A Stolen Season

Alex McKnight is enjoying a quiet summer in Michigan's Upper Peninsula when a boat crash on Lake Huron disrupts his peace. Three men who barely survived the wreck draw McKnight into their mysterious situation, leading him to investigate their true identities and motives. Meanwhile, McKnight's girlfriend Natalie is working on a troubling case involving prescription drug fraud, pulling them both deeper into dangerous territory. The two separate threads begin to intersect as McKnight discovers connections between the boat crash survivors and a network of criminal activity. The investigation takes McKnight through the stark landscapes of Michigan and Ontario as he pursues answers about the crash victims while trying to protect Natalie from escalating threats. His search puts him on a collision course with people who will do anything to protect their interests. At its core, this seventh installment in the Alex McKnight series examines the human cost of addiction and desperation, set against the backdrop of a region struggling with economic hardship. The novel balances suspense with deeper questions about loyalty and justice.

Readers note this is a slower-paced entry in the Alex McKnight series, focusing more on character development than action. Many appreciate the deep dive into McKnight's emotional state and his complex relationship with Natalie. Readers liked: - The authentic portrayal of Michigan's Upper Peninsula setting - Natural dialogue between characters - The parallel storylines that converge - Historical details about prohibition-era smuggling Common criticisms: - Plot moves too slowly in the middle sections - Less mystery/suspense than previous books - Some found the ending unsatisfying - Secondary characters feel underdeveloped Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (2,100+ ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (180+ reviews) One reader noted: "The weather and landscape become characters themselves." Another wrote: "Missing the tension of earlier McKnight novels." Several reviewers mentioned this book works better as part of the series rather than a standalone, as it builds on established relationships.

The Lock Artist by Steve Hamilton A teenage safe-cracker navigates the criminal underworld while dealing with trauma from his past.

Gone Baby Gone by Dennis Lehane Two Boston private investigators search for a kidnapped girl in a case that forces them to confront moral choices.

Winter's Bone by Daniel Woodrell A teenage girl in the Ozarks must track down her missing father through a network of dangerous criminals to save her family's home.

Iron Lake by William Kent Krueger A former sheriff investigates crimes in Minnesota's north woods while confronting local corruption and his own Native American heritage.

The Cold Dish by Craig Johnson A Wyoming sheriff pursues justice in a murder case linked to past crimes while navigating relationships in a small mountain community.

🔎 A Stolen Season is the seventh book in Steve Hamilton's Alex McKnight series, which is set in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. 🏆 The novel earned Hamilton a nomination for the Crime Writers' Association's Ian Fleming Steel Dagger Award in 2007. 🌊 The story incorporates the rich maritime history of the Great Lakes, particularly focusing on the dangers of drug smuggling operations across the U.S.-Canadian border. 🏠 Paradise, Michigan—the primary setting of the novel—is a real town with fewer than 500 residents, lending authenticity to Hamilton's depiction of small-town life. ✍️ Steve Hamilton was the first author to win both the Edgar Award for Best First Novel and the Edgar Award for Best Novel for different books in his Alex McKnight series.