Rating: 
Summary: Big Disappointment
Review: I loved Hamilton's first two books so I eagerly awaited this one. What a disappointment! It was so dull and not entertaining that I stopped reading it about halfway through.
Steve, what happened here? Back to the drawing board, I guess.
Rating: 
Summary: Alex is a lovable sucker!
Review: I read Steve Hamilton's books in sequence. Loved everyone of them. Alex is a good hearted sucker (you'll even love his peronal bullet). Everyone would like this guy as a friend - he will never let you down. But he does need a keeper! Even after 30 years, just because he was Randy's catcher, he drops everything to help his old buddy find his one true love. Of course you smell a rat, and of course, there are several around the corner.This book, as well as the other 2, were fast reads. You always wonder how Alex will live thru this one. There must be angels watching over this guy and I'd like to be one of them! :) I can see Robert Urich playing him in the movie version. As usual, Hamilton gives vivid descriptions of the Soo areas and its weather. Very crisp writing. Good on ya, Steve. Waiting for the next one.
Rating:
Summary: Not As Good As His Other Two Books
Review: I was really disappointed with this book. It definitely was not as good as his last two outings. But I like Mr. Hamilton's style and will continue to purchase his books.
Rating:
Summary: This is by far the worst book in the McKnight series
Review: I've read all of Hamilton's McKnight novels and this one is the worst. It took me well over 300 pages to get into this novel and by that point I'd spent so much time reading the book I just wanted to be finished and done with. I've thoroughly enjoyed all of his other novels but this one just seemed to have no purpose, couldn't grab my attention, and was just a painful read. If I wasn't such a fan of his earlier books I would have put this book down after the first 40 pages. I still own this book but wouldn't put anyone through the torture of reading it. If you have yet to read the McKnight series read his first novel, A Cold Day in Paradise, it's a classic mystery.
Rating: 
Summary: Warming Up To Alex
Review: In "Cold Day in Paradise," I thought Alex McKnight was a nervous breakdown waiting to happen. In "Winter of the Wolf Moon," I thought depression was his middle name. In "Hunting Wind," I am pleased to say Alex has settled in for the long haul with dogged determination, a delightful sense of humor, and a trustfulness indeed rare in a full grown man. I think Kevin Costner should play him in the movies.While imbibing his favorite Canadian beer in his bar of choice in Paradise, MI, the Glasgow Inn, Alex is confronted with a blast from the past, Randy Wilkins. He hasn't seen or heard from Randy, a former phenom left handed pitcher, since his minor league baseball days thirty years ago. Randy has used everything but a dog sled to get to Alex and informs him that he wants help in finding the love of his life, Maria. He hasn't seen her in thirty years either. Randy had one idyllic week with her at the height of his career (he'd been called up by the Detroit Tigers). Do any warning bells go off? Sort of, but Randy is a silver tongued devil and enchants the entire Glasgow Inn (not an easy feat.) Joe Lansdale would love this situation. By some impressively slick detective work, Alex does by-God locate the elusive Maria. Then we get into the "be careful what you wish for, it may be granted" scenario. Everyone's character and story goes through massive shape shifting with Alex along for a rueful ride. The dialogue is crisp and frequently hilarious. I have never read of an off-season resort town recounted so well. I particularly liked the one knot left untied: Randy. Maybe I'll figure him out by 2005.
Rating:
Summary: Very entertaining
Review: In Michigan's Upper Peninsular, the last person local Alex McKnight expects to see is the Left-hander. Thirty years ago Alex was the catcher and Randy Wilkins was a promising young pitcher in the Tiger Tripe A Team at Toledo. When Randy went to the majors in 1971, that was the last time they saw each other until he enters the Glasgow Inn to hire Alex. Randy wants Alex to find the love of his life Maria Valeska. They split after about a week together when Randy fell apart due to his only major league appearance being a shellacking by the champion Orioles. Alex, a former cop, refuses to conduct a missing person's search until he learns that his so-called partner Leon Prudell accepted Randy as a client. Because he broke his leg, Leon cannot do the physical search. Reluctantly, Alex agrees to help his former teammate, but soon begins to wonder what the real score is. The third appearance of Alex McKnight is exactly like the first two novels, a home run. The story line is entertaining and fast-paced, as Alex hesitantly becomes involved in something that will shred his positive memories of his four years in the minors. Alex remains as fresh as when he first started in A COLD DAY IN PARADISE. No sophomore (see WINTER OF THE WOLF MOON) nor third year slump either for Steve Hamilton, who continually writes some of the best series mysteries on the market today. Harriet Klausner
Rating:
Summary: Alex McKnight is Back and Better than Ever
Review: It may be April, but in Paradise, on Michigan's upper peninsula, it still feels like the middle of winter. Alex McKnight, retired Detroit policeman with a bullet still lodged near his heart and reluctant private investigator, is having a beer and enjoying the fire at the Glasgow Inn when in walks Randy Wilkins, a flash from his minor league baseball playing past. Thirty years ago, Randy got his chance to pitch in the majors. He was sent up to the Tigers, where he pitched exactly one infamous inning that all but killed his career. But during the week that he spent in Detroit, he met a young woman, Maria Valeska, a woman he claims is the love of his life, that he's never forgotten and now he'd like Alex to help him find her again. The whole story sounds ridiculous, like something out of a bad movie and with a thirty year old cold trail, Alex tries to convince Wilkins that the search is pointless. But Randy won't let go of the idea and pretty soon, they're on their way to Detroit. As their search progresses, Alex begins to realize he's caught in the middle of something a lot bigger and a lot more sinister than a simple search for lost love and as mayhem and murder ensues, that he'll be lucky to get back to Paradise alive..... Award winning novelist, Steve Hamilton, has done it again, written a tight, compelling mystery that's about to keep you up, reading, all night. His intricate, well paced plot is suspenseful, with vivid, riveting scenes and full of atmosphere and tension. His well drawn, colorful characters are interesting and original. But it's the crisp, spare, well crafted writing that really makes this book stand out and Mr Hamilton shows a very talented ear for dialogue. With a stunning conclusion that ties up all the loose ends, The Hunting Wind is definitely a book that shouldn't be missed. This is the third installment of a terrific series and each book just gets better. Do yourself a favor and read them all!
Rating: 
Summary: Book had promise but fell short
Review: Let me first say that i really enjoyed Steve Hamilton's first 2 Alex McKnight books in "Cold Day in Paradise" and "Winter of the Wolf Moon". However this book just didn't do it for me. It was predictable from the begining that Randy wasnt the great guy he was being made out to be in the first 100 pages. The book dragged on in the first 100-120pages (its only a 300 page hardcover book). When Hamilton finally got to the story i was totally underwhelmed.
I wont give away spoilers like other reviewers but one reviewer made a great point. "Why did randy want to meet Maria?" That question is never truly answered.
A quick recommendation: Dont make "Hunting Wind" your first Steve Hamilton book choice. Go get Cold Day in Paradise. If you read Hunting Wind you might be scared away from reading some of his other fine books.
Rating:
Summary: Another good one!
Review: Like his first two novels, Steve Hamilton has given us another great Alex McNight story! It funny, exciting, surprising and a great read!
Rating:
Summary: This author has leapt to the top of my list
Review: Steve Hamilton has a natural grace as a storyteller. His character is compassionate and decent, yet filled with mischief. I hope the next novel is not too long in coming. Keep up the great work.
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