in his life. Still, he remains a man of integrity, searching for the truth and accepting what is necessary for true justice. Can't wait to read the next in the series! Rating - A