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Cork O'Connor #1-3
The William Kent Krueger Collection #1: Iron Lake, Boundary Waters, and Purgatory Ridge
Three exciting Cork O’Connor mysteries in one package and only available as an eBook. Includes an exclusive Introduction by William Kent Krueger that describes his experience writing these first three novels in his New York Times bestselling series.
Iron Lake: Part Irish, part Anishinaabe Indian, Corcoran “Cork” O’Connor is the former sheriff of Aurora, Minnesota. Embittered by his “former” status and the marital meltdown that has separated him from his children, Cork gets by on heavy doses of caffeine, nicotine, and guilt. Once a cop on Chicago’s South Side, there’s not much that can shock him. But when the town’s judge is brutally murdered, and a young Eagle Scout is reported missing, Cork takes on a mind-jolting case of conspiracy, corruption, and scandal.
“Iron Lake is an explosive brew: one part James Ellroy, one part Stephen King, one part Jack London, and all parts terrific. A harrowing, unpredictable journey into the heart of the forest primeval where evil not only waits for you, but calls your name. A truly remarkable first novel; read it with someone watching your back.” —David Housewright, Edgar Award-winning author of Curse of the Jade Lily
Boundary Waters: Somewhere in the heart of the unforgiving Quetico-Superior Wilderness, near the U.S./Canada border, a young woman named Shiloh—a country-western singer at the height of her fame—has disappeared. Cork O’Connor joins a search party that includes an ex-con, two FBI agents, and a ten-year-old boy. Others are on Shiloh’s trail as well—men hired not just to find her, but to kill her. As the expedition ventures deeper into the wilderness, strangers descend on Aurora, threatening to spill blood on the town’s snowy streets. Meanwhile, out on the Boundary Waters, winter falls hard. Cork’s team of searchers loses contact with civilization, and like the brutal winds of a Minnesota blizzard, death—violent and sudden—stalks their every move.
“Krueger’s writing, strong and bold yet with the mature mark of restraint, pulls this exciting search-and-rescue mission through with a hard yank.” —Publishers Weekly
Purgatory Ridge: Not far from Aurora, Minnesota (population 3,752), lies an ancient expanse of great white pines, sacred to the Anishinaabe tribe. When an explosion kills the night watchman at wealthy industrialist Karl Lindstrom’s nearby lumber mill, it’s obvious where suspicion will fall. Former sheriff Cork O’Connor agrees to help investigate, but he has mixed feelings about the case. For one thing, he is part Anishinaabe. For another, his wife, a lawyer, represents the tribe. Meanwhile, near Lindstrom’s lakeside home, a reclusive shipwreck survivor and his sidekick are harboring their own resentment of the industrialist. And it soon becomes clear to Cork that harmony, both at home and in Aurora, will be on the back burner for some time.
“A terrific read. In Purgatory Ridge, William Kent Krueger not only tells a cracking good suspense story, but he tells it with deep insight. He understands the eternal battles that draw good people into bad deeds. He understands heartbreak and hope. He understands violence and gentleness. I highly recommend this novel.” —T. Jefferson Parker, New York Times bestselling author of The Jaguar
Iron Lake: Part Irish, part Anishinaabe Indian, Corcoran “Cork” O’Connor is the former sheriff of Aurora, Minnesota. Embittered by his “former” status and the marital meltdown that has separated him from his children, Cork gets by on heavy doses of caffeine, nicotine, and guilt. Once a cop on Chicago’s South Side, there’s not much that can shock him. But when the town’s judge is brutally murdered, and a young Eagle Scout is reported missing, Cork takes on a mind-jolting case of conspiracy, corruption, and scandal.
“Iron Lake is an explosive brew: one part James Ellroy, one part Stephen King, one part Jack London, and all parts terrific. A harrowing, unpredictable journey into the heart of the forest primeval where evil not only waits for you, but calls your name. A truly remarkable first novel; read it with someone watching your back.” —David Housewright, Edgar Award-winning author of Curse of the Jade Lily
Boundary Waters: Somewhere in the heart of the unforgiving Quetico-Superior Wilderness, near the U.S./Canada border, a young woman named Shiloh—a country-western singer at the height of her fame—has disappeared. Cork O’Connor joins a search party that includes an ex-con, two FBI agents, and a ten-year-old boy. Others are on Shiloh’s trail as well—men hired not just to find her, but to kill her. As the expedition ventures deeper into the wilderness, strangers descend on Aurora, threatening to spill blood on the town’s snowy streets. Meanwhile, out on the Boundary Waters, winter falls hard. Cork’s team of searchers loses contact with civilization, and like the brutal winds of a Minnesota blizzard, death—violent and sudden—stalks their every move.
“Krueger’s writing, strong and bold yet with the mature mark of restraint, pulls this exciting search-and-rescue mission through with a hard yank.” —Publishers Weekly
Purgatory Ridge: Not far from Aurora, Minnesota (population 3,752), lies an ancient expanse of great white pines, sacred to the Anishinaabe tribe. When an explosion kills the night watchman at wealthy industrialist Karl Lindstrom’s nearby lumber mill, it’s obvious where suspicion will fall. Former sheriff Cork O’Connor agrees to help investigate, but he has mixed feelings about the case. For one thing, he is part Anishinaabe. For another, his wife, a lawyer, represents the tribe. Meanwhile, near Lindstrom’s lakeside home, a reclusive shipwreck survivor and his sidekick are harboring their own resentment of the industrialist. And it soon becomes clear to Cork that harmony, both at home and in Aurora, will be on the back burner for some time.
“A terrific read. In Purgatory Ridge, William Kent Krueger not only tells a cracking good suspense story, but he tells it with deep insight. He understands the eternal battles that draw good people into bad deeds. He understands heartbreak and hope. He understands violence and gentleness. I highly recommend this novel.” —T. Jefferson Parker, New York Times bestselling author of The Jaguar
1169 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 17, 2012
366 people are currently reading
2081 people want to read
About the author
William Kent Krueger
80 books16.3k 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 54 reviews
January 9, 2024
Introduces Cork O’Connor, former Sheriff who is not reelected following bad press. A missing paper boy lost in a blizzard starts off this novel when the child’s mother turn to Cork for help. However, the lost boy involves into Cork’s discovery of serious thefts and a series of murders. Apparently, Cork’s marriage has fallen apart and he and his wife both have taken lovers.
The setting of the novel is near a Native American Reservation with a casino. Cork is half native. The myth or maybe not of the Windingo comes into play.
Writing is good and there is some predictably but all in all a fast paced reward for mystery and crime fans.
The setting of the novel is near a Native American Reservation with a casino. Cork is half native. The myth or maybe not of the Windingo comes into play.
Writing is good and there is some predictably but all in all a fast paced reward for mystery and crime fans.
December 25, 2024
Solid 3.5 stars. Very different from other books I've read by Krueger. Will most likely try #2 in this series.
September 11, 2020
2020-09: 4 stars. My first Cork O’Connor story. Cork’s a year along after getting voted out as Sheriff after the fallout from him shooting and killing a man. His marriage to Jo, a lawyer, is on the rocks, his kids miss him, and Cork is seeing Molly, a waiter, while doing non-police work.
Cork is half Anishnaabe, though he looks white, and has pretty much chosen to live as a white man, though he does have a respect for his Anishnaabe heritage and its beliefs, stories and ways.
In this start to this series, a murdered judge and missing teen kick off the story, which is chock full of racism, infidelity, secrets, political hopes, and money. The case is nicely complicated as Cork takes it upon himself to investigate several people, even while trying to be understanding, unlike the current Sheriff, of the needs of the residents of the Anishnaabe Iron Lake reserve.
Through the case, Cork says and does some pretty dumb things, particularly to his wife Jo, but also remains suspicious of how quickly the local Sheriff and others wrapped up the Judge's murder, and Cork does manage to eventually find out the motives behind both cases.
I enjoyed the plot, characters and writing enough to continue to book two.
Cork is half Anishnaabe, though he looks white, and has pretty much chosen to live as a white man, though he does have a respect for his Anishnaabe heritage and its beliefs, stories and ways.
In this start to this series, a murdered judge and missing teen kick off the story, which is chock full of racism, infidelity, secrets, political hopes, and money. The case is nicely complicated as Cork takes it upon himself to investigate several people, even while trying to be understanding, unlike the current Sheriff, of the needs of the residents of the Anishnaabe Iron Lake reserve.
Through the case, Cork says and does some pretty dumb things, particularly to his wife Jo, but also remains suspicious of how quickly the local Sheriff and others wrapped up the Judge's murder, and Cork does manage to eventually find out the motives behind both cases.
I enjoyed the plot, characters and writing enough to continue to book two.
December 25, 2015
Good book multi cultural , Native American little plod twists
March 31, 2025
I guess that William Kent Krueger is my new Louise Penny.
November 18, 2023
#1 Iron Lake
"A man was never just a man. A man was endless possibility waiting to become."
As it happens with me and William Kent Krueger books (I know I'm in the minority here), I liked Iron Lake but did not love it, I like the writing and I enjoy the Native American history but they tend to be just a little too slow and a bit too "folksy" at times. I will eventually go on to read book two of this series but I just can't do it back to back.
"A man was never just a man. A man was endless possibility waiting to become."
As it happens with me and William Kent Krueger books (I know I'm in the minority here), I liked Iron Lake but did not love it, I like the writing and I enjoy the Native American history but they tend to be just a little too slow and a bit too "folksy" at times. I will eventually go on to read book two of this series but I just can't do it back to back.
July 14, 2019
I don't read much fiction anymore but I picked this up based on the many positive reviews thinking it would make a good summer read.
There's a complex plot with infidelity, Native American reservation complexities, politics, casinos, and a superstition that woven together is a bit convoluted at times, and it becomes predictable that for every idea or clue that Cork O'Connor has there is someone hot on his trail and either interrupts him or beats the sh* out of him. And of course, there's the love interest and what you can imagine happens there...
It wasn't a 'can't put it down' page-turner for me, but it was a well-written read with plenty of description and detail for you to imagine that you were in the snowy Minnesota town.
There's a complex plot with infidelity, Native American reservation complexities, politics, casinos, and a superstition that woven together is a bit convoluted at times, and it becomes predictable that for every idea or clue that Cork O'Connor has there is someone hot on his trail and either interrupts him or beats the sh* out of him. And of course, there's the love interest and what you can imagine happens there...
It wasn't a 'can't put it down' page-turner for me, but it was a well-written read with plenty of description and detail for you to imagine that you were in the snowy Minnesota town.
May 23, 2022
3 books in one? Yes please!
This series is great if you want mystery and somewhat predictable character arcs. Will be gifting some of the books to my dad; I think he will love them.
This series is great if you want mystery and somewhat predictable character arcs. Will be gifting some of the books to my dad; I think he will love them.
May 19, 2013
Can't get ENOUGH of WKKrueger and Cork O'Connor- I fly though his books because I CAN'T PUT THEM DOWN! I love the insights into MN Native American culture as well as life (albeit fictional) on the Iron Range. My FAVORITE new author by FAR this year!
May 12, 2016
I blew through the first three, and have now started on Mercy Falls. (#4) I went to the library and got six more or so in the series, so I am set for winter reads--I just need to remember to renew them. "Corking" (HA!) good reads.
May 4, 2018
Just finished Boundary Waters.
I've now read all three (as separate books). I"m not sure why they are grouped together like this instead of separate.
I've now read all three (as separate books). I"m not sure why they are grouped together like this instead of separate.
January 13, 2024
The books main character is Cork O’Connor. The book starts off with a boy that is lost in the blizzard. The mom of the boy calls Cork O’Connor who is a sheriff and askes for his help. While searching for the boy Cork discovers murders and thefts.
I thought overall the book was a great book. I would recommend the book to people who like some adventure stories, but also crime. The author did a good job explaining what was going on in the book which helped me know what was going on throughout the story. I liked there there was action in almost all the story’s so it wasn’t boring to read. Overall the author did a great job writing the story.
The author did really well writing the story. Throughout the book the author could have done a better job in explaining the setting in the story. There was a few points when I didn’t know where the setting was located. I would have liked to see more characters throughout the story to involve more people and have more dialogue.
I thought overall the book was a great book. I would recommend the book to people who like some adventure stories, but also crime. The author did a good job explaining what was going on in the book which helped me know what was going on throughout the story. I liked there there was action in almost all the story’s so it wasn’t boring to read. Overall the author did a great job writing the story.
The author did really well writing the story. Throughout the book the author could have done a better job in explaining the setting in the story. There was a few points when I didn’t know where the setting was located. I would have liked to see more characters throughout the story to involve more people and have more dialogue.
February 8, 2021
4.5 Note to self: Do not start these books if there is anything that actually needs doing, or if I need sleep, lol. I finished Purgatory Ridge, the third in the series, yesterday. This series is steadily getting better. I liked the first one, really liked the second one, and loved the third one. William Kent Krueger is seriously one of the best authors out there. I've fallen in love with Cork, Jo, Rose, and the kids and can't wait to read the next one. And the best thing is I'm just finding them, so there are a lot more to read!
April 14, 2018
All three great reads!
Krueger is a new author for me. These three books, the first in the series, were great reads. They definitely are just the beginning of my reading this author. Great suspense, mystery, and story all the way around. Wonderful development of characters and a twist at every corner. Highly recommend.
Krueger is a new author for me. These three books, the first in the series, were great reads. They definitely are just the beginning of my reading this author. Great suspense, mystery, and story all the way around. Wonderful development of characters and a twist at every corner. Highly recommend.
October 5, 2020
Adventure, Suspense & Crime by Award-Winning Author
The first 3 books in the Cork O’Connor series in one book is a great way to read the first three books in the Cork O’Conner books set in North Woods Minnesota, a beautiful, remote area where Cork, the former sheriff, is adept at dealing with the major and minor bad guys, most of whom he knows personally.
The first 3 books in the Cork O’Connor series in one book is a great way to read the first three books in the Cork O’Conner books set in North Woods Minnesota, a beautiful, remote area where Cork, the former sheriff, is adept at dealing with the major and minor bad guys, most of whom he knows personally.
December 22, 2021
(Actually used this volume to read series books #1-3, highlights from all three are here. Following comments refer only to #3). Rounded up to give this 3-stars. Seems more simplistic than the first 2; very slow moving and very repetitive of the intros of characters and the setting. Not sure if I'll continue with the series. Maybe I'll look at the GoodReads reviews and skip ahead accordingly.
January 21, 2025
Unputdownable!
When I borrowed this series of mystery stories from the Libby app, I doubted I would get through even two of them before my loan time expired. Knowing that this was Krueger's first series,I am amazed by how gripping g the stories are, and I can't wait to continue the journey.
When I borrowed this series of mystery stories from the Libby app, I doubted I would get through even two of them before my loan time expired. Knowing that this was Krueger's first series,I am amazed by how gripping g the stories are, and I can't wait to continue the journey.
March 15, 2022
I enjoy a good mystery and the characters are well defined. This author is capable of different styles of writing. This Tender Land ranks high on my list of all time favorite books. This isn’t the same caliber but kept me guessing 3/4 of the book.
July 21, 2024
Enjoyed reading each of these separately and will continue with the series. Do like his one offs better, i.e. This Tender Land, but WKK continues to find interesting stories for Cork and is developing secondary characters which broadens his Minnesotan universe.
November 4, 2025
I loved Krueger's "The River We Remember" and "Ordinary Grace" and was looking forward to reading more by him. This book is entirely different, and not in a good way. I only finished it because I kept hoping it would get better.
January 29, 2018
Great books. Excellent writing. First three books of the series.
December 26, 2018
Love the integration of the mystery and the Indian spirituality
July 31, 2019
so this is the format I read the Kent krueger books in. I wrote individual reviews for each book.
June 26, 2020
Wow! Just finished IRON LAKE, my first but not my last Krueger thriller. Well written with intriguing characters. Should I fall in love with Cork O'Connor?
September 9, 2020
There are 17 books in this series and I thought they were really good.
October 3, 2020
Actually read Purgatory Ridge this time. Read the other two before. This book is one of the best, most compelling, and intricate mystery tales I have read. Great read.
April 9, 2021
Clearly this is a well-written book. I just think mysteries aren't for me.
June 1, 2021
I have read several of Mr Kruger’s book but this is the first mystery. He is one of my favorite authors and will recommend this book to my mystery book club.
July 10, 2021
Not what I usually read but it was well written and a good story.
December 6, 2021
William Kent Krueger Collection #1
I have so enjoyed the three stories about Iron Lake, Boundary Waters and Pergatory Ridge. I look forward to more stories of Cork O’Connor.
I have so enjoyed the three stories about Iron Lake, Boundary Waters and Pergatory Ridge. I look forward to more stories of Cork O’Connor.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews