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Here are comments from our group of Advance Readers about William Kent KruegerS's THUNDER BAY.
Dena from Bremerton, WA
Have you previously read a book by William Kent Krueger?
No.
What suspense/thriller authors do you usually read?
Tami Hoag, James Patterson, Cait London, Dean Koontz, Patricia Lewin, the Kellermans,
Karen Rose, Jeffery Deaver, Linda Howard, Robin Cook, Greg Iles, and Iris Johansen.
The newest writers on my list are Michele Martinez and Joseph Finder.
What did you think of THUNDER BAY?
I really liked it. Some don't like books written in the first person, but I
enjoy them because it really gets me into the character and the adventure. This
was my first Cork O'Connor book and I wish that I had read the previous ones.
I also liked the setting and side characters very much. I could imagine being
there. I didn't want to put the book down, but I did have to sleep.
Would you ever read a future book by William Kent Krueger?
Yes, I definitely will --- hopefully getting the past books in this series
to start from the beginning!
Geoff from Royal Oak, MI
Have you previously read a book by William Kent Krueger?
I have not previously read a book by Krueger.
What suspense/thriller authors do you usually read?
I read most of the men: Jonathan Kellerman, Robert Crais, Ian Rankin, John
Sandford, Tony Hillerman, and on and on. I don't read "fad writers"
like James Patterson or medical/mystery thrillers, but in the mystery venire
I am pretty eclectic. I also like legal mysteries as I am an attorney.
What did you think of THUNDER BAY?
I really enjoyed THUNDER BAY. I would give it an A or A+ to my friends. Part
of it is reminiscent of Hillerman's Native American backgrounds. It was believable,
and it tied together well. Once started, I finished in a little over one day's
reading.
Would you ever read a future book by William Kent Krueger?
I would definitely read him again, and will look up his other books.
Thanks for the opportunity.
Karen from Clarksville, TN
Have you previously read a book by William Kent Krueger?
I've never read a book by William Kent Krueger before this, but after reading
THUNDER BAY, the 7th in a series about Cork O'Connor and his family, I intend
to rectify that oversight ASAP.
William Kent Krueger's hero, Corcoran (Cork) O'Connor, is a family man who runs
a burger joint with the old-style take-out window, rather than inside seating
with waiters and waitresses. Recently --- because winters are slow and he's
been involved with the legal system as a Sheriff in previous adventures, but
promised his wife he wouldn't pin on a badge again --- he got his PI license.
His first case is for Henry Meloux, an Ojibwa medicine man who's been his mentor
and friend for most of his life. His job? To find the son he has never met,
who was born over 70 years ago. Henry has only seen him in dreams and visions,
and the only clues he's able to give Cork are his son’s general date of
birth and the name of the woman he met and fell in love with. He has an old
pocket watch with her picture in it.
What did you think of THUNDER BAY?
The quest leads Cork to Thunder Bay, Ontario, where he eventually finds Henry’s
son. He has built a business and is social, outgoing, and a part of the community.
Then, suddenly, he retires and earns a reputation of being as reclusive as the
late Howard Hughes, with all of the same germ phobias and refusals to appear
in public.
After managing to gain access to the son and share Henry's story, Cork has
to return with the unwelcome news that though he's found the man, he won't come
to meet Henry. Not long after he arrives home, one of the son’s bodyguards
shows up and tries to kill Henry. In the interest of protecting his friend's
life, Cork tries to convince him to wait until an investigation can be done
by US and Canadian authorities. Henry is adamant in the need to see his son,
so he shares the story of his life as a young Indian man growing up in a white
world during the first half of the 20th century. The medicine man threatens
to go back to Thunder Bay alone if Cork won't help him. What's a friend to do?
This novel builds a great storyline, with secondary characters who are warm,
strong and caring, helping along the way. It crosses the border between the
US and Canada, both in the present and in Henry's story of his life as a young
man living, learning to survive in the wild, and falling in love with the mother
of his child.
Mr. Krueger builds a fine story here, with an artistic presentation of the
scenery in Northern Minnesota and Canada along Lake Superior, with words that
make the places come to life as I read. In some ways, this novel is reminiscent
of the works of Dean Koontz, Joseph Finder, James Patterson and others in the
way that he builds characters throughout the book who add so much to the story
by the way they live their lives. Cork's wife, daughters, son, and friends are
each strong personalities that make the story seem more real; they make me feel
like they're people I'd love to meet, or at least get to know better by reading
more books by this fine author.
Lindsey from Oak Island, NC
Have you previously read a book by William Kent Krueger?
Thank you for sending me THUNDER BAY. It is the first book I have read by William
Kent Krueger.
What suspense/thriller authors do you usually read?
Other suspense authors I read are Harlan Coben, Lisa Scottoline, Julie Garwood,
and Janet Evanovich.
What did you think of THUNDER BAY?
I enjoyed THUNDER BAY very much. I liked the character of Cork and his basic
goodness and sense of moral values, his loyalty to his friends, and his non-judgmental
feelings for his pregnant daughter. I read the book in one day; I couldn't put
it down. However, I wish authors who write many books with the same character
would give us a bit more information about things that happened in earlier installments.
Cork refers to some incidents that happen to him and to his wife and daughter,
and because I haven't read any of his prior books, I had no idea what he was
talking about. I don't expect to have the incident written in detail, but it
would be helpful to at least include a little more background, so the reader
can understand what happened. Of course, now I am going to look for all of Krueger’s
previous books and read them, beginning with the first one. Maybe that is the
idea! The book also gave wonderful insight into the Native American culture
and beliefs, which I liked. We need more education about Native Americans, other
than how the T.V. and movies have shown them.
Would you ever read a future book by William Kent Krueger?
I can't wait to read another Krueger book!
Lucy from Pottsville, PA
Have you previously read a book by William Kent Krueger?
No.
What suspense/thriller authors do you usually read?
Stephen King, Mary Higgins Clark, and James Patterson.
What did you think of THUNDER BAY?
I loved it! It was hard to put down. I was curious to find out about Henry's
son. Through their actions and Krueger's descriptions, the characters come to
life, and readers care about what happens to them. There were also countless
surprises to hook the reader. The suspense was sustained until the very end
of the novel. I liked the two storylines for Cork.
Would you ever read a future book by William Kent Krueger?
Absolutely.
Mary Ann from Louisville, KY
Have you previously read a book by William Kent Krueger? What did you think
of THUNDER BAY?
This is the first book I have read by Mr. Krueger. I didn't realize it was
part of a series. I usually like to start a series at the beginning, so I am
familiar with references in the present book. However, I really enjoyed this
book. Learning Henry's story and seeing it to its conclusion was very satisfying.
I will have to start the series from the beginning, to catch up with Cork's
life.
What suspense/thriller authors do you usually read?
Other suspense writers I read: Lisa Gardner, Jonathan Kellerman, Faye Kellerman,
Alan Furst, Daniel Silva, David Baldacci, and any book that sounds interesting.
Pamela from Cedar, MN
Have you previously read a book by William Kent Krueger?
Yes I have read all of his books. I can’t wait for the next one to come
out.
What suspense/thriller authors do you usually Read?
I like Mary Higgins Clark, Patricia Cornwell, Mary Jane Clark, Janet Evanovich,
and Diane Dean-Epps, just to name a few.
What did you think of THUNDER BAY?
I liked this book. The story moves along really well, and he gives just the
right details and descriptions of characters and places.
Would you ever read a future book by William Kent Krueger?
Absolutely.
Shannon from Evansdale, IA
Have you previously read a book by William Kent Krueger?
Yes, but only BOUNDARY WATERS and PURGATORY RIDGE. Unfortunately, I haven't
read the entire series but that's not out of desire, but time constraints.
What suspense/thriller authors do you usually read?
J.A. Konrath, Allison Brennan, Erica Spindler, Cody McFadyen, Kay Hooper and
many more. I'm a librarian!
What did you think of THUNDER BAY?
I thought it was a wonderful story. I always appreciate reading back story and
this has plenty. In addition, I like reading Krueger's words; they are at times
quite lyrical and very vivid.
Would you ever read a future book by William Kent Krueger?
Absolutely. He's a wonderful author.
Tamara from Grass Valley, CA
Have you previously read a book by William Kent Krueger?
I have not read a book by William Kent Krueger before.
What suspense/thriller authors do you usually read?
I read Clive Cussler and Nelson De Mille.
What did you think of THUNDER BAY?
I really loved the beautiful descriptions of the areas where story takes place.
I felt very connected to the settings in the book and I felt transported to
the places. Cork's family drama was written wonderfully; it was intimate and
almost voyeuristic. I was watching the families’ heartaches and struggles
like I was a fly on the wall. It was heartwarming to see such a sympathetic
father as Cork. I always enjoy Native American stories, and it was a treat to
have the Windigo and Shaman references incorporated into this story. Then the
age-old tale about the brutality humans are able to inflict on each other in
the name of love and money is always surprising to me...I wonder why I am still
surprised by it.
Would you ever read a future book by William Kent Krueger?
I would read another William Kent Krueger book. I also need to read the books
previous to THUNDER BAY.
Thanks for the great book.
Vicki from Hahnville, LA
Have you previously read a book by William Kent Krueger?
No, although I have brought them home from the library for my husband to read!
What suspense/thriller authors do you usually read?
I like David Hewson, James Lee Burke, Sara Paretsky, Sue Grafton, Laura Lippman,
Sujata Massey, Nevada Barr, and Lawrence Block. I have read some John Connolly,
Joseph Finder, Gayle Lynds, Michael Koryta, Craig Holden, Don Winslow, Jonathon
King, and William Lashner.
What did you think of THUNDER BAY?
I loved it! I think Krueger’s work compares favorably with James Lee Burke.
His descriptions of settings are wonderfully atmospheric, and the characters
are lovingly drawn and very human. Although there is a lot of violence in this
book, it did not seem gratuitous.
Would you ever read a future book by William Kent Krueger?
Yes! I will have to go back and read the series from the beginning now.
Charlene from Wichita, KS
Have you previously read a book by William Kent Krueger?
I'm one of the lucky ones to receive a copy of THUNDER BAY. I have finished
reading the book and found it very interesting. I first was interested in the
title, as my husband talks about traveling through Thunder Bay on his way to
Canada for fishing every year. I have not read any other books by William Kent
Krueger. Actually, I had never heard of him before Bookreporter.com.
What suspense/thriller authors do you usually read?
I like to read James Patterson, Mary Higgins Clark, Stuart Woods, and a multitude
of other lesser-known authors.
What did you think of THUNDER BAY?
I enjoyed THUNDER BAY, although I thought parts of it were a little far out.
I wasn't sure how the pregnant daughter fit into the story about the man looking
for his son.
Would you ever read a future book by William Kent Krueger?
Perhaps I would read another book by Krueger, now that I would recognize the
name. Thank you for the book.
Carolyn from Cincinnati, OH
Have you previously read a book by William Kent Krueger?
No. I looked forward to the book because the setting –- the backwoods
of Minnesota and Canada --- was intriguing, as was Ojibwe lore. The book also
had the promise of a good mystery, with a great plot and wonderful characters.
What suspense/thriller authors do you usually read?
Barbara Cleverly has written two mysteries that I really like (and one that
I did not). Her plots are so twisted that even though you know who the killer
is, you are surprised by the plot. The setting for the two good books is India,
with palaces and political intrigue. You can learn to love the characters in
a series, but in the end, there has to be a good story.
I read the early Tony Hillerman books and enjoyed the adventures of Joe Leaphorn
and Jim Chee, as well as the insight into some of the Native American culture.
Eventually, they became repetitious. Isn’t that a problem for many successful
authors? Jacqueline Winspear places Maisie Dobbs in post-World War I England
and offers interesting information about the life and times of the 1920s. But,
again, the push to write yet another book is evident after the first two. Carole
Nelson Douglas doesn’t seem to know where she is going with her Midnight
Louie books. How long can Irene Adler elude Sherlock Holmes? And, I stopped
reading Grafton, Evanovich and Cornwell. I read Tom Clancy and Michael Crichton,
but I don’t rush to be first in line anymore.
What did you think of THUNDER BAY?
You can see why I was looking for a good mystery. THUNDER BAY was O.K, but
not great. Would I like it better if I knew what happened to Jo at Northwestern?
There were so many of those annoying references to incidents in previous books.
Descriptions of the settings save the book for one who hasn’t lived through
the adventures of Cork O’Conner. Krueger paints lovely images in the woods.
I could smell the lavender wild bergamot when Henry stopped to absorb the beauty.
I love to swim in a cold lake surrounded by wilderness; the author described
the feeling and sensations perfectly.
The first-person voice was awkward. About the time I adjusted to the staccato
in the opening pages, Krueger dropped that rhythm. The story within the story
about Henry Meloux and Maria Lima seemed to be written in a more sympathetic
voice; I truly wanted for Henry to find his son and bring closure to that love
story, even though I found it implausible that a Cuban would leave his daughter
alone with an Indian. (They weren’t called Native Americans back in those
days.)
Would you ever read a future book by William Kent Krueger?
I won’t go looking for a book with Cork O’Conner as the hero. Maybe
the author will develop a new hero who lives in the Minnesota woods beside the
remnants of the Anishinaabe people. The messy stuff in Cork’s life does
not interest me. I suppose I am too critical to expect another early copy to
review.
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