William Kent Krueger is an American author of mystery novels set in the state of Minnesota. He is best known for his Cork O'Connor series, which follows a former sheriff turned private investigator. Krueger has won numerous awards for his work, including the Anthony Award, the Barry Award, and the Minnesota Book Award. He has also been nominated for the Edgar Award and the Shamus Award. Krueger is a lifelong resident of Minnesota and draws on his experiences of the state's culture and landscape in his writing. He is an avid outdoorsman and enjoys fishing, hunting, and canoeing. Krueger is a passionate advocate for the preservation of Minnesota's natural resources.