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Lightning Strike

Read by:
David Chandler
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Unabridged Audiobook

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Ratings
Book
97
Narrator
29
Release Date
August 24, 2021
Duration
11 hours 37 minutes
Summary
The New York Times bestselling author of This Tender Land returns with a powerful prequel to his acclaimed Cork O’Connor series—a book about fathers and sons, long-smoldering conflicts in a small Minnesota town, and the events
that echo through youth and shape our lives forever.

Aurora is a small town nestled in the ancient forest alongside the shores of Minnesota’s Iron Lake. In the summer of 1963, it is the whole world to twelveyear-old Cork O’Connor, its rhythms as familiar as his own heartbeat. But when
Cork stumbles upon the body of a man he revered hanging from a tree in an abandoned logging camp, it is the first in a series of events that will cause him to question everything he took for granted about his hometown, his family, and himself.

Cork’s father, Liam O’Connor, is Aurora’s sheriff, and it is his job to confirm that the man’s death was the result of suicide, as all the evidence suggests. In the shadow of his father’s official investigation, Cork begins to look for answers on his
own. Together, father and son face the ultimate test of choosing between what their heads tell them is true and what their hearts know is right.

In this masterful story of a young man and a town on the cusp of change, beloved novelist William Kent Krueger shows that some mysteries can be solved even as others surpass our understanding.
Reviews
Profile Avatar Berva Lorraine H. Sep 2021

I love the writing of Wm. Kent Krueger. Since I first discovered him I have read all the stories by him that I could find. Cork O’Connor is like a member of my extended family. I love how the rich, smooth voice of David Chandler brings his books to life. This book was no exception. I loved it.

Profile Avatar Rhonda G. Apr 2023

Loved the look back at Cork’s early days with his father. Huge fun of the series, can’t wait for the next one!

Profile Avatar Kathy P. Dec 2022

Masterfully written and read

Profile Avatar Jonetta A. Oct 2021

It’s the summer of 1963 in Aurora, Minnesota when Corcoran (Cork) O’Connor was 12-years old. He and friend Jorge were exploring an area around the Boundary Waters of Iron Lake when they came upon the area called Lightning Strike. To their horror, they discovered the remains of Big John Manydeeds, a man they both revered, hanging from a tree. Cork’s father, Liam, is the country sheriff who comes to the scene, which at first appearance looks to be a suicide. However, as Liam proceeds with the investigation, that preliminary assessment may have been premature. The case also highlights the divide within the community between the indigenous people and the white residents. I’m current in this series so to go back in time and learn more about who and what helped shape Cork O’Connor was a gift. For those who haven’t started the series, this is the perfect place to begin. Throughout the series, Cork has often reminisced about his parents but seemed especially impacted by his father. This story provides an excellent illustration of who Liam O’Connor was, his relationship with his son and his sense of justice. He’s sorely challenged as the pressures from all sides was awful. Despite it all, he stayed true to himself and the law. The tension was high from the onset and only intensified as the investigation progressed. What saddened me was how many of the cultural issues of that era haven’t improved much and are still manifesting themselves today. But what was heartening was the friendship between young Cork and his two friends, one a Latino and the other an Anishinaabe, who provide a primer for how to manage through difference. This is an incredible story with many, many layers, made even more wonderful by the outstanding narration of David Chandler. If you’re considering this series, please listen to the books because he elevates Krueger’s superior storytelling skills into the stratosphere. It’s one of my top ten series and this prequel put me in a very, very happy place.

Profile Avatar Pamela G. Aug 2021

I couldn’t stop listening to this book. It is an excellent heart warming story. I have enjoyed all the William Kent Krueger books. He is a gifted writer.

Profile Avatar Denise R Jan 2025

I'm a huge WKKruger fan and listening (or reading) it feels like I'm going on an adventure! I also like you learn about the Ojibwe and their language

Profile Avatar Joanne M. Jun 2024

Sad story but still an engaging one. I like the way this author writes.

Profile Avatar Trish P. May 2024

Very good story, & narration.

Profile Avatar Keri H Aug 2023

It’s nice to get some back history on ole’ Corky and how he became who he is. Great read for a William Krueger fan!

Profile Avatar Anonymous Jun 2022

A really great book.

Profile Avatar CatherineBrennon Oct 2021

Wonderfully written and spell binding. Highly recommended

Profile Avatar Susan T. Sep 2021

great book also narrator is very good

Lightning Strike

Lightning Strike

Author: William Kent Krueger
Read by: David Chandler
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