Rating: 
Summary: Another year older...
Review: but apparently not wiser. You'd think Alex McKnight learned his lesson about not sticking his nose where it does not fully belong... but no, he likes to revisit the lessons the hard way.A fourth installment in Alex McKnight series and they keep on getting better. Steve Hamilton provides you with just the right amount of background information to gently lead you into the story - and I will not go into the story details, for obvious reasons. Funny, fast paced, with some good twists and turns, North of Nowhere is another page turner. Don't skip it.
Rating: 
Summary: Would You Do For A Friend?
Review: FROM THE CASE: "On his 49th birthday, Alex McKnight's old friend Jackie goads him into playing poker with a bunch of men he hardly knows. In the middle of the game, masked robbers invade the premises, hold the players at gunpoint, and proceed to rob the homeowner. Alex is roused to action and so is his former detective partner, Leon Prudell. Working first against one another and later together, they discover that the crime is far more complex than a simple robbery. There is murder and greed and revenge involved-and a wild chase on the waters of Lake Superior-before Alex is forced to realize that there is no retreat from life. And that maybe this is a good thing..."
When ex-cop, ex-private eye Alex McKnight is almost physically drug out of his cabin by his old friend Jackie for night of poker with five other men, what could go wrong other then maybe drinking to much and waking up with a hang over the next morning. How about a home invasion and robbery, and if that isn't bad enough, three of the six men playing get arrested for planning the crime. Especially, when the three are good friends who you know would never do something like this. This springs Alex into action.
Though this isn't one of the best books I have ever listened to, it wasn't that bad either. I found the characters to be entertaining and likeable. Mr. Sullivan who narrates this book does an excellent job at bringing them to life based on the descriptions provided by Mr. Hamilton. In particular, Mr. Sullivan does a good job with making all of the voices different. He does a great job with the Canadian characters, ay. Mr. Sullivan has recorded over eighty audio books and has several television appearances to his name.
Though I found this book to be fun with a great plot and enjoyable characters it did have its flaws. In my humble opinion I felt that Mr. Hamilton could have made this book a bit more exciting. Mr. Hamilton spent a bit too much time with descriptions of the characters as well as the Northern Peninsula of Michigan. This book also didn't keep me riveted to it like many other audio books have. I'm not saying that Mr. Hamilton is a bad author; I just felt he used a bit to much description for my taste.
This fourth book in the Alex McKnight series is a good book that puts Alex into action to prove that his friends wouldn't or should I say couldn't ever be involved with a home invasion and robbery. It also makes Alex realize how little he knows about his friends and there families.
This is a pretty good book that in my opinion is worth the read or listen. Though it could have been better, if you like this genre, then I would recommend this book to you.
Mr. Hamilton's literary recognition includes the following award nominations and wins.
NOMINATED:
1999 Anthony First Novel A Cold Day in Paradise
2003 Anthony Novel North of Nowhere
2003 Shamus Novel North of Nowhere
2004 Anthony Novel Blood Is the Sky
2004 Shamus Novel Blood Is the Sky
WON:
1999 Edgar Alan Poe First Novel A Cold Day In Paradise
1999 Shamus First Novel A Cold Day In Paradise
I have never read or listened to any other titles written by Mr. Hamilton but I do plan on it. This book was enjoyable though not riveting I liked the plot and the characters and hope that all of his novels are this good. Based on his literary award nominations and wins, I don't think I will be disappointed.
Being a person who enjoys reading I have read many books and enjoyed the works of many authors, I can't really think of anyone to compare Mr. Hamilton with. Perhaps you could say his style is somewhat like that of Lawrence Block or James Lee Burke.
No matter what authors you prefer in this genre, give Steve Hamilton and North of Nowhere a try. I don't think you will be disappointed.
Rating:
Summary: Hamilton's great, but this one misses the mark....
Review: Having read all 3 of Hamilton's previous novels, I was anxious to see what he had in store for us this time around. I have to say that I was disappointed. The story starts out with us learning that Alex McKnight was having a mid-life crisis. By the time I was halfway through it, I was wondering if Steve Hamilton might not be having one too. The story just didn't draw me in the way the others did. It seemed rushed, and the characters were not nearly as well developed as in his previous works. While the ending was a kind of a surprise, I was still glad this story was over. If you're looking for a good read, check out Hamilton's first 3 novels...all are fantastic. If you've already read them, and enjoyed them as much as I did, then I'd suggest you save yourself [the money] on this one and wait for the paperback.
Rating:
Summary: A great read for several reasons...
Review: I couldn't put this one down. First off, North of Nowhere
is extremely well written. The description of the
weather and terrain in Michigan's Upper Penninsula is
so well done that it brought the area to life for me. Second,
it is an excellent story. Hamilton keeps us in suspense
even while introducing several very clever plot twist.
Third, the character development of Alex as well as
recurring characters Jackie (Alex's bartender friend)
and Leon Prudell takes this book into somewhat new
territory. It is done very successfully. Finally,
Alex is just a real unique character with real human
frailties as well as strengths. This makes the book
different from some others in the genre. As much as I've enjoyed all of Hamilton's books,
this may be the best yet.
Rating: 
Summary: A Review from Nowhere
Review: I live in Nowhere, Michigan...just south of where Steve Hamilton sets this novel. I enjoyed the novel, as I have enjoyed all of Hamilton's Alex McKnight novels, not only because of the setting, but also because Hamilton is a darn good writer! You don't have to be from Nowhere to understand the need to isolate yourself in the beauty of Northern Michigan, and to fear and resent the greed which drives men to murder each other and despoil the environment. These are the themes of Steve Hamilton's books: weave them through an engrossing plot line filled with action and intelligence and you have this latest in the Alex McKnight series--and perhaps the best.
Rating:
Summary: A Review from Nowhere
Review: I live in Nowhere, Michigan...just south of where Steve Hamilton sets this novel. I enjoyed the novel, as I have enjoyed all of Hamilton's Alex McKnight novels, not only because of the setting, but also because Hamilton is a darn good writer! You don't have to be from Nowhere to understand the need to isolate yourself in the beauty of Northern Michigan, and to fear and resent the greed which drives men to murder each other and despoil the environment. These are the themes of Steve Hamilton's books: weave them through an engrossing plot line filled with action and intelligence and you have this latest in the Alex McKnight series--and perhaps the best.
Rating:
Summary: Praise from a Travis McGee Fan
Review: I thought I would never like a "Cold Weather Mystery" series. I have been hooked on John MacDonald's classic Travis McGee series for so long, which is set in South Florida, of the white sand beaches and warm, emerald water. I loved reading about Archie McNalley's evening swims in the warm Gulf Stream (Lawrence Sanders) and even Dave Robicheaux and his bait shop down on the bayou (James Lee Burke). So what a pleasant surprise to discover Alex McKnight living in the North Woods. By the time I was done, I was ready for a long, cold winter and plenty of Canadian Molsens by a roaring fire. Steve Hamilton makes the cold, wintery landscape of Northern Michigan and Lake Superior seem inviting and alluring. Alex McKnight is remniscent of Travis McGee in that he is very independent, ethical in his own way, and very close to nature. Great read for anytime, but if you have some cold, dark wintery days coming up, this is a great book to read by a roaring fire!
Rating:
Summary: Super series by a most refreshing writer.
Review: In Steve Hamilton's fourth novel, "North of Nowhere", reluctant PI Alex McKnight continues to become entangled in problems not of his making that compel him back into the detective game. Fate leads Alex to a poker game that ends up in a robbery. While robbery, Canadian organized crime, loan sharking and smuggling engulf Michigan's UP, the ultimate story is about McKnight helping his pal Jackie...human frailties and passions are central to the story. Mr. Hamilton's poetic hard-edged prose rings true as lead after lead never add up for McKnight. The intricate plot has plenty of twists to keep you guessing...nothing is straight forward as events spin out of control. The cast that supports McKnight is powerful and grows in each installment. So whether you prefer plot over characters, or vice versa, this series will hook you.
Rating:
Summary: Hamilton Gives Us Another One.
Review: Steve Hamilton has written another great mystery book. One of the reasons I like his books is their setting in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, close to home. The next reason is they are good! He always has a surprise. I like his characters, I like his style.
With his motive for mischief in this book, Hamilton brings in a subject dear to the hearts of many Northern Michigan residents...keep the developers OUT. There are someplaces that should always remain "North of Nowhere." It's a fast and entertaining way to spend some time with the fireplace.
I highly recommend the entire Alex McKnight series.
Rating:
Summary: Ya gotta love him!
Review: Steve Hamilton writes Alex McKnight as a steadfast friend. Unfortunately, the friends he is steadfast too trip him up in this outing and his quest is uphill all the way. Boy, would I love to have a friend like Alex. He never gives up on you. I've read all Steve Hamilton's books and eagerly wait for his next. A good read!
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