Spirit Crossing by William Kent Krueger is a compelling journey into the intersection of human resilience and the spiritual forces that shape our lives. Known for his atmospheric storytelling, Krueger delivers a richly textured narrative that blends mystery, folklore, and an exploration of the human condition.

Set in the rugged landscapes of the Northwoods, Spirit Crossing follows a protagonist grappling with a profound loss and a community burdened by secrets. Krueger’s signature ability to evoke place shines here—the wilderness feels alive, as much a character in the story as the people who inhabit it. The atmosphere is steeped in tension, with an almost otherworldly quality that keeps readers on edge.

Another great entry into the Cork O'Connor series! I accidentally read one of these books out of order a few years ago, and made it my business to go back and read all of them. They're never entirely predictable, and I also like how they technically can be read as a standalone novel. They're just more fun if you start at the beginning!

I requested this book because I originally thought it was an Indigenous novel. I've never read Krueger's work before and am not usually into the whodunnit type of novels, but this was an enjoyable read!

This is the second book I have read in the Cork Connor series. Both are well written and engaging. I have trouble keeping up with all of the characters. That may be because I started with the last two books written.
Spirit Crossing is a murder mystery that involves trafficking of Native American girls. It is a significant problem among the community that Krueger brings to light.
Well written and complex. This book demands your attention. I give it 4 stars instead of 5 only because I was often lost keeping up with the multiple characters and story lines.

There was a lot going on here. Murder, a little boy who is able to see things others cannot. Interaction with the corrupt and non corrupt. A mother trying to protect her child and law enforcement trying to solve a murder. I had to reread at times to keep up with who was who and what was going on. It was a good plot, well written but the characters were confusing to me. The setting was interesting, The plot intense. The bodies finally revealed.

I enjoyed this edition to the Cork O Connor series quite a bit. It was a tough topic going into the ongoing tragedy of the missing and murdered indigenous women in this country and an add in on the protests against oil drilling on indigenous lands.
But the family is together with Annie returning from Guatemala for her brother’s wedding and we know she is hiding something. I felt some of the drama around that situation was needless but want to create no spoilers.

Waaboo takes on a staring role as his visions are very much a part of this story.

Continuing adventures for Cork and his tribe (no pun intended). I may be in a minority, but this series is beginning to feel stale. I imagine that is why the author, from time to time, writes a stand alone book. All of which are excellent! Thanks to NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for my honest review

3.5 consistent stars, generously rounded up

A longtime fan of William Kent Krueger, I was delighted to receive a copy from Netgalley and the publisher for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I think Spirit Crossing had too many subplots – a wedding, Annie’s illness, missing and murdered Native American girls, Cork’s grandson, Waboo having visions and his parents trying to protect him, the pipeline under construction and its protests and problems, drugs.

While I have ‘known’ Cork and his family for decades, I didn’t feel like Annie’s situation was handled well or realistically with a close-knit family like the O’Connors. Annie’s story didn’t go as deep as I expected given how serious it was. As always I liked seeing Henry, the wise Native healer again!

Compared to other Cork O’Connor books, Spirit Crossing was good, just not in my top eight. Instead of being pulled into a quick paced plot and great characters, I felt distanced from it, perhaps because it was trying to do too much plot wise.

Thank you so much to Atria Books for the gifted copy!

This was not my first Krueger book, but it was my first in this particular series and I expected to feel lost, but I did feel like the story flowed well enough even without knowing any of the background. I have loved his standalone work in the past, and overall really enjoyed this one too.

He writes such deep characters and tells a story in a unique way that many can't. Even though it wasn't very fast paced, it still held my attention!

I can't wait to see what he does next!

A great addition, I really enjoyed this one and I think it had all the aspects that a William Kent Krueger fan is looking for. But another tragically sad ending! Stop with those!

I was about halfway through this story when I discovered that this is book #20 in his series. I actually talked to Mr.. Krueger and he told me to worry because all I would be “missing” was the background knowledge of the backstory of the main characters. The story was stand alone. It was easy to figure out the family dynamic with the characters. It was simply amazing!

The story is set around Cork O’Connor’s grandson stumbling across the shallow grave of a young woman…at the same time as the disappearance of a local politician’s teenage daughter. But there’s also a young Ojibwa woman missing as well, and has been for quite some time to no one’s care.

Mr. Krueger is a tremendous writer. This is the second book I’ve read of his (not in this series) and he’s got amazing talent

William Kent Krueger is one of those automatic reads for many, and this 20th installment in the Cork O'Connor series does not disappoint. I wouldn't recommend diving into this one as your first read in the series, as there are a plenty of recurring characters whose backstory will deepen your reading experience of this particular book. Especially significant in 'Spirit Crossing' is the highlighting of missing and murdered Indigenous women, which is handled deftly and hopefully brings light to an important issue.

BOOK REVIEW: Spirit Crossing by William Kent Krueger
Series: Cork O'Connor Mysteries | Book 20
2024 Publication Date: August 20

⭐️⭐️⭐⭐️️️

T.I.M.E. Best Books By Genre | Thriller
T.I.M.E. Most Anticipated Books Of 2024

Pages: 333
Genre: Thriller
Sub-Genre: Mystery Series
Time Period: Contemporary
Location: Minnesota (US) | Boundary Waters Region
Publisher: Atria Books

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All my book reviews can be seen at This Is My Everybody | Simple Living | Denise Wilbanks at thisismyeverybody.com/blog/what-book-should-i-read

♡ Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to review it and the opinions contained within are my own.

A solid addition to the Cork O'Connor series.

This book particularly struck me, as I have personal ties to folks in Guatemala and I felt for how Maria and Annie reflected on their lived experiences.

Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Spirit Crossing by William Kent Krueger is the 20th entry in his Cork O’ Connor series. As a big fan of Krueger’s series, I eagerly devoured this latest novel! As always, the story is well-plotted, featuring a missing daughter of a prominent local politician, a shallow grave holing the boy of a young Ojibwe woman, and all the complexities that entails with various law enforcement agencies and territories.
No spoilers here—retired now, Cork works the case as a consultant. Complicating factors are his young grandson Waboo, who has special spiritual gifts which also bring danger to him, and Cork’s grown daughter Annie, who has come home with her own burden to eventually share with her father.
There is so much here—family joy and sadness, experienced by now 3 generations of O’Connors. The inadequacies of the foster system are explored, especially regarding indigenous people. And Cork must face new dilemmas as a retired law enforcement officer who must maintain perspective when his family is involved in an active case.
This is one of the most emotional heartfelt novels in the Cork O’Connor series. I could personally relate to Cork’s feelings as a parent and a grandparent—the life wisdom that come from perspective and the deep sadness emanating from the same well.
Krueger’s prose is beautiful—unadorned and yet eloquent. His characters soar!
This will be a pleasure for his long-time fans to read, and for new readers to enjoy. This is a heartfelt story by a master storyteller!

Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for the DRC. This is my honest review.

I didn’t realize this was part of a character series, so I won’t be reading at this time. I loved Krueger’s other novel, THIS TENDER LAND, though!

Let me start by saying the Krueger has become one of my favorite authors! And I’ve come to love this series and these characters. My review is not a reflection of this series.

Whether it was timing or my mood, I just didn’t love this one. We meet some new characters here (at least for me) and I just couldn’t connect with them. I came close several times to just not finishing.

It is a pretty long series, however, I feel each book can be read as a standalone. This will not stop me from reading the next!

In Spirit Crossing, the 20th installment of William Kent Krueger’s Cork O’Connor series, the story dives into themes of Native trauma, family bonds, and the environmental impact of Big Oil. When a politician’s daughter vanishes in Minnesota, sparking a huge search, Cork’s grandson finds the grave of an unidentified Ojibwe woman. This discovery sets off an intense investigation led by Cork and the Iron Lake Ojibwe Tribal Police, revealing a tangled web of connections and dangers, including a link to the missing girl.

Krueger skillfully intertwines real social issues with a compelling mystery, navigating the complexities of Indigenous rights and human trafficking with sensitivity and insight. The story treads into supernatural themes and introduces a multitude of characters that may overwhelm some readers. Despite a few cumbersome subplots, the heart of the mystery remains engaging, driven by Cork’s strong moral compass and his relentless pursuit of justice.

Spirit Crossing exemplifies Krueger’s talent for blending meaningful cultural discussions with thrilling mystery elements. This installment not only promises a gripping read but also reflects on significant societal issues, making it a noteworthy addition to the series. I recommend reading these books in order. 4 stars.

** Thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for a review copy. The opinions are my own.

*** A production company has optioned the Cork O’Connor series… I hope it comes to pass!

William Kent Krueger is an auto-buy author, and he never disappoints! Spirit Crossing, the latest in the Cork O’Connor series, has several story lines to follow, but the main story is around missing young women. I’ve looked forward to this latest installment for months and I'm so glad to say it did not disappoint!

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the eARC!

Absolutely love this authors writing style!!

I have not read all the Cork O’Connor series but have read several along the way and many of the stand alones.

I was thrilled to receive an advance copy of his latest, Spirit Crossing, from Atria Books and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

A hot topic this election season, and in this one, the teenage daughter of a local politician has disappeared, and as a gigantic manhunt is underway to find her, the grandson of Krueger’s familiar character Cork O’Connor stumbles on the grave of a young woman – not the object of the search, but rather a young Ojibwe female. No one seems to care much, except Cork and the recently formed Lake Ojibwe Tribal Police. Also there is a connection between the two females, and Cork’s grandson seems in line to be the next victim.

As usual, Krueger’s writing about the setting is beautiful and the mystery unravels in a mesmerizing way!!