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Lydia Chin & Bill Smith #11
Ghost Hero
"Rozan again proves that the private detective novel thrives in the 21st century." -- Oline Cogdill, The Sun-Sentinel on On the Line
American-Born Chinese PI Lydia Chin is called in on what appears to be a simple case. Jeff Dunbar, art world insider, wants her to track down a rumor. Contemporary Chinese painting is sizzling hot on the art scene and no one is hotter than Chau Chun, known as the Ghost Hero. A talented and celebrated ink painter, Chau's highly-prized work mixes classical forms and modern political commentary. The rumor of new paintings by Chau is shaking up the art world. There’s only one problem – Ghost Hero Chau has been dead for twenty years, killed in the 1989 Tianamen Square uprising. But not only is Ghost Hero Chau long dead, but Lydia’s client isn't who he claims to be either. And she’s not the only PI hired to look for these paintings. Lydia and her partner, Bill Smith, soon learn that someone else – Jack Lee: PI, art expert, and, like Lydia, American Born Chinese – is also on the case. What starts as rumors over new paintings by a dead artist quickly becomes something far more desperate – a high-stakes crisis the PI's will find themselves risking everything to resolve.
American-Born Chinese PI Lydia Chin is called in on what appears to be a simple case. Jeff Dunbar, art world insider, wants her to track down a rumor. Contemporary Chinese painting is sizzling hot on the art scene and no one is hotter than Chau Chun, known as the Ghost Hero. A talented and celebrated ink painter, Chau's highly-prized work mixes classical forms and modern political commentary. The rumor of new paintings by Chau is shaking up the art world. There’s only one problem – Ghost Hero Chau has been dead for twenty years, killed in the 1989 Tianamen Square uprising. But not only is Ghost Hero Chau long dead, but Lydia’s client isn't who he claims to be either. And she’s not the only PI hired to look for these paintings. Lydia and her partner, Bill Smith, soon learn that someone else – Jack Lee: PI, art expert, and, like Lydia, American Born Chinese – is also on the case. What starts as rumors over new paintings by a dead artist quickly becomes something far more desperate – a high-stakes crisis the PI's will find themselves risking everything to resolve.
325 pages, Hardcover
First published September 27, 2011
12 people are currently reading
461 people want to read
About the author
S.J. Rozan
127 books384 followersSJ Rozan, a native New Yorker, is the author of the Bill Smith and Lydia Chin detective series as well as several stand-alone novels. She has won the the Edgar, Nero, Macavity, Shamus and Anthony awards for Best Novel and the Edgar award for Best Short Story. She is a former Mystery Writers of America National Board member, a current Sisters in Crime National Board member, and President of the Private Eye Writers of America. In January 2003 she was an invited speaker at the Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. In February 2005 she will be Guest of Honor at the Left Coast Crime convention in El Paso, Texas. A former architect in a practice that focussed on police stations, firehouses, and zoos, SJ Rozan was born and raised in the Bronx. She currently lives in Greenwich Village, New York. (from the author's website)"
S.J. Rozan has a B.A. from Oberlin College and M.Arch from SUNY/Buffalo
S.J. Rozan has a B.A. from Oberlin College and M.Arch from SUNY/Buffalo
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 158 reviews
May 7, 2015
That's a very cranky rating, and would have been a star higher if this hadn't come after TEN BOOKS in the series. It's decidedly weaker than most of them just in terms of the slightly farcical mood of the ending, but that isn't what bugs me. I love the slowly deepening partnership between Bill and Lydia, with little doled-out promises of more (which Bill has wanted all along), and didn't mind the fact that glaciers have moved faster than they have. Didn't mind it too much. Most of the time. I didn't like the way Bill's drinking and general self-destructive behaviour seemed to be intensifying, but we also learned his back story over the course of a bunch of books, and Lydia was neither going to let him get away with too much NOR take over his need to learn to take care of himself. (I don't just mean not getting a concussion every other book or more, of course.)
But we've kept getting closer and closer, and all of Lydia's family except her mother have told her - with varying degrees of subtlety - that Bill is perfect for her (because he respects her professionally and every other way, not because he wants her) and we got really, really close at the end of the previous book, and then: SMACK. Another PI, cute, intelligent and CHINESE turns up and likes Lydia and Lydia/Bill goes back five steps (and her mother continues to be vicious about "the white baboon"), and honestly, it's just seems like a cheap trick when this guy is the third Chinese guy to be interested in Lydia, with some degree of reciprocation. The author has well and truly set up the cultural problems Bill and Lydia will face as a couple, and now it's time to commit and let us see them dealing with those problems.
The next book will be a Bill one, and I will read it, as those usually have more emotional depth, but after that I'm out unless the relationship stuff changes. The mysteries for the last couple have been great, but they'd have to be very special to make up for the disappointment of this one.
But we've kept getting closer and closer, and all of Lydia's family except her mother have told her - with varying degrees of subtlety - that Bill is perfect for her (because he respects her professionally and every other way, not because he wants her) and we got really, really close at the end of the previous book, and then: SMACK. Another PI, cute, intelligent and CHINESE turns up and likes Lydia and Lydia/Bill goes back five steps (and her mother continues to be vicious about "the white baboon"), and honestly, it's just seems like a cheap trick when this guy is the third Chinese guy to be interested in Lydia, with some degree of reciprocation. The author has well and truly set up the cultural problems Bill and Lydia will face as a couple, and now it's time to commit and let us see them dealing with those problems.
The next book will be a Bill one, and I will read it, as those usually have more emotional depth, but after that I'm out unless the relationship stuff changes. The mysteries for the last couple have been great, but they'd have to be very special to make up for the disappointment of this one.
April 8, 2021
While I usually enjoy the Rozan books, this plot lacked the cohesion the author is capable of writing. After restarting the book three times, I put it away. I must add that the reader was annoying when he screeched not thinking it was inappropriate for an audio book.
August 18, 2020
Why hello Lydia and Bill! It’s been a long time. I’ve missed hearing about NYC’s Chinatown.
Perfect for nighttime listening in preparation for bed. Interesting enough to stop my mind from wandering but not so engrossing that I couldn’t put it down to sleep.
Perfect for nighttime listening in preparation for bed. Interesting enough to stop my mind from wandering but not so engrossing that I couldn’t put it down to sleep.
October 21, 2017
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
---
So, Lydia Chin is approached by a potential client who is clearly lying about his identity about some paintings that are rumored to be in New York, and potentially on sale soon. This client really wants to establish a name for himself in Contemporary Chinese Art, and owning these paintings -- preferably before they go on sale -- will go a long way toward that. Here's the trick, no one knows if they really do exist, or where they might be. Still the rumors persist, and in the "where there's smoke, there's fire" kind of thinking, they've got to exist. The trick is that the artist was killed in the Tiananmen Square protests of 1989. The client wants her to find them, prove they're real (ideally), and help him get the leg up on the competition.
Like I said, Lydia doesn't trust the man, and doesn't understand why he picked her, but his cash is good and she's curious (about him, the paintings, why he might want the paintings). So she takes the case, but doesn't know where to start. Luckily, her partner, Bill Smith knows just the guy to talk to -- another Chinese PI. Second generation ABC, from the Midwest, Jack Lee has an art degree and mostly looks into stolen and questionable art. Really, he's the ideal PI to look for these paintings -- and it turns out that someone else thought so, too and already hired him to do that. The three decide to work together on this, each playing to their own strengths.
From there, they dive deep into the New York Art Scene -- at least those that brush up against Chinese Art -- there are people who care about art, people who care about influence and money, and those who really, really care about art. Some care so much that Jack Lee gets shot at more than once. There are other threats as well -- the idea that Chau might still be alive is a pretty hot political topic, and various governmental entities seem interested in what Lydia is up to.
The case is pretty interesting -- and the various people that the trio interacts with are so interesting, so colorful, occasionally so despicable. The solution that Lydia cooks up is worthy of Blackadder's Baldrick, but I kind of liked it. It works as a solution in a novel (I hope nothing like this would happen in real life). The ultimate reveal was a bit too obvious, but I still enjoyed it -- and the rest of the mystery made up for it.
I've said time and time again, I love reading the back-and-forth between Lydia and Bill -- adding Jack to that seems like a gamble. Thankfully, it worked wonderfully, he fits in with the two of them so wonderfully well that you wish he'd been around for a couple of novels previously to this. It almost doesn't matter if the plot behind the book was entertaining, just get the three of these guys around a beverage or two and it's worth it.
On the one hand, I'm kind of with Lydia in not understanding why someone would come to her to look for this -- art isn't her thing. On the other hand, she dealt with art dealers in China Trade, Chinese heirlooms in Reflecting the Sky, missing jewels in The Shanghai Moon (which yeah, is sort of precious minerals, but the art aspect of the Moon seems as/more important than the gems). So it's not like she's an utter novice. Sure, going to Bill Smith or Matt Scudder would seem like a bad move -- but Lydia's a good choice for this case (not as obvious a choice as Jack Lee, I grant you). And how could I not think of another PI in New York?
There was one thing I was disappointed in: I was truly hoping/expecting that this book would contain a clue (if not more) about why this was the last book to be published in the series -- and given the 6 years that have passed since then, it seems pretty likely that this was it for the series. I'm assuming that it wasn't planned, but can't find any information about it (which means that someone's going to come along in half an hour with a link to 15,000 words about the reason for this.) Update: A few hours after posting this on my blog, Rozan assured me that the series is not over, which is great to hear
A fun, fast-paced read that is enjoyable, engaging and all around entertaining -- which is pretty much a great way to describe any novel from Lydia Chin's point of view. Give this one a shot and then pick up the others (or pick up the others, and then this one -- either way).
---
So, Lydia Chin is approached by a potential client who is clearly lying about his identity about some paintings that are rumored to be in New York, and potentially on sale soon. This client really wants to establish a name for himself in Contemporary Chinese Art, and owning these paintings -- preferably before they go on sale -- will go a long way toward that. Here's the trick, no one knows if they really do exist, or where they might be. Still the rumors persist, and in the "where there's smoke, there's fire" kind of thinking, they've got to exist. The trick is that the artist was killed in the Tiananmen Square protests of 1989. The client wants her to find them, prove they're real (ideally), and help him get the leg up on the competition.
Like I said, Lydia doesn't trust the man, and doesn't understand why he picked her, but his cash is good and she's curious (about him, the paintings, why he might want the paintings). So she takes the case, but doesn't know where to start. Luckily, her partner, Bill Smith knows just the guy to talk to -- another Chinese PI. Second generation ABC, from the Midwest, Jack Lee has an art degree and mostly looks into stolen and questionable art. Really, he's the ideal PI to look for these paintings -- and it turns out that someone else thought so, too and already hired him to do that. The three decide to work together on this, each playing to their own strengths.
From there, they dive deep into the New York Art Scene -- at least those that brush up against Chinese Art -- there are people who care about art, people who care about influence and money, and those who really, really care about art. Some care so much that Jack Lee gets shot at more than once. There are other threats as well -- the idea that Chau might still be alive is a pretty hot political topic, and various governmental entities seem interested in what Lydia is up to.
The case is pretty interesting -- and the various people that the trio interacts with are so interesting, so colorful, occasionally so despicable. The solution that Lydia cooks up is worthy of Blackadder's Baldrick, but I kind of liked it. It works as a solution in a novel (I hope nothing like this would happen in real life). The ultimate reveal was a bit too obvious, but I still enjoyed it -- and the rest of the mystery made up for it.
I've said time and time again, I love reading the back-and-forth between Lydia and Bill -- adding Jack to that seems like a gamble. Thankfully, it worked wonderfully, he fits in with the two of them so wonderfully well that you wish he'd been around for a couple of novels previously to this. It almost doesn't matter if the plot behind the book was entertaining, just get the three of these guys around a beverage or two and it's worth it.
On the one hand, I'm kind of with Lydia in not understanding why someone would come to her to look for this -- art isn't her thing. On the other hand, she dealt with art dealers in China Trade, Chinese heirlooms in Reflecting the Sky, missing jewels in The Shanghai Moon (which yeah, is sort of precious minerals, but the art aspect of the Moon seems as/more important than the gems). So it's not like she's an utter novice. Sure, going to Bill Smith or Matt Scudder would seem like a bad move -- but Lydia's a good choice for this case (not as obvious a choice as Jack Lee, I grant you). And how could I not think of another PI in New York?
There was one thing I was disappointed in: I was truly hoping/expecting that this book would contain a clue (if not more) about why this was the last book to be published in the series -- and given the 6 years that have passed since then, it seems pretty likely that this was it for the series. I'm assuming that it wasn't planned, but can't find any information about it (which means that someone's going to come along in half an hour with a link to 15,000 words about the reason for this.) Update: A few hours after posting this on my blog, Rozan assured me that the series is not over, which is great to hear
A fun, fast-paced read that is enjoyable, engaging and all around entertaining -- which is pretty much a great way to describe any novel from Lydia Chin's point of view. Give this one a shot and then pick up the others (or pick up the others, and then this one -- either way).
October 20, 2018
I've got to admit its getting better, a little better all the time.
December 12, 2021
Fun characters & dialogue that made the story fly. A mystery rooted in poignant Chinese immigrant experiences. Tightly-crafted plot with an awesome twist. Loved it!
October 21, 2011
Lydia Chin, young New York private investigator, although she is what she refers to as an ABC [American-Born Chinese], cannot imagine why a new client wants to hire for an investigation dealing with contemporary Chinese art [what he refers to as a “cutting edge collecting area” in the West], freely admitting that she has no clue about art. Despite her reluctance, she agrees to accept his retainer to check out rumors of some new pieces of art by one Chau Chun, known as the Ghost Hero. This despite the fact that Chau is believed to have died 20 years ago in the uprising at Tienanmen Square.
This particular artist’s work was known to contain “hidden” political symbols, and the putative new work contains current political references. There is a suspicion, then, that the work is contemporary, not created over two decades earlier. But the potential value of the Ghost Hero’s “ghost paintings” is enormous, since in the past his work was worth half a million dollars, give or take.
As always with work by this author, there is a full quotient of clever, witty dialogue from clever, witty people – well, a few people in particular: Lydia; her cousin, Linus, tech geek [read “hacker”] extraordinaire; Bill Smith, a mid-fifties white guy [referred to by Lydia’s disapproving mother as the “white baboon” – can you tell she doesn’t like him?], also a p.i. and over the past few years Lydia’s partner; and Jack Lee, a 2d generation ABC from the suburban Midwest and art expert as well as a p.i., in this case having also been hired [by an unnamed client] to investigate the possibility of the existence of the self-same paintings. The stakes are raised when the investigation sparks the interest of the wrong people, and bullets and threats start to fly.
Parenthetically, I have to admit to some small confusion on my part keeping the Asian names straight, but ultimately that is of small moment, as in the end the author makes everything clear. Brilliantly plotted, and with protagonists the reader cares about and roots for, the book is highly recommended.
This particular artist’s work was known to contain “hidden” political symbols, and the putative new work contains current political references. There is a suspicion, then, that the work is contemporary, not created over two decades earlier. But the potential value of the Ghost Hero’s “ghost paintings” is enormous, since in the past his work was worth half a million dollars, give or take.
As always with work by this author, there is a full quotient of clever, witty dialogue from clever, witty people – well, a few people in particular: Lydia; her cousin, Linus, tech geek [read “hacker”] extraordinaire; Bill Smith, a mid-fifties white guy [referred to by Lydia’s disapproving mother as the “white baboon” – can you tell she doesn’t like him?], also a p.i. and over the past few years Lydia’s partner; and Jack Lee, a 2d generation ABC from the suburban Midwest and art expert as well as a p.i., in this case having also been hired [by an unnamed client] to investigate the possibility of the existence of the self-same paintings. The stakes are raised when the investigation sparks the interest of the wrong people, and bullets and threats start to fly.
Parenthetically, I have to admit to some small confusion on my part keeping the Asian names straight, but ultimately that is of small moment, as in the end the author makes everything clear. Brilliantly plotted, and with protagonists the reader cares about and roots for, the book is highly recommended.
September 16, 2012
I listened to this for my mystery book group and never would have finished it if reading just for enjoyment. I thought I would like this story about the New York art scene mixed with recent Chinese history. But the story didn't capture my attention and I disliked the narrator.
Perhaps I would have liked this more if I had read it in print. But the narrator made all of the main characters (Lydia, Bill, and Jack) sound like teenage or early 20-something females, which made them difficult to take seriously. Worse, except for the characters given strong Chinese actions, everyone sounded alike. When conversations occurred between three or more characters (and at times even two) it was very difficult to tell who was speaking.
And the mystery? I guessed it very early on. This was very disappointing as the series was highly recommended.
Perhaps I would have liked this more if I had read it in print. But the narrator made all of the main characters (Lydia, Bill, and Jack) sound like teenage or early 20-something females, which made them difficult to take seriously. Worse, except for the characters given strong Chinese actions, everyone sounded alike. When conversations occurred between three or more characters (and at times even two) it was very difficult to tell who was speaking.
And the mystery? I guessed it very early on. This was very disappointing as the series was highly recommended.
December 4, 2011
This has always been a favorite sleuth series - Lydia Chin and Bill Smith. A big part of my enjoyment has been the descriptions of NYC's Chinatown and its people, as well as Lydia's relationship with her mother (and Bill, too).
While "Ghost Hero" had a good story to tell - the validity of art works by a Tienanmen Square protester - and some good description of the contemporary Chinese art scene in NYC, Bill and Lydia weren't all that "present" - they seemed to be on the sidelines. And as a result, the action of the plot was not engaging or dynamic. And the final revelation was flat - and expected.
I had been eagerly waiting for this one, but was a tad disappointed. Maybe the next one.
While "Ghost Hero" had a good story to tell - the validity of art works by a Tienanmen Square protester - and some good description of the contemporary Chinese art scene in NYC, Bill and Lydia weren't all that "present" - they seemed to be on the sidelines. And as a result, the action of the plot was not engaging or dynamic. And the final revelation was flat - and expected.
I had been eagerly waiting for this one, but was a tad disappointed. Maybe the next one.
October 7, 2011
This is a fine adventure amongst the NY Chinese art community as Lydia, Bill, and a new affiliated PI take on bad guys from all directions by pulling off multiple ingenious scams (all in the interest of "the truth").
Rozan is in fine form w/ Lydia, et al in wisecracking glory in English and Chinese.
After having some reservations w/ the last book (happy to discuss elsewhere) this one really is a gem.
Rozan is in fine form w/ Lydia, et al in wisecracking glory in English and Chinese.
After having some reservations w/ the last book (happy to discuss elsewhere) this one really is a gem.
March 12, 2016
I liked this book--it was a nice step up from the previous one, and back to the Lydia and Bill that I know. Some really great mother moments, and I really like the inclusion of a new friend, Jack. I had some quibbles, but the chief one is that this is the last in the series, and it came out in 2012. I thought there might be a wrap-up, once I saw this, but no, it is as if life will continue. Of course I am going to ask Rozan about this tomorrow.
April 8, 2021
The storyline was confusing. Near the end the plot twists saved the day, and my sanity. However, the reader, screeches in reading. Do they not understand the term headphones?
January 11, 2014
This is one of my all-time favorite mystery series. Having said that, this was not my favorite installment, although it was a very good read. What was frustrating to me about this one was that the romantic/emotional/sexual tension that has always been present between the MCs was almost completely dropped out, leaving a drier-feeling mystery.
In the last book, Bill Smith went through a highly emotional experience . Presumably Lydia did too. Although I really missed their interactions and banter in that book because they were separated through all of it, (and rated it 3 stars), I was very optimistic for the way the fallout would play out in this book, as they worked through the minefield of relationship issues in its wake. Instead it nearly vanished off the table.
Now, I know that Lydia is always the one backing away and making very light of their relationship, other than on the professional level. So installments written from her POV, like this one, have to be read between the lines. I expected surface denial, and a strong effort at back-to-normal, with underlying tension of both caring about Bill and some personal issues from having that traumatic experience herself. Instead, those were both conspicuous by their absence. Once, we did get Bill clearly worried about being shut out completely, back to square one, and Lydia pretended to not even recognize that. Two sentences, in the whole book, that hit at the underlying tension. Even their banter was a bit subdued, although there were some funny lines.
Otherwise, this was a nicely complex story, with a new and appealing character who will potentially up the tension in Bill's next POV. I didn't guess the denouement until quite close to the end, and I loved some of the cons they ran to get there. Fun as a straight-up mystery, but frustrating for people who read this series for Bill and Lydia together.
In the last book, Bill Smith went through a highly emotional experience . Presumably Lydia did too. Although I really missed their interactions and banter in that book because they were separated through all of it, (and rated it 3 stars), I was very optimistic for the way the fallout would play out in this book, as they worked through the minefield of relationship issues in its wake. Instead it nearly vanished off the table.
Now, I know that Lydia is always the one backing away and making very light of their relationship, other than on the professional level. So installments written from her POV, like this one, have to be read between the lines. I expected surface denial, and a strong effort at back-to-normal, with underlying tension of both caring about Bill and some personal issues from having that traumatic experience herself. Instead, those were both conspicuous by their absence. Once, we did get Bill clearly worried about being shut out completely, back to square one, and Lydia pretended to not even recognize that. Two sentences, in the whole book, that hit at the underlying tension. Even their banter was a bit subdued, although there were some funny lines.
Otherwise, this was a nicely complex story, with a new and appealing character who will potentially up the tension in Bill's next POV. I didn't guess the denouement until quite close to the end, and I loved some of the cons they ran to get there. Fun as a straight-up mystery, but frustrating for people who read this series for Bill and Lydia together.
October 2, 2011
S. J. Rozan is on my "must read ASAP" list, and Ghost Hero shows why.
Lydia Chin and Bill Smith are hired to discover information about possible new paintings from an artist who was thought to have died at Tienanmen Square.
Of course, the expected plot complications follow, with strands all over NYC and even extending into the PRC. As usual Rozan introduces interesting side characters. Linus plays a part, as does Mama. Jack, however, provides some interesting future plot possibilities (despite liking martinis.)
You can, if you want, start this series with this book. But I can all but guarantee that you will want to go back and read all of Ms Rozan's backlist.
Lydia Chin and Bill Smith are hired to discover information about possible new paintings from an artist who was thought to have died at Tienanmen Square.
Of course, the expected plot complications follow, with strands all over NYC and even extending into the PRC. As usual Rozan introduces interesting side characters. Linus plays a part, as does Mama. Jack, however, provides some interesting future plot possibilities (despite liking martinis.)
You can, if you want, start this series with this book. But I can all but guarantee that you will want to go back and read all of Ms Rozan's backlist.
November 20, 2011
I love Bill & Lydia, it was great to hear their dialog again. I like Jack and hope to see more of him soon (hint hint, don't make us wait so long between books!) ;) That said, the plot of the book wasn't quite as compelling as The Shanghai Moon, but a very satisfying ending fulfilled my expectations.
February 15, 2012
I always enjoy time spent with Lydia and Bill and liked the introduction of newcomer, Jack. For me, the story-lines in this series have become less compelling, but I continue to love the characters and the writing.
January 21, 2012
Much better than the previous book in the series. A quick, light read and while I did have a couple of problems with the plotting I really enjoyed having both Bill and Lydia working together and on the same page.
August 13, 2012
Lydia and Bill is hired to identify the culprit who is trying to pass off fake paintings to the public.
Emily Woo Zeller was not the voice of the characters.
Emily Woo Zeller was not the voice of the characters.
August 1, 2016
Loved it. But now i'll have to read the other ten in the series and so the pile of tbr has increased again.
January 16, 2018
"If you stir the water vigorously enough, [...] you can drag mud up from the bottom. In all that swirling, muddy water, a lot of things might be able to escape."
(Lydia Chin concocting a Chinese saying)
Ghost Hero (2011) is the eleventh book by S.J. Rozan that I am reviewing on Goodreads. Certainly not among the better ones, although the historical background of the Tiananmen Square bloody events of 1989 gives the novel some weight and significance. I would rate the novel somewhere below the average for the author, far from the class of Stone Quarry or Winter and Night but luckily not as bad as the atrocious On the Line .
This is a Lydia Chin novel, which is a good thing because she makes a much more interesting protagonist than the amorphous and painfully clichéd Bill Smith. We meet Lydia as she talks to her client about new paintings of Chau Chun - known as Ghost Hero Chau - that have emerged in New York. Since it is believed that Mr. Chau was killed during the Tiananmen Square massacre the works must be fakes. Unless Mr. Chau is in fact alive.
The complications in the plot multiply fast. Mr. Chau's paintings were political in nature thus their sudden appearance may have been a result of some major political forces in action, possibly connected to anti-Chinese-government movement. Chinese gangs' involvement is another possibility. The plot complexity increases even more rapidly when Lydia learns that yet another private detective with Chinese roots, Jack Lee, is working the same case of Mr. Chau's paintings, but for a different client. And, ironically, while one client would love the paintings to be authentic, the other wants them to be fakes.
The setup of the novel is indeed very promising and the plot keeps the reader's attention up to quite late in the novel. There are too many twists towards the end, though, including a major one in the denouement. Ms Rozan seems to be following a clichéd template for a best-selling mystery novel: twist the plot so much that the reader is not able to see how implausible the whole thing becomes.
Yet again the reader has to suffer through the tired cliché of young genius hackers - Linus and Trella from On the Line appear again. I suspect that Ms. Rozan who is unfortunately rather close to my age is trying to pander to the "young adult audience," thus losing the mature readers. Even worse, though, we are served gross silliness when Mr. Smith affects a cheap Russian (Rooshin) accent, pretends to be Vladimir Oblomov, and manages to fool supposedly smart businessmen, or when Mr. Lee alters his appearance via make-up and ethnic clothing to impersonate an academic from the Central University at Hohhot in Inner Mongolia. So lame!
To be fair, I am happy to note that for once guns do not play a prominent role in the plot; alas the avalanche of twists and clichés almost completely cancels out the improvement.
Two and a half stars.
(Lydia Chin concocting a Chinese saying)
Ghost Hero (2011) is the eleventh book by S.J. Rozan that I am reviewing on Goodreads. Certainly not among the better ones, although the historical background of the Tiananmen Square bloody events of 1989 gives the novel some weight and significance. I would rate the novel somewhere below the average for the author, far from the class of Stone Quarry or Winter and Night but luckily not as bad as the atrocious On the Line .
This is a Lydia Chin novel, which is a good thing because she makes a much more interesting protagonist than the amorphous and painfully clichéd Bill Smith. We meet Lydia as she talks to her client about new paintings of Chau Chun - known as Ghost Hero Chau - that have emerged in New York. Since it is believed that Mr. Chau was killed during the Tiananmen Square massacre the works must be fakes. Unless Mr. Chau is in fact alive.
The complications in the plot multiply fast. Mr. Chau's paintings were political in nature thus their sudden appearance may have been a result of some major political forces in action, possibly connected to anti-Chinese-government movement. Chinese gangs' involvement is another possibility. The plot complexity increases even more rapidly when Lydia learns that yet another private detective with Chinese roots, Jack Lee, is working the same case of Mr. Chau's paintings, but for a different client. And, ironically, while one client would love the paintings to be authentic, the other wants them to be fakes.
The setup of the novel is indeed very promising and the plot keeps the reader's attention up to quite late in the novel. There are too many twists towards the end, though, including a major one in the denouement. Ms Rozan seems to be following a clichéd template for a best-selling mystery novel: twist the plot so much that the reader is not able to see how implausible the whole thing becomes.
Yet again the reader has to suffer through the tired cliché of young genius hackers - Linus and Trella from On the Line appear again. I suspect that Ms. Rozan who is unfortunately rather close to my age is trying to pander to the "young adult audience," thus losing the mature readers. Even worse, though, we are served gross silliness when Mr. Smith affects a cheap Russian (Rooshin) accent, pretends to be Vladimir Oblomov, and manages to fool supposedly smart businessmen, or when Mr. Lee alters his appearance via make-up and ethnic clothing to impersonate an academic from the Central University at Hohhot in Inner Mongolia. So lame!
To be fair, I am happy to note that for once guns do not play a prominent role in the plot; alas the avalanche of twists and clichés almost completely cancels out the improvement.
Two and a half stars.
August 1, 2025
I picked this audio book up from the library more or less at random intrigued by the premise of new art work from an artist thought dead investigated by a female Chinese private investigator.
For the most part, I found this novel engaging. However, two things bumped it from a 4 star to a 3 star. One was that early on, there was a heavy emphasis on and defensiveness about the main character, Lydia's ethnicity. And now realizing that this is #11 in a series, I can only imagine that the chip on her shoulder all the books. I get it, I do, truly, in reverse: I taught English in Japan for 3 years and got a taste of the r word in very odd ways--subtle and obnoxious from "Oh," giggles, "You use chopsticks very well." Giggles. To no chance of renting a place and being driven out of a real estate office.
So yeah, okay, I get she's touchy about it, but it was loud and a bit of a turnoff for me.
Lydia is a very competent investigator. In this novel, she forms a team to unravel the mystery of the "new" paintings. This involves mobsters and governmental agencies. Despite high stakes and dangers, I just didn't get a sense of fear or doubt either for personal risk or for failure. Two of her helpers use disguises. Now, personally, if I were going up against the mob or governments, I'd be scared silly that the disguise would fail and I'd be exposed. This didn't seem to be on the line. It felt a bit Scooby Doo, in fact. Put on lots of bling, fake a Russian accent, all good. Who'd guess?
Yeah...maybe not...
Did I enjoy listening to the book while driving? Did it help to pass the time? Yes.
Would I listen to another one on another road trip? Maybe. From the library.
Would I rush out to find another book in this series? No.
For the most part, I found this novel engaging. However, two things bumped it from a 4 star to a 3 star. One was that early on, there was a heavy emphasis on and defensiveness about the main character, Lydia's ethnicity. And now realizing that this is #11 in a series, I can only imagine that the chip on her shoulder all the books. I get it, I do, truly, in reverse: I taught English in Japan for 3 years and got a taste of the r word in very odd ways--subtle and obnoxious from "Oh," giggles, "You use chopsticks very well." Giggles. To no chance of renting a place and being driven out of a real estate office.
So yeah, okay, I get she's touchy about it, but it was loud and a bit of a turnoff for me.
Lydia is a very competent investigator. In this novel, she forms a team to unravel the mystery of the "new" paintings. This involves mobsters and governmental agencies. Despite high stakes and dangers, I just didn't get a sense of fear or doubt either for personal risk or for failure. Two of her helpers use disguises. Now, personally, if I were going up against the mob or governments, I'd be scared silly that the disguise would fail and I'd be exposed. This didn't seem to be on the line. It felt a bit Scooby Doo, in fact. Put on lots of bling, fake a Russian accent, all good. Who'd guess?
Yeah...maybe not...
Did I enjoy listening to the book while driving? Did it help to pass the time? Yes.
Would I listen to another one on another road trip? Maybe. From the library.
Would I rush out to find another book in this series? No.
August 12, 2018
This is number eleven in the Lydia Chin/Bill Smith series about a private detective team based in New York. They are both smart, funny, and capable of amazing ad libs when confronted with unplanned situations. The books alternate narrators between Chin and Smith. This volume is narrated by Lydia Chin.
This is a very relaxed detective story, with little physical violence and just an occasional gunshot or two. The mystery centers on contemporary Chinese paintings - but just exactly how contemporary? The artist reportedly died in Tiananmen Square during the 1989 political protests. But now there are rumors of valuable paintings by the artist surfacing. It seems like everyone wants the paintings but nobody knows where to look. Are they real and, if so, are they just coming to light, or are they new?
There is more broad humor than in most of the series. Bill pretends to be a Russian gangster, an imitation that convinces everybody despite Bill's occasional slide into Jewish dialect humor:
"No, boychik. Vat you tell me, eet's our leetle secret. Dah?"
Also, a new character joins Lydia and Bill, another Chinese-American detective, young, male, bright, and handsome, and instant competition for Bill in his continuing efforts to advance his relationship with Lydia.
The material about Chinese art is fascinating. I even enjoyed the descriptions of the work of Pang Ping-Pong:
The paintings all offered clichéd - or, I suppose, iconic depending on your point of view - images of China. Tiered pagodas, terraced rice fields, moon-gated gardens, the slithering Great Wall. Busy folks swarmed everywhere, numerous as insects. Another icon/cliché: the vast industrious Chinese masses. Only when I looked closely I saw these weren't people. They were American cartoon characters. Mickey Mouse in his white gloves, harvesting rice. Donald Duck, along with Daisy, Huey, Dewey, Louie, and an army of shirted and pantless water birds strolled the wall. Yosemite Sam inspected the terra-cotta warriors. Outside the Temple of Heaven the Simpsons posed for a family photograph.
Said Bill the pseudo-Russian, "Thees ees crep."
A light, funny story with a fine ending.
This is a very relaxed detective story, with little physical violence and just an occasional gunshot or two. The mystery centers on contemporary Chinese paintings - but just exactly how contemporary? The artist reportedly died in Tiananmen Square during the 1989 political protests. But now there are rumors of valuable paintings by the artist surfacing. It seems like everyone wants the paintings but nobody knows where to look. Are they real and, if so, are they just coming to light, or are they new?
There is more broad humor than in most of the series. Bill pretends to be a Russian gangster, an imitation that convinces everybody despite Bill's occasional slide into Jewish dialect humor:
"No, boychik. Vat you tell me, eet's our leetle secret. Dah?"
Also, a new character joins Lydia and Bill, another Chinese-American detective, young, male, bright, and handsome, and instant competition for Bill in his continuing efforts to advance his relationship with Lydia.
The material about Chinese art is fascinating. I even enjoyed the descriptions of the work of Pang Ping-Pong:
The paintings all offered clichéd - or, I suppose, iconic depending on your point of view - images of China. Tiered pagodas, terraced rice fields, moon-gated gardens, the slithering Great Wall. Busy folks swarmed everywhere, numerous as insects. Another icon/cliché: the vast industrious Chinese masses. Only when I looked closely I saw these weren't people. They were American cartoon characters. Mickey Mouse in his white gloves, harvesting rice. Donald Duck, along with Daisy, Huey, Dewey, Louie, and an army of shirted and pantless water birds strolled the wall. Yosemite Sam inspected the terra-cotta warriors. Outside the Temple of Heaven the Simpsons posed for a family photograph.
Said Bill the pseudo-Russian, "Thees ees crep."
A light, funny story with a fine ending.
March 3, 2024
This has been a magnificent series up to now, and there are additional books that I’ll read. The author writes well enough, but I don’t care at all about art theft or forgery. That’s what this is about, and it’s all about Chinese art, which leaves me even more stultified and remorselessly uncaring.
Three new paintings are available from a famous Chinese dissident and artist. That’s great news, right? Well, yeah, it would be, except the guy died in the Tiananmen Square uprising in 1989. Yet, there are those who passionately insist these are new paintings by the dead guy. It’s up to Chin and Smith to figure this out.
The storyline is more boring than watching figure skating without audio description, trust me. My mind wandered like an unapologetic world traveler throughout the text. It eve felt like the narrator rushed through it to get to her next more interesting project. This was a jaw-popping yawner of the first order, and I finished it only because it’s part of a series, and I want the merit badge that comes with reading all the books in a series if you’re already 11 books in. Fortunately, the earlier books are magnificent, and you should consider any of them to be excellent introductions to this sometimes-humorous, always interesting private investigation duo. If you start the series with this book, you’ll never crack another one in it.
Three new paintings are available from a famous Chinese dissident and artist. That’s great news, right? Well, yeah, it would be, except the guy died in the Tiananmen Square uprising in 1989. Yet, there are those who passionately insist these are new paintings by the dead guy. It’s up to Chin and Smith to figure this out.
The storyline is more boring than watching figure skating without audio description, trust me. My mind wandered like an unapologetic world traveler throughout the text. It eve felt like the narrator rushed through it to get to her next more interesting project. This was a jaw-popping yawner of the first order, and I finished it only because it’s part of a series, and I want the merit badge that comes with reading all the books in a series if you’re already 11 books in. Fortunately, the earlier books are magnificent, and you should consider any of them to be excellent introductions to this sometimes-humorous, always interesting private investigation duo. If you start the series with this book, you’ll never crack another one in it.
November 2, 2022
It's probably a mistake to start reading a new author with a book that's far along in a series. Yes, each volume has to stand alone for unwary readers like me but it's clear from other comments and from my own experience with other series (e.g. Outlander) that multi-book background enriches recurring characters, makes one know and care for them in a way that can't be matched in a single book.
For this first time reader, neither Lydia nor Bill were charismatic and their relationship was meh. Maybe they grow on you in ten? books. Jack was livelier but it appears he now makes a "like" triangle whose other two points are soporific.
The combination of Chinese art and family culture is still a relatively fresh setting in North America. The phoney money-chasing streak running through the art world is well presented. Kudos to the author for daring to show Chinese racism toward whites in the older character of Lydia's mother.
To make up my mind whether I want to spend more time with this author and her mysteries, I will read an earlier book in the series. Does anyone have a recommendation?
For this first time reader, neither Lydia nor Bill were charismatic and their relationship was meh. Maybe they grow on you in ten? books. Jack was livelier but it appears he now makes a "like" triangle whose other two points are soporific.
The combination of Chinese art and family culture is still a relatively fresh setting in North America. The phoney money-chasing streak running through the art world is well presented. Kudos to the author for daring to show Chinese racism toward whites in the older character of Lydia's mother.
To make up my mind whether I want to spend more time with this author and her mysteries, I will read an earlier book in the series. Does anyone have a recommendation?
August 29, 2020
This book was sooooo good that it made up for how bad On the Line was. It's definitely very light in tone and has more of a sense of humor than the other books, but it all works with the tone of the story. It was cool to have a mystery with no murders or anything, just a good old-fashioned art mystery. I will say, though, it was great to learn more about the Tiananmen Square protests. I think that's where the book was most serious at.
I really loved Bill's running thing with his Russian mobster alias. Like that's the kind of thing we'd only see him do in Lydia's perspective. He's too busy brooding and being destructive in his own books to loosen up and do fun P.I. shit.
Also I really love Jack Lee! He, Lydia, and Bill make an excellent team and I like that both Bill and Jack are both smitten with Lydia but the three of them are still good friends. Like neither of them are territorial or anything. I'd read a whole series with the three of them vibing around Chinatown.
I really loved Bill's running thing with his Russian mobster alias. Like that's the kind of thing we'd only see him do in Lydia's perspective. He's too busy brooding and being destructive in his own books to loosen up and do fun P.I. shit.
Also I really love Jack Lee! He, Lydia, and Bill make an excellent team and I like that both Bill and Jack are both smitten with Lydia but the three of them are still good friends. Like neither of them are territorial or anything. I'd read a whole series with the three of them vibing around Chinatown.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 10, 2017
This was my introduction to Lydia Chin and Bill Smith, as they worked their eleventh documented case. And as is common when an outsider becomes privy to the conversation of a well-established duo, following their banter was initially confusing, but as I got to know them better I learned to enjoy their friendly sparring.
Keeping track of the players in this mystery – with all their alternate identities and motivations – challenged my ability to comprehend the action and final resolution. My habit of keeping reading notes proved valuable.
I believe that if I’d read this book when it first came out, it would have had more impact. In terms of geopolitical posturing, the influence of organized crime, and the secrets of those in power, current real-world developments and suspicions have almost made the issues that surfaced in this case seem insignificant. Oh, the good old days...
Keeping track of the players in this mystery – with all their alternate identities and motivations – challenged my ability to comprehend the action and final resolution. My habit of keeping reading notes proved valuable.
I believe that if I’d read this book when it first came out, it would have had more impact. In terms of geopolitical posturing, the influence of organized crime, and the secrets of those in power, current real-world developments and suspicions have almost made the issues that surfaced in this case seem insignificant. Oh, the good old days...
June 3, 2017
Ghost Hero by S.J. Rozan is a crime private investigator fiction. Lydia Chin is Chinese-Amerian and her partner, Bill Smith is not. They live and work in the New York area.
Ghost Hero revolves around Chinese art and the painters' world, and long lost art from the days of the Tiananmen Square protests.
The characters and places are authentic feeling and the author does take characters out of their comfort zones.
If you love crime detective stories, I highly recommend Ghost Hero to get you started in the Lydia Chin and Bill Smith series by S.J. Rozan.
Ghost Hero revolves around Chinese art and the painters' world, and long lost art from the days of the Tiananmen Square protests.
The characters and places are authentic feeling and the author does take characters out of their comfort zones.
If you love crime detective stories, I highly recommend Ghost Hero to get you started in the Lydia Chin and Bill Smith series by S.J. Rozan.
August 22, 2018
I really enjoyed this book, and I used an AudioGO. I really enjoyed the story. Very different from the ones I have listened to in the past. Takes place in NYC and has intrigue and excitement. And....a surprise at the end! The story was excellent. As I said Emily Woo Zeller did a fantastic job on the performing but in the beginning she spoke so fast and at the end I found she again spoke very fast. The accents were great. The story was fun. All together, definitely, I will be listening to more!
January 13, 2019
what a great read! I've read Winter and Night and wanted to sample a Lydia Chin book. Much less backstory and family drama. Rozan knows NYC Chinatown culture, mannerisms, and food. I appreciate the accuracy of her setting. Jack is an interesting new character. Her treatment of contemporary Chinese art is fascinating. I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to Lydia and Bill's trip south to Mississippi.
May 11, 2019
This book reminded me of the film Chan is Missing. Both the book and the film's plot center around for a Chinese person who never appears. The missing artist in the book Ghost Hero Chun is the Tupac of contemporary Chinese art. He is supposed to be dead but there are rumors of new paintings turning up, so the search continues. There is witty dialogue but not enough to keep my interest in a dragging plot line about a dead artist.
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