I have been meaning to read another novel by this author since I read Ordinary Grace several years ago. I decided to start at the beginning, with Iron Lake, his first novel. I am not sure what I was expecting, but Cork O'Connor was a little more "flawed" than I thought he would be! But, his life experiences were real, which made him real. Shooting and killing someone (even as the sheriff) is obviously going to affect a man. I can see how that would cause a chain-reaction: losing his job, losing his marriage, losing his way. I guess this book explains the end of his old life and the beginning of a new life.
Since Cork is part Anishinaabe Indian, the book explores different Indian beliefs, myths and superstitions. Some of the story takes place within an Indian Reservation and details the ownership and rights of Indian Casinos. Cork is respected by the Indian population and because of that, he is able to investigate things that other people would not be able to. Of course Cork is also part Irish, so he is not 100% welcomed onto the Reservation, Casino and Indian politics, which made it more difficult for him to figure out what was going on after the Judge was murdered and the paperboy disappeared.
At first I was shocked that Cork was sleeping with Molly, when his intelligent, beautiful wife was living at home with their children. After awhile though, I really started liking Molly and understanding where she fit into Cork's life. Especially after finding out about Jo and Sandy! I was genuinely shocked and saddened about what happened to Molly. I think she was really good for Cork. I guess I wish that would have ended differently. I am actually looking forward to reading the next book in this series to see where things are between Cork and Jo. Good riddance to Sandy! I trusted Cork's instinct about him, even though Jo didn't (at first). What a scumbag.
I am already attached to Cork, flawed as he is. ;) I guess that's what makes a good mystery series.
Wendy's Rating: ****
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