Boundary Waters

Cork O'Connor #2

by William Kent Krueger, David Chandler (narrator)

A country-western singer disappears in a northern wilderness at the height of her fame--in a masterpiece of murder and survival of the fittest from the author of the critically acclaimed Iron Lake.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Audiobook, Thriller, Crime, Mystery Thriller, Suspense

11 pages, Audiobook

First published May 1, 1999

About the author

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.

"Ordinary Grace," his stand-alone novel published in 2013, received the Edgar Award, given by the Mystery Writers of America in recognition for the best novel published in that year. "Windigo Island," number fourteen in his Cork O’Connor series, was released in August 2014.

Reviews

[MarilynW · Rating 4 out of 5]

Boundary Waters (Cork O'Connor #2) by William Kent Krueger (Author), David Chandler (narrator)

I probably jinxed former sheriff, Cork O'Connor, by wishing that book #2 would have a lower body count than book #1. Nine months after the last book Cork and his estranged wife are on better terms, his hamburger stand has had a good season, and Cork is much healthier, having quit smoking, taken up running, and actually just run his first marathon. Things are looking good for Cork and his family. 

Then a man comes town, looking for his daughter. It turns out a lot of other folks are looking for her. Some hopefully good guys and some definite very bad guys want to find Shiloh. Bodies have already dropped and more continue dropping as the story starts. Cork, some FBI agents, and a ten year old Ojibwe boy and his father, head into the wilderness to look for Shiloh. The area is beautiful and harsh but at least Cork, the boy, and his father know it's ways and they will be covering it mostly by canoe. 

There are a lot of people involved in this story. Along the way we learn more about the Ojibwe ways and that's one of my favorite things about this series. There is a very strong feel for the Ojibwe connection to animals and the land and that connection plays a part in this story. There is also a very strong message about family and a growing camaraderie that comes from fighting on the same side, for what is right and good. 

This story was often tough to read, with all the bloodshed and cruelty. The tension of the hunt, chase, and running for one's life was strong. Now on to book #3 where I won't have my hopes up that everyone stays alive. 

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this second novel in the Cork O'Connor series, Cork volunteers to go into the wilderness and look for a young female singer, Shiloh, who has secluded herself away for a few weeks to be alone. The Anishinaabe Indian man, Wendell Two Knives, who was bringing supplies to her secret cabin has disappeared and Shiloh's father, Willie Raye, is concerned about her being stranded when the winter snows arrive. Wendell's brother Stormy and his young nephew Louis ask to go along with him to look for Wendell.

Cork soon finds he is not the only one looking for Shiloh. The FBI turn up in the Sheriff's office looking for her in connection with a murder she might have witnessed as a child and two of them insist on accompanying Cork. As Cork traverses rivers and lakes across the watery route to where they believe Shiloh has been living, Cork realises they are being followed by at least two men who are hoping Cork will lead them to Shiloh, and don't care who they have to kill to get her.

The descriptions of the wilderness are beautiful and suggest the author is very familiar with the loveliness of this landscape in all seasons, as the crispness of the air with it's hint of snow can be clearly felt. I enjoyed the further development of Cork's character as one of an honest man who believes in justice, is a little flawed himself but loves his family. I felt a little more kindly to his estranged wife Jo in this novel, but reserve my judgement as to whether she deserves to have Cork back until I get to know her better. I also like the way Indian lore and culture is woven into the novel via the inclusion of Wendell's ten year old nephew Louis who has been learning Indian skills and stories from his uncle and can lead them to the hut where Shiloh is hiding. Although the body count is quite high in this novel, I'm enjoying the way the series is developing and look forward to reading more of it.

[Phrynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Number two in a series which I think I am going to enjoy very much!!! At least, the first two books predict good things to come.
I believe I remarked in my review of Iron Lake that the body count was amazingly high. I think this book may have it beaten. Bodies fall by the wayside throughout the story and I am not even sure that they are all collected by the end. At least a lot of them are baddies.
Krueger writes extremely well both in describing the amazing countryside and in his sympathetic approach to the native Indians. He also develops his characters and their relationships in a quiet, realistic way. I was happy with the way Jo and Cork started to sort their problems out. I also enjoy the slightly mystical moments, driven by the Indian legends.
A very enjoyable read and I am looking forward to number 3.

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars, the single best Krueger.


BIDEN SAVES BOUNDARY WATERS!!!! His administration revokes Trump-approved Minnesota mining lease

A study that could lead to a 20-year ban on mining upstream from the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness was green lighted




The middle half of this book is superb, 5-stars or more. The start is slow and a bit pedestrian but not bad, and the final quarter seems rushed and clunky, as if the author got bored with it and wanted to hurry up and finish. Too bad. A bit more work and this would have been a full 5.5 stars!

Ignoring the clumsy and carelessly contrived sections, the middle half of the book is very much "man against the wilderness" wrapped in a pretty good mystery. The scenery and weather are superb, the characters are alive and interesting, the native American spirits and stories are marvellous.

I really am enjoying Cork more, he's recovered his mojo, and we see that his wife, Jo, sees that in him too. I just hope this promising thread is not just to manipulate the reader with later conflict and disappointment. (I never felt any of that in Harry Bosch's difficult marriage to the beautiful but tragic Eleanor Wish)

Krueger invests far more into Jo than in the previous book. She's not just a plot device here, and is becoming a more full-fledged and interesting character, not just a caricature.



This book would stand "head and shoulders" above the very good first book, if not for the careless sections. I also had great difficulty with the motives of the main villain, and the solution to the long-ago murder of Marias. Those seemed contrived, with confused motives, not "real living people", sadly.

The book is full of wonderful prose; I really love "the philosopher-detective" best in noir. It's in the still moments when they are alone, usually at night, when the deep speaks to them... that voice inside us that knows the truth of the world, of who we are.

The epilogue is very nice, very spiritual.



Some notes and quotes:


BIDEN SAVES BOUNDARY WATERS!!!! His administration revokes Trump-approved Minnesota mining lease

A study that could lead to a 20-year ban on mining upstream from the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness was green lighted

NOTE: In December 2017, TRUMP secretly REVERSED OBAMA PROTECTION FOR BOUNDARY WATERS, on behalf the owners of a Chilean copper and nickel mining company who happen to be the landlords for his criminal daughter and her husband-henchman Kushner.


Shiloh followed a steep trail upward through the pines and boulders to the top of the ridge. The air was crisp and clear. Her hands were already chilled, so she slipped her gloves on and began to climb. The woods were quiet. The sound of her own heavy breathing and the clomp of her booted feet seemed an intrusion. For some reason, the scent of the evergreen was sharper to her than ever, and she wondered if in preparing to leave it all behind, she’d become suddenly aware of how pervasive and wonderful it was.

-

The door closed. The big Lincoln pulled away. Cork started running again, back toward Sam’s Place. He’d told Meloux things became clearer to him when he ran. But the way the situation stood now, he could run all the way to the f...ing moon and everything would still be a mess.

-

The dark shape of Arkansas Willie Raye bent forward as the man hugged his knees. Cork understood how it felt to be separated from what you loved, from what had helped define who and what you were. It was the worst kind of loneliness.


5.0% Starts very well. I'm pleased to see that Cork's relationship with Jenny is strong, and that he is happier than he was in "Iron Lake"

17.0% ... it's in the still moments when they are alone, usually at night, when the deep speaks to them. That voice inside us that knows the truth of the world, of who we are.

43.0% ... this is extremely good. The pacing is wonderful, the rhythm perfect, the plot complex and dark and real. I'm impressed.

74.0% ... clumsy, clichéd confrontation at this point. Perhaps Krueger got bored with this part of the mystery?

91.0% .... I'm quite unhappy with some of the motives and behaviour of some of the supporting characters. Seems lazy on the part of Krueger

[Jonas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Boundary Waters is another brilliant mystery by William Kent Krueger. At the heart of the story is family, at the root, fear, anger, and greed.

The mystery revolves around a missing musician and who killed her mother. I loved her narrative-her love of music and its power to inspire and heal, finding strength in solitude, from working in nature (rowing, hiking, splitting wood), and connecting with your roots.

There are many players invested in finding her-the tabloids, her father, dirty government agents using the same dishonest manipulation of indigenous people used throughout history, and gangsters who may or may not be on the right side of things.

I love the relationships in Cork’s family. Especially the bond between his sister-in-law and estranged wife. I loved learning the names of rivers and lakes in Anishinaabe and hearing the stories that go with or explain their names. The relationships in and among the Two-Knives family were very powerful and impactful. This is a story of transformation, not only of the main characters, but the secondary characters as well.

Boundary Waters rips the reader along like riding the rapids. There is always something unexpected around the corner and it keeps the reader guessing until the end.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am in love with this author. Boundary Waters is #2 in the Cork O’Connor series of 14 books. I do not plan to finish many series over 6 books, as there are so many authors out there I want to explore. I do however plan to read everything W. Kent Krueger writes. I gave this book 5 stars because of the way the writing made me FEEL. For reasons difficult for me to describe, I felt at peace. I also felt home, I felt alive, I felt I was in the story with the characters.

Mr. Krueger’s masterful though simple descriptions of the Boundary Waters (a series of lakes, rapids, islands, and forestry along the northern Minnesota-Canadian border) were mesmerizing. I generally don’t like much description interfering with the pace of my thrillers, but Krueger knows exactly how to infuse atmosphere with minimal wording and no frills. He pulls you into the setting. The reader can smell the pines, feel the damp chilly air, hear the sounds of the lakes. He also imbues his novels with Indian folklore. At first I did not think I would enjoy this aspect of his writing, but I actually found it fascinating and to be a significant recurring “character,” so to speak, in the stories.

Character development is a very strong point of this author. His protagonist, Cork O’Connor, former sheriff of Aurora, Minnesota, is strong, but not infallible, and immensely likeable. There is continued development of Cork, his family, and certain other characters from one book to the next, so it is best to read the series in order.

The mystery in this book was solid and I was fooled by the ending, always a good thing. But again, it was the whole AURA of the book, more than anything, that drew me in. I strongly recommend this series to all mystery lovers. I cannot wait to move on to Purgatory Ridge, book #3 from this consummate author.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another stellar entry in the Cork O’Connor mystery series. What starts out as a simple missing persons case is anything but simple for O’Connor who finds himself in the thick of a complicated search that turns deadly.

I love how Krueger is building a cast of returning characters along with adding characters related to the story arc. There were a ton of characters to keep track of in this book, almost too many which definitely over complicated some of the minor storylines.

As a group of folks, led by O’Connor and a young boy, head into the deep wilderness of the boundary waters, the suspense ratchets up significantly, as does the body count.

The action switches back and forth but it certainly added a layer of tension as the reader has to determine place and time— and the relative danger to our would- be rescuers.

Dare I declare the ending a bit messy for some of our supporting characters? Despite some of the chaos at the end, it was my favorite so far. Already waiting on book 3!

(Reviewed 4/4/23)

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sooner or later, everyone sits down to a banquet of consequences. Robert Louis Stevenson

My second Cork O’Connor novel centers on a mystery buried deep in a young woman’s psyche and sets off a search and rescue mission to find her before the bad guys do. The problem is, who are the bad guys? A few nefarious cutthroats, Las Vegas mafioso and even the FBI join Cork and an Anishinaabe father and son in this gritty adventure through the unforgiving wilderness of the Boundary Waters.

I’m not inclined toward overly descriptive narratives, the term atmospheric usually has me running for the hills, but Kreuger managed to keep the story moving while vividly conjuring the harsh terrain of these two-million acres on the Canadian border. The Native folklore and mysticism also added to the mood and provides the narrative an other worldly quality.

I enjoyed this story a little more than the first, the plot was a little more layered, the characters more emotional and the writing, especially the dialogue, hit just the right tone. A solid second installment in this long-running series and I’m looking forward to interspersing more of these mysteries as I wend my way to number 17.

[H (trying to keep up with GR friends) Balikov · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like mysteries (and even thriller-mysteries) that are grounded in time and place. I have particularly enjoyed the authors (including Tony Hillerman, Craig Johnson and Peter Bowen) who have written about the boundaries between the Native Americans and white American communities. Krueger can hold his own in this company. The Boundary Waters in the title have more than a single meaning. They are up in the north of Minnesota, near Canada, and the locale has a hazy “boundary” between the white and Anishinaabe communities. You may know this tribe better as Chippewa or part of the Objibwe. But as one character points out, “ Chippewa is a white term.”

"Be careful, Corcoran O’Connor. Be especially careful of the water. Pay attention to the wind that blows across the water. It can tell you much.”
“What comes, comes.” Cork finished his cigarette in a final, pleasing lungful of smoke. “Isn’t that what you said?”
“Okay advice for an old man like me. But if I was you,” the midewiwin cautioned, “I would keep a barking dog.”"

This is a story about:
A woman who is trying to get her life back in balance in Cork's neighborhood
The people who want to find her
To rescue her
To use her
To kill her
Legal justice and other justice
Complicated relationships
Unclear motives
Culture conflicts
Wrongs that can't be easily fighter
Evolving characters and
Violence both done and threatened

Corcoran O’Connor (“Cork”) is the former sheriff of Aurora, Minnesota, a small town in the northern hinterlands right near an Anishinaabe reservation. He made a mistake as sheriff and it cost him his job and his self-respect and he was on a downward spiral for several years after that has resulted in him being separated from his wife, a prominent local lawyer, and his children. He is part Native American and has some of that lore and culture from his grandmother. He also has some close relationships in the community.

This is a novel in a set of novels about this place and this man. The first is Iron Lake and this book will be richer if you read Iron Lake first. Having said that, this book can stand on its own as a passionate thriller full of interesting multi-dimensional characters and told in a way that ramps up the tension and the surprises as it moves along. It involves the music industry, the FBI, a crime family and a lot of secrets. It is respectful to the people and culture of these Anishinaabe without taking long excursions from the storyline.

Because we are in a small community where Cork was sheriff and his wife, Jo, is one of very few attorneys, we are also treated to some interesting aspects of the conflicts between federal law, community laws, and tribal laws. Krueger pays attention to the details whether they be the load in a 30-06 cartridge, the turns in a 300+ year old trail, or how tourists change a rural haven.

This attention enhances the story….a story that, by its genre, deals with the depravity and foibles of our fellow humans. Yet, it is not without its humor:

"“You don’t like him?”
“I don’t trust him.”
“Nor do I. But that’s not what I asked.”
Schanno thought it over. “He stands by his old man. He doesn’t back down easy. If he were Lutheran, I guess he’d be just fine.”"

Definitely as good or better than Iron Lake. 4.5*

[Beata · Rating 4 out of 5]

Got to know Crocoran better, loved the tales and the descriptions.

[Ginger · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/4.5 stars
I'm loving this series and glad I finally picked it up!

Boundary Waters is a perfect blend of adventure, thriller and atmosphere that's set in the Quetico-Superior Wilderness of northern Minnesota.
The book begins with the missing case of a famous singer named Shiloh being lost in this massive territory of forest, lakes and islands.

Shiloh's father arrives in Aurora and asks Cork O'Connor to help him find his daughter. His daughter has ties to the area and it was the last place she was seen alive.

This missing persons case is more complicated then you'll realize and you won't know who to trust. Not only is her father hoping to find Shiloh but so are others who are a dangerous threat to the young woman.

I loved all of the Anishinaabe stories and legends throughout the book!
William Kent Krueger finds such a great balance of giving the reader a mystery that's full of action and suspense while learning about the culture of this group of Indigenous people in the Great Lakes region. Well done sir!

This was another great addition to the series and I'm looking forward to the next book!

[Ingrid · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars
I loved it, thought it better than the first book in the series.

[Jonetta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cork O'Connor is contacted by Willie Raye to help find his daughter, Shiloh, who's disappeared. She's a famous Country & Western singer who apparently has chosen to remove herself into the Quetico-Superior Wilderness for some self reflection. The Feds have also inserted themselves into the search because they believe she now remembers information about her mother's murder 13-years ago. Unfortunately, there are other dark forces at play as others are out to find and kill her.

As with the first story, the setting is an important element of the story and Indian lore is featured prominently in every aspect of the plot. The complexity of the boundary waters (between the Minnesota and Canadian borders) added to the mystery and sense of isolation. There was a mystical quality threaded throughout even in the midst of sinister characters who were quite chilling. I liked how the points of view of the searches and those waiting back in Aurora were juxtaposed as it heightened the tension with subtle clues all over the place. I guessed the right villain because of them but had to constantly test my theory.

This was a lush story, burdened somewhat by the body count, but enriched by the storytelling of one of the characters, a young Native American boy who shared what was passed to him by his uncle. It was a perfect illustration of the rich culture that was key to finding Shiloh and made this story special. I opted to switch to the audio format for this series because I believed a good narration performance would increase my enjoyment and boy did it. Highly recommend not only this book but this format. This series is living up to my expectations.

[Nigel · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was only a short while ago I read my first Cork O'Connor however I was drawn to read another!! I do get why so many people enjoy this series and I've got a feeling I may well go on reading this series :) Cork himself is a great character - somewhat complex, somewhat straightforward. Other parts work well. Who cannot be drawn to Henry. Jo and the family develop through this tense tale and a rescue attempt in the remote Boundary Waters region. It's a book I kept returning too whenever I had a few moments. I do love the way that the First People's stories/culture is integrated with these stories. Better than the first book for me - 4.5/5

[ScrappyMags · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm officially hooked on Krueger's books! I really enjoy the Native American/Minnesota angle as I've said before. The Lutheran jokes, the "ya"s... LOL.. as a Michigander, it's my language! This books was a real thriller. Sort of a Godfather meets Deliverance kind of book with this one - a man (and woman) meets the elements. I'm continously surprised by the character of Jo O'Connor and enjoying her having such a prevalent role in the books and hope that continues!

[Ron · Rating 4 out of 5]

My second dip into Krueger’s Cork O’Conner series proved to be every bit as good as the first, if not a little better due to added intensity. Whereas Iron Lake set the tone as an intro, including a local murder mystery, Boundary Waters expands both the cast and the setting by going north of the Aurora community into the surrounding wilderness (as if Iron Lake isn’t wild enough) where canoes are an absolute necessity. I’m getting to know Cork and the main characters a little better, to which I must add: is a good thing. There’s a touch more suspense this time around as the mystery turns into a chase. Well done and pretty smart. And Krueger does not forget to include his constant other character: the Indian heritage and folklore. I’m glad for that. It’s become a must for the added depth it brings.

[Algernon (Darth Anyan) · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Long is the way and hard, that out of hell leads up to light."

A thriller that not only deserves, but inserts at the appropriate moment a quote from John Milton's 'Paradise Lost' ? Count me in!
I have already read and enjoyed the first Cork O'Connor mystery from William Kent Krueger. With this second novel under my belt, I realize I am in for the long haul, and plan to read the whole series. For now let's concentrate on the current episode:

Heaven and Hell meet in the Boundary Waters: a vast territory of interconnected lakes, rivers, islands, forests and rocky crags – an unspoiled land, a labyrinth for the untrained eye, a killing field for the reckless adventurer. It sits on the border between the United States and Canada and covers most of the territory that used to belong to the Anishinaabe People.

In the middle of this natural maze there is a grieving woman. Shiloh, a successful country music singer, is hiding from the world, trying to make sense of her life. An old Indian guide has led her to an abandoned cabin, there to find her bearings in contemplation of nature.

Wendell told her the woods could heal if she let them. In that, as in everything, he'd been truthful.

Back in the 'civilized' world, strangers descend on the town of Aurora, Minnesota, and they compel Cork O'Connor and a couple of Native guides to lead them into the Boundary Waters, in order to save Shiloh from contract killers.

I will not get into a step by step plot reveal – suffice to say that most of the strangers (FBI agents, concerned relatives, etc) have secrets and personal agendas that make it very difficult to distinguish who is trying to help Shiloh, and who is trying to kill her. And why? As in most survival thrillers set in the high latitudes, the weather becomes the biggest adversary, as a powerful blizzard strikes the territory while the hunt is on. The wilderness is just as beautiful as it is deadly. But the real darkness is coming in from the direction of civilization.

The contrast struck Cork powerfully. In the midst of a beauty so pervasive and dramatic it made his soul quiver, they were racing against a faceless, depthless evil.

For me, the strength of William Kent Krueger is the combination of a classic mystery plot with strong, authentic people and places, with emphasis on environmental, social integration, and personal responsibility. The town of Aurora may not be perfect, but there are people in it, like Cork and his ex-wife Jo, or like some of the Anishinaabe People, who could make it into a peaceful refuge, if they are given the chance.

The law wasn't perfect, but anytime those who had to twist it did so, it grew more grotesque. With all its flaws, the law was still something she had faith in. She'd been a part of making it work, and she believed, as strongly as she believed anything, that in the end it was one of the few powerful weapons available to common people.

This was a page turner for me, and I highly recommend it. (it can be read as a stand-alone, although I guess it's better to read them in order of publication.) My favorite quote is from Shiloh, as she tries to escape both the blizzard, and the killers on her trail:

She knew she was still learning the lessons of the wilderness. To breathe, to eat, to sleep, and to do so fearlessly – how much more did anyone need to be happy? Wealth, Wendell had impressed on her, was not a value the Anishinaabe held. Sharing was the way of The People.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

In this second novel in the 'Cork O'Connor mystery series' the former sheriff helps search for a country singer. The book works fine as a standalone, though knowledge of previous events is helpful.

*****

Corcoran (Cork) O'Connor, whose ancestry is Irish and Anishinaabe Indian, has been living separately from his wife Jo and their children since the couple had some troubles a couple of years ago. (You can read about it in book one, Iron Lake).



Cork is now living in the rear part of - and running - a hamburger shack, where his daughters work part time.



Cork was once the sheriff of Aurora, Minnesota, where he lives, and many people still value Cork's investigative skills.



Thus it's not a surprise when country singer/record producer Willie Raye approaches Cork for assistance.



Willie Raye's daughter Shiloh, who's also a country singer, has isolated herself in the Boundary Waters between Minnesota and Canada, and winter is approaching.



The Boundary Waters are a vast scenic wilderness navigated by canoe and hiking, and since Cork knows his way around the region, he might be able to locate Shiloh before the frigid weather sets in.



Shiloh, who's also part Anishinaabe Indian, has had a rough life. Shiloh' mother was killed 15 years ago, when Shiloh was six years old. Little Shiloh saw what happened, but had amnesia about the incident. Now, regression therapy has restored Shiloh's memory, and she's in isolation, seemingly writing about the murder.



An elderly Anishinaabe man, Wendell Two Knives, has been helping Shiloh. Wendell loaned Shiloh his isolated cabin in the Boundary Waters, and he's been bringing her food and batteries for her tape recorder. Wendell has now disappeared, and this means big trouble all around.



There seem to be many people looking for Shiloh, besides Willie Raye. These are:

• The person(s) who killed Shiloh's mother, who don't want Shiloh to identify them.
• FBI agents who want to arrest the murderer(s).
• Miscellaneous people whose motives are unclear.

As things turn out Cork goes into the Boundary Waters with Willie Raye; two FBI agents; and an ex-convict named Stormy Two Knives and his 10-year-old son Louis Two Knives. The FBI agents coerced Stormy and Louis to come along, because Louis knows the location of his uncle Wendell's cabin and how to get there.



Meanwhile, Shiloh realizes Wendell Two Knives isn't coming back to the cabin, and she decides to make her way back to 'civilization' by herself. Shiloh has access to a canoe and some supplies, but it's a rigorous and dangerous journey that takes days.



The book is largely an adventure story as Cork and his group make their way into the rugged Boundary Waters, to find Shiloh, as people try to kill them; and Shiloh attempts to make her way out of the rugged Boundary Waters, to get to town, as people try to kill her. As you can imagine, the body count in this book is very high.



Meanwhile, back in Aurora, Cork's wife Jo, a successful lawyer, also gets involved with the hullaballoo surrounding Shiloh when she discovers that not everything to do with Shiloh is as it seems.



All this leads to an exciting hair-raising finale, and maybe a slight warming of the relations between Cork and Jo. Some of the highlights of the book are the snippets of Anishinaabe culture and mythology, a mysterious wolf, and the descriptions of the panoramic (if dangerous) Boundary Waters.



I enjoyed the book, but I'll admit I got a bit confused by all the men chasing after each other and trying to kill each other, and all the people who claim to have a connection with Shiloh and her deceased mother. I felt like I needed a scorecard to keep them straight. Still, I'd recommend the book to mystery lovers.

You can follow my reviews at http://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.com

[Veronica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cork O'Connor, former Sheriff of Tamarack County, is about a year out of the events of book one in this series. Though separated from his wife, Jo, he's nevertheless making progress on some personal commitments. When a famous music mogul with ties to Cork's past shows up asking for help in finding his daughter, Cork is honor bound to oblige.

This was an excellent follow up to the author's debut novel in this series. No sophomore slump here. The author definitely has a way with words, using them equally well to describe the raw beauty of a winter wilderness, the terror of a young woman, and the peace and wisdom of Native American lore. It was well paced, switching back and forth between Cork's trials in the wilds of the Minnesota/Canadian border and Jo's efforts to piece the mystery together in town - but in a way that propelled the story forward at an even clip rather than the sometimes start/stop effects this type of POV swapping can cause. I'm looking forward to seeing what else Cork, Jo, and the rest of Aurora, MN have to offer.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. What a great series! Cork O'Connor and his family and friends of the Reservation community to which he belongs are well drawn characters, the setting is evocative and the bodies are dropping like flies. Didn't guess who was behind it all either.
Something about Krueger's writing really appeals to me and this story carried me along effortlessly.
Series recommended.

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Over the last two years, I have read all of the books in Craig Johnson’s Longmire mystery series and all of the Joe Pickett and Cassie Dewell series books by C.J. Box. I loved all of them and enjoyed the reading experience tremendously. Now I’m looking for the next great mystery series to sink my teeth into…

Per social media posts and word of mouth, I have seen a large number of recommendations and support for William Kent Kreuger’s popular and award-winning Cork O’Connor series of mystery novels. He’s won an Edgar Award, Minnesota Book Award, Northeastern Minnesota Book Award, Dilys Award, Lovey Award, and Anthony Award to name a few. Because of that I put him on my TBR list and waited for it to move to the top. Last week while flying home from visiting with the grandkids, I pulled it up on my Kindle and took my first step into the world of Kreuger’s crime fiction, and there’s been no looking back. I am completely hooked and have a new mystery series to binge to my heart’s content.

“Boundary Waters” is the second Cork O’Conner novel and a superb worthy follow-up to “Iron Lake”. Cork lives in the small northern town of Aurora, Minnesota where he grew up. Cork is part Irish and part Anishinaabe Indian. He was previously a cop working the rough South Side of Chicago, but moved back home to Aurora with his wife, Jo, to raise a family in a small-town setting. Cork continued to work in law enforcement and was elected sheriff while Jo completed law school and started her own private practice. Together they have three children – Jennie, Annie, and Stephen.

However, things have not gone well for Cork in recent years. He’s no longer Sherriff due to a horrible incident. His marriage has also broken down due his own self-inflicted personal meltdown, leaving him separated from his wife and children, and focusing on overcoming his personal guilt and moving forward with his life.

When “Boundary Waters’ begins, Cork is living in a shack used to serve burgers in the summer which he is treating as an opportunity to employ his two daughters and spend more quality time with them. That is when Jennie is not running off to see a boyfriend that annoys Cork and Annie can pull her attention away from the Notre Dame college football games.

Then a visitor arrives that brings the past back with him. William Raye, aka “Arkansas Willie” used to host a popular syndicated country music program that made him a celebrity. Now, he has moved up and owns Ozark Records, the biggest country label in the business. Raye is desperate and needs Cork’s help. Raye’s daughter, Shiloh, a very successful country singer herself, has gone missing. Several weeks ago, she canceled all of her singing engagements and completely disappeared. The good news is that Raye has been getting letters from her that are postmarked from Aurora. The bad news is her letters stopped arriving and Raye is worried and scared.

Raye has come to Cork for two important reasons. The first is that he cannot go to police because if he did, the publicity would cause the paparazzi and tabloid reporters to flood Aurora, not to mention her hardcore fans trying to help find her. The second is personal. Shiloh’s mother, and Raye’s deceased wife, Marais, grew up in Aurora herself and her family was very close with Cork’s parents. The real truth was that even though Marais was three years older than Cork, she was his first crush and teenage love. Although it was not really requitted the way that Cork wanted, they remained good friends. Because Cork has daughters of his own, he cannot say no, and takes on trying to find her.

Before he can even really get started, things take a turn for the worse for Cork. FBI agents arrive in town forcing Sherriff Schanno and Cork to help in their own search for Shiloh. Cork gets off on the wrong foot with them and just can’t help not trusting them. Then they discover a source that might know where Shiloh is hiding out – 1 ten-year-old Indian boy named Louis. The FBI agents immediately threaten to arrest Louis’s father, who is an ex-con, and blackmail him into making Louis help them find Shiloh.

It seems that Shiloh’s hiding out in a secluded cabin in the Boundary Waters, which is a part of the uncharted Quetico-Superior Forest, rivers, and islands where survival is harsh. A search-and-rescue mission is put together and Cork, Louis, and his father are forced to go, with Louis providing directions to Shiloh’s location. Then things get worse as winter weather moves in, nature and animals become adversaries, and then their communications get destroyed and members of the party are attacked. An unknown enemy is following them that seems to want to get to Shiloh first…

I mentioned in my review how much Cork’s heart and character drove the novel, and to me, it was stronger than the mystery elements. Krueger flips that upside down in this one. The multi-layered mystery involved multiple characters, history, conflict (lots of it), and the worst in our humanity. Kreuger structured the story well, delivering surprises, shocking twists, and turns all along the way. He never took his foot off the gas, ratcheting the tension and struggles throughout, and never reaching for the break. The plotting was tight and connected everyone involved to moving the story forward.

I also appreciated how much, Cork’s wife, Jo played a key role in this one. She was an equal co-protagonist that balanced Cork evenly. They were independent partners working together to not only find Shiloh, but to protect and take care of their children. Jo’s role and character has taken a sharp 180-degree turn from her situation in the prior book. And needless to say, she not only draws your respect, but she’s becoming more likeable.

For me, Kreuger is a very talented storyteller, hitting all of the key ingredients - strong and intricate plotting, authentic and interesting characters, and wonderful use of setting and scenery. He combines and blends the three together into a first page turner thriller like no other. I must say that I noticed in both of these first two books, Kreuger really pushed my buttons by creating really strong bad guys (I won’t give their names away here). They were so easily unlikeable and annoying just like you want, providing strength and conflict for Cork and Jo throughout the books. They had sincere motivations for their actions and motivations, providing strength to the conflicts in the story. I was really drawn to Milwaukee, the professional killer, his skills, background, and motivations. His personal code added an additional layer that was both intriguing and morally conflicting. I hate to say it, but I really enjoyed disliking him and his violent actions.

Last, but not least, as I mentioned in my review of the first Cork novel, Cork’s heart and character are what drives this series for me. And, after finishing this second book, Jo strength and perseverance also helped drive their relationship forward in a unifying and powerful way. Their character flaws and struggles were more than offset by his drive to do what is right and see that justice is done regardless of his personal views and beliefs. Both Cork and Jo are their own person in many ways, but they are both equal in their drives and need to do what is right. I especially loved their relationships with their children.

Overall, I was quite impressed with Kreuger’s second Cork O’Connor adventure. This was a strong 4-plus star rating out of 5 stars and I simply, cannot wait to read more books in this series. Having come off of the Longmire and Joe Picket novels, I am extremely pleased that many other readers of those series recommended William Kent Kreuger to me. They were spot on. Thank you for introducing my next mystery series journey for me to take. I can tell that I have many hours of reading joy coming my way that will bring new friends and experiences to cherish.

If you are reading this review, I encourage you to try reading the Cork O’Conner series too. It will be so worth it… They are simply awesome!

[TracyGH · Rating 4 out of 5]

Continuing with the Cork O’Connor series and this one did not disappoint.

Good: The author’s uncanny ability to transport you into the wilderness and smell the pine. You can feel yourself there. The characters feel familiar and are like old friends. I always appreciate the Native history and culture.

Bad: A little overdone in parts and perhaps a little too much filler. A tad slower for me then his other books.

Recommend this series and I will continue on to Purgatory Ridge.

[Perri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Krueger's adept at atmospheric setting, character development, and I enjoyed the Native American culture inserts. I was a bit sad that Charon/Milwaukee died as he seemed a worthy Cork opponent and I'd like to have seen them spar some more. I wanted to know more about his character and what drove him to be the way he is. Overall, another strong thriller by a master writer.

[Valleri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Krueger’s second novel again features ex-sheriff Cork O’Connor of Aurora, Minnesota, and plenty of harsh weather. I liked this book even better than the first one of the series. This one was about Shiloh, a young woman in hiding, and the people converging on Aurora looking for her. Some are trying to kill her and others are trying to rescue her. Native American folklore and legend are mixed in, again, and I really enjoyed those aspects of the story. I found Boundary Waters to be a solid and compelling mystery - and I'm so ready to read Purgatory Ridge!

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I wasn't fond of the narrator's tone, which seemed a bit 'forced,' I enjoyed this audiobook more than the first in the series. The body count reminded me of a Midsomer Murder episode! The story line kept my husband and I captivated, as we worked on a 3,000 piece puzzle and we couldn't wait to get back to it each evening to see what would happen next and ultimately how the mystery would be resolved! We even slipped in a couple of lunchtime listenings!

It was a thrilling search and rescue tale set in the rugged wilderness of Minnesota in fall weather that added to the challenge. The ending was quite satisfying and left us wanting to move on to the next book in the series.

[Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another terrific Cork O'Connor story. William Kent Krueger is one of the best mystery novelists writing today. I have thoroughly enjoyed every one of his books that I have read so far and look forward to many more.

[Margitte · Rating 3 out of 5]

A successful country singer decided to return to her roots in a small border town in Minnesota to get away from the destructive influences of the music industry. Aurora (population 3,752) was small enough, but not remote enough for her needs. Wendell Two Knives of the Anishinaabeg Native American tribe( he is from the Iron Lake Ojibwe-clan) helps Shiloh to set herself up in a remote cottage in the Boundary Waters wilderness, where she can rejuvenate and heal herself. However, too many people had much to lose, or win, when she disappeared. Some wanted her dead, and others wanted to find her alive. Cork O'Connor is called in to help find her, with the local police and the FBI thrown into the mix.

The way in which WKK addressed the violence in this novel is how I thought he will do it. Can it be described as a cottoned kind of experience for his readers? He is such a gentle soul. I LOVED his two standalone novels. In fact This Tender Land and Ordinary Grace were two of my all time favorite reads.

This time around I just could not feel the same excitement. Perhaps I have experienced William Kent Krueger as a too gentle soul to really get comfortable with his new genre of detective thrillers. The background was as riveting as always. The quiet beauty of the Boundary Waters-with over twelve hundred miles of canoe routes on the border between Minnesota and Ontario, was so well introduced. For me living in the wilderness, this was just a musical alphabet experience. It felt like venturing into this frigid cold with a trusted friend. The experiences of the characters in this formidable, but beautiful part of the USA, kept me reading. Riveted. The Native American folklore and characters, with the introduction to an ancient language enriched the experience even more. The camaraderie which developed between people who initially did not connect well, and the humanity of them all, except for the real murderer of course, was touching. Kreuger always delivers on history and atmosphere. Oh my, how he delivers.

My problem is the many people who did not make it, and it had nothing to do with the harsh winter conditions, or nature in general. Too many characters, perhaps too much forced theatrics? Something was just different. It was as though too many editors worked on the heart of the story and minimized the Kreuger-magic in the process.

This will not be the end of the road for me and WKK novels. I just love this author's writing too much and will for sure return.

[Denise Wilbanks | This Is My Everybody · Rating 4 out of 5]

BOOK REVIEW: Boundary Waters by William Kent Krueger

William Kent Krueger is fastly becoming one of my favorite authors! He also wrote This Tender Land, which I absolutely loved. One of my all-T.I.M.E. Favorites!

And in The Cork O’Connor Series he is really doing a great job as well.

The series is set in an environment that is absolutely ripe for storytelling. You've got the icy tundra… You've got frozen lakes… You've got people disappearing right and left in the wilderness that you need night goggles on to see anything…

And it's just loaded with native American mystical folklore that is weaving in and out of the story and really keeping your attention glued to the page.

The thrill factor is definitely holding up between Book One and Book Two in this series. And I'm looking forward to the next books in the series…

Boundary Waters by William Kent Krueger

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All my reviews can be seen at This Is My Everybody | Denise Wilbanks | T.I.M.E. at www.thisismyeverybody.com ... Including my free resources for book club support, reading and DIY home ideas inspired by each recommended book to support you in bringing your favorite book to life in your life and home…

You can see my full review and available resources for Boundary Waters (Book Two | The Cork O'Connor Series) by William Kent Krueger at https://www.thisismyeverybody.com/boo...

[Keri Stone · Rating 4 out of 5]

This 2nd in the Cork O’Connor series definitely has me hooked! Cork finds himself on a search for a missing woman, along with an unusual assortment of men. She’s in danger, and as they go along they discover they are being tracked. It’s an interesting story that involves Cork’s family and other characters from town that we continue to get to know, as well as newcomers. Really enjoyable and great narration on the audiobook.

[Belle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lot of people die in this book. The good guys and the bad.

So why 5 stars then?

This was an excellent 2nd in a series.

This one was edited very well. The 1st book got a little long in the middle.

The characters continued to develop and become more like friends and neighbors. Serial reading for me is as much about knowing the main characters as they develop as it is the mystery story. Maybe even more important.

Last, the outdoors in the woods is my magic place. Kent Krueger writes the north woods like no other.

I’m so happy I finally invested myself in these books!

Straight is my path.
Straight is my mind.
Straight is my heart.
Straight is my speech.
Kind will I be to my brothers and sisters.
Kind will I be to beast and bird.

That seemed to just about cover it all as far as Cork was concerned.

Funny, she thought, how little it took to be happy when there was little choice. She knew she was still learning the lessons of the wilderness. To breathe, to eat, to sleep, and to do so fearlessly—how much more did anyone need to be happy?

She’d faced her death and her fear of it and had come to the other side of an understanding. All things were connected. Trees, water, air, earth, gray wolf, Shiloh. Life and death. Happiness and sorrow. All elements of the Great Spirit, Kitchimanidoo.