A Cold Day in Paradise by Steve Hamilton

A local attorney suggests that he get a private investigator license, and in part to earn extra money and in part to put his former skills back in play, he agrees - albeit grudgingly.īut then, a gruesome murder happens, and McKnight ends up on the case on behalf of a friend (he's working for that attorney, who happens to be the attorney for the friend and his wealthy family). Not wanting to stay in Detroit, McKnight accepts a disability pension and heads for the tiny town of Paradise, Mich., to live in a cabin in the woods. We've done some traveling there, and it is to me one of the most beautiful places on earth.

That alone probably would entice me to try the book, but the setting in Michigan's Upper Peninsula sealed the deal. On the job, McKnight was shot and nearly died (his partner was killed) to this day, he's still got a bullet lodged next to his heart as an unwelcome reminder. This book, the winner of Edgar and Shamus awards for Best First Novel, features former Detroit police officer Alex McKnight - is the first of what is now, I believe, 10 books.

Turns out he loved this one (and as I write this, I believe he's in the middle of the eighth book in the series) - and he's been so enthusiastic about every single one that I simply had to see for myself what his fuss was all about. When it comes to books, he and I have similar tastes, but he's much harder to please. Truth is, she didn't find it for me - but rather for my husband Jack. When it comes to credit, it must be given where it's due: this time, it goes to our multi-talented daughter-in-law, Lilla, for finding this series.

A Cold Day in Paradise by Steve Hamilton