Iron Lake

This book reminds me why I have always loved a good crime fiction novel. It is my first time reading Krueger, but it won't be my last. This book introduced me to Cork O'Conner, past sheriff of small town Aurora, Minnesota, and now I am excited to read more books about him.

The setting of Aurora, Minnesota and the Iron Range adds atmosphere to the story. It takes place in December, and the area is blanketed with snow and ice. The frosty scenery is both beautiful and threatening, and I love it. I enjoyed all the references to the Native American reservation and the people living on the land. The author injects a lot of Native American folklore and legend into the story, which creates a bit of magical realism that is mystifying. I love the references to the Windigo and the mystery they added to the plot.

The best part of the book is the characters. Cork is damaged and rough around the edges, but he is also a good father and a devoted friend. He does not back down in the face of adversity or danger, which makes for a great central character in a crime fiction book. The author provides just enough insight into his personality without overdoing it. The Native American characters are also well developed and interesting. I especially enjoyed how they are used to share the Native American lore. They are portrayed with a lot of compassion and understanding.

I am glad I found this book and this series. I plan to read more of this series and more by this author.

I have been a fan of WKK's stand-alone books, and many Louise Penny fans recommended this series for a similar vibe and entertainment. I see why! The story line and setting pulls you in. The characters are mostly quite likeable. The MN winter is compelling and exciting. I don't think it has the same level of sophistication as a LP mystery, but this is just the first one. I've already downloaded the next (listen). It's a healthy escape.
PS. OK, I started #2. The opening scene is grisly, but I persevered. Then, my Goodreads sources warned of more death to come, so I'm not continuing. Too bad. I guess I got the gist.