—Library Journal
“The deftly plotted seventh Cork O’Connor novel represents a return to top form for Anthony-winner Krueger. . . . The action builds to a violent and satisfying denouement.”
—Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“The cast of characters is vivid, the plotting is strong, and O’Connor’s retirement gets off to the kind of start that usually marks the launching of a career. It’s great fun.”
—Washington Times
“[Krueger] has a knack for taking us into the woods and losing us in a good story.”
—Argus Leader (Sioux Falls, SD)
“An exciting and gripping story, and as a bonus, the characterization and writing transcend the usual standards of genre fiction. . . . You will burn through this book, relishing the twists and turns. But perhaps, if you’re like this jaded reviewer, the biggest surprise will be your leaky eyes on the final page.”
—Booklist
“Krueger weaves together multiple stories of love and loss, family and place in this strong and satisfying novel. I’m already looking forward to No. 8 in the series.”
—Journal and Courier (Lafayette, IN)
“A perfect read for the end of the summer. In fact, it may be the best mystery you read this year! Krueger writes about American Indians with the passion and grace that readers find in the novels of Tony Hillerman, Margaret Coel, and James D. Doss. Thunder Bay is a splendid tale that readers will not soon forget.”
—The Capital Times (Madison, WI)
“Krueger’s clean writing and deeply felt sense of place make this novel a standout. Read it for the American Indian lore and a trip to the deep woods that requires no mosquito repellent.”
—Rocky Mountain News (Denver, CO)
COPPER RIVER
“A riveting thriller rich in character, incident, insight, textured plotting, and evocative prose that captures the lore and rhythms of life—and the pain and sadness of death—in America’s heartland. It’s a novel to be savored. . . . William Kent Krueger may just be the best pure suspense novelist working today.”
—Bill Pronzini, author of the Nameless Detective series and Blue Lonesome
ALSO BY WILLIAM KENT KRUEGER
Northwest Angle
Vermillion Drift
Heaven’s Keep
Thunder Bay
Copper River
Mercy Falls
Blood Hollow
The Devil’s Bed
Purgatory Ridge
Boundary Waters
Iron Lake
A Division of Simon & Schuster, Inc.
1230 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10020
www.SimonandSchuster.com
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
Copyright © 2008 by William Kent Krueger
All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book or portions thereof in any form whatsoever. For information address Atria Books Subsidiary Rights Department, 1230 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020
First Atria Paperback edition May 2009
ATRIA PAPERBACK and colophon are trademarks of Simon & Schuster, Inc.
The Simon & Schuster Speakers Bureau can bring authors to your live event. For more information or to book an event contact the Simon & Schuster Speakers Bureau at 1-866-248-3049 or visit our website at www.simonspeakers.com.
ISBN-13: 978-1-4165-5674-9
ISBN-10: 1-4165-5674-5
ISBN-13: 978-1-4165-5675-6 (pbk)
ISBN-10: 1-4165-5675-3 (pbk)
ISBN-13: 978-1-4165-8021-8 (ebook)
CONTENTS
Miskwaa-Mookomaan (Red Knife)
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-Two
Chapter Twenty-Three
Chapter Twenty-Four
Chapter Twenty-Five
Chapter Twenty-Six
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Chapter Thirty
Chapter Thirty-One
Chapter Thirty-Two
Chapter Thirty-Three
Chapter Thirty-Four
Chapter Thirty-Five
Chapter Thirty-Six
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Chapter Thirty-Eight
Chapter Thirty-Nine
Chapter Forty
Chapter Forty-One
Chapter Forty-Two
Chapter Forty-Three
Chapter Forty-Four
Chapter Forty-Five
Chapter Forty-Six
Chapter Forty-Seven
Prologue
Red Knife Page 30