Writing: 3/5 Characters: 4.5/5 Plot: 3.5/5
This is my first foray into the Cork O’Connor, Minnesota Ojibwe territory mystery series. Obviously I’m way behind because this is the 20th in the series! In this story, a body “felt” by O’Connor’s 7-year old grandson on a berry picking expedition turns out not to be the missing daughter of a local (white) politician, causing the FBI and BCA to lose interest rapidly. But through his grandson’s “visions” they quickly identify the body as belonging to a local native girl, missing for some time. And O’Connor, along with the tribal police and local sheriff, do not lose interest. Danger ratchets up for everyone as more grim discoveries are made and the grandson (among others) appears to be the next target.
There were several other story lines not directly related to the plot. Members of O’Connor’s family are part of a large, and sometimes violent protest at the Stockbridge pipeline. One of his daughter’s has just returned from Guatemala with a pretty deep secret that she isn’t quite ready to share. And there are plenty of depressing stories of trafficking, runaway Native girls, alcoholism, and other stereotypically labeled Native American problems. A strong theme of forgiveness, even for people who commit heinous acts, with the blame laid squarely on their bad childhoods. To be honest, this always rubs me the wrong way. Not everyone who has a bad childhood becomes a cold hearted killer, and regardless of the problem’s origin, people who are or who have become sociopaths need to be stopped. But I digress.
Overall, I liked the characters. I found the writing acceptable though a little choppy, sometimes making deep sentiments come off as saccharine when they really aren’t. The plot moved at a good pace, though I didn’t appreciate the preachiness (and the fact that all but one white man were “bad” while all Natives and women were “good.”) I did enjoy the depiction of Native philosophy and positive ways of life when we weren’t focusing on those afflicted by alcoholism, abandonment, etc.
Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for providing an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. The book will be published on August 20th, 2024.
Books to look forward to ... 