North of Nowhere

The temperamental Alex McKnight finds himself in a world of trouble simply by acting as the last-minute sixth player in a poker game at the home of the feisty, wealthy, and eccentric Winston Vargas. When a holdup occurs mid-game and Vargas's safe is burgled and some of his treasured artifacts and an uncetain amount of money is taken, Vargas comes to the bizarre conclusion that Alex McKnight is the mastermind behind the plot.

With the help of his former partner, Leon Prudell (the lovably nerdy straight arrow who has to be one of the most unlikely private investigators ever created) Alex ultimately unravels the the how of the scheme--but not before his friend, Jackie, ends up in the hands of a pair of lethal Canadian brothers.

Alex soon show more finds that for a small town with one blinking traffic light, Paradise, Michigan holds a ton of secrets.

The latest Alex McKnight mystery is a slightly different entry because the reader sees another side of the hero, struggling with his age and his lack of success in life. The story line starts off focusing on Alex' internal skirmish, but quickly picks up speed. If you're looking for a good mystery with believable and often lovable characters, check out Steve Hamilton's novels...you will never be bored and all are fantastic. show less

Alex McKnight, ex-cop, ex- PI, is working on being a recluse in his cabin in the upper peninsula of Michigan. But bar owner and friend Jackie strongly persuades him to stop being a recluse and play poker with him and some friends. While at the poker game at the house of a wealthy businessman, three armed men break in and steal money from the safe. Alex is determined not to get involved until Jackie and his friends are arrested and charged with setting up the robbery.

This is another in the series. I thought it was a bit slow and not as plausible as one I read previously. But I enjoyed the Alex McKnight character anyway. He is sarcastic, funny, honest, tough when he thinks he's right and big hearted underneath it all. I will read more of show more these books. show less

It is nicely paced, with lots of action and some butt-kicking. I thought the plot was believable enough, the characters reactions were normal enough, and the action was all forward. There is no "woe is me" theme to it and when bad things happen, the main character deals with it. This might involve his gut feelings a lot, and his fists the rest of the time, but that is why I picked up this book - to read about some guy getting some justice without having to worry about silly little things like police and court rooms.

It was so engaging that I finished the book in a single sitting. And as soon as I finished, I started the next book in the series.

Retired detective Alex McKnight is drawn into a local poker game and finds himself on the floor, gun to his head. The small upper peninsula town of Paradise, Michigan turns out to be small, yes, but quiet, no.

Alex McKnight rarely ventures out from his home these days, even to spend time at his friend Jackie's Glasgow Inn. Even as he lets Jackie force him out one night for a poker game at a stranger's house, Alex is certain it's a bad idea. And when the genial atmosphere rapidly deteriorates, he starts to think maybe he was right. Then three masked, armed robbers burst through the door, and things get a whole lot worse. Soon Alex's three closest friends are implicated in the robbery, and Alex finds himself the object of hostile attention from the victim. As events spin out of control, it becomes clear that somebody is not telling the truth, and has put them all in terrible danger...

Fairly standard forgettable mystery. Nothing overly surprising, or to get excited about. An easy, light read. Good for the cottage or beach.

A fast paced thriller which keeps you on the edge of the seat, with enough twists and turns to surprise you.