Discover the Best William Kent Krueger Books in Order

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If you're a fan of mystery and crime novels, then it's highly likely that you've come across William Kent Krueger's work. With over 20 novels under his belt, this seasoned author has captivated readers with his thrilling plots, relatable characters, and impressive storytelling skills. Whether you're new to his work or are already a fan, discover the best William Kent Krueger books in order and continue your journey through the world of suspenseful narratives.

From the very first book in his Cork O'Connor series, Iron Lake, Krueger has kept readers on the edge of their seats with his vivid descriptions of the Minnesota wilderness, where both beauty and danger lurk around every corner. His gripping stories have earned him high praise, including the prestigious Edgar Award for Best Novel, which he won for his book Ordinary Grace. Follow the chronological order of the Cork O'Connor series, starting with Iron Lake, to get fully immersed in the world Krueger has created and watch his characters grow and evolve over time.

Aside from his popular Cork O'Connor series, Krueger has also penned standalone novels that showcase his versatility as an author. His book The Devil's Bed pits two childhood friends against each other in a race to uncover buried treasure, while his latest release This Tender Land tells the touching story of four orphans who embark on a life-changing journey down the Mississippi River during the Great Depression. Whatever your reading preference might be, Krueger has a book that will make you wish you never had to put it down.

So, whether you're a seasoned fan or a newcomer to Krueger's world, dive into the best William Kent Krueger books in order and witness his masterful storytelling at its best. Buckle up for a rollercoaster ride of thrilling twists and turns, compelling characters, and unpredictable endings. Trust us, once you start reading, you won't want to stop.


The World of William Kent Krueger

If you're a fan of mystery and crime novels, chances are that the name William Kent Krueger is not new to you. And if you're not familiar with his work yet, it's never too late to discover one of the most distinguished authors of our time. With over 20 novels to his name, William Kent Krueger has cemented his place in the world of literature. But what makes his books stand out?

William Kent Krueger has been described as a master storyteller, whose style of writing captures the reader's attention from start to finish. He expertly blends elements of mystery, suspense, and crime into his narratives, making the plot unpredictable and thrilling. The settings and characters in his novels are also notable aspects of his writing, with vividly described landscapes and relatable protagonists.

The Cork O'Connor Series

One of the most popular works by William Kent Krueger is the Cork O'Connor series. The series consists of 17 books, with Iron Lake being the first book in the collection. The protagonist, Cork O'Connor, is a former sheriff who is trying to make a new life for himself as a private investigator in Minnesota. As the series progresses, readers get to witness him evolve as a character and take on complex cases that test his skills and resolve.

What sets the Cork O'Connor series apart is the author's ability to create a strong sense of place. The descriptions of the Minnesota wilderness are so vivid that they almost become a character in themselves. The beauty and menace of the landscape set the stage for the mysteries that unfold in each book.

Iron Lake

Iron Lake is the first book in the Cork O'Connor series, published in 1998. In this book, readers are introduced to Cork and his family, as well as the town of Aurora, Minnesota. The plot centers around the death of a powerful local businessman, and Cork is asked to investigate the case by a friend. As he delves deeper into the case, Cork realizes that there is more to it than meets the eye.

Ordinary Grace

Ordinary Grace is a standalone novel by William Kent Krueger that won the 2014 Edgar Award for Best Novel. The book tells the story of a young boy named Frank, who lives in a small town in Minnesota in the 1960s. When several people in the town die under mysterious circumstances, including Frank's sister, he must come to terms with grief and loss while trying to uncover the truth behind the deaths.

Standalone Novels

Aside from the Cork O'Connor series, William Kent Krueger has also written several standalone novels that showcase his versatility as an author. These novels cover a wide range of topics, from buried treasure to historical fiction, and are just as gripping as his series.

The Devil's Bed

The Devil's Bed is a standalone novel that was published in 2003. The book follows childhood friends Shelley and Jake as they race to find a legendary treasure in the Grand Canyon. Along the way, they encounter dangerous obstacles that test their friendship and their resolve to uncover the truth.

This Tender Land

This Tender Land is one of the latest works by William Kent Krueger, published in 2019. The novel tells the story of four orphans who escape from a cruel boarding school and embark on a life-changing journey down the Mississippi River during the Great Depression. The book is a touching tale of friendship, redemption, and the power of hope in difficult times.

Comparison and Opinion

Book Genre Main Character Strengths Weaknesses
Iron Lake Mystery/Crime Cork O'Connor Vivid descriptions of setting, complex plot Slow pacing in some parts
Ordinary Grace Mystery/Historical Fiction Frank Drum Beautifully written, poignant story, unique narration Not typical mystery or crime novel, slow pacing in some parts
The Devil's Bed Adventure/Mystery Shelley and Jake Fast-paced, exciting adventure, interesting characters Thin plot, some character development feels rushed
This Tender Land Historical Fiction Odie O'Banion and his friends Engrossing, heartfelt story, well-drawn characters Slow pacing in some parts, predictable ending

Overall, William Kent Krueger is a masterful author whose work is enjoyable for any reader. His writing style is engaging, and his characters and descriptions of setting are vividly drawn. Fans of mystery and crime novels will enjoy the Cork O'Connor series, while those looking for standalone novels can try The Devil's Bed or This Tender Land. Overall, William Kent Krueger's books provide a thrilling ride full of twists and turns, and are definitely worth your time.


Thank you for taking the time to read through our blog post about William Kent Krueger and his amazing collection of stories. We hope that we’ve been able to enlighten you about the best order in which to read his books and just how magical they all are.

If you’re a fan of mystery novels, then you definitely have found yourself in the right place. William Kent Krueger will take you on an amazing ride with his unique blend of writing style and the intriguing plot that he provides in each of his books.

Now that you know the order in which to read William Kent Krueger’s books, we implore you to take a journey with his stories. From “Iron Lake” to “Sulfur Springs”, it’s impossible not to fall in love with his characters and the way in which he moves the story along.

Once again, thank you for stopping by, and we hope that we’ve provided you with enough information to quench your thirst for mystery novels. Enjoy reading William Kent Krueger’s books!


People Also Ask about Discover the Best William Kent Krueger Books in Order:

  1. What are some of the best William Kent Krueger books?
    • Ordinary Grace
    • Iron Lake
    • The Cork O'Connor Series
    • Desolation Mountain
    • Sulfur Springs
  2. What is the Cork O'Connor series?
  3. The Cork O’Connor series is a set of 17 books that follows the life of Cork O’Connor, a former sheriff and private investigator who solves mysteries in the Upper Midwest.

  4. What is Ordinary Grace about?
  5. Ordinary Grace is a standalone novel that explores the themes of family, loss, and redemption. It tells the story of Frank Drum, a 13-year-old boy living in a small Minnesota town in 1961 who must come to grips with death and tragedy in his community.

  6. What are some of the awards William Kent Krueger has won?
  7. William Kent Krueger has won numerous awards for his writing, including the Edgar Award, the Anthony Award, and the Barry Award. He has also been a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize.

  8. Can I read William Kent Krueger's books out of order?
  9. While it is possible to read William Kent Krueger's books out of order, it is recommended to read them in order to fully appreciate the character development and overarching storylines in the Cork O'Connor series.