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jgraydee's review against another edition
4.0
This was the first Steve Hamilton mystery I have read and, even though I am not a typical mystery reader, this was a book I really enjoyed. The mystery was involved enough to be interesting without being so detailed that I felt lost. And, being set in (primarilly) the Upper Pennisula made the story all the more relevant and interesting to me. I'll go back and read his earlier novels in the series, just because I want to understand the background of his personal story better.
samutehdestroyer's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
leaphornlover's review against another edition
4.0
My 2nd Alex McKnight story and I'll be going back to read more. Really like the way the relationship between Alex and his former nemesis, Maven the unlikable police chief, is taking a turn for the better. Great writing and great dialog between these two. The story is great, but what I really like is the development of the community's characters and the ongoing story of Alex, the cabins he inherited from his father, etc.
iamusamu's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Death of parent, Suicide, Murder, Gore, and Violence
Minor: Abandonment, Child abuse, and Stalking
jacki_f's review against another edition
5.0
Alex McKnight is an ex-cop and occasional private investigator who lives the quiet life in northern Michigan. One cold winter's night, he receives a visit from his adversary, Police Chief Roy Maven. But this time round, Maven has come to ask for a favour. The teenage son of Maven's former partner has committed suicide (in aptly named Misery Bay), and the boy's grieving father is desperate to know why he might have done this. Alex reluctantly agrees to talk to the boys' friends, and it seems that the matter will end there. Until something happens which makes it clear that in fact things are far from settled.
I love Hamilton's writing because it's as much about the characters as it is about the mystery, but make no mistake - this is a terrific mystery that develops at a steady pace, twisting and turning and building tension as it goes. I was reminded in some ways of Lee Child's book The Visitor, when Reacher is more of a sleuth than a muscle man. The action takes place across Michigan and you get a very tangible sense of what the different places are like (and yes, they are all real places).
This is the eighth book in the Alex McKnight series. It's not necessary to have read the others, but you'll pick up more nuances in the characters' interactions if you have. Plus, it's a terrific series.
I love Hamilton's writing because it's as much about the characters as it is about the mystery, but make no mistake - this is a terrific mystery that develops at a steady pace, twisting and turning and building tension as it goes. I was reminded in some ways of Lee Child's book The Visitor, when Reacher is more of a sleuth than a muscle man. The action takes place across Michigan and you get a very tangible sense of what the different places are like (and yes, they are all real places).
This is the eighth book in the Alex McKnight series. It's not necessary to have read the others, but you'll pick up more nuances in the characters' interactions if you have. Plus, it's a terrific series.
thriller_chick's review against another edition
4.0
Another great Alex McKnight book, a little different from the others but not in a bad way. I love this series and while all I want to do is read one book after the other I will be sad when I reach the end of the series.
spookyscenes_steamyreads's review against another edition
4.0
This was such a dark mystery, but I loved the U.P. aspects that took me back to my time living there. There were some laughable U.P. mistakes (sorry Steve), but overall I enjoyed it anyway. My favorite quote: "As I went down the main street in Houghton, past the college buildings and the fraternities and everything else, I saw a lot more kids outside than I would have expected. They were walking up and down the sidewalks, some of them carrying beer bottles and most of them underdressed for the weather. I guess if you go to school in Houghton, an April night with temperature just above freezing must feel like Bermuda." Right you are, Alex McKnight, right you are. Definitely a worthy detective/crime mystery read!!
dave37's review against another edition
4.0
Perhaps my favorite story line of the series. Nice to see McKnight make a comeback, and look forward to more.
lwalker77's review against another edition
4.0
Another solid entry in the Alex McKnight series. Kind of slow developing but came together nicely! Highly recommend!
caroparr's review against another edition
3.0
Alex McKnight is back in a far-fetched adventure whose redeeming quality was his relationship with Maven. They've been enemies for a while, but the way they came together here was believable and satisfying.