Lightning Strike: A Novel

A prequel to the Cork OConnor series, "Aurora" is a thrilling and emotionally charged coming-of-age tale about fathers and sons, small-town conflicts, and the events that shape our lives forever. When twelve-year-old Cork stumbles upon the body of a man he revered hanging from a tree in an abandoned logging camp, he begins to question everything he took for granted about his hometown, his family, and himself. His father, Liam OConnor, is Aurora's sheriff and it is his job to confirm that the man's death was the result of suicide. 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.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 400 pages
Publication date: 18 August 2022
Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Aurora, a picturesque small town nestled within the ancient forest of Minnesota's Iron Lake, holds a special place in the heart of twelve-year-old Cork OConnor during the summer of 1963. The town's rhythms become as familiar as his own heartbeat, creating a world that feels like his own. However, everything changes when Cork stumbles upon the lifeless body of a man he deeply admired, hanging from a tree in an abandoned logging camp. This tragic discovery sets in motion a series of events that challenge Cork's understanding of his hometown, his family, and himself.

As the sheriff of Aurora, Cork's father, Liam OConnor, is responsible for confirming the man's death as a suicide, as the evidence overwhelmingly points to that conclusion. However, Cork cannot shake the feeling that there is more to the story. Driven by his curiosity and a desire for truth, he begins to conduct his own investigation, seeking answers that his father's official inquiry may have overlooked.

Together, Cork and his father face the ultimate test of choosing between what their heads tell them is true and what their hearts know is right. They navigate a complex web of secrets, lies, and betrayals, as they delve deeper into the town's history and the dark secrets that lie hidden beneath the surface.

William Kent Krueger's "Brilliant Achievement" is a testament to his talent as a crime writer and a must-read for crime readers and writers alike. In this novel, Krueger showcases his ability to solve mysteries while also pushing the boundaries of our understanding. The characters are well-developed, the plot is intricate, and the writing is compelling, making it a truly remarkable achievement in the genre.

As Cork and his father continue their quest for the truth, they uncover a web of lies and deceit that extends far beyond their small town. They encounter individuals who have their own agendas and motivations, and they must navigate through a treacherous landscape filled with danger and uncertainty.

Through their journey, Cork and his father learn valuable lessons about loyalty, trust, and the importance of standing up for what is right. They confront their own demons and confront the truth about their past, which has shaped them into the individuals they are today.

In the end, Cork and his father find themselves at a crossroads, facing a decision that will have far-reaching consequences for their lives and the lives of those around them. They must choose between pursuing justice and revenge, or letting the past remain buried and moving forward.

"Brilliant Achievement" is a powerful and emotional story that explores the complexities of father-son relationships, small-town conflicts, and the events that shape our lives forever. It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

Weight: 304g
Dimension: 210 x 135 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781982128692