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Cork O'Connor Books in Order.

Authorby William Kent Krueger
22 Entries
Quick Answer

Start with Iron Lake (1998), which is book 1, and read in publication order. Lightning Strike (2021) is a prequel set in 1963, so it can be read first or after the main run.

The complete reading order for the Cork O'Connor series by William Kent Krueger. Below you'll find the authoritative guide on how to read the books in order, including publication dates and chronological timeline placements.

Where to start

Start with Iron Lake (1998), which is book 1, and read in publication order. Lightning Strike (2021) is a prequel set in 1963, so it can be read first or after the main run.

  • •Lightning Strike (2021) is described by its publisher as a prequel to the Cork O'Connor series; it is placed 18th in publication order and first in the Chronological view.
  • •The series is set in northern Minnesota. God's Country (August 2026) is the latest book.
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Complete Series Reading Order

Publication Reading Order22 Titles

Why Publication Order?We recommend reading in Publication Order (default). This follows the author's release schedule, ensuring you experience plot twists, character growth, and world-building exactly as intended without spoilers.
Best Start Here
1

Iron Lake

Pub: 1998
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2

Boundary Waters

Pub: 1999
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Plot details hidden until you finish "Iron Lake".

3

Purgatory Ridge

Pub: 2001
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Plot details hidden until you finish "Boundary Waters".

4

Blood Hollow

Pub: 2004
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Plot details hidden until you finish "Purgatory Ridge".

5

Mercy Falls

Pub: 2005
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Plot details hidden until you finish "Blood Hollow".

6

Copper River

Pub: 2006
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Plot details hidden until you finish "Mercy Falls".

7

Thunder Bay

Pub: 2007
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Plot details hidden until you finish "Copper River".

8

Red Knife

Pub: 2008
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Plot details hidden until you finish "Thunder Bay".

9

Heaven's Keep

Pub: 2009
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Plot details hidden until you finish "Red Knife".

10

Vermilion Drift

Pub: 2010
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Plot details hidden until you finish "Heaven's Keep".

11

Northwest Angle

Pub: 2011
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Plot details hidden until you finish "Vermilion Drift".

12

Trickster's Point

Pub: 2012
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Plot details hidden until you finish "Northwest Angle".

13

Tamarack County

Pub: 2013
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Plot details hidden until you finish "Trickster's Point".

14

Windigo Island

Pub: 2014
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Plot details hidden until you finish "Tamarack County".

15

Manitou Canyon

Pub: 2016
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Plot details hidden until you finish "Windigo Island".

16

Sulfur Springs

Pub: 2017
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Plot details hidden until you finish "Manitou Canyon".

17

Desolation Mountain

Pub: 2018
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Plot details hidden until you finish "Sulfur Springs".

18

Lightning Strike

Pub: 2021
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Plot details hidden until you finish "Desolation Mountain".

19

Fox Creek

Pub: 2022
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Plot details hidden until you finish "Lightning Strike".

20

Spirit Crossing

Pub: 2024
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Plot details hidden until you finish "Fox Creek".

21

Apostle's Cove

Pub: 2025
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Plot details hidden until you finish "Spirit Crossing".

22

God's Country

Pub: 2026
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Plot details hidden until you finish "Apostle's Cove".

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Frequently Asked Questions

What order should I read Cork O'Connor in?

Start with Iron Lake (1998), which is book 1, and read in publication order. Lightning Strike (2021) is a prequel set in 1963, so it can be read first or after the main run.

How many books are in Cork O'Connor?

21 main books, published 1998–2026, plus 1 side story.

Can I read Cork O'Connor out of order?

It's best not to. The books build on each other, so reading out of order spoils earlier twists.

Which books in Cork O'Connor are prequels, novellas or side stories?

"Lightning Strike" (prequel). Each is placed in the reading order below.

Is there a chronological order for Cork O'Connor?

Yes. In story order the series begins with "Lightning Strike" rather than "Iron Lake". Switch the list below to Chronological to see the full timeline.