"Heaven's Keep," by William Kent Krueger, read by Buck Schirner; Brilliance Audio. Unabridged, 9 CDs, 11 hours, 6 minutes. $34.99. In print: Atria Books, 321 pages.
William Kent Krueger is a true stylist, combining thrilling plots packed with social issues, involving characters and a view of northern Minnesota often neglected in novels.
A pertinent theme of his eight novels about former lawman turned private detective Cork O'Connor has been how the traditional culture of Native Americans fits with modern society. Cork, who is half Ojibwe, easily straddles the two worlds although he knows not everyone is able to adapt.
Krueger's ninth novel's devastating story arc will affect the series' future novels. The excellent "Heaven's Keep" still smoothly weaves in tribal politics, culture and violence's aftermath, but long-time readers may find themselves brought to tears several times as characters make profound changes. "Heaven's Keep" illustrates how Krueger, who has won numerous awards, including three Anthonys, keeps this popular series fresh and original.
Cork and his wife Jo have a good marriage but the couple had not yet resolved an argument that started the night before she left on a business trip. Cork, against Jo's wishes, had been considering taking a job as a sheriff's deputy, working under the same sheriff he'd hired years before when he had that position.
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The adage of never go to bed angry also applies to never take a trip with unresolved issues. A charter plane carrying Jo and several tribal heads goes missing in a snowstorm over the Wyoming Rookies. Despite numerous attempts, the plane has never been found. Six months later, a new development brings the grief-stricken Cork back to Wyoming and pits him against the open hostility of the northern Arapaho. Could there actually be survivors of the crash?
Krueger is in top form as he thoughtfully weaves in Cork's personal devastation with a solid plot and an evocative look at the rugged landscape of Wyoming's "beauty in empty places." "Heaven's Keep" also introduces a new character we hope will be making more appearances -- Hugh Parmer, a multimillionaire developer with an inner resolve.
Character actor Buck Schirner's rugged voice well serves "Heaven's Keep." Schirner, who has narrated previous Krueger novels, makes each character an individual.
"Heaven's Keep" will put Krueger's series on a new path, showing why the author continues to win awards.
(Note: Krueger, who lives in St. Paul, will be at East Grand Forks Campbell Library on Nov. 19 with fellow authors Carl Bookins and Ellen Hart.)
