Here’s the stunning cover for Lightning Strike, my next novel in the Cork O’Connor series. I love the brooding blue of the sky, the eerie mist, the solitary kid on a bike. When you read the book, you’ll understand the importance of all these elements. Just a little teaser here: Lightning Strike is a prequel to my Cork O’Connor series. It follows Cork in his adolescence, shortly before he turns thirteen, the year before his father is killed in the line of duty. There are mysterious deaths at the heart of the story, of course, but it’s really an opportunity for me to explore the relationship Cork had with his father, which shaped him significantly in becoming the man who occupies center stage in the series. I love the story, and I think readers will embrace this compelling peek at Cork as he comes of age.
Okay, a little bad news. It will be a while before you can buy the book. It’s not scheduled for release until August of 2021. But honestly, I believe the wait will be worth it.
Thanks to everyone for your continued support of my work. Although I write first and foremost to please myself, I’m so grateful there are many of you out there who seem pleased as well.
I am an avid mystery/suspense reader. At 83, I’ve read hundreds since my early Nancy Drew series. A very long time ago. I’ve had authors that I’ve loved and followed faithfully. You are absolutely one of my favorites. Your characters have depth, personality, and I know who they are … Absolutely everything one could possibly ask for. They have grown throughout their lives and I’ve loved every minute of time spent with them. I’m hoping that Lightning Strike will NOT be the final in the Cork O’Connor series but we will continue sharing their world.
Your stand alone books are just that … Outstanding stand alone books!!
I don’t usually write fan letters but I had to show and thank you for the pleasures you have brought into my life. Thank you!!
Within the last year, I have “discovered’ your books reading TENDER IS THE LAND after reading a review of it. I thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated the novel as it was such a wonderful experience. I recommended it to many others, but the. also decided to explore your other novels. Upon reading my first Cork O’Connor book, I was captivated with the characters and the Native American elements interwoven throughout this series. I truly have enjoyed and become thoroughly engrossed with each and every book! I look forward to reading this new offering, but also SINCERELY HOPE that Cork O’Connor stories continue. if not, these characters and the beauty of the territory in Minnesota will be sorely missed.
I have read every Cork O’Connor book and loved each and everyone of them, I feel that I know all the characters as well as the setting. I am looking forward the Lightning Strikes and I am hopefully that will not be the last I read of Cork series.
As a young girl I spent several summers at my grandparents farm in
Northern Wisconsin. I listened to countless stories told by the men who sat around the perimeter of Grandma’s kitchen, telling fishing and hunting and all kinds of adventure stories of encounters in the forests and on the rivers.
The Cork O’Connor stories bring me back to that wondrous time of
my life. Thank you!
Having read most of the Cork O’Connor books, as well as Ordinary Grace and This Tender Land, I look forward to what promises to be another wonderful tale by Kent Krueger.
I’m about halfway through listening to “Vermillion Drift” and it seems there’s some parallel story going on here with vignettes from Cork’s childhood, the Vanishings and Cork’s father through insights from his mother’s journals. Apparently these snippets will be expanded on in Lightning Strike?
On a separate note, David Chandler also narrates the Joe Pickett stories by C J Box. The narration is so similar I kept expecting to hear Cork reply to some question or statement with “yup” just like Joe does all the time (being a man of few words). I wonder… have you ever though about or discussed with C. J. about developing a story where Joe Pickett and Cork somehow wind up together in some adventure going after bad guys? With a little Nate Romanowski on the side?
Having been born in St. Paul and growing up in New Ulm, MN I have enjoyed all references to places in Minnesota I’ve known; some are cleverly disguised but I recognize them nonetheless. I have read every one of your books and look forward to the next one, being released in August of this year.
I have loved every booked you have written and consider you one of my top five favorite authors! Please continue writing, I will continue reading/listening to your audio books. You are a talented Story Teller (anyone can publish and become an author). The only thing you could improve on is how often you write another book. I would love it if you could provide me a new book every month, but that is a little unrealistic and your books have all been worth the wait. How ever many you publish, I promise I will keep up with you on my end.
I was introduced to your books by neighbors Larry and Barb McMahon and have read every book in the series. I am a big fan and look forward to August. I have missed Cork!!!
I turned 80 this past year, and decided to start at the beginning of the O’Connor series and read them again… since I started with the first in the 90’s. I really like your writing, and the characters. I have a daughter who is law enforcement that allows me to be proud and grateful , as well as a granddaughter who is a Fire Fighter, has her EMT accredited, and working on her Paramedic certification right now…. First responders are my heroes, as are your wonderful people in the series…don’t ever stop!!
A pal introduced me to your series, and we ended up reading all your books. I love the development and maturing of the characters. Your detail research is great, and I enjoy the familiarization with the Native American people and customs.
Pre-ordered ‘Lightning Strike’, and I’m anxious for its release.
I enjoyed both Vermilion Drift and Lightning Strike, but it seems there are big inconsistencies between the two books which are supposedly set at the same time, Cork O’Connor’s 13th summer before his father was gunned down in November. In Lightning Strike what comes to be called the Parrant estate is called Glengarrow and owned by a mining CEO with last name of McDermid while in Vermilion Drift the estate is owned by the Cavanaugh family who have two children, Michael and Lauren. What’s up with that?
In response to a comment by Jesse Brown on March 13, 2021, I say “Hear, hear!” Can you imagine? Joe Pickett, Cork O’Connor and Nate Romanowsky in the same novel? Wonderful! AND it could be the start of another breathlessly awaited series!! Gentlemen — reel your pens in and start writing!!