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jacki_f's review against another edition
5.0
This is the ninth book in Steve Hamilton's terrific series about Alex McKnight, an ex-cop who lives a quiet life in Paradise, northern Michigan. At the centre of this story is his friendship with Ojibwa Indian Vinnie LeBlanc, who abruptly disappears while grieving the death of his mother. Alex is concerned and becomes more so when he realises there may be a connection between Vinnie's disappearance and a local drug smuggling operation which has gone violently wrong. He teams up with a long lost member of Vinnie's family and their investigation will lead them all over the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, trying to stay one step ahead of an extremely nasty and very angry drug baron.
This is a taut, twisting story that builds tension as it goes and doesn't let up, but it also contains very real and fleshed out characters. There is so much to like about Hamilton's writing - highly engaging, in parts gently humourous and at other times downright nerve-wracking.
You could read this as a standalone novel, but you'll pick up more nuances in the characters' interactions if you have read others in the series - and it's SUCH a good series! The first book is A Cold Day In Paradise, though I actually started somewhere in the middle and that was fine too. I was delighted to find out that Paradise is a real place and one day I am determined to visit it.
This is a taut, twisting story that builds tension as it goes and doesn't let up, but it also contains very real and fleshed out characters. There is so much to like about Hamilton's writing - highly engaging, in parts gently humourous and at other times downright nerve-wracking.
You could read this as a standalone novel, but you'll pick up more nuances in the characters' interactions if you have read others in the series - and it's SUCH a good series! The first book is A Cold Day In Paradise, though I actually started somewhere in the middle and that was fine too. I was delighted to find out that Paradise is a real place and one day I am determined to visit it.
gooberdawn's review against another edition
5.0
I enjoyed the book a great deal. first book I have read by this author but the colorful characters and adventurous plot were great.
dave37's review against another edition
3.0
Not one of my favorites of the series, but still a good read. The ending was a nice twist, though everything wrapped up a bit too quickly and neatly for me.
cook_memorial_public_library's review against another edition
5.0
--Recommended by Connie. Check our catalog: http://encore.cooklib.org/iii/encore/search/C__Sdie+a+stranger+hamilton__Orightresult__U1?lang=eng&suite=pearl
caroparr's review against another edition
3.0
Hamilton redeems himself with a really good story about someone we've come to care about (despite the fact that Vinnie is offstage for much of the book). A couple good twists, especially at the end. I hope one day to make it to the Upper Peninsula, where I can retrace McKnight's steps to Beaver Island (known to me for quilts, to him for very, very, very bad guys).
powermetalgirl's review against another edition
4.0
Not my absolute favorite of the Alex McKnight books, but still a solid read nonetheless. This books seemed light on action, and heavy on interaction between Alex and his unlikely partner, Lou. I wasn't as emotionally invested in Lou as I could have been, had Hamilton built him up a bit more in previous novels, but still, Lou proved to be an interesting character. Many long-standing book series grow weaker and more annoying as the series continues, and it's a testament to Hamilton's strong wiring skills that that has yet to happen in 9 books. This series is always a pleasure.
al27caro's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Definitely kept my attention. But somewhat unsatisfied with the ending.
tunesmithnw's review against another edition
4.0
The story gets a little far-fetched toward the end, but a good book nevertheless. I have the next one in the series downloaded to my iPad waiting to be read.
suzze's review against another edition
5.0
Another exciting installment of Alex McKnight in the U.P. of Michigan (my favorite place in the world).
skinnypenguin's review
4.0
Have read all the previous books in this series and enjoyed them. This one has Alex McKnight getting into some hairy situations again when he goes looking for his missing buddy, Vinnie LeBlanc. Vinnie's father shows up and aids and sometimes hinders Alex in the search for Vinnie. The story starts with some drug runners bringing in plane loads of marijuana from Canada and not meeting the people they expected. The bad guys then go on to try and take over the business and when Vinnie tries to help out his cousin who got involved with the bad guys then things really take a turn for the worse.
The author gives vivid description of the locales involved and deals with some issues involving father/son relationships, drinking, life on Indian reservations, etc. Not a super intense book but I liked it.
The author gives vivid description of the locales involved and deals with some issues involving father/son relationships, drinking, life on Indian reservations, etc. Not a super intense book but I liked it.