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Cork O'Connor #12
Trickster's Point
The latest in the New York Times bestselling Cork O’Connor mystery series—the action never stops when the private detective ends up in the crosshairs of a political assassin.
The dying don’t easily become the dead.
The next novel in William Kent Krueger’s New York Times bestselling series finds Cork O’Connor 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 bowhunting, 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.
Full of nail-biting suspense, plus a fascinating look into Cork’s teenage years in Aurora, a town blessed with natural beauty yet plagued by small-town feuds and heated racial tension, Trickster’s Point 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.
The next novel in William Kent Krueger’s New York Times bestselling series finds Cork O’Connor 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 bowhunting, 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.
Full of nail-biting suspense, plus a fascinating look into Cork’s teenage years in Aurora, a town blessed with natural beauty yet plagued by small-town feuds and heated racial tension, Trickster’s Point is a thrilling exploration of the motives, both good and ill, that lead men and women into the difficult, sometimes deadly, political arena.
338 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 21, 2012
1416 people are currently reading
3793 people want to read
About the author
William Kent Krueger
80 books16.2k followersRaised 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,034 reviews
July 7, 2021
Trickster's Point (Cork O'Connor #12) by William Kent Krueger (Author), David Chandler (Narrator)
Trickster Point begins with Cork O'Connor sitting, in the wilderness, with his high school best friend (now not so much a friend anymore) as Jubal Little dies from an arrow in his chest. They'd been hunting with bows on Trickster Point and now Cork is under the suspicion of murder because it looks like the arrow that killed Jubal is one of his own handmade arrows. Cork attracts trouble and even Cork and his son Stephen talk about this fact. It seems to be a fate that Cork can't escape.
As the present day murder investigation takes place, Cork thinks about his past with Jubal Little and the path that Jubal took after he left Aurora, for college. There is no love lost in Aurora, for Jubal, and even Cork wonders if Jubal ever really considered him a friend. We get to see them from young teens to now, as Jubal made it clear that nobody tells him what to do. I always enjoy getting to know more about Cork's past and the people in it and this story gives us more of the past that makes Cork who he is today.
Published August 22nd 2012 by Recorded Books
Trickster Point begins with Cork O'Connor sitting, in the wilderness, with his high school best friend (now not so much a friend anymore) as Jubal Little dies from an arrow in his chest. They'd been hunting with bows on Trickster Point and now Cork is under the suspicion of murder because it looks like the arrow that killed Jubal is one of his own handmade arrows. Cork attracts trouble and even Cork and his son Stephen talk about this fact. It seems to be a fate that Cork can't escape.
As the present day murder investigation takes place, Cork thinks about his past with Jubal Little and the path that Jubal took after he left Aurora, for college. There is no love lost in Aurora, for Jubal, and even Cork wonders if Jubal ever really considered him a friend. We get to see them from young teens to now, as Jubal made it clear that nobody tells him what to do. I always enjoy getting to know more about Cork's past and the people in it and this story gives us more of the past that makes Cork who he is today.
Published August 22nd 2012 by Recorded Books
December 2, 2017
Number 12 in the series and Krueger is still finding ways to keep the series fresh.
In this episode Cork finds himself on the other side of the interview desk as the suspect in a murder case. The mystery is intriguing and well plotted and as a bonus we get more of Cork's past. I enjoy finding out what made him into the person he is today especially when we find out he had his darker moments as well as the good times.
In the present Cork is in a good place. His romantic life is looking up, he is loving every moment of being a grandpa, and his relationships with his children seem strong. Now if only all these dead people would leave him alone..... this book gives a reason for that too!
A very enjoyable read indeed!
In this episode Cork finds himself on the other side of the interview desk as the suspect in a murder case. The mystery is intriguing and well plotted and as a bonus we get more of Cork's past. I enjoy finding out what made him into the person he is today especially when we find out he had his darker moments as well as the good times.
In the present Cork is in a good place. His romantic life is looking up, he is loving every moment of being a grandpa, and his relationships with his children seem strong. Now if only all these dead people would leave him alone..... this book gives a reason for that too!
A very enjoyable read indeed!
December 24, 2016
Reading, or in this case, listening to William Kent Krueger, is always a joy. His writing style is similar to Louise Penny, in that his mysteries are all about the characters instead of the action. There’s always plenty of philosophy about human nature.
This novel dwells in both the past and present, with lots of flashbacks and remembrances of Cork O’Connor’s teen years with Jubal Little. As always, the Ojibwa culture and traditions have a large place in Krueger’s narratives.
Even though I knew who had committed the murder fairly early on, it didn't diminish my enjoyment of the book. And there were still plenty of twists and turns that I didn't see coming at all.
I was very pleased with the narrator for this book.
November 15, 2022
Simon and I listened to this together while on our current adventure, a visit to Springfield, the capital of Illinois. What I loved most about this book were the descriptions of nature such as, "The whole upper half of Trickster's Point was lit with morning sunlight, which by now had turned gold and the tops of the trees looked bathed in honey."
An especially memorable passage occurs in the epilogue and includes a prayer spoken by Cork O'Connor's son, Stephen from memory. This moving prayer is attributed to Native American Indian Lakota (Sioux) Chief Yellow Lark in 1887:
"Great Spirit, whose voice I hear in the winds and whose breath gives life to the world: as I come before You, one of Your many children, I am small and weak; I need Your strength and wisdom. May I walk in beauty; may my eyes behold the red and purple sunset; may my hands respect what You have made; may my ears be sharp to hear Your voice.
Make me wise, so I may know what You teach in every leaf and rock. Make me strong, so I may be able to fight my greatest enemy, myself. May I ever be ready to come to You with clean hands and straight eyes, so that when life fades like a sunset, I may come You without shame."
An especially memorable passage occurs in the epilogue and includes a prayer spoken by Cork O'Connor's son, Stephen from memory. This moving prayer is attributed to Native American Indian Lakota (Sioux) Chief Yellow Lark in 1887:
"Great Spirit, whose voice I hear in the winds and whose breath gives life to the world: as I come before You, one of Your many children, I am small and weak; I need Your strength and wisdom. May I walk in beauty; may my eyes behold the red and purple sunset; may my hands respect what You have made; may my ears be sharp to hear Your voice.
Make me wise, so I may know what You teach in every leaf and rock. Make me strong, so I may be able to fight my greatest enemy, myself. May I ever be ready to come to You with clean hands and straight eyes, so that when life fades like a sunset, I may come You without shame."
December 29, 2017
The story opens with Cork O’Connor in the woods of Trickster’s Point next to his dying friend, Jubal Little who happens to be the favored gubernatorial candidate poised to win in just a few days. It’s no hunting accident and Cork’s the primary suspect. While those in the Tamarack County Sheriff’s Department don't really believe he committed the murder (though it looks really bad), the involvement of the state’s Bureau of Criminal Apprehension forces them to play it by the book.
This story was fascinating as it transitions between present day and 40 years earlier when twelve-year-old Cork and Jubal first meet through their high school years. We gain even more insight into Cork as their complicated relationship is explored along with others who had significant influence in shaping the grown man. Jubal was an enigma and equally interesting, making the mystery of who murdered him pretty difficult to unravel. However, for one of the few times since reading this series, I nailed the culprit! Granted, I didn’t figure everything out but I got most of it.
Another wonderful story in a series of very, very good ones. The more I learn about Cork O’Connor, the more I admire and respect him, flaws and all. And, David Chandler is back as the narrator, delivering a pitch perfect performance!
This story was fascinating as it transitions between present day and 40 years earlier when twelve-year-old Cork and Jubal first meet through their high school years. We gain even more insight into Cork as their complicated relationship is explored along with others who had significant influence in shaping the grown man. Jubal was an enigma and equally interesting, making the mystery of who murdered him pretty difficult to unravel. However, for one of the few times since reading this series, I nailed the culprit! Granted, I didn’t figure everything out but I got most of it.
Another wonderful story in a series of very, very good ones. The more I learn about Cork O’Connor, the more I admire and respect him, flaws and all. And, David Chandler is back as the narrator, delivering a pitch perfect performance!
March 25, 2018
The reasons this one is getting 3 stars instead of the 4 or 5 more typical for this series, are that not only did I figure out 90% of the mystery very early in the book, but I also could not get on board with Cork's childhood friendship with the victim. It's unusual with Mr. Krueger, but the feelings just did not ring true to me, and many of the things that happened over the course of the friendship were indefensibly out of character for Cork.
That said, Tricksters Point is still a good read in so many ways. Krueger writes about love, need, fear, and hate, all basic forces at the root of human nature, and he speaks eloquently about the culture of the Anishinaabe People, which I find often reflects my own beliefs. I also enjoyed seeing how Cork's children and family as a whole have grown and changed since the events of Northwest Angle.
Once again, I heartily recommend this series if you have not started it yet.
That said, Tricksters Point is still a good read in so many ways. Krueger writes about love, need, fear, and hate, all basic forces at the root of human nature, and he speaks eloquently about the culture of the Anishinaabe People, which I find often reflects my own beliefs. I also enjoyed seeing how Cork's children and family as a whole have grown and changed since the events of Northwest Angle.
Once again, I heartily recommend this series if you have not started it yet.
August 10, 2025
I will never tire returning to Aurora to hang out with Corcoran O’Connor. This brought a different aspect to the storyline as Cork finds himself on the wrong side of the law. I love the description of place in all these books. And Waboo! - just adds something to the storyline.
4 stars
4 stars
December 17, 2018
The 12th installment of Krueger’s Cork O’Connor detective series finds Cork accused of murdering a longtime friend with a hunting arrow through the heart. Jubal Little was running for Governor and was proposing policies that would put the pristine Boundary Waters area at risk. That made Little unpopular with the residents of the Reservation. But would they ‘hunt’ a fellow Native American?
Cork needs to defend his innocence while uncovering the actual murderer. Of course there are plenty of suspects. And true to the series, the nonagenarian medicine man, Henry Meloux, plays an important role in finding the spiritual center to provide healing for the soul. Enjoy!
Cork needs to defend his innocence while uncovering the actual murderer. Of course there are plenty of suspects. And true to the series, the nonagenarian medicine man, Henry Meloux, plays an important role in finding the spiritual center to provide healing for the soul. Enjoy!
February 2, 2025
Cork is suspected of killing a friend while on a bow hunting trip. Cork and Jubal have been friends since childhood, but their relationship has been complicated. Jubal is governor-elect of Minnesota and has powerful connections.He also has secrets that could threaten his political career.
As Cork works to clear his name and find the killer, we find out more about Cork’s earlier years. We also continue to see how his family grows and changes with the years. These all are characters I’ve grown to love!
As Cork works to clear his name and find the killer, we find out more about Cork’s earlier years. We also continue to see how his family grows and changes with the years. These all are characters I’ve grown to love!
September 6, 2023
I figured out right away everything going on with this mystery - the "Rhiannon" clue, who the bow hunter was, and why they did it. The only good thing was learning about Cork's childhood BFF, Jubile Little, and his first crush Winona Crane and her twin brother Willie, who overcame cerebral palsy to become a world-famous wildlife photographer.
November 15, 2024
Another great Cork O'Connor novel. Krueger has never disappointed with this series.
August 26, 2022
Flawless.
And for writers who would like to know how to seamlessly blend two timelines...read this book.
Highly recommend.
And for writers who would like to know how to seamlessly blend two timelines...read this book.
Highly recommend.
August 29, 2012
I give this Cork O'Connor book my "best story in a series" award. It was worth the wait....and left me wanting to turn another page. The book stands alone (so if it is your first William Kent Krueger read, you won't be left wondering about references to earlier books.) But Krueger only provides O'Connor family background when background is essential (so if you have, like me, read all of the others in the series, you won't get bored by the repetition.) The Ojibwa mystic tradition is interestingly presented and makes me want to learn more; the beauty and wildness of northern Minnesota is drawn with a brilliant word palette reminding me of personal soul-searching times spent paddling the Boundary Waters and walking the shores of Lake Gichigami. "The opposite of love is not hate but fear."
May 20, 2025
4.5/5
An excellent installment in Krueger’s absolutely top notch Cork O’Connor mystery series. Thanksgiving is over and winter is blowing in fast in Northern Minnesota—and Cork O’Connor is sitting with a dying man named Jubal Little with an arrow through his chest. He didn’t go get help, as he says this man (who he’s known most of his life) asked him to stay and not leave him alone to die. Cork ends up walking out of the woods alone that day, and when the police investigate they discover the arrow is one of Cork’s homemade arrows. All the initial evidence is pointing to Cork as the killer, and not to mention he has a long and storied history with Jubal. But we know Cork better than that, right?
Of course we do. And this novel takes us on a journey to find who is trying to frame him for this murder and why. We spend numerous chapters in the past, as we learn about Little as a man, and his history with our humble narrator. Little is one of WKK’s stronger “side” characters—we get a fantastic picture of this complicated man, and everything he’s been through that led up to him dying in the woods from an arrow shot, as well as why Cork chose to stay with him in his final hours.
Throughout this series, there are a number of lesser characters that really stick out as being especially well written and interesting: characters like Solemn Winter Moon, Molly Nurmi, Shiloh, John LePerre, and many more. Jubal Little is another character I can add to the list of wonderfully written and empathetic characters that Krueger has created. And while these characters often only appear in one book and are not recurring, they are memorable nonetheless, and Krueger is just so good at writing people realistically, and often making us empathize with them despite their flaws. We get the full picture even though we only know them for a couple hundred pages, and this is a true sign of a great writer.
Tricksters Point is yet another high point in a series filled with high points. These later books are extremely strong, and Krueger has gotten back on track with the characters after the big things that happen in books like Heavens Keep and Northwest Angle. It’s a truly fantastic series and if you like mysteries with heart and great characters, it’s a must read.
An excellent installment in Krueger’s absolutely top notch Cork O’Connor mystery series. Thanksgiving is over and winter is blowing in fast in Northern Minnesota—and Cork O’Connor is sitting with a dying man named Jubal Little with an arrow through his chest. He didn’t go get help, as he says this man (who he’s known most of his life) asked him to stay and not leave him alone to die. Cork ends up walking out of the woods alone that day, and when the police investigate they discover the arrow is one of Cork’s homemade arrows. All the initial evidence is pointing to Cork as the killer, and not to mention he has a long and storied history with Jubal. But we know Cork better than that, right?
Of course we do. And this novel takes us on a journey to find who is trying to frame him for this murder and why. We spend numerous chapters in the past, as we learn about Little as a man, and his history with our humble narrator. Little is one of WKK’s stronger “side” characters—we get a fantastic picture of this complicated man, and everything he’s been through that led up to him dying in the woods from an arrow shot, as well as why Cork chose to stay with him in his final hours.
Throughout this series, there are a number of lesser characters that really stick out as being especially well written and interesting: characters like Solemn Winter Moon, Molly Nurmi, Shiloh, John LePerre, and many more. Jubal Little is another character I can add to the list of wonderfully written and empathetic characters that Krueger has created. And while these characters often only appear in one book and are not recurring, they are memorable nonetheless, and Krueger is just so good at writing people realistically, and often making us empathize with them despite their flaws. We get the full picture even though we only know them for a couple hundred pages, and this is a true sign of a great writer.
Tricksters Point is yet another high point in a series filled with high points. These later books are extremely strong, and Krueger has gotten back on track with the characters after the big things that happen in books like Heavens Keep and Northwest Angle. It’s a truly fantastic series and if you like mysteries with heart and great characters, it’s a must read.
December 31, 2021
I am a regular reader of William Kent Krueger's Cork O'Connor novels.With each novel I feel
like I’m in Minnesota, the boundary waters, Copper River or other places with each book. This may be his very best. The novel begins at a place called Trickster's Point--a giant monolith at which all sorts of mysterious things have a way of happening. In Cork's case, the new occurrences represent a set of serious personal threats. He has come to this place to go bow-hunting with his childhood friend, Jubal Little, but only one will walk away from the experience.
Actually: Jubal Littlewolf, but Jubal is hesitant to announce his native status, though he is extroverted in most of the other aspects of his life. Jubal is a defeater of bullies, a high school and college football standout, an NFL player and now a candidate for the governorship of Minnesota. Beyond the state house lies the white house, at least in Jubal's dreams.
Those dreams are not to be, for Jubal is sitting with Cork, dying with an arrow in his chest. The arrow appears to be one of Cork's and Cork will eventually become a suspect in the murder case. Eventually another body will be found--the body of a white man with an arrow in his eye. Yes, it also appears to be one of Cork's.
Cork must thus conduct his personal investigation while the local authorities conduct their own. His search takes him into the past that he shares with Jubal, Jubal's girlfriend, the girlfriend's brother and a host of other individuals all known to each other in their youth.
The most important aspect of the novel, for diehard Krueger fans, is the series of backstories that are woven through the mystery plot. We see Cork as a teenager. We see him as a cop in Chicago; we see him meeting his late wife, Jo. In some ways the personal story contains the key elements of the solution in the mystery story and the intertwined narratives are presented with Krueger's uncommon skill.
As always, the descriptions of the northwoods and the commentaries on Ojibwe culture are wonderful.
Quote: “All life is one weaving, one design by the hand of the Creator, the Great Mystery. All life is connected, thread by thread.”
like I’m in Minnesota, the boundary waters, Copper River or other places with each book. This may be his very best. The novel begins at a place called Trickster's Point--a giant monolith at which all sorts of mysterious things have a way of happening. In Cork's case, the new occurrences represent a set of serious personal threats. He has come to this place to go bow-hunting with his childhood friend, Jubal Little, but only one will walk away from the experience.
Actually: Jubal Littlewolf, but Jubal is hesitant to announce his native status, though he is extroverted in most of the other aspects of his life. Jubal is a defeater of bullies, a high school and college football standout, an NFL player and now a candidate for the governorship of Minnesota. Beyond the state house lies the white house, at least in Jubal's dreams.
Those dreams are not to be, for Jubal is sitting with Cork, dying with an arrow in his chest. The arrow appears to be one of Cork's and Cork will eventually become a suspect in the murder case. Eventually another body will be found--the body of a white man with an arrow in his eye. Yes, it also appears to be one of Cork's.
Cork must thus conduct his personal investigation while the local authorities conduct their own. His search takes him into the past that he shares with Jubal, Jubal's girlfriend, the girlfriend's brother and a host of other individuals all known to each other in their youth.
The most important aspect of the novel, for diehard Krueger fans, is the series of backstories that are woven through the mystery plot. We see Cork as a teenager. We see him as a cop in Chicago; we see him meeting his late wife, Jo. In some ways the personal story contains the key elements of the solution in the mystery story and the intertwined narratives are presented with Krueger's uncommon skill.
As always, the descriptions of the northwoods and the commentaries on Ojibwe culture are wonderful.
Quote: “All life is one weaving, one design by the hand of the Creator, the Great Mystery. All life is connected, thread by thread.”
October 12, 2016
For the first time in the Cork O'Connor series, Krueger attempts to explain why Cork is always finding himself involved in solving crimes, even though he's no longer a sheriff or in law enforcement. I liked how Krueger explained the Ojibwe belief that certain people are born with certain abilities or callings and that Cork O'Connor's is Ogichidaa, or someone who stands between his people and bad things. It also seems that Cork is connecting more with his Ojibwe heritage, and it was interesting to read more about Ojibwe beliefs. The storyline for "Trickster's Point" is deeply enmeshed in Native beliefs and culture. While it's basically a suspenseful murder mystery, it's also an attempt to help readers better understand life on Native American reservations, why casinos are a mixed blessing and the lengths people will go to protect things they love. As always with Krueger novels, this book is skillfully written and engrossing from page one.
August 21, 2021
All life is one weaving, one design by the hand of the Creator, the Great Mystery. All life is connected, thread by thread.”
― William Kent Krueger, Trickster's Point
This book, in the Cork O’Connor series, draws on Corks’ childhood, and involves the mysterious death of his childhood best friend. It’s another exciting installment in this series, and I am constantly amazed at how the author keeps bringing the thrills. With continued reading, the series adds layers and nuances to reacurring characters, which gives us a sense of relationship with them. It only results in a better awareness of the characters, and invests the reader in their lives. The series just gets better and better. Looking forward to reading more of this characters life, and mysteries held within - “thread by thread”.
― William Kent Krueger, Trickster's Point
This book, in the Cork O’Connor series, draws on Corks’ childhood, and involves the mysterious death of his childhood best friend. It’s another exciting installment in this series, and I am constantly amazed at how the author keeps bringing the thrills. With continued reading, the series adds layers and nuances to reacurring characters, which gives us a sense of relationship with them. It only results in a better awareness of the characters, and invests the reader in their lives. The series just gets better and better. Looking forward to reading more of this characters life, and mysteries held within - “thread by thread”.
October 28, 2012
Definitely another great Cork book! Much better than the last, though I did figure out this one early on (though I second-guessed myself the whole way!). Again, the setting reminds me of my home in Michigan and thus pulls on my heartstrings, and I love, absolutely LOVE the depth of Native American elements in these stories. The themes of atonement and friendship in this one were relatable and I adored learning more about Cork as a teen.. would love to see more of that in future Cork books. Another quick read, well-written, one of my favorite authors.
June 28, 2015
This is a wonderful addition to the Cork O'Connor series. This is a story of lifelong love and friendship, and how things change over time. I loved how the author wove Cork's memories throughout the story. They not only moved the story along, they added depth to the character. I also love how Stephen is growing and becoming a man. There are, at this point, only two more books in this series. I wonder where Mr. Krueger will take me next.
November 9, 2024
In this 12th book of the Cork O'Connor series, Cork is accused of murdering his childhood friend, Jubal Little, who is in the running to be the first Native American to become the governor of Minnesota. It's another captivating mystery that not only involves the customs and beliefs of the Ojibwe but it also contains flashbacks into Cork's teenage years.
January 2, 2021
If it were possible I would give this 4.5 stars. Another excellent entry in the Cork O'Connor series finds Cork as one of the prime suspects in the murder of a childhood friend. Well written and well plotted, this story has many plot twists. Highly recommended.
August 9, 2025
Have enjoyed both books ive read in this series (tho im not rly following the series) but maybe im biased bc its about minnesota!
August 8, 2024
3.5 stars
December 28, 2022
The best I've read of this excellent series.
May 20, 2013
I was very disappointed when author William Kent Krueger killed off the wife of his main character in book #9 (Heaven's Keep) because they had a special relationship, not perfect by any means, but a certain yin-yang thing, whereby they filled in the holes in the other. Several books later, Cork O'Connor seems to have found a new soulmate in Henry Meloux's niece, Rainy. Here is a wonderful summary of Cork's character from Rainy: "[Uncle Henry] says you are like a dog who can't remember where he's buried his bone. You just keep digging until you find it." Elsewhere in the book, his daughter Jenny quotes her mother in describing Cork as a windbreak or her son's native Ojibwe word, Ogichidaa: "someone who [stands] between his people and bad things."
This book is about the murder of Cork's lifelong friend, Jubal Little, who is running for governor at Trickster's Point (a/k/a Tricky's Dick or Nanaboozhoo's Penis), a 150-foot stone nestled in the northwoods. The two friends have some ancient history there, as a boyhood nemesis fell to his death there following the rape of their close friend. Cork is suspected of the deed as the arrow is manmade in the Cork's precise style, and he refuses to get help because his friend does not want to be left alone to die.
Over the course of the novel, and Cork's investigation, much secret history is revealed about Cork, Jubal, and their raped friend, Winona. As always, Cork solves the mystery, revealing only as much as he feels is necessary ... in the spirit of medicine man (Mide), Henry Meloux.
This book is about the murder of Cork's lifelong friend, Jubal Little, who is running for governor at Trickster's Point (a/k/a Tricky's Dick or Nanaboozhoo's Penis), a 150-foot stone nestled in the northwoods. The two friends have some ancient history there, as a boyhood nemesis fell to his death there following the rape of their close friend. Cork is suspected of the deed as the arrow is manmade in the Cork's precise style, and he refuses to get help because his friend does not want to be left alone to die.
Over the course of the novel, and Cork's investigation, much secret history is revealed about Cork, Jubal, and their raped friend, Winona. As always, Cork solves the mystery, revealing only as much as he feels is necessary ... in the spirit of medicine man (Mide), Henry Meloux.
August 20, 2019
I've read quite a few of the books in this series set in the Iron Range of the upper Great Lakes. They are well written and depict how modern day Ojibwe Indians interact with their fellow residents of the economically challenged area. This one touches on the tension between those who favor mining as a job creator create and those who fear the environmental degradation that will accompany this type of mining. The characters, already established in previous novels, are beautifully developed.
January 26, 2019
Riveting as always with more of a focus on Cork's family and community. Stephen is maturing into an interesting counterpoint to Cork.
July 14, 2017
William Kent Krueger is one of my favorite authors because of the technical quality of his prose, the spiritual nature of his perspective, the humanity of his characters and the foresight to create a good mystery that comes together fabulously. Trickster's Point is a fine installment to the series and is a 3.9 star book. A relaxing read especially when sitting on a Minnesota lake on vacation.
February 10, 2020
Well, after reading 12 of these, there was bound to be a dud somewhere, and for me, this was definitely it.
Let's see.... The mystery itself was weak. In fact, so weak, that the plot of this book is 80% stories of Cork's teenage years and 20% of current events that serves mostly as a framework to tell the whole past story. We get a *little bit* of Isaiah Broom again, but other than that, it's all new characters, with little connection to anything we've known before about his life. Even the references to Sam Winter Moon are tangential--I would have loved to have had a real, strong story about him (since he's purported to be such a figure in Cork's life). Even Henry Meloux is only casually mentioned in this book.
One of the major reasons why I didn't enjoy this book was the audible version I listened to. In fact, it was so annoying to me, I'm strongly considering sending a letter to the publishing company to express not only my displeasure but the OFFENSE of how badly the narrator pronounced Indian words. First of all, do they do NO research? Do they not even consult the author about the languages the book includes? And every narrator of these books pronounces them all differently. That drives me CRAZY. But even worse than that, is the constant garbled repetition of Willie's speech--also offensive. Yes, we GET IT. He has a speech defect. Do we need the narrator's mumbly, slurred repetition of everything he says to demonstrate that fact?
And for the story itself... It was OBVIOUS who killed Jubal and why. It was OBVIOUS that What's even worse is that I didn't CARE. Jubal and Winona were such damaged characters that I had no sympathy for either of them. They were not only "flawed" characters but emotionally DAMAGED. Their "love story" was compulsive and destructive; nothing about it was healthy or worthy of our sympathy or investment.
And now to the Cork part of the story, which ALSO annoyed me. It was, in fact, interesting to have Cork to be on the other side of the investigation, as the chief suspect. But it was unbelievable to me that his good friends--people who had known and worked with him for years--would suspect him to be a killer. But even worse, is that when Marsha Dross asks him, "Did you do it?" He answers, "How could you think that?" It literally takes a lot less effort and breath to say, "NO." But he doesn't. He doesn't deny their accusations; he just keeps getting insulted by their suspicion. You want them to stop being so suspicious? ANSWER THE *@#* QUESTIONS. Quit hiding everything and then blaming them for not having 100% faith in him.
Anyhow....Clearly this was NOT my favorite book.
Let's see.... The mystery itself was weak. In fact, so weak, that the plot of this book is 80% stories of Cork's teenage years and 20% of current events that serves mostly as a framework to tell the whole past story. We get a *little bit* of Isaiah Broom again, but other than that, it's all new characters, with little connection to anything we've known before about his life. Even the references to Sam Winter Moon are tangential--I would have loved to have had a real, strong story about him (since he's purported to be such a figure in Cork's life). Even Henry Meloux is only casually mentioned in this book.
One of the major reasons why I didn't enjoy this book was the audible version I listened to. In fact, it was so annoying to me, I'm strongly considering sending a letter to the publishing company to express not only my displeasure but the OFFENSE of how badly the narrator pronounced Indian words. First of all, do they do NO research? Do they not even consult the author about the languages the book includes? And every narrator of these books pronounces them all differently. That drives me CRAZY. But even worse than that, is the constant garbled repetition of Willie's speech--also offensive. Yes, we GET IT. He has a speech defect. Do we need the narrator's mumbly, slurred repetition of everything he says to demonstrate that fact?
And for the story itself... It was OBVIOUS who killed Jubal and why. It was OBVIOUS that What's even worse is that I didn't CARE. Jubal and Winona were such damaged characters that I had no sympathy for either of them. They were not only "flawed" characters but emotionally DAMAGED. Their "love story" was compulsive and destructive; nothing about it was healthy or worthy of our sympathy or investment.
And now to the Cork part of the story, which ALSO annoyed me. It was, in fact, interesting to have Cork to be on the other side of the investigation, as the chief suspect. But it was unbelievable to me that his good friends--people who had known and worked with him for years--would suspect him to be a killer. But even worse, is that when Marsha Dross asks him, "Did you do it?" He answers, "How could you think that?" It literally takes a lot less effort and breath to say, "NO." But he doesn't. He doesn't deny their accusations; he just keeps getting insulted by their suspicion. You want them to stop being so suspicious? ANSWER THE *@#* QUESTIONS. Quit hiding everything and then blaming them for not having 100% faith in him.
Anyhow....Clearly this was NOT my favorite book.
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