The Fury of Beijing

Ava Lee #16

by Ian Hamilton

AVA LEE IS OUT FOR REVENGE IN THE LATEST—AND FINAL—INSTALLMENT IN IAN HAMILTON’S BESTSELLING THRILLER SERIES

Still reeling from the brutal murder of her close associates, Lau Lau and Chen, Ava Lee embarks on a quest for revenge that takes her from Toronto to Los Angeles to Beijing. Along the way, Ava is aided by some familiar faces and old comrades-in-arms, including Sonny Kwon, Jimmy Li, Lop, and Xu, the mountain master of Shanghai.

The search leads first to Ava’s old opponent, Mo, the chairman of the China Movie Syndicate, and then to a shadowy figure at the very top of the Chinese Security Service—the man who gave the order to kill her friends. Events reach a deadly climax in front of the Tianqiao Theatre in Beijing, but exacting her revenge is only half the battle—getting out of China alive is another matter entirely…

Genres: Thriller, Mystery

360 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 9, 2024

About the author

Ian Hamilton has been a journalist, a senior executive with the federal government, a diplomat, and a businessman with international links. He has written for several magazines and newspapers in Canada and the U.S., including Maclean's, Boston Magazine, Saturday Night, Regina Leader Post, Calgary Albertan, and the Calgary Herald. His nonfiction book, The Children's Crusade, was a Canadian Book of the Month Club selection.

Reviews

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

★★★★★


A satisfying and fun dive back into Ava's world!

This is the 16th book in the Ava Lee series and I can not give it anything less than 5 stars. Ava is one of my all time favourite fictional characters and this is one of the few series that I pre-order without a second thought. I find it difficult to categorize the genre as there's typically a mystery to untangle and certainly the action can be thrilling at times, but I think of these books as a chess match with Ava as the grand master. She is a master strategist and this book, like all in the series, goes into detail about how Ava plans and then executes those plans to get her desired result.

This installment has Ava out to avenge the assassination of her colleagues and friends, Chen and Lau Lau. While many books in the series allow us a glimpse of Chinese culture, Chinese-Canadian culture and the way business is done in China and other parts of Asia, this is only the second book in the series (that I remember) where the politics of China play such a key part. Chen and Lau Lau are assassinated because they made a film about the military action in Tiananmen Square which took place in 1989 - an event the Chinese government has "rewritten" in their history and not one that they want talked about or portrayed publicly. Ava vows to avenge their deaths but doing so will put her firmly in the sights of the China Movie Syndicate and the Chinese Security Service.

This may not be the series for you if you like lots of non stop action or punchy dialogue. There are moments of that, but each of the books in the series spends a lot of time on description. As an example, Ava is a foodie so there are lots of lovely descriptions of food. Here is one of my favourites from The Fury of Beijing: An Ava Lee Novel: The Triad Years:

"Her memory of it the last time she ate in the canteen was that it was some of the best she'd ever had, but rating hot and sour soup was tricky because not only did it vary from restaurant to restaurant, but even the same restaurant's recipe could change from day to day. In this case - as she looked down at the maroon surface with chili oil shimmering on top - it looked exactly as she remembered. She took her first spoonful and extracted broth, a sliver of duck meat, fungi, and a small translucent shrimp. She tasted it and smiled. It had an initial sweetness that gave way to a light hint of vinegar, and then the chili kicked in. She ate slowly, her spoon also discovering wood mushrooms, green pepper, scallops and a slice of chicken."

This story, like the others in the series, is definitely a slow burn. The pacing is fantastic and I found myself wanting to know what the next step in the plan was going to be. There is nothing flowery in the author's writing but his characters are compelling and I couldn't help but stay up late reading this one.

One thing that I want to call out about the series is that Ava is a lesbian Chinese-Canadian woman written by a cis white Canadian man. As I am neither Chinese-Canadian nor lesbian, I can not comment on the accuracy of the representation. What I can say is that I find the character of Ava - and the adventures she has - compelling reading. I'm sorry to hear that this may be the last of the series as I will miss Ava Lee!

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

FAFO. That’s what happens to people who mess with Ava Lee. She’s an avenging angel and cold stone killer. This is it too. No more Ava Lee novels. A sad day for this reader.

[Tim Wong · Rating 3 out of 5]

An enjoyable read but disappointing as the last Ava Lee story. I had trepidations based on how the last book ended and where it could go from there. I understand the story and why it went here and I thought it was true to the character. I just did not like it as a finale. Primary characters throughout the series like Xu, May and Amanda had no role whatsoever. Even Sonny was given short shrift in the grand scheme of things.

I am sorry to see this series end. It has been my favourite since I read the first one and was something I looked forward to each year. I look forward to what Ian Hamilton does next.

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disappointing last book in amazing series

[Wanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

This series is a book that holds a nostalgic factor on me. Every January, it had become a tradition for me to finish the book all in one go once it comes out. As always, I did. I was anticipating this installment because I expected a lot of action.

It was … strangely disappointing. It felt like Ava never felt any danger at any point. If this was the end of the series, I wish there was a bigger conflict point that would have led her to the same conclusion. Yes, I understand the severity of the consequences but it felt less action packed than the series deserved. If anything, at least we should’ve gotten a callback to the bigger people she had met over the years to emphasize her journey. I felt a little robbed of the emotional release.

[Jennifer S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Last in the series. Ava is out for revenge after Lau Lau and Chen were murdered after their Tianenmen movie was nominated for multiple Oscars. With the help of triad strongmen, she starts to trace who ordered the murders and make sure there are consequences for those involved. No real tension, but Ava succeeds as usual and is ready to settle down to a less adventurous life ... :series end....

Will miss Ava.

[Bob Webb · Rating 2 out of 5]

Character and author are tired. Plot plods its way forward and reaches its predictable conclusion.

[Brian Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ava Lee is out to avenge the killing of her close friends by Chinese authorities because of them having made a movie critical of the Tiananmen Square affair. Ava, with her usual determination and organization, along with her contacts in the Triads, concocts a bold plan to deal with the individuals who ordered the killings. It's a suspenseful and chilling story that ends with Ava enduring a harrowing escape from China. The story-telling moves briskly as Ava and her allies move from place to place: Taiwan, Los Angeles, Beijing, and even Toronto. This is one of Ava's trickiest capers.

There's plenty of insight in the story about China and its perception of itself in the world. Readers get a close look inside present day China too.

This is the 16th book in the series, but I think it can be read as a standalone. Despite that, reading earlier entries in the series might provide an appreciation of the cast of characters.

The author has written in his Acknowledgements at the end of the book that this "is probably the last book in the Ava Lee series". I hope that is not the case, and am encouraged by him saying that he intends to keep writing.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most likely, hints the author, the last Ava Lee book. And that's okay as Hamilton neatly ties up storyline threads spun in previous books in this series along with gathering a team of Xu, Sonny, Lop, and Jimmy Li to help Ava get revenge on those that had murdered Chen and Lau Lau, book 15. This is a killer team and that's precisely the plot of The Fury of Beijing. Calculated, precise, and topical: Chinese Security Service can off you for looking the wrong way in Ava's world and it is this agency that was behind having the two film men who produced and directed Tiananmen, the film Fai Pang starred in, a film up for an Academy Award but now retracted and withdrawn on their say-so. They must be held accountable. Ava and the team orchestrate a fantastic takedown at Tianqiao Theatre in Beijing, the climax of events unfolded in pages previous. This is a shocker, a tense read but one with a fitting ending.

[Sandra Lockhart · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Fury of Beijing is the 16th Ava Lee novel by Ian Hamilton. I started reading the Ava Lee books in 2013 and was sad to read that this will probably be the last book in the series. Ava and her partners produced a movie about Tiananmen Square and it received the highest award at the Cannes International Film Festival--all of this happened in the last novel. At the end of that novel the director and agent are shot after a celebration when the film and its principals were nominated for Academy Awards. Ava and her partner are devastated and it is their wish to find who is responsible-that is what Ava starts working on. She returns to China with a plan after getting information from the local people in California. There is much action in this book like the others in the series. I was an avid fan of all the books in this series.

[Volare · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book but it just seemed to be a laundry list of Ava's revenge for the killings of her friends. I was sad to read this is probably the last in the Ava Lee stories, but I could see another one in a few years...I mean, won't she have to go to Asia when her father passes away?

I agree with one of the reviewers that characters that we've come to appreciate such as Xu, May Ling, Amanda, and Sonny were given short shrift.

The story was almost too perfect, with all of Ava's plans succeeding and I found that difficult to believe and kept waiting for her to be arrested at one of her stops on her way home, so there was a little bit of tension/suspense, but very little.

[Rocklee · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Ava Lee series has been fabulous and I have enjoyed every book - plus all the Uncle books. While I enjoyed #16, I found the usually unflappable Ava to be a chatter box, sharing details of her plans to one person after another. The core murder of killing Chen and Lau Lau was facilitated with the use of a mobile phone to closely track and monitor the two men. Meanwhile incriminating plans are blithely discussed by Ava on the phone.

But, maybe I'm just upset this is the last (maybe not? - she asks hopefully??) story of Ava. And, it stresses me that she has no plans to see her father in Hong Kong.

[Skip · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sadly, the end of an excellent series. Ava Lee is out to avenge the killing of her close friends (Lau Lau and Chen) by Chinese authorities because they directed and produced (respectively) a movie critical of the Tiananmen Square massacre. Ava plans out retribution for the individuals who ordered the murders, calling in favors with her contacts in the Triads. First, she goes after her nemesis Mo from the movie world, but then goes after the man pulling the strings: an elusive leader of the Security Service, once again putting herself at grave risk so she can return to a peaceful life with her lover.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book picks up shortly after the tragic events of the previous book when the screenwriter/director and producer of the movie Tiananmin were assassinated. Ava Lee is determined to find out who order the hit and to seek revenge on behalf of her lover Fai, who starred in the film and her close friend Silvana, who was also in the film. Seeking help from her Triad relationships, she gradually uncovers who ordered the hit. Another great book in this series. If this is really the last Ava Lee book, I will miss her.

[James · Rating 1 out of 5]

Hopefully this series is done. Hamilton has parlayed this much further than it should have gone. Far too many brand promotions included in each book were annoying. Fanciful plot and The target lesbian audience must have gone giddy as more and more men were beaten up and/or done away with.

For those with interest Google Stratemeyer Syndicate and you will likely see what the inspiration of the series came from....none other than the Hardy Boys, Nancy Drew, and other series. Hamilton turned it into something that more closely fits modern day Canada.

[Kevin Vrieze · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful addition to the Ava Lee series. Great story line. For all the mickey spillane/Clint essteood/James bond overtones early on it has a great plot. Ava goes for justice in a world where it would be impossible. All things considered, it would take some very interesting developments to come up with a next volume for Ava. Still, it's a very satisfying story and conclusion. Great read! Highly recommended!

[Susan Ovans · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've devoured each Ava Lee novel, captivated by this dynamic woman, her friends and family, her singular and sometimes sinister client base, and the far-flung venues Ava jets off to at a moment's notice. Since The Fury of Beijing was dubbed "the finale" of the series, I expected more... drama? action? emotion? I don't know what, exactly, but I found the final novel flat. And that's something I never could have anticipated from Ava Lee.

[Douglas Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved this series so much, but was disappointed by the previous entry. This one, though, which is sadly supposed to be the last in the Ava Lee series, returns to top form, with Ava taking on a most dangerous opponent and inserting herself into danger as she fights to avenge the murder of two friends. I will greatly miss looking forward to the next instalment in this series, and hope that Hamilton will add another tale sometime in the future.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the last of the Ava Lee series Hamilton creates plenty of opportunities to kill Lee off. Out of boredom during the Pandemic I.wrote my own final Ava Lee volume based on clues. It was fun comparing. Hamilton is the better writer but no submarine trips bt Taiwan and China? No pandemic obstacles? And that goody two shoes ending? Cut it out. I guess he really likes her.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am so sad to read that this is likely to be the last Ava Lee book. However, it is also a logical step in the sequence of events in Ava's life. It does feel a bit like saying goodbye to an old friend though, knowing you'll never see them again. I very much looked forward to each January, knowing there was a next book in the series coming out.

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am devastated that this is the last of the Ava Lee series. I have read every book. Ave Lee is one ass-kicking female who lets nothing stand in her way. From debt collecting to involving her self in new enterprises and now films, she has done everything she’s involved in with respect and forethought. I will miss you Ava Lee who lives in Toronto no less.

[Vontel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always rather timely books of suspense & thrills. I'm pleased to read at the end that the author says there is a possibility of at least one more Ava Lee book, although this was originally listed as the 'last book in the series'. Hamilton is writing a different book at the moment, which I will also look forward to reading.

[Loriepaddock · Rating 5 out of 5]

This (might be), the final in the Ava Lee series was as enjoyable as all the others and I can only hope that Ian Hamilton finds a reason to incorporate some Ava in his next book! Or Uncle, or Xu or Fai, Lop, Sonny, Jimmy...there've been so many great characters with their own storylines! Thank you for the hours of fun reading, Mr. Hamilton, and I'll be reading whatever comes next!

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's hard to suspend disbelief that one could arrange an assassination in a tightly controlled surveillance state, which is exactly the plot here. I had the feeling that events had gotten ahead of the author, making it hard to craft a believable caper. It wasn't a very satisfying conclusion to the series, but it did wrap up most of the loose ends.

[Petra Willemse · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have enjoyed this series but I found as it went on that it was increasingly difficult to accept a Western man writing with an Asian female as his lead. It isn’t that he can’t, but it just felt increasingly stretched as the books expanded. I also hated that this book is just focused on revenge. It felt challenging for me to accept the motives.

[Zeke Zimonick · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book felt like the end of the series, which is not a bad thing, but not necessarily a good thing. Ava accomplishes her goals, punishes those that deserve punishment, and has a (mostly) happy ending. Still an okay story but I miss the magic of the Ava/Uncle relationship.

[Kip · Rating 2 out of 5]

Farewell to a series I've really enjoyed over the years. Happy to have had so many books of Ava Lee to devour, but sometimes there can be too much of a good thing. The series has changed over time, and it just isn't quite the same (though still beloved).

[Doreen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Farewell Ava… i missed you back when you were a debt collector. A shadow investor and a domestic life doesn’t suit you, so please make a comeback as a debt collector from time to time at another series.

[Ernie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m sorry, but not surprised, that this series has reached a conclusion. Being a Toronto reader, with a love of History and political intrigue, I’ve really enjoyed following Ava around the world in first class. I’d especially enjoy reading comments by readers of Chinese ancestry.

[August Bourré · Rating 3 out of 5]

Probably the only way the series could have ended with any sort of satisfaction, but there was zero sense of risk through the whole thing.