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What the critics are saying...

Ingenious…Hamilton unreels   the mystery with amounting   tension many an old pro might   envy.”   
-- Kirkus  

“Combines crisp, clear writing,   wily colorful characters, and an   offbeat locale in an impressive   debut.”   
-- Publishers Weekly  

“[A] brooding, caustic,  
 wellplotted and tightly written   thriller.”   
-- Detroit Free Press  

“[A] brilliant, chilling debut…”  
-- Barnes & Noble.com  

        


Suburban Library Cooperative's
One Book, One Community

September 2 - November 22, 2008 

  One Book, One Community Title: A Cold Day in Paradise


Discussion Questions

1)  Who did you suspect was involved in the murders and why? Did your suspicions prove to be correct?

2)  What involvement, if any, did you think that Maximilian Rose had in the murders and threats to Alex?

3)  Were you surprised when the truth was revealed about Edwin’s disappearance? Why or why not?

4)  Alex McKnight is portrayed as a reluctant hero with both physical and mental scars dating back to his days on the Detroit police force. How do these characteristics help the reader to identify and sympathize with the story’s protagonist?

5)  Alex struggles with feelings of guilt regarding the death of his partner on the police force. Do you think his feelings are justified?

6)  Steve Hamilton incorporates humor throughout A Cold Day in Paradise. What moments did you find particularly humorous?

7)  The author populates the small U.P. town of Paradise, Michigan with a colorful cast of characters. Which characters did you particularly like (or dislike) and why?

8)  How accurate was the author’s portrayal of Michigan and the Upper Peninsula?

9)  Problems related to Edwin’s gambling addiction provide the catalyst for the murders in the story. How do you feel about the presence of casinos in Michigan?

10)  How does A Cold Day in Paradise compare with other small town murder mysteries you have read?