Lightning Strike (Cork O'Connor, #0)

by William Kent Krueger

He stepped outside, paused in the shade of the awning, and tried to make sense of something. Because wafting off Mrs. MacDermid in the bookstore had been the same scent Mrs. Pflugleman had worn at Big John’s wake, the one she’d told him was called Shalimar, the fragrance he’d smelled on the folded note in Big John’s grave.

Cork has a fine sense of smell

But now he was unsure of so many things, unsure of what he really wanted going forward. He felt as if he was alienating all the people he cared about and who cared about him. Was the truth of Big John Manydeeds’s death really worth the risk of what it might cost him?

Liam is very unsure about himself

“There’s a fire here that’s raged for generations and you’re walking right into the middle of it. I’m wondering what will be left of you when you come out on the other side.”

A wise observation from Liam's wife

Cork’s father gave a slow nod. “I need to talk to Mrs. MacDermid alone, without her husband hovering. In the meantime, Joe, check with the BCA and see if you can find out when we might expect the full toxicology report on Big John. Make sure they check for the presence of something like a barbiturate.” He looked at his son. “You’ve been a big help, Cork, but don’t think it gets you off the hook.”

Cork does more sheriffing than his dad Liam

What was the point of secrecy if it helped to keep the truth in the dark? Was it just another way to twist the law? His mother had asked for his silence, but what was one small broken promise compared to the greater promise of justice for all?

What a quandary for a 12 year old boy