Book Review: The Hunting Wind

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

The Hunting Wind     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon UK PB Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Steve Hamilton
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Private Investigator   Police Procedural
Series: Alex McKnight # 3
St. Martin's, Jun 2001, $23.95, 320 pp.

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

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner