Lightning Strike is the first book in the Cork O’Connor mystery series, set in the remote Northwoods of Minnesota in the early 1960s. The story begins with Cork, a young boy, witnessing the violent death of his father, a sheriff in the small town of Aurora. The novel explores Cork’s journey into adulthood and the uncovering of dark secrets surrounding his father's death, as he takes on the mantle of his father’s legacy. The narrative weaves themes of justice, family, and morality with the mysteries of nature and human behavior. Cork's investigation leads him to questions about loyalty, truth, and the cost of uncovering long-buried secrets. With its atmospheric setting and well-drawn characters, Lightning Strike sets the tone for the series, offering a deeply moving reflection on loss, legacy, and the relationships that shape us.