This thriller set in Michigan's Upper Peninsula held up on the second reading. It has a lot of the standard features of the private eye novel, including the moody protagonist with a past, the high-ranking cop who takes an immediate dislike to said protagonist, and a beautiful woman who comes with serious baggage. Hamilton skillfully works these aspects into a really good story, so that they seem fresh.

Hamilton has created interesting characters in a compellingly dark mystery story, set against the backdrop of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Hamilton uses the setting to advantage. The snow-locked forest and the dark, cold, dangerous waters of Lake Superior give off a feeling of vague menace that enhances the tension of the story.

All in all, a good introduction to an excellent series.