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I think I've figured out why Steve Hamilton's books are published in June; if we read them in December, we'd all freeze. He writes so effectively about winter that it's almost (almost, mind you) refreshing to encounter five feet of snow in his books when you're reading about it in summertime.
It's hard to believe that this is only Hamilton's sixth book; he has received well-deserved awards from both PWA and MWA, and his work is knock-out. One of Hamilton's strengths, along with a strong, vivid sense of place, is his creation of well-defined (off-beat, perhaps) characters; certainly people I've never known or met before. Alex McKnight is a fascinating character; he's a former cop whose career was destroyed in one horrible day when he saw his partner gunned down (McKnight himself carries a bullet in him from the same misery). He's a fiercely loyal friend who, until recently, doesn't give himself much credit for his good attributes.
In ICE RUN, McKnight is pursuing a quirky relationship with Ontario cop Natalie Reynaud. Because of the events that drew the two together, Alex is possibly one of the few people who understands what Reynaud, who is on leave, is going through after the death of her partner. There is much left unsaid between these two prickly people. But McKnight recognizes that Natalie matters to him; he proposes during one terribly snowy week that they meet in Soo, Michigan at an old, elegant hotel. While there, they encounter a very odd little man who addresses them, leaves them an unusual souvenir and then disappears, later showing up dead in the snow. Alex cannot figure out why the man was interested in him; only after some hesitant discussion does Natalie reveal that her father died in this town and that the strange man may know something about it.
For many good reasons, revealed throughout the book, this is not a smooth relationship. Because of her background, Natalie has trouble trusting folks, and so it is difficult for people to get close to her. Violence enters the scene early on, and Alex, who tends to ignore anyone who tells him not to do something, encounters some old hatred and incomprehensible behavior.
This wasn't my favorite book in the series. I had hoped, after BLOOD IS THE SKY, which was a fairly wrenching story, that things would lighten up just a little for McKnight and that he would be able to consider finding some peace and happiness. That's not impossible, but the level of violence and ugliness, the confrontations and death in ICE RUN were at times a little hard to take. But there's no question that I'll read future books in this well-wrought series. Every book in this series is fresh and intelligent. I learn about people --- not just about the main characters, who intrigue me, but about the way people act and behave --- and that's one major reason that I read mystery fiction.
Steve Hamilton, who I happen to know is one of the nicest guys around, is a major talent. When reviewing BLOOD IS THE SKY last year, I remarked that it could have been such a "guy" book, but it's so much more. The same is true here. Hamilton creates original characters who make sense in their world; it's not a world I know well, and I appreciate the trip every time I make it.
--- Reviewed by Andi Shechter
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