Iron Lake by William Kent Krueger

 I first read this book in 2018 and liked it so much that I decided to read the series—so much for good intentions. Now, six years later, I've recommitted myself to the series. This time, I'm going to do it!

When a paper carrier goes missing while delivering papers in a snowstorm in small-town Aurora, Minnesota, his mother calls the former sheriff, Cork O'Connor, and asks for help. Retracing the boy's steps, Cork stumbles upon the body of a prominent judge who appears to have committed suicide. Had the boy also found the body? And, if so, where is the boy now? And, by the way, did the judge commit suicide, or was he murdered?

These questions form the platform of Krueger's skillfully told story. Weaving Indian lore into the plot, Iron Lake is an atmospheric, nail-biting murder mystery with memorable characters. First published in 1999, the novel holds up remarkably well. There is the telltale problem of finding a telephone whenever needed, but that's to be expected. The only problem I had was O'Connor's trampling all over the formal investigation into the judge's death and the boy's disappearance. The sheriff seems quite content to ignore the issue of preserving evidence to convict a murderer. Overall, it is an excellent read, and I plan to read the next book, Boundary Waters, before another six years goes by. 

4/5 stars.

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