Winter of the Wolf Moon: An Alex McKnight Mystery (Alex McKnight Novels, 2) Paperback – November 13, 2012

This was only my second Alex McKnight book and, while it was interesting, I must admit to growing tired of the protagonist's total lack of a brain. He continues to do outright stupid stuff and gets away with it. I like the writing and the general plots of these books but I grow very tired of a hero who really doesn't deserve to be a hero. I will try one more but if Alex doesn't grow up, I'm out.

I liked the entire book. I sent it to a former Yooper ( western side of UP) now living in Maryland who has fond memories of growing up! Send the book to other transplanted Yoopers!

As a hockey playing Canadian, I was immediately drawn to Steve Hamilton's Winter of the Wolf Moon, his second outing with Alex McKnight. Add in that McKnight is going to play net in a game for his buddy's house league team and I am already falling in love with this book. I am a 50-year-old goalie who has played net since I was six. (I continue to play two or three times a week in Dubai.) I appreciate Hamilton trying to capture the play on the ice, but it falls short. He – or more appropriately, his editor – should have given that section to a hockey writer just to smooth out certain bits. Granted, the majority of Hamilton's audience would not notice the occasional awkwardness of the writing, but a writer's job is to be authentic at all times to all readers. I did like the tension with his buddy Vinnie, and I thoroughly enjoyed the banter with Jackie, but I found this book a little slow at times. I also thought one particular car chase dragged on a little too long. I was, however, immediately taken by one certain bad guy. I hope he makes appearances in subsequent McKnight stories. The last few chapters picked up considerably and I finished the book looking forward to the next McKnight story. I also am liking the way the relationship with Leon has changed and developed. In this book, you can see the foundations being laid for the McKnight series. It's an interesting process reading the evolution of ideas and characteristics. Worth reading for the highlights, but if you are only reading one McKnight story, this should not be it.

Hamilton uses a pen wisely, faithfully describing the area and the inhabitants. I’ve been in the area frequently, either passing through to points further north or having a drink in the bar he renamed. He nailed it and it’s peoples.

Enjoyed this. Love the genre, this works it well. Some story telling weaknesses...but nothing worth bloviating over. Another reader might not see them.Also enjoyed the change of scenery. Dont like the cold, and the author did a good job describing it and reminding me why I dont like it.

This is the second book in the Alex McKnight series. I just finished the book last night, after previously reading the first one. I enjoyed both of them.Much like the first book, I instantly got absorbed into Alex McKnight's world. The vivid descriptions of the cold winter make you feel like you are there. In my opinion, the process of the actual mystery/story goes at slow pace, but I wasn't bothered at all because I became so enthralled with the characters and the ordinary things that took place.I won't give anything away, but I was a little disappointed with the ending -- which is how I also felt when finishing the first book. While the ending may not have been dead obvious (and how McKnight figures it out), I was hoping for something a little more creative. Putting that aside, the overall story itself is interesting enough to where I can't wait to continue onto the third book in the series.I could give this book either four stars or five stars. I would like to give it four because of the ending that may not have been too creative... but I enjoyed the story overall so much that I will give it a five.

Steve Hamilton's "Cold Day in Paradise" was an excellent first novel, introducing us to the unusual hero, Alex McKnight.However, this follow-up seems thrown together haphazardly. Although I hate to be picky, there is one disturbing error in this book. In the first novel, one of the main characters was EDWIN Fulton. In this book, the character's name mysteriously changes to EDMUND. Is this an author's faux pas or an editors? In any case, it is a shoddy booboo!Also, in this book, Alex doesn't really do much of the private investigating at all, leaving it up to Leon Prudell, who emerges as more of an interesting character than McKnight. McKnight seems to be a whiny, pessimistic, self-pitying failure in this book, and his "devotion" to finding the missing Dorothy is rather tiresome and unmotivated.The inclusion of the Russian Molinov and the scene in the ice cabin is way over board. The resolution, likewise, is too pat and contrived. Seems like McKnight should consider his choice of friends in the future, since in both books, they certainly aren't what they seem.I do agree that Hamilton's descriptions of the frigid Michigan weather is stunning and evocative; unfortunately, the story and pacing in this one is tepid.I also have a problem with Hamilton continuing to toy with us on McKnight's plans for revenge on his foes from the first book. Get with it, Hamilton. Stop manipulating and use your extraordinary writing abilities to deliver good reading.

I have not seriously read any fiction in 40 years. Non-fiction is what I read. Never had time for make believe. Well, never say never. I read the first in the Alex McKnight series, by recommendation of my Uncle, and I am completely hooked! I have read the first three and, who would have guessed, I am dying, waiting for the next two to arrive. If you like who-dunnits, this series is a great one to try.

Not started yet, but liked all his other books I’ve read. Will update later.

Second book that I have read by this author. Easy reading and a good book to curl up with. Will read more of his.

This delivered big time, and I am hooked on the adventures of Mr McKnight. I heartily recommend stepping into deep, dark noir, with pithy dialogue that will make you smile from time-to-time

so glad i started this series. Particularly like the fact the area covered is either side of the USA and Canadian border.

If you have not read this authors works you are missing out on a real treat! All of his books are first rate and well worth a read!High recommended.