Dead Man Running (An Alex McKnight Thriller Book 11)

Having read and liked all Hamilton's other books, I was repulsed with Dead Man Running. Superficial, formulaic, tired old stereotypes, credibility issues, and an overall icky tone and feel. It was without any redeeming qualities. I'm sad to write a negative review for an author I have liked, but if anything, I have toned down my distaste in this review.

Steve Hamilton's latest Alex McKnight novel is atypical enough from the norm to defy easy reviewing. Due to a series of implausible events, Alex agrees to accompany a troop of FBI agents taking an accused serial killer, Martin Livermore, to find the bodies of victims. Alex does not know this killer but willingly jumps on board a metaphorical train driven by an evil genius that begins an extended chase, often accompanied by unrelenting suspense. Why does the killer know so much about Alex's past and why does he insist that Alex accompany him? What is the end game and what is the motivation for Livermore's intensely detailed plot to entangle Alex?The problem for this reader was the lack of credibility for much of what happens throughout the convoluted plot; indeed, Alex McKnight is no where near the same detective and problem solver that loyal fans have come to expect. I found it difficult to suspend disbelief in critical junctures. Alex is made to seem a superior thinker to the entire FBI force, yet he is made to look stupid and inept over and over again by the "mad genius". Changing a beloved character's personality and character for a specific book in a series is always a dangerous idea."Dead Man Running" is a very readable book with an ingenious, if difficult -to-believe plot. But if you are expecting the usual Alex McKnight adventure with his usual environs and supporting cast along with his intuitive and instinctual intellectual leaps, this effort will disappoint.

I love Steve Hamilton. While my favorite is the Alex McKnight series, I enjoyed his stand-alones as well. Always well written with excellent plots. This book, which is advertised as a McKnight novel, is not. It's as though Hamilton had a storyline for a another stand-alone and added McKnight to sell the book. I bit. I bought. Just as essential as McKnight are the Upper Peninsula and regular characters. Also, the plot is so forced, it strains believability.

A trained police officer would not make this many mistakes, no matter what was at stake. McKnight was made to look foolish, reckless or down right stupid throughout the book. Most of the McKnight series there are usually some minor liberties on proper police procedures but, when the author keeps repeating "going against my trainings" over and over before every stupid thing McKnight does got old and boring. Some pages got so bad that I skipped to the next story line. Loved this series and was excited for this release but, now I am just disappointed. I can wait for the next one.

I couldn’t wait to read the return of Alex McKnight. Mr. Hamilton’s writing is wonderful. McKnight was on top of his game and the FBI agents were well drawn. Having McKnight travel outside of Michigan was a nice change. However, the “unsub” and his depravity are too creepy for me. There was far too much description of the violence, most of which I skipped. After learning the killer’s connection to McKnight, I jumped to the end of the second last chapter. All I wanted to know was that the killer was dead. I like a good mystery, but not gore in minute detail. There was too much of the latter for my taste. I was disappointed and hope the next McNight saga returns to the Upper with “normal” bad guys.

I don’t know exactly how long it’s been since the last Alex McKnight, but it’s been way too long. This one is harsher, scarier, bloodier, more frightening than the others and the usual cast and crew are missing, but it’s darn good. Sat up all night to start and finish it. Now it will be another long, long wait I expect. If you’re a Steve Hamilton fan of Paradise, Michigan, read this then be prepared to wait again.

This was not a typical Alex McKnight story. I actually read this novel over a period of two days. It was upsetting to me. I had to finish the story to discover what the relationship was between Alex and the killer.. I was somewhat disappointed at the outcome. I miss the "old" Alex holding a bottle of Canadian Moulson in his rough hand. I gave the book four stars because it was a well developed novel, but too brutal and gruesome. A normal human being could possibly not survive all the mayhem that was directed at the protagonist.

I wonder if Steve Hamilton incurred some tragedy in the five years since his previous novel in what had been an excellent Alex McKnight series. It’s hard to imagine what else could explain his wallowing in horror as he does in Dead Man Running. There’s not a great deal to the plot in this novel, but it’s somewhat disguised by the excruciating detail with which he describes a series of torture/murders. And these details add virtually nothing, for they aren't necessary for the reader to realize that the villain is a vicious psychopath who merits quick elimination. What we’re left with is evil for its own sake, horror for its own sake. And in case you’re wondering why I read the whole book: I didn’t; I skimmed through much of it.

Not the usual Alex McNight thriller but very good nonetheless. Our hero is dragged into the hunt for a serial killer not knowing why though eventually he does but he has already left the FBI floundering in his wake and has to sort it out by himself - heroically! There are a few problems; I did not realise designing a robotic arm was so profitable or else how could the baddie afford everything he does and has done, why do the FBI never solve these cases?, the reason why the psycho bears the grudge seems out of proportion to what he does and lastly how does he kill so many people without anyone noticing? Still a rip roaring story which I enjoyed very much.

This is the best Alex McKnight book ever - it is riviting and keeps you on the edge of your seat all theough the book - I so look forward to the next book - Thank you so much for your brilliant work

Steve Hamilton is THE best writer!