Another great Cork O'Connor book by Willliam Kent Krueger. I have read the entire series and this book has to be one of the best. Concentrating more on Cork's family, the story revolves around missing young women (including a politician's daughter) . To add more drama to the storyline, Cork's grandson is in danger after he is found to have the ability to communicate with spirits. Spoiler alert, I was upset about one of the characters at the end of the book. Please continue this series, I love them and will continually recommend this author.

I have enjoyed every book that William Kent Krueger has written, but this is his very best by far. It is a compelling mystery that highlights the continuing plight of Native Americans in this country, particularly young women. The prose is tight, the story poignant, horrifying, and yet hopeful. It is a masterful novel that educates the reader while telling an intriguing story. As always, when I read a novel in this series, I feel so much ancestral shame as well as shame for how our white culture continues to deny Native Americans the social safety nets they so desperately need and deserve. If you read this novel, and I highly recommend you do, do not fail to read the author's note in the back that explains how he chose to write this particular story. I was aware of the prevalence of missing women in the Native community, but the actual statistics are shocking. My sincere thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this book in return for my honest review. 4.5 stars rounded up.

Wonderful book, by one of my favorite authors. And my heart is broken. How could he kill off one of the children. I haven’t read all of the Cork O’Connor series. But I’m catching up.
Heartbreaking book of missing and murdered indigenous women. It starts with the missing daughter of a senator and the difference of her and that of a Native American girl. This has always bother me. Our two tiered systems.
Then comes the grandson out picking blueberries with the family and he sees a spirit. I couldn’t put this book down and it will haunt me for some time to come.
Mr. Krueger, thank you for never disappointing me with your books.

I enjoyed this new Cork O’Conner novel very much. Thank you for the ARC Netgalley.
The family is back in Aurora, Minnesota for the wedding of Stephen, Cork’s youngest child to Belle. The couple is home this summer to aid the protesters at Spirit Crossing, a sacred place to the Anishinaabe people. An oil pipeline is being built there but they hope to halt the progress.
Middle daughter Annie has returned from Guatemala with her girlfriend Maria, but something is off with Annie.
While out to pick blueberries they make a gruesome discovery near an old cabin. A shallow grave is found by Waboo, Cork’s 7 year old grandson who has special gifts and can communicate with spirits. This puts him in danger, so he goes to stay with Henry Meloux at Crow Point.
Missing and murdered Native girls and women is the important topic of this book, and the lack of attention that they receive.

Another great episode in the saga of Cork O'Connor. Cork's family is all home in preparation for his son's wedding. This mystery calls attention to the issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous People.

I received an Advanced Reader Copy from Simon & Schuster via NetGalley.

Alrighty, well, I jumped in at the deep end, so I had a lot of characters to keep track of and that’s what happens when you don’t start at book one. This did slow me down a bit at the beginning, but Krueger does a great job of reminding you who is who throughout the book so it didn’t take long to get a handle on the characters.

 I thoroughly enjoyed the Native American culture and learning new things about spirituality, it was fascinating for me and a great example of why reading outside your comfort zone can be a great thing!

The mystery in this book unravels at a reasonable pace and unnecessary details didn’t bog me down. The cultural history weaved throughout is well thought-out, detailed, and is highlighted by wonderful characters. I’m a sucker for a good sage, and Henry Meloux might be one of my favorite sages out there! 

Now, I will probably go start at book 1 and work my way through this incredible series.

Thank you to Netgalley and Atria books for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

SPIRIT CROSSING ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5. Book 20 of a series. I’ll admit, I never have read the series, but I have really enjoyed the others stand alone novels. This book centered around missing girls, one white, and several Native American women. With the press on the hunt to find a break in a missing senators daughter, when a body is found by the vision of a 7 year old, a spree of crime ensues. This was a good mystery, with a few surprises. This book has lots of heart with these characters. I am actually debating going back and starting the series to see how they got to where they are now.

I’ve read and really enjoyed William Kent Krueger’s standalone novels, but I’ve only read one or two of the Cork O’Conner’s novels. Even so, I was able to read this 20th book in the series and keep up with the characters.

A politician’s daughter goes missing, and this is big news in Minnesota. As the search for her commences, Cork’s seven-year-old grandson stumbles on the grave of an Ojibwe woman. The authorities don’t care about that body unless she has some connection to the white girl they’re actually concerned about. But Cork and members of the Lake Ojibwe Tribal Police do care. Their search for who this girl is and how she died puts Cork’s grandson and other members of his family in danger.

NetGalley provided an advance copy of this novel, which RELEASES AUGUST 20, 2024.

The 20th book in Krueger's Cork O'Connor series is the best one yet. Cork's son Stephen and his civil rights attorney fiancé are planning their wedding while at the same time trying to help the Ojibwe and other native people stop the building of an oil pipeline sure to damage the land, the water and their way of life. Anne and her partner Maria have come home from Guatemala for the wedding.
Everything seems calm until the day Cork takes his grandson Waaboo blueberry picking on some abandoned farmland and Waaboo finds a grave and he is able to hear her spirit. Meanwhile the daughter of a local politician has disappeared as have several native girls. As Cork and local authorities look into these strange disappearances and find some clues that hint at human trafficking, Henry Meloux tries to keep Waaboo, Anne and other members of the O'Connor family safe, it becomes apparent that Anne may have a secret too.
I have read all the books in this series but this is the only one that had me crying at the end. As only Krueger can, he digs deep into the human condition
- at its best and at its worst.

This book continues the Cork O’Connor series that takes place in the Boundary Waters of Minnesota. Like the other books in the series it weaves in a lot of the Ojibwe history, culture and beliefs. This one deals primarily with the disappearance of young native american girls and Anne O’Connor. It is an enjoyable and fast paced read. I recommend this book for those who enjoy reading mysteries that include native american culture.

I received a free Kindle copy of this book courtesy of publisher with the understanding that I would post a review on Goodreads, Net Galley, Amazon, Facebook and my nonfiction book review blog.

Poignant, spiritual and riveting, Spirit Crossing is an emotional story of love, loss, standing up for what you believe in and giving a voice to marginalized communities. William Kent Krueger delivers once again, adding this reflective and touching story to the exquisite Cork O’Connor catalog.

Cork O’Connor’s seven-year-old grandson Waaboo finds a shallow grave containing a young Ojibwe woman. But with the hunt for the missing teenage daughter of a local white politician capturing the attention of federal and state law enforcement, no one is willing to prioritize this case. Except Cork, local sheriff Marsha Dross and the new Iron Lake Ojibwe Tribal Police, which includes Waaboo’s father/Cork’s son-in-law. As the investigation unfolds, a bigger plot comes into focus that connects the two cases as well as those of other missing young women. Putting Cork and his family in the crosshairs of some very dangerous and desperate individuals who won’t hesitate to kill those who stand in their way.

This 20th edition to the beautiful Cork O’Connor series is yet another masterclass in storytelling by William Kent Krueger. He shines a spotlight on critical issues facing the Native community through the telling of a suspenseful fictional tale with beloved characters as the conduit. Giving this novel a gravitas that many thrillers and mysteries cannot attain. Because this isn’t just an entertaining book. It’s an important story that draws attention to real problems facing an underrepresented community in this country.

Spirit Crossing is also one hell of an engrossing story. It’s got mystery, death, politics, legal maneuverings, visions, spiritual guidance, and blueberries. It continues to highlight the wonderfully caring and action-oriented attributes of key characters like Cork and Henry Meloux, but it brings added focus to the development of others in Cork’s world, namely his family. And as with every prior novel in this series, it will enlighten, infuriate and satisfy in equal measure. You may also shed a tear or two or fifty. All of which make for another beautiful reading experience in this phenomenal series.

This eARC was given to me by Netgalley.com and I am providing an unbiased review.

Krueger's Cork O'Connor series has been one I have enjoyed over the past couple years, and this newest installment just drops me back into their lives and world. The writing style and character world the author has built is just wonderful to read about. A continuing storyline based on previous books (not really what I could call a stand-alone read) is something I just really enjoy. Krueger has a way to bring attention to events that may be fictional in the story, but real issues in our world: oppression of the Native Americans, and how they are treated not just by general public, but Law Enforcement as well; oil pipe-lines and how they could destroy nature, and the fight against the companies that want to build them.

I considered this t book to be well-written and interesting to read. I appreciate how easy it was to read, and become part of the main characters' lives again. Really recommend going back and starting at the beginning of the series for anyone interested in reading this one, and to also check out some of the author's other works as well.

I love this book . I think this author is one of the best alive today . He draws you in the plot is always engaging and on point . I love Cork and Henry and the setting in Nothern Minnesota.
I like he never glosses over the hard parts of life
I read all his books on one day .
He also represents native culture in such a respectful way .
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for letting me review this book

William Kent Krueger is one of my favorite authors especially his Cork O’Connor series. Spirit Crossing reunites us with the whole O’Connor clan. A politician’s daughter is missing. Also missing but receiving less attention is a young Ojibew woman. Cork’s whole family including his grandson becomes involved in solving this mystery. One of my favorite characters is Henry Meloux and his words of wisdom and view of the world. Another must read. I recommend this book.

I have mixed feelings about this one. I hadn't read any of the others and there were a lot of characters, major and minor which was a bit problematic for me. While i ended up liking it and being moved, at times esp in the beginning the educational part felt like it got in the way of the story. While I agree with the issues and they are important and I appreciate him shedding light on them, it didn't take me out of the story and felt distancing. so, mixed bag for me. I would read others by him

Cork O'Connor returns to the pages after a year hiatus in Spirit Crossing, one of my most anticipated books of 2024, and William Kent Krueger delivers in every sense of the word.

When the body of a missing girl is discovered on a remote piece of land by Cork O'Connor's family, the media swarms to Aurora, Minnesota looking for answers. Across town at Spirit Crossing, the protest of an oil pipeline that threatens the land of the Ojibwe is starting to turn more violent as police and protesters clash. Cork and his family are stuck in the middle, and due to his nephew's discovery of the body, the O'Connor family is suddenly in the crosshairs of the potential murderer.

Last year, I was talking to fellow BTB reviewer Steve Netter as we drove to a William Kent Krueger book event in Hood River, Oregon. I had read two Cork O'Connor novels, as well as the stand-alones, and Steve had told me he binged the entire Cork O'Connor series (19 books) over the course of a year because he loved them so much. Okay, I thought, I wonder if I could do the same and have them all finished in 11 months when Kent's next book, Spirit Crossing comes out. I started the first chronological book in Kent's series, titled Lightning Strike the day after Thanksgiving of 2023. I finished three in November, six in December, six more in January, and wrapped up the last four in February, as well as re-read each of the stand-alone novels in March. I have never read a series, especially such a long one, that quickly. I was instantly hooked. So you can imagine my anticipation and excitement when I got my hands on the twentieth book in the Cork O'Connor series, Spirit Crossing.

Over the course of a Kent book, you come to fall in love with the characters. They are down-to-earth, lovable (for the most part), and they always leave an impression. Spirit Crossing is no different, with the introduction of a few new characters into the series. Of course, one of the best parts of this series is the family dynamics between Cork and his children. You feel the love, the frustration, and the caring.

Once again, Kent has delivered a harrowing, beautifully knit novel of mystery, love, and hope. He paints a beautiful picture of the landscape - Iron Lake, the stars peppering the night sky, the smell of the pines. By the end of the novel, you feel like you exist in Aurora, down at the end Gooseberry Lane, in the old Quonset hut called Sam's Place, or out on Crow Point with Meloux.

William Kent Krueger can leave you lost of breath, crying, or joyful - a master with the pen. There is no book I look forward to more than a Cork O'Connor novel, and Spirit Crossing was as engaging and exciting as it was picturesque and beautiful.

I mean... what is there to say? If you've read any of the author's books, you know that you're in for a top quality engrossing read! This one is particularly important in one it addresses and nicely sets us up for more about this family. If you're just hearing about William Kent Krueger, you should start from the beginning of the series, but I do think that this can totally stand alone so my advice is to read this one if you're not sure you can commit to a series and then see what you think. I'm guessing you'll end up reading them all.

It's always a good day when there is a new book by this author!

Thank you to NetGalley for an advance copy of this book. I'm telling all my friends!!

This was smug on so many levels which illuminates the older generation of writers whose egos surpass the need to write with alacrity. Another mystery novel that privots from chapter to chapter on Indian pet names and how stalwart and upstanding Cork's family is.

This author offers up a lot of opinions on Reservation life as a liberal* white boy from Orygun. Surprisingly accurate in comparison to my experiences working for Tribes 30 plus years and whose grandmother is 100 percent First Nations. What he conveniently leaves out, is how racist the tribes are - not only for anyone not native but those of a different tribe. The author paints this picture of native stoicism and forebearance under the strain of attacks from arrogant Feds and whitey that view the Tribes as a turgid anachronism. The Feds I worked with were good people across the board and accomodated the Tribes insistence on funding while being held hostage for crimes that they never committed.

This novel may have been better served, delivering reality rather than aggrandizing Native Americans / First Nations people. The Tribes collective malady is in it's inherent construction. A structure that once served as a means of survival, exists in a world that favors individuality. The outcome where an organization like the Tribes, value the collective over the individual results in wide spread self-esteem issues pursuant to an idealized form of entitlement. The author paints a picture that is certainly not steeped in reality. I doubt he ever lived on a reservation for any length of time and has some "friends" that are native to bolster his credibility.

This novel starts off slower than snail porn with page after page of familial bs that tethers you to the story line in hopes that some movement ensues. Why two lesbians were pertinent to the theme is beyond me. Spending so many chapters on a side story that has no relevance to the outcome, is baffling (see above)*. This digs too deep into injustices perpetrated on natives as a primer for social justice. What the author fails to understand is that they don't care for your version of what they need to become whole, as it is another non-native construct. In other words, go feel good about yourself somewhere else.

What is really weird are the three star reviews that gush about this authors work, while mine paints a most gutteral 3-star review. The native americans that go missing is also a big problem for our reservations out west. The author gets kudos for bringing more light to the issue with broader exposure.

3.2/5

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Chi miigwech. Thank you.

I cried, I laughed, I understood and loved the prayers….excellent story. Bold ideas with sincere desire to respect a culture that is not of my own nor that of the author. Order it, reserve it at your library. Read it. And then enjoy it once again.
#spiritcrossing

I just got notification of this Advanced Copy. Publishes August 20, 2024. Thank you NetGalley and Atria Books.
Facebook 247 likes 139 comments and discussion feed. #nospoilers.

William Kent Krueger is an amazing author. From his first Cork O’Connor book, Iron Lake, in 1998 to this new entry, he has never held back on the tough decisions with the characters. He never fails to evoke emotions while delivering a well done, thoughtful story. Reading this book was bittersweet for me because my 90 year old Mom, a huge fan, passed away in 2021. She was so very excited when his books were released. She always got the first read and then would wait anxiously for me to finish so we could discuss it. She worried about Henry and was always relieved when he survived any close calls. This book, which is focused on the search for missing young women, would have had her on the edge of her chair. As has happened in the past, Cork’s family is threatened by crazed killers, including his grandson. It takes a combined effort by multiple jurisdictions to solve the crimes and keep Waaboo safe. Feel free to read this as a stand alone but if you have time, start at the beginning and work your way through the series, When you have finished them all, take time to read his stand alone books too. Everything that he writes is well done, thought provoking and able to evoke emotions that you might not have known were waiting inside you,