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Cork O'Connor #9
Heaven's Keep
Cork O'Connor, ex sceriffo e ora investigatore privato, ha perso sua moglie. Tutto è successo all'improvviso. La sua piccola proprietà sul lago interessava a una corporation immobiliare, che voleva rilevarla per poter costruire nella zona. Ci avevano provato con offerte e pressioni, che lui aveva sempre respinto al mittente. Sul fronte legale poteva contare sulla consulenza di un avvocato molto speciale, sua moglie Jo... almeno finché il charter su cui lei era in viaggio non è risultato disperso in una tormenta di neve sulle montagne del Wyoming. Inutile ogni ricerca. Cork, rimasto solo, ha perso la voglia di lottare. Ma quando, tempo dopo, due donne lo convincono a indagare sul pilota, quel misterioso incidente aereo assume una luce diversa. Se non è stato un incidente, c'è una remota possibilità che Jo sia ancora viva, da qualche parte. E Cork non si fermerà finché non l'avrà riportata a casa.
336 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
About the author
William Kent Krueger
91 books17.6k 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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June 18, 2021
Heaven's Keep (Cork O'Connor #9) by William Kent Krueger (Author), David Chandler (Narrator)
When a charter plane goes missing over the snow covered Wyoming Rockies, Cork O'Connor doesn't want to give up on his wife, Jo, who was on the plane. But after joining the search to find the plane, Cork finally has to face the fact that Jo must be dead. Six months later he's shown evidence that suggests that the missing plane might not have been accidental but foul play.
Once again, Cork heads to Wyoming to ferret out what might have happened to the plane and why someone would want to make the people on the plane disappear. Who can Cork trust when he keeps getting non answers and the run around? Everyone seems to accept that the matter is a done deal but with digging Cork finds that the plane passengers may not be the only victims of what happened. Someone is trying to kill Cork the closer he gets to the truth. I was suspecting everyone of wrong doing as Cork dug deeper and it was hard not to have a little bit of hope for the passengers of the plane. The truth is shocking and disturbing.
Published November 14, 2019 by Recorded Books (first published September 1, 2009)
When a charter plane goes missing over the snow covered Wyoming Rockies, Cork O'Connor doesn't want to give up on his wife, Jo, who was on the plane. But after joining the search to find the plane, Cork finally has to face the fact that Jo must be dead. Six months later he's shown evidence that suggests that the missing plane might not have been accidental but foul play.
Once again, Cork heads to Wyoming to ferret out what might have happened to the plane and why someone would want to make the people on the plane disappear. Who can Cork trust when he keeps getting non answers and the run around? Everyone seems to accept that the matter is a done deal but with digging Cork finds that the plane passengers may not be the only victims of what happened. Someone is trying to kill Cork the closer he gets to the truth. I was suspecting everyone of wrong doing as Cork dug deeper and it was hard not to have a little bit of hope for the passengers of the plane. The truth is shocking and disturbing.
Published November 14, 2019 by Recorded Books (first published September 1, 2009)
October 21, 2026
4.5 stars for the ninth book in the Cork O'Connor series. Cork gets a visit from Tamarack County Sheriff Marcia Dross. She tells him that the plane with his wife aboard has disappeared over the Rockies in a wilderness area of Wyoming. Cork contacts the Owl Creek Wyoming Sheriff's office for info. He speaks to Deputy Dewey Quinn, who explains the search operation, being done by the Civil Air Patrol.
Cork waits a few days, then flies down to Wyoming with his son , Stephen. They ride along with one of the search pilots. After a week of searching, they go back to Minnesota, convinced that the plane won't be found until spring.
But then new information comes to light, and Cork goes back to Wyoming to investigate. Cork does find out what happened. It is a tense thriller/mystery with an ending that resolves all plot threads. Cork finds an unlikely ally in Hugh Parmer, who is part of a subplot. There are layers of deception, which Cork digs through to get to the truth.
Both my wife and I enjoy this series. I have been reading them in order, while my wife started with book 8. She says the books work for her without reading the previous books. I strongly recommend this series to mystery/thriller fans. I read this book in 3 days. It was hard to stop reading it. I think the word addictive is appropriate to describe this series.
Triggers: Brief profanity, and brief description of a deceased person who was tortured.
This was a library book.
Cork waits a few days, then flies down to Wyoming with his son , Stephen. They ride along with one of the search pilots. After a week of searching, they go back to Minnesota, convinced that the plane won't be found until spring.
But then new information comes to light, and Cork goes back to Wyoming to investigate. Cork does find out what happened. It is a tense thriller/mystery with an ending that resolves all plot threads. Cork finds an unlikely ally in Hugh Parmer, who is part of a subplot. There are layers of deception, which Cork digs through to get to the truth.
Both my wife and I enjoy this series. I have been reading them in order, while my wife started with book 8. She says the books work for her without reading the previous books. I strongly recommend this series to mystery/thriller fans. I read this book in 3 days. It was hard to stop reading it. I think the word addictive is appropriate to describe this series.
Triggers: Brief profanity, and brief description of a deceased person who was tortured.
This was a library book.
September 7, 2017
If you ever needed a reason not to read book blurbs this one is it! I am sure I would have got far more out of this book if I had not known what was going to happen! So just in case you don't know I will make sure this review is totally spoiler free.
So overall I did enjoy Heaven's Keep although maybe not as much as some of the previous books. Cork is consistently himself, Stevie grows into a young man and the whole family bonds over some major issues. It is good to have read all the series in order so far and to have seen all the family members grow.
Krueger's writing is as beautiful as always. He has a talent for making you feel the cold and the snow and the countryside around you.
My reason for losing one star - I was uncomfortable with Stevie's vision and how it eventuates. It was just a little too unrealistic for me. I had already struggled a bit with the contents of the plane and the vision was too much! No spoilers there but you will understand what I am referring to if you read the book.
It is still a very good book and I am looking forward to finding out what the future holds for Cork:)
So overall I did enjoy Heaven's Keep although maybe not as much as some of the previous books. Cork is consistently himself, Stevie grows into a young man and the whole family bonds over some major issues. It is good to have read all the series in order so far and to have seen all the family members grow.
Krueger's writing is as beautiful as always. He has a talent for making you feel the cold and the snow and the countryside around you.
My reason for losing one star - I was uncomfortable with Stevie's vision and how it eventuates. It was just a little too unrealistic for me. I had already struggled a bit with the contents of the plane and the vision was too much! No spoilers there but you will understand what I am referring to if you read the book.
It is still a very good book and I am looking forward to finding out what the future holds for Cork:)
September 26, 2017
Jo O'Connor joins a coalition of representatives from several Native American groups for a trip to Seattle. Something happens en route over Wyoming and the plane disappears. A distraught Cork lends a hand to the search teams as they fight time and weather to locate the plane.
The themes in this story resonated loud and strong as Cork encountered competing objectives, motivations and cultures in his quest to find his wife. As usual, the settings were just as much a part of the plot, this time the beautiful but treacherous mountains and foothills of Wyoming. I wasn’t looking forward to this one but it still managed to captivate me nonetheless.
I’m still mulling over the ending, not sure if I’m content with it or needed more. Buck Schirner narrated this one again though I found his performance much better than the last. This series never disappoints.
The themes in this story resonated loud and strong as Cork encountered competing objectives, motivations and cultures in his quest to find his wife. As usual, the settings were just as much a part of the plot, this time the beautiful but treacherous mountains and foothills of Wyoming. I wasn’t looking forward to this one but it still managed to captivate me nonetheless.
I’m still mulling over the ending, not sure if I’m content with it or needed more. Buck Schirner narrated this one again though I found his performance much better than the last. This series never disappoints.
March 25, 2015
My heart went goes out to Cork O’Conner in this tragic tale, but this one disappointed me in a couple of ways. His wife Jo disappears with a charter plane with some Indian leaders in a snowstorm in Wyoming, and Cork, a PI and ex-sheriff in rural Minnesota, is compelled to help find the wreckage and understand what happened. The main problem for me is that it takes about half the book to pin down that there are bad guys, and we are tormented too long for my taste by the emotional wrenching of his grief and fruitless searching.
From the one other Krueger I read from this 14 book series, I appreciate his treatment of Native American issues and themes, which emerges out of O’Conner’s Ojibwe family heritage. But in this one, the main clue for the mystery lies too conveniently in vision by an alcoholic Arapaho elder and a dream by O’Conner’s thirteen old son.
I did like the unlikely partnering of O’Conner with a wealthy Texas developer, a man he has been in legal struggles with over his condominium plans around Cork’s property on a beautiful lake. I also liked the coverage of the all too common conflict within tribal communities over the prospects and dangers of pursuing casino or oil production ventures on their land as a means to address their pervasive poverty. But with this story, the path of corruption taken by some of the characters was too extreme to be plausible. Regardless, I am hooked on Cork’s outlook and mission in life and am eager to pursue more of his efforts in the series to take on the evils of the world.
From the one other Krueger I read from this 14 book series, I appreciate his treatment of Native American issues and themes, which emerges out of O’Conner’s Ojibwe family heritage. But in this one, the main clue for the mystery lies too conveniently in vision by an alcoholic Arapaho elder and a dream by O’Conner’s thirteen old son.
I did like the unlikely partnering of O’Conner with a wealthy Texas developer, a man he has been in legal struggles with over his condominium plans around Cork’s property on a beautiful lake. I also liked the coverage of the all too common conflict within tribal communities over the prospects and dangers of pursuing casino or oil production ventures on their land as a means to address their pervasive poverty. But with this story, the path of corruption taken by some of the characters was too extreme to be plausible. Regardless, I am hooked on Cork’s outlook and mission in life and am eager to pursue more of his efforts in the series to take on the evils of the world.
January 30, 2017
This is an incredibly beautiful, suspenseful, and compelling story. I am still sitting here wondering how it’s possible that this, the ninth book in the Cork O’Connor series, could possibly be the best one yet, but that’s exactly what it is.
Cork O’Connor has strong spiritual and blood ties to the Ojibwe Native American culture and he shares many of their beliefs, while also keeping his Catholic faith. Krueger plausibly weaves the Native mystical elements into all of his stories, creating the perfect setting in which the earth, the sky and the spirits are almost complete characters in themselves. In fact, it is a vision seen by his own son which propels Cork on the path that he must take in this book and it never once felt outlandish.
What I always tell people who are considering reading these books is that Cork is a wonderful character about whom I love to read, well developed over the course of the series. This is a man who understands his limitations but does not let them define him. Who doesn’t suffer what other people think because he knows what is truly most important. Who always tries to follow the high road, even if not always successful. Above all, he will take care of his own, no matter what. If this is a person you would like to know, then you should try this series.
Cork O’Connor has strong spiritual and blood ties to the Ojibwe Native American culture and he shares many of their beliefs, while also keeping his Catholic faith. Krueger plausibly weaves the Native mystical elements into all of his stories, creating the perfect setting in which the earth, the sky and the spirits are almost complete characters in themselves. In fact, it is a vision seen by his own son which propels Cork on the path that he must take in this book and it never once felt outlandish.
What I always tell people who are considering reading these books is that Cork is a wonderful character about whom I love to read, well developed over the course of the series. This is a man who understands his limitations but does not let them define him. Who doesn’t suffer what other people think because he knows what is truly most important. Who always tries to follow the high road, even if not always successful. Above all, he will take care of his own, no matter what. If this is a person you would like to know, then you should try this series.
June 13, 2026
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, my search for the next great mystery series to sink my teeth into has led me to William Kent Kreuger’s Cork O’Conner series.
After receiving a lot of positive praise for these books, I am finding myself fully immersed in Cork’s world, his family, his investigative work, and his hometown of Aurora, Minnesota, and its beautiful surrounding area. Each book pulls me in headfirst and blends into the next as I compulsively drive myself to find out what happens next.
It’s been several months since I last read a Cork O’Conner novel and I found myself pounding through four of these books while on a vacation this last week while on cruise and in Miami. That’s how much I enjoyed this series. Be prepared. You will be seeing several of my reviews over the next several days popping up. This is my third of the four.
The ninth Cork O’Conner novel - “Heaven’s Keep” – is one of those books in a series that are considered a major turning point and hit an even higher than expected emotional angst and drama that reminds you of how much you care for and love these characters. You are connected on multiple levels to the O’Conner family. You feel their joy and successes. You feel their pain and suffering. This is one of those books that are hard to get through but you can’t put it down either.
“Heaven’s Keep” starts with Cork’s wife, Jo, flying out on a charter plane with several tribal leaders and representatives to a national meeting in Seattle. Unfortunately, their plane gets caught in a snowstorm in Wyoming and loses signal near the Yellowstone mountains.
The first part of the book involves Cork and his family discovering Jo going missing and their search for her along with law enforcement and rescue teams.
The second part of the book takes place six months later with Jo still missing and Cork struggling to live without knowing what happened to her. Then two women show up at his hamburger stand with information that may change everything for him. Their belief and circumstantial support send Cork on an investigation that involves a deadly conspiracy that includes murder, interference from law enforcement, serious criminals that have incredible financial backing, and assassins sent to eliminate Cork before he discovers the truth. There is also the possibility that Jo may still be alive and Cork has nothing left to lose…
For me, this book was the best book in the entire series to this point. Hands down. It was an emotional roller coaster read that took over my vacation and demanded my full attention until I was finished with it. It had moments of gut-wrenching devastation followed by sensitive moments and huge payoffs.
Kreuger did a fantastic job of tearing down Cork and making him face one of his biggest fears, that of losing his love and best friend, Jo. Those two had been already through so many emotional roller coasters and life threatening situations in the first eight books in this series, and then Kreuger amplified the stakes even higher.
Cork’s heart and inner-most character drove this 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, back story, conflict (lots of it), and even 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 especially appreciated how Kreuger focused on Cork and his son, Stephen – their relationship and struggles throughout the novel. They were both suffering and dealing with the potential loss in different ways, including their reactions and placing blame. I appreciated how they were independent, but ultimately leaned on each other and grew stronger as father and son. Of course, Cork’s mentor, Henry Meloux, will also provide key support to Stephen who is now having his own dreams and visions.
On a side note, I did like and enjoy Cork’s developing relationship with the wealthy Texas businessman and commercial developer, Hugh Parmer. They work well together and play off each other in interesting ways. From the moment that Palmer showed up, I physically saw him as a spitting image of good ole Sam Elliott in the flesh. And let me say, that worked for me.
This was an emotional nail biting 5 out of 5 stars rating for me and worth every page of it. It was the most emotional draining and compelling book in the series so far. But it also left me mentally screaming at William Kent Kreuger to not hit me so hard like that ever again. It was a gut punch that left me both staggered and drained, yet demanding to see what happens next.
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 absolutely 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!
After receiving a lot of positive praise for these books, I am finding myself fully immersed in Cork’s world, his family, his investigative work, and his hometown of Aurora, Minnesota, and its beautiful surrounding area. Each book pulls me in headfirst and blends into the next as I compulsively drive myself to find out what happens next.
It’s been several months since I last read a Cork O’Conner novel and I found myself pounding through four of these books while on a vacation this last week while on cruise and in Miami. That’s how much I enjoyed this series. Be prepared. You will be seeing several of my reviews over the next several days popping up. This is my third of the four.
The ninth Cork O’Conner novel - “Heaven’s Keep” – is one of those books in a series that are considered a major turning point and hit an even higher than expected emotional angst and drama that reminds you of how much you care for and love these characters. You are connected on multiple levels to the O’Conner family. You feel their joy and successes. You feel their pain and suffering. This is one of those books that are hard to get through but you can’t put it down either.
“Heaven’s Keep” starts with Cork’s wife, Jo, flying out on a charter plane with several tribal leaders and representatives to a national meeting in Seattle. Unfortunately, their plane gets caught in a snowstorm in Wyoming and loses signal near the Yellowstone mountains.
The first part of the book involves Cork and his family discovering Jo going missing and their search for her along with law enforcement and rescue teams.
The second part of the book takes place six months later with Jo still missing and Cork struggling to live without knowing what happened to her. Then two women show up at his hamburger stand with information that may change everything for him. Their belief and circumstantial support send Cork on an investigation that involves a deadly conspiracy that includes murder, interference from law enforcement, serious criminals that have incredible financial backing, and assassins sent to eliminate Cork before he discovers the truth. There is also the possibility that Jo may still be alive and Cork has nothing left to lose…
For me, this book was the best book in the entire series to this point. Hands down. It was an emotional roller coaster read that took over my vacation and demanded my full attention until I was finished with it. It had moments of gut-wrenching devastation followed by sensitive moments and huge payoffs.
Kreuger did a fantastic job of tearing down Cork and making him face one of his biggest fears, that of losing his love and best friend, Jo. Those two had been already through so many emotional roller coasters and life threatening situations in the first eight books in this series, and then Kreuger amplified the stakes even higher.
Cork’s heart and inner-most character drove this 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, back story, conflict (lots of it), and even 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 especially appreciated how Kreuger focused on Cork and his son, Stephen – their relationship and struggles throughout the novel. They were both suffering and dealing with the potential loss in different ways, including their reactions and placing blame. I appreciated how they were independent, but ultimately leaned on each other and grew stronger as father and son. Of course, Cork’s mentor, Henry Meloux, will also provide key support to Stephen who is now having his own dreams and visions.
On a side note, I did like and enjoy Cork’s developing relationship with the wealthy Texas businessman and commercial developer, Hugh Parmer. They work well together and play off each other in interesting ways. From the moment that Palmer showed up, I physically saw him as a spitting image of good ole Sam Elliott in the flesh. And let me say, that worked for me.
This was an emotional nail biting 5 out of 5 stars rating for me and worth every page of it. It was the most emotional draining and compelling book in the series so far. But it also left me mentally screaming at William Kent Kreuger to not hit me so hard like that ever again. It was a gut punch that left me both staggered and drained, yet demanding to see what happens next.
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 absolutely 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!
July 22, 2021
Krueger really knows how to spin a tale and in this ninth book he has reached the pinnacle. This book gave me the full range of emotions from disbelief to total devastation. How many times have you been angry with a loved one and not said goodbye or made up before going off to work for the day? In this story, after a disagreement, Cork’s wife Jo leaves the next morning on a business trip with members of the local tribe to Seattle on a charter flight. They disappear in a snowstorm over Wyoming and Cork spends the rest of the book assuaging his guilt trying to find out what happened to his beloved wife.
The search for the truth takes him down many twisted paths and at one point even believes that Jo may still be alive. This story was truly gut-wrenching and broke my heart into many pieces. This has been my favorite so far, even though the subject matter was so distressing. Krueger’s writing just gets better and better and always makes me feel like I am right there where the action is happening.
I listened to this on audiobook via Audible. As usual, narrator David Chandler did an excellent job bringing the characters to life. I gave this book five stars!
The search for the truth takes him down many twisted paths and at one point even believes that Jo may still be alive. This story was truly gut-wrenching and broke my heart into many pieces. This has been my favorite so far, even though the subject matter was so distressing. Krueger’s writing just gets better and better and always makes me feel like I am right there where the action is happening.
I listened to this on audiobook via Audible. As usual, narrator David Chandler did an excellent job bringing the characters to life. I gave this book five stars!
October 12, 2013
I first saw Krueger's novels on the shelves of a local store. Small-town northern Minnesota sheriff/PI, I read. Well, how interesting could that be? I live near a small northern Wisconsin town, and while it's a very nice place, not much of interest to the outside world happens here (which is fine with us). But in early August I picked up the first volume in the Cork O'Connor series, "Iron Lake", for my wife, who enjoys mysteries. I picked it up after her, just for something to read. I was hooked.
Two months later I've just finished #9 in the series, "Heaven's Keep". In this, Cork faces the most daunting challenge of his life, the search for the truth surrounding the disappearance and apparent death of his wife, Jo. Readers of the series know that things haven't always been terrific between Cork and Jo, but as the years passed and they faced great challenges together, from raising their children to facing down the bad guys, they grew ever closer. My wife refuses to read this entry in the series, but I jumped in.
Krueger's writing has always been deft and deep, bringing to life the woods and lakes and small towns of northern Minnesota and the people who live there. I would imagine this novel was his biggest challenge. He decided to kill off one of his best-written, most popular characters and put the life and emotional well-being of his protagonist on the line. Something like this could have easily gone south quickly, but Krueger handles it well. Better than well. "Heaven's Keep" takes Cork about as far out of his comfort zone as he could get, pushes him to his physical and emotional limits, and takes him to a place no husband and father ever wants to go. As a stand-alone novel it would be a fine read, but do yourself a favor and start at the beginning. You won't regret it.
Two months later I've just finished #9 in the series, "Heaven's Keep". In this, Cork faces the most daunting challenge of his life, the search for the truth surrounding the disappearance and apparent death of his wife, Jo. Readers of the series know that things haven't always been terrific between Cork and Jo, but as the years passed and they faced great challenges together, from raising their children to facing down the bad guys, they grew ever closer. My wife refuses to read this entry in the series, but I jumped in.
Krueger's writing has always been deft and deep, bringing to life the woods and lakes and small towns of northern Minnesota and the people who live there. I would imagine this novel was his biggest challenge. He decided to kill off one of his best-written, most popular characters and put the life and emotional well-being of his protagonist on the line. Something like this could have easily gone south quickly, but Krueger handles it well. Better than well. "Heaven's Keep" takes Cork about as far out of his comfort zone as he could get, pushes him to his physical and emotional limits, and takes him to a place no husband and father ever wants to go. As a stand-alone novel it would be a fine read, but do yourself a favor and start at the beginning. You won't regret it.
October 15, 2014
2.5* A book worth reading, but as a longtime Krueger reader and fan, I feel cheated by this book. I was disappointed in the way that this plot unfolded and in the handling of opportunities for character development. I understand that part of the "contract" between authors and readers is that we readers have to give authors some leeway to shape things in a certain perhaps less-than-realistic way or accept that authors may present characters doing somewhat outlandish things as though they were commonplace (e.g., isn't it convenient that Cork suddenly has a millionaire friend who can jet him back and forth to Wyoming?). However, I found myself in many places feeling like events or characters were forced and that I was seeing too much artifice and machination behind the wizard's curtain and not enough honoring of the characters that Krueger has painstakingly developed over a number of books in this series.
**SPOILER ALERT HERE** I was particularly dissatisfied with the treatment of Jo's character and the depiction (lack thereof) of Cork's grief when he accepts that she must be dead. Since Jo dies in this book, and, I suppose, this will be her last chance to be a character of any substance plot-wise in the series, I felt that she had been cheated by there being so little of her in this book. I also found the skipping over of Cork's period of grief - suddenly it is six months later - to be a letdown. Here was a chance to develop more emotional depth for Cork in how he is affected by and how he handles his response to her death. Instead, just a fast-forward to figuring out the mystery of the plane's disappearance.
**SPOILER ALERT HERE** I was particularly dissatisfied with the treatment of Jo's character and the depiction (lack thereof) of Cork's grief when he accepts that she must be dead. Since Jo dies in this book, and, I suppose, this will be her last chance to be a character of any substance plot-wise in the series, I felt that she had been cheated by there being so little of her in this book. I also found the skipping over of Cork's period of grief - suddenly it is six months later - to be a letdown. Here was a chance to develop more emotional depth for Cork in how he is affected by and how he handles his response to her death. Instead, just a fast-forward to figuring out the mystery of the plane's disappearance.
October 6, 2019
4 1/2 stars rounded up because it was a great story in spite of a slight shortcoming (in my opinion).
This was a sad story from beginning to end. It starts off with Cork fighting to keep Sam's Place, his burger hut by the lake that he loves. The main access road has been closed by a development company that wants to build condos on the lake, he's trying to sue, and his wife isn't too happy about the prospect of spending boatloads of money for lawyers, but she, a lawyer herself, is not up to fighting a rich corporation. Cork is thinking about taking on a job as a lawman again, and she's also unhappy about that. She leaves for a business trip on an angry note, without saying goodbye.
This makes both of them unhappy, but that's just the beginning. The nightmare about leaving mad is that if something happens, you will forever regret it, and when the plane goes off the radar in a big storm over the mountains, the nightmare comes true.
That could have been the end of the story, but it wouldn't have been a very good one. Fortunately, it is - a good one, that is. Certain facts come to light, and eventually the story gets interesting.
I subtracted half a star simply because there was a bit too much of the supernatural element that I think detracts from a serious story, but it didn't really make it a bad story. I just had to overcome my aversion, and it wasn't hard. There's always a bit of it in these stories, mostly from Cork's old friend Henry.
Also, it seems like the "final solution" never comes, unless I missed it; only a promise Cork makes to find the people at the top that are responsible. I guess we can assume they were dealt with.
This was a sad story from beginning to end. It starts off with Cork fighting to keep Sam's Place, his burger hut by the lake that he loves. The main access road has been closed by a development company that wants to build condos on the lake, he's trying to sue, and his wife isn't too happy about the prospect of spending boatloads of money for lawyers, but she, a lawyer herself, is not up to fighting a rich corporation. Cork is thinking about taking on a job as a lawman again, and she's also unhappy about that. She leaves for a business trip on an angry note, without saying goodbye.
This makes both of them unhappy, but that's just the beginning. The nightmare about leaving mad is that if something happens, you will forever regret it, and when the plane goes off the radar in a big storm over the mountains, the nightmare comes true.
That could have been the end of the story, but it wouldn't have been a very good one. Fortunately, it is - a good one, that is. Certain facts come to light, and eventually the story gets interesting.
I subtracted half a star simply because there was a bit too much of the supernatural element that I think detracts from a serious story, but it didn't really make it a bad story. I just had to overcome my aversion, and it wasn't hard. There's always a bit of it in these stories, mostly from Cork's old friend Henry.
Also, it seems like the "final solution" never comes, unless I missed it; only a promise Cork makes to find the people at the top that are responsible. I guess we can assume they were dealt with.
October 31, 2024
Such a tragic book.
December 28, 2014
What a powerful book! Right from the beginning, with a gut-wrenching prologue, Krueger took me on an emotional journey to Wyoming, where massive snow storms are covering a desolate, bleak land, and questions arise with no easy answers. I was glad to see Stephen's maturity and hope to learn more of his time with Henry Meloux. I'm also glad Cork had a partner and friend in Hugh Parmer. If you're reading this series in order, this book will shock and astound you. I can hardly wait to read the next one.
August 31, 2020
This is one of the saddest books I have ever read. Cork's wife, Jo, goes missing when her plane falls off the radar over the snow covered mountains of Wyoming. Cork investigates with the help of his son and discovers what happened. Recommended.
September 11, 2023
Excellent Cork O'Connor novel by William Kent Krueger. Actually, one of the best so far.
March 8, 2012
Cork and his wife have a disagreement one morning resulting in a shouting match, both saying things they didn't really mean, but they go their separate daily ways without reconciling. His wife goes to the airport to go on a business trip...from which she won't return afterwards as the plane crashes.
Cork had nothing from her since the argument, except a short message on his e-mail mailbox. He's eons beyond grief after this painful loss that leaves him now not only a widow but also a single father.
It's autumn before he discovers some new information relating to the plane crash and begins to follow his instincts as a private detective. What follows is an exciting story based around casinos, Native American Indian reservations and several nature reserves. This all comes to an end in the dead of winter in the Rocky Mountains in a fight for survival against nature.
Throughout the book, the author not only focused on his essential main character, Cork O'Conner but also describing some of the hardships and problems suffered by the Native American Indians yet in these modern times. Anyone that has viewed the Rockies in any season will recognize the descriptions of the unspoiled beauty of these majestic mountains' nature and how important it is to preserve them.
There is a lot to think about in this story even though it is at times heartbreaking. The story is filled with suspense; and it's difficult at times, to read, yet it also reminds us to be very, very careful with our words no matter how angry we may be, as you never know when you may never have the chance to say, "I'm sorry, I love you and I didn't mean it."
Cork had nothing from her since the argument, except a short message on his e-mail mailbox. He's eons beyond grief after this painful loss that leaves him now not only a widow but also a single father.
It's autumn before he discovers some new information relating to the plane crash and begins to follow his instincts as a private detective. What follows is an exciting story based around casinos, Native American Indian reservations and several nature reserves. This all comes to an end in the dead of winter in the Rocky Mountains in a fight for survival against nature.
Throughout the book, the author not only focused on his essential main character, Cork O'Conner but also describing some of the hardships and problems suffered by the Native American Indians yet in these modern times. Anyone that has viewed the Rockies in any season will recognize the descriptions of the unspoiled beauty of these majestic mountains' nature and how important it is to preserve them.
There is a lot to think about in this story even though it is at times heartbreaking. The story is filled with suspense; and it's difficult at times, to read, yet it also reminds us to be very, very careful with our words no matter how angry we may be, as you never know when you may never have the chance to say, "I'm sorry, I love you and I didn't mean it."
February 11, 2025
4.5 stars ⭐️
Audiobook
* This 9th book is my favourite in the series so far.
* Familiar characters that grow in fondness as the series continues.
* This was the most twisty of the series with plots that you didn’t see coming.
* A shocker of an ending that hurts your heart.
* I am excited to see how the family moves forward but I need a bit of break before I return to the 0’Connors.
I am also excited to see that Krueger has just added another book in this series. 👏🏻
Audiobook
* This 9th book is my favourite in the series so far.
* Familiar characters that grow in fondness as the series continues.
* This was the most twisty of the series with plots that you didn’t see coming.
* A shocker of an ending that hurts your heart.
* I am excited to see how the family moves forward but I need a bit of break before I return to the 0’Connors.
I am also excited to see that Krueger has just added another book in this series. 👏🏻
September 20, 2017
If you plan to read this series. Make sure you don't read the blurb on this book. I thought the blurb was quite a spoiler for the book if you use your powers of deduction.
This was a pretty heartbreaking read when I've come to know and love the characters. I don't know where the story can go on from here. I know it will, but still I can't quite believe how events transpired overall in Heaven's Keep and I wonder why the author took the direction this books lays out for the future.
All in all though, another good addition to the series. The mystery was compelling and it was a little harder to work out the culprits or the elaborate lengths that can be taken to hide the truth.
This was a pretty heartbreaking read when I've come to know and love the characters. I don't know where the story can go on from here. I know it will, but still I can't quite believe how events transpired overall in Heaven's Keep and I wonder why the author took the direction this books lays out for the future.
All in all though, another good addition to the series. The mystery was compelling and it was a little harder to work out the culprits or the elaborate lengths that can be taken to hide the truth.
November 10, 2009
First Sentence: In the weeks after the tragedy, as he accumulates pieces of information, he continues to replay that morning in his mind.
Cork O’Connor and his wife, Jo, parted in anger as she left on a business. He learns her plane has disappeared from radar over the Wyoming Rockies and, with his son, travels West to be part of the search, but to no avail. Months later, the wife of the pilot, who was said to have been drunk while flying, turns upon Cork’s doorstep saying it wasn’t her husband flying the plane. His investigation causes him to think the accidental wasn’t accidental. So where is Jo?
There were things I loved and things I didn’t love about this book.
Krueger creates interesting characters that seem very real. However, I don’t always feel he uses them to full advantage. Cork’s friend, Henry Meloux, is one of the most interesting recurring characters. Here, he had almost a cameo role. We see Cork’s son Stephen growing up. Henry sends him on a vision quest, but we have no idea what happened as it was all off-stage. At the same time, Krueger’s incorporation of the metaphysical is both interesting and well done, never overpowering the story.
This descriptions are wonderfully evocative and his dialogue true to the ear. I would not have been appropriate to the story, but I missed the wry humor usually apparent in this books.
What I didn’t love was the plot. Killing off the protagonist’s mate seems to be a popular theme these days and one that, to me, seems easier than keeping the relationship realistic and progressing; of which I felt Krueger had done a good job until now. I was, however, impressed by Krueger’s ability to convey emotion. The motives didn’t work for me. It seemed a bit over the top and lacking the usual suspense.
Most of the book I felt was very good, but it did fall apart toward the end. Krueger is still an author whose style I very much enjoy. By no means is he off my buy list. I’ll be there for the next book as soon as it comes out.
HEAVEN’S KEEP (Unl Invest-Cork O’Connor-Minnesota/Wyoming-Cont) – G+
Krueger, William Kent – 9th in series
Atria Books, 2009, US Hardcover – ISBN: 9781416556763
Cork O’Connor and his wife, Jo, parted in anger as she left on a business. He learns her plane has disappeared from radar over the Wyoming Rockies and, with his son, travels West to be part of the search, but to no avail. Months later, the wife of the pilot, who was said to have been drunk while flying, turns upon Cork’s doorstep saying it wasn’t her husband flying the plane. His investigation causes him to think the accidental wasn’t accidental. So where is Jo?
There were things I loved and things I didn’t love about this book.
Krueger creates interesting characters that seem very real. However, I don’t always feel he uses them to full advantage. Cork’s friend, Henry Meloux, is one of the most interesting recurring characters. Here, he had almost a cameo role. We see Cork’s son Stephen growing up. Henry sends him on a vision quest, but we have no idea what happened as it was all off-stage. At the same time, Krueger’s incorporation of the metaphysical is both interesting and well done, never overpowering the story.
This descriptions are wonderfully evocative and his dialogue true to the ear. I would not have been appropriate to the story, but I missed the wry humor usually apparent in this books.
What I didn’t love was the plot. Killing off the protagonist’s mate seems to be a popular theme these days and one that, to me, seems easier than keeping the relationship realistic and progressing; of which I felt Krueger had done a good job until now. I was, however, impressed by Krueger’s ability to convey emotion. The motives didn’t work for me. It seemed a bit over the top and lacking the usual suspense.
Most of the book I felt was very good, but it did fall apart toward the end. Krueger is still an author whose style I very much enjoy. By no means is he off my buy list. I’ll be there for the next book as soon as it comes out.
HEAVEN’S KEEP (Unl Invest-Cork O’Connor-Minnesota/Wyoming-Cont) – G+
Krueger, William Kent – 9th in series
Atria Books, 2009, US Hardcover – ISBN: 9781416556763
March 30, 2011
I think I am growing weary of this series. The "cliffhanger" at the end of Mercy Falls had me chucking that one across the room and vowing never to read another in the series but...I'm back. This one was just sort of okay. More drama/soap opera than mystery with a shocking ending meant to send the reader running full-tilt to the next book in the series. Meh. I'll get there when I get there. I am finding Cork's vacillation between the Native American religious practice and Catholicism to be irritating. The moral grandstanding is irksome. I guess this one really deserves only 1.5 stars from me.
August 30, 2022
This is a buddy read with my husband. We are reading through this series together. I thought he strung this one out just a bit too long.
February 16, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I have read almost all of William Kent Krueger’s series Cork O’Connor.
This is definitely the best of all of the series I have read. Challenging to read and very heartbreaking.
I have read almost all of William Kent Krueger’s series Cork O’Connor.
This is definitely the best of all of the series I have read. Challenging to read and very heartbreaking.
September 14, 2023
Well I didn't see that one coming! Krueger always keeps me on my toes. Such an amazing author! I am loving this series.
4.5 stars
4.5 stars
January 23, 2018
RATING: 3 STARS
(Review Not on Blog)
Listened to on audio
It has been 4 months or so since my last Cork O'Connor book. I have been trying to find this one on audio as that is the only way I can do this series now. I love the narrator and since I don't know how to pronounce some of the words it is nice to hear them said correctly. Warning you now, this is a book with lots of emotion. Jo's plan has gone missing and thought to have crashed. Her and all those on the plane are considered dead. Cork won't believe it till he sees for himself. I don't know if it was the plot or what but it's like I refused to connect with this book. I just wanted to get through it.
(Review Not on Blog)
Listened to on audio
It has been 4 months or so since my last Cork O'Connor book. I have been trying to find this one on audio as that is the only way I can do this series now. I love the narrator and since I don't know how to pronounce some of the words it is nice to hear them said correctly. Warning you now, this is a book with lots of emotion. Jo's plan has gone missing and thought to have crashed. Her and all those on the plane are considered dead. Cork won't believe it till he sees for himself. I don't know if it was the plot or what but it's like I refused to connect with this book. I just wanted to get through it.
August 19, 2017
I am very invested in this book and the series. I am so disappointed that Jo died in this book. I kept holding out hope that she would somehow be found alive. I realized that was unlikely, but it felt even more cruel to me for Cork and Stephen to discover that she survived the original massacre, only to die after being in a coma at a hospice in Mexico. What. The. Hell.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 29, 2017
This book never engaged me...the investigation details were too tedious; they bogged down the pace and overshadowed the personal elements. However, one of Krueger's other books, Ordinary Grace, is one of my favorites so I'll put in a plug for that one!
May 1, 2026
Written so well, as usual, as I have come to expect from William Kent Krueger. This was a heart wrenching episode in Cork O’Connor’s life. A harrowing tale of the search for a plane crash in an area of the Wyoming Rockies, namely, Heaven’s Keep. The grieving of a family, focusing mainly on Cork and his son, Stephen. I don’t read these too close together as they are grittier than my typical reads, but when I get the itch to reconnect with Cork and the Anishinaabe culture, it’s enjoyable.
March 25, 2015
Krueger hits another one out of the ball park with Heaven's Keep--all the way to Wyoming, and at the end, even further. Cork O'Connor's wife's plane disappears from the radar screen somewhere over Wyoming, when it is
en route to a Seattle conference, carrying not only attorney Jo, but also several other prominent Native Americans. One plot twist after another keeps the reader guessing about motive, method, and reason behind the plane's disappearance.
Although Krueger takes Cork and his son, Steve, far from the northern parts of Minnesota, he sets a great stage that contrasts with Minnesota. Even the snow in the Wyoming Mountains is far more severe and dangerous than what is found in Minnesota. The reservation is stark compared to the one in Minnesota. Different tribes and different languages, yet still the same basic problems and discrimination that residents of the Rez face.
Together, Cork and Steve search for wife and mother. Hope rises and falls. Father and son bond even closer during their quest. Steven skips carefree young adolescence when faced with a man-sized challenge.
This is well worth reading. As always, Kreuger's style draws the reader right into the story, where one feels the bitter cold, the anger, the fear, the frustration, and the beauty, ruggedness and majesty of this part of the country. I especially enjoyed the sub plot and relationship between Cork and wealthy developer, Hugh--from enemy to supporter, and finally ally and friend.
en route to a Seattle conference, carrying not only attorney Jo, but also several other prominent Native Americans. One plot twist after another keeps the reader guessing about motive, method, and reason behind the plane's disappearance.
Although Krueger takes Cork and his son, Steve, far from the northern parts of Minnesota, he sets a great stage that contrasts with Minnesota. Even the snow in the Wyoming Mountains is far more severe and dangerous than what is found in Minnesota. The reservation is stark compared to the one in Minnesota. Different tribes and different languages, yet still the same basic problems and discrimination that residents of the Rez face.
Together, Cork and Steve search for wife and mother. Hope rises and falls. Father and son bond even closer during their quest. Steven skips carefree young adolescence when faced with a man-sized challenge.
This is well worth reading. As always, Kreuger's style draws the reader right into the story, where one feels the bitter cold, the anger, the fear, the frustration, and the beauty, ruggedness and majesty of this part of the country. I especially enjoyed the sub plot and relationship between Cork and wealthy developer, Hugh--from enemy to supporter, and finally ally and friend.
July 15, 2019
Well, this one was a shocker and I'm still trying to figure out exactly how I feel about it. Sometimes, when you get hold of a good mystery, it’s natural to think you’ve got it solved before the killer is revealed. You can forget about that here! As usual, Mr. Krueger included much about Native Americans, which always fascinates me. He then added in a suspenseful story of corruption, fraud, murder, and the men who thought they were untouchable. Greed runs deep in the core of all that happens.
I so enjoyed reading about "It's Stephen". He's growing into a fine young man. I also very much liked Hugh Parmer, and hope he will be included in future books. I'm glad Henry Meloux is still around!
I struggled a wee bit with
I so enjoyed reading about "It's Stephen". He's growing into a fine young man. I also very much liked Hugh Parmer, and hope he will be included in future books. I'm glad Henry Meloux is still around!
I struggled a wee bit with
April 19, 2018
This is the 9th offering in the Cork O’Connor murder/mystery series. Here we have Cork’s wife a victim of an airplane tragedy. She and several other Indian leaders were heading for a meeting to discuss Indian business interests. All were lost in the Wyoming mountains during a winter storm. The plane was not found at first, but Cork’s sleuthing eventually discovers where the plane ended up.
I enjoy Krueger’s descriptions of the natural beauty of the mountains in the West and how he blends the religious traditions of the Christian faith and the mystical visions of the Ojibwe tribe in his storylines. The reader has gotten to know Cork’s family and friends in the small, rural town where he resides. Here, we are introduced to some interesting new characters that I suspect will find their way in future books of the series.
However, Krueger has resorted to some pretty fantastical plot twists to move the story along in Heaven’s Keep. I am not sure they were all necessary in order to maintain the reader’s interest. On the other hand, I DO like an action-packed tale.
I enjoy Krueger’s descriptions of the natural beauty of the mountains in the West and how he blends the religious traditions of the Christian faith and the mystical visions of the Ojibwe tribe in his storylines. The reader has gotten to know Cork’s family and friends in the small, rural town where he resides. Here, we are introduced to some interesting new characters that I suspect will find their way in future books of the series.
However, Krueger has resorted to some pretty fantastical plot twists to move the story along in Heaven’s Keep. I am not sure they were all necessary in order to maintain the reader’s interest. On the other hand, I DO like an action-packed tale.
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