Book Review: Ice Run

Reviewed By: Luke Croll - RAM

Ice Run     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon UK HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Steve Hamilton
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Private Investigator   Police Procedural
Series: Alex McKnight # 6
2004, St Martin's Minotaur, 320 pages

Steve Hamilton's latest Alex McKnight novel sees his hero back in Paradise, Michigan. He's now in a relationship with Canadian cop Natalie Reynaud, from 'Blood In The Sky'. During the middle of a snowstorm in Sault Ste Marie, Natalie receives a cryptic note, which leads to a family secret and a chain of deaths. Can McKnight solve the mystery?

Hamilton's major triumph in this novel is his atmosphere. He creates a superbly foreboding world as the snow pours down on Michigan and Canada and he employs pathetic fallacy well as he represents McKnight's changing emotions.

His characters are interesting, but Natalie Reynaud in particular takes some getting used to, since her behaviour can appear bizarre. Even if you have not read 'Blood In The Sky', you can easily pick up 'Ice Run' and fall straight into the story. The pace is fast, but at the denouement, the mystery feels somewhat anti-climactic. Despite this, 'Ice Run' is a short and enjoyable story. Fans of Steve Hamilton will not be disappointed.

Luke Croll - RAM

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Luke Croll - RAM

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