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Dan Sharp Mystery #3
THE JADE BUTTERFLY (Dan Sharp Mysteries) by JEFFREY ROUND (7-Feb-2015) Paperback
Excellent Book
Paperback
First published January 19, 2015
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61 people want to read
About the author
Jeffrey Round
26 books100 followersJeffrey Round is best known as the Lambda Award-winning author of two mystery series, the gritty DAN SHARP books, and the comic BRADFORD FAIRFAX books. He is also an award-winning filmmaker, television producer and song-writer.
SHADOW PUPPET, sixth in the Dan Sharp series, was published in 2019. Margaret Cannon of the Globe and Mail said, "...this is as good a whodunit as we will see this year." (26/4/19)
BON TON ROULET, fourth in the Bradford Fairfax mystery series, was published in 2017. In 2018, Jeffrey was invited by the William Faulkner Society to read from this book, along with mayor Mitch Landrieu and others, at the 300th anniversary of the founding of New Orleans.
His first novel, A CAGE OF BONES, was published by GMP (UK), topping bestseller lists around the world. The P-TOWN MURDERS, first in the Bradford Fairfax series, was published by the Haworth Press (US). Both titles were listed on AfterElton’s 50 Greatest Gay Books in 2008.
Jeffrey's ENDGAME was called a "brilliant recreation" of Agatha Christie's best-selling mystery AND THEN THERE WERE NONE, giving the original what one critic called a "punk-rock reboot." It was a best-selling e-book in the US in 2016.
SHADOW PUPPET, sixth in the Dan Sharp series, was published in 2019. Margaret Cannon of the Globe and Mail said, "...this is as good a whodunit as we will see this year." (26/4/19)
BON TON ROULET, fourth in the Bradford Fairfax mystery series, was published in 2017. In 2018, Jeffrey was invited by the William Faulkner Society to read from this book, along with mayor Mitch Landrieu and others, at the 300th anniversary of the founding of New Orleans.
His first novel, A CAGE OF BONES, was published by GMP (UK), topping bestseller lists around the world. The P-TOWN MURDERS, first in the Bradford Fairfax series, was published by the Haworth Press (US). Both titles were listed on AfterElton’s 50 Greatest Gay Books in 2008.
Jeffrey's ENDGAME was called a "brilliant recreation" of Agatha Christie's best-selling mystery AND THEN THERE WERE NONE, giving the original what one critic called a "punk-rock reboot." It was a best-selling e-book in the US in 2016.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
November 9, 2018
4,5 stars
I don't remember when a book kept me awake through the night, I couldn't put it down.
I would say, it is my favorite installment that has everything I like: a great mystery, a relationship drama, friends and family in a healthy dose that enrich the story-line, politics (as a hidden statement/author's point of view -I totally agree with), historical insights that inspired me to Google (not that I had no idea about these events, but I LIKE to be reminded of something that made a history), EXCELLENT writing, very compelling and captivating, all in all- simply a good story and a real page turner.
I allow myself though to withdraw a half of the star, because I didn't get all answers at the end.
But I found though The Jade Butterfly so entertaining and extremely good written that I just closed my eyes on some holes in the story-line.
I can't recommend this series highly enough.
I don't remember when a book kept me awake through the night, I couldn't put it down.
I would say, it is my favorite installment that has everything I like: a great mystery, a relationship drama, friends and family in a healthy dose that enrich the story-line, politics (as a hidden statement/author's point of view -I totally agree with), historical insights that inspired me to Google (not that I had no idea about these events, but I LIKE to be reminded of something that made a history), EXCELLENT writing, very compelling and captivating, all in all- simply a good story and a real page turner.
I allow myself though to withdraw a half of the star, because I didn't get all answers at the end.
But I found though The Jade Butterfly so entertaining and extremely good written that I just closed my eyes on some holes in the story-line.
I can't recommend this series highly enough.
February 20, 2016
This is a really solid mystery series!
Book 3 in the series finds Dan trying to locate a client's missing sister. The client is a Chinese diplomat and Dan quickly falls for him only to fall headlong into a tapestry of disparate and mysterious threads.
There is much going on that Dan doesn't understand and as he is drawn deeper into the mystery other interested players emerge, each with their own agenda and it is an agenda that ensnares Dan.
Dan quickly realises that he need to take charge of things and use his knowledge to extricate himself from the schemes of others.
Dan also has to run the gauntlet of changes in his family life and the demands this places on him, as well as recognising his own needs and seeking ways to address these.
I thought this was a good mystery because we get to see Dan being very real and vulnerable as he is unwittingly drawn into something he doesn't fully understand. The reader doesn't understand what is happening either and this means that we discover the truth at the same time as Dan. I enjoyed the way the build up and the way the mystery slowly unfolds without giving anything away.
All the books in this series have been really great to read and although I didn't like this as much as the earlier books I still think it was gripping and a good mystery.
March 26, 2015
After I finished The Jade Butterfly last night, I wasn’t sure how I felt about the book. My experience with it was a mix of ups and downs, but it left me curious to see what the next Dan Sharp mystery will offer.
The Ups:
• The Jade Butterfly is populated by a genuinely multicultural mix of characters. Seeing their interactions and the ways they build community was genuinely enjoyable.
• I love the fact that the central character, Dan Sharp, is both a gay father with primary responsibility for raising a son and a gay man who hasn’t compromised his own sexuality.
• Dan Sharpe’s best friend, Donny, a gay, black man is a well-developed character, and the thoughtful interactions between these two men ring true. The fact that Donny is now raising a former street kid, means we get not one, but two models of gay parenting.
• While the plot is a bit more spy-versus-spy than the type of mystery I typically read, it’s interesting. Most readers will find themselves surprised by the ending.
• I appreciate that the mystery centers around events at Tienanmen square, bringing the impact of that time up to the present day.
The Downs:
• The pacing of the book is uneven. Some scenes rush by quickly, some are drawn out. It’s not clear why the writer made these choices and the fluctuation doesn’t seem to serve a literary purpose.
• The prose gets turgid at points, weighed down in flourishes that detract from the action in the book. It’s as if the writer hasn’t clearly developed his own style, so is relying from time to time on exercises in analogy or structure or…. These sentences serve the purpose of being fancy sentences, but they don’t make a positive addition to the novel’s overall effect.
As I said at the start, I am curious to see where the Dan Sharp character goes. I’m also curious to see some of the secondary characters develop—not just Donny, but also Ked, Dan’s son; Kendra, the mother of Ked, a fiercely independent woman who has created an effective balance for herself between pursuing her own interests and making positive contributions to her son’s life; there’s even an inept government agent who could be developed into an interesting recurring character. If you like watching characters grow across a series, The Jade Butterfly may offer you a satisfying new experience.
The Ups:
• The Jade Butterfly is populated by a genuinely multicultural mix of characters. Seeing their interactions and the ways they build community was genuinely enjoyable.
• I love the fact that the central character, Dan Sharp, is both a gay father with primary responsibility for raising a son and a gay man who hasn’t compromised his own sexuality.
• Dan Sharpe’s best friend, Donny, a gay, black man is a well-developed character, and the thoughtful interactions between these two men ring true. The fact that Donny is now raising a former street kid, means we get not one, but two models of gay parenting.
• While the plot is a bit more spy-versus-spy than the type of mystery I typically read, it’s interesting. Most readers will find themselves surprised by the ending.
• I appreciate that the mystery centers around events at Tienanmen square, bringing the impact of that time up to the present day.
The Downs:
• The pacing of the book is uneven. Some scenes rush by quickly, some are drawn out. It’s not clear why the writer made these choices and the fluctuation doesn’t seem to serve a literary purpose.
• The prose gets turgid at points, weighed down in flourishes that detract from the action in the book. It’s as if the writer hasn’t clearly developed his own style, so is relying from time to time on exercises in analogy or structure or…. These sentences serve the purpose of being fancy sentences, but they don’t make a positive addition to the novel’s overall effect.
As I said at the start, I am curious to see where the Dan Sharp character goes. I’m also curious to see some of the secondary characters develop—not just Donny, but also Ked, Dan’s son; Kendra, the mother of Ked, a fiercely independent woman who has created an effective balance for herself between pursuing her own interests and making positive contributions to her son’s life; there’s even an inept government agent who could be developed into an interesting recurring character. If you like watching characters grow across a series, The Jade Butterfly may offer you a satisfying new experience.
April 27, 2015
Compelling third chapter in this great series offers some fun surprises. But it also expands on what already felt like an authentic Toronto setting and cast.
Most authentic of all is Dan Sharp, whose struggles with dating, family life, and his own flaws veer him away from 'gaydealism' into something far more interesting. In Jade Butterfly, even more so than the previous two books, Round works those everyday dramas expertly into an intriguing, action-packed story, delving this time into the worlds of espionage and lies the state told you.
This is a worthy addition to a mystery series that's going from strength to strength.
Most authentic of all is Dan Sharp, whose struggles with dating, family life, and his own flaws veer him away from 'gaydealism' into something far more interesting. In Jade Butterfly, even more so than the previous two books, Round works those everyday dramas expertly into an intriguing, action-packed story, delving this time into the worlds of espionage and lies the state told you.
This is a worthy addition to a mystery series that's going from strength to strength.
July 25, 2016
Each book in this series has improved on its predecessor, and Jade Butterfly is no exception. The protagonist, Dan Sharp, has plenty of flaws that make you want to give him a good shake, but it's these very elements that contribute to this series and keep the main. character interesting.
August 28, 2022
The Jade Butterfly (Dan Sharp Mystery 3)
By Jeffrey Round
Published by Dundurn Press, 2015
Five stars
These are such good books. Round is an excellent writer, and his taught, crisp prose draws you through the twists and turns of the plotline effortlessly.
The story here involves a powerful Chinese diplomat, profoundly closeted out of necessity, who engages Dan to find his long-lost sister—who disappeared on the night of the Tiananmen Square massacre in 1989. This narrative dominates the book, but—as Round always does—there is a secondary story about a runaway teenager, the daughter of a policeman Dan Sharp knows
And, also something expected and anticipated in these books, there is the domestic story—Dan’s fifteen-year-old son Kedrick, Kedrick’s mother Kendra, and Dan’s best friend Donny. Themes of family circle throughout the story; but also something else. For a supposedly hard-bitten private eye, deeply mired in the psychological aftermath of a rough childhood, Dan Sharp is a helpless romantic. He falls in love far too easily, it seems to me.
All of that leads to my final note: these are not romances at all, which of course makes me sad. Round has made Dan such a profoundly good man, and we want him to find happiness. In an odd way, it is the lack of romance that keeps us (or at least me) hooked. Hope springs eternal, and as late as I am to this party, I have all six books on my Kindle.
By Jeffrey Round
Published by Dundurn Press, 2015
Five stars
These are such good books. Round is an excellent writer, and his taught, crisp prose draws you through the twists and turns of the plotline effortlessly.
The story here involves a powerful Chinese diplomat, profoundly closeted out of necessity, who engages Dan to find his long-lost sister—who disappeared on the night of the Tiananmen Square massacre in 1989. This narrative dominates the book, but—as Round always does—there is a secondary story about a runaway teenager, the daughter of a policeman Dan Sharp knows
And, also something expected and anticipated in these books, there is the domestic story—Dan’s fifteen-year-old son Kedrick, Kedrick’s mother Kendra, and Dan’s best friend Donny. Themes of family circle throughout the story; but also something else. For a supposedly hard-bitten private eye, deeply mired in the psychological aftermath of a rough childhood, Dan Sharp is a helpless romantic. He falls in love far too easily, it seems to me.
All of that leads to my final note: these are not romances at all, which of course makes me sad. Round has made Dan such a profoundly good man, and we want him to find happiness. In an odd way, it is the lack of romance that keeps us (or at least me) hooked. Hope springs eternal, and as late as I am to this party, I have all six books on my Kindle.
July 30, 2019
I appreciate the diversity in this series!
I had problems with the mystery though.
I didn’t understand why Tracy wouldn’t return home for safety after her troubles started. Someone wants to kill her or kidnap her and make her a sex slave so she roams the streets instead of going to her father the police detective for help.
I didn’t think CSIS really needed Dan’s help in their case. But then they also seemed like Keystone Cops letting their agent get killed. Wouldn’t she have been wired? So why didn’t CSIS go in and help her? They didn’t secure the meeting place because a teen with a gun snuck right past them. And saved the day?!?!
Glad Kendra wised up! I’m thinking Ali was going to turn into a controlling asshole. No way should he have dropped in to visit Ked without permission from Dan.
I’m enjoying Dan’s character development, his relationship with Ked and Donny so I’ll keep reading.
I had problems with the mystery though.
I didn’t understand why Tracy wouldn’t return home for safety after her troubles started. Someone wants to kill her or kidnap her and make her a sex slave so she roams the streets instead of going to her father the police detective for help.
I didn’t think CSIS really needed Dan’s help in their case. But then they also seemed like Keystone Cops letting their agent get killed. Wouldn’t she have been wired? So why didn’t CSIS go in and help her? They didn’t secure the meeting place because a teen with a gun snuck right past them. And saved the day?!?!
Glad Kendra wised up! I’m thinking Ali was going to turn into a controlling asshole. No way should he have dropped in to visit Ked without permission from Dan.
I’m enjoying Dan’s character development, his relationship with Ked and Donny so I’ll keep reading.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 2, 2020
Jeffrey Round's writing has dramatically improved in this, his third novel. His previous works tended to drift and I lost interest in portions of the story. This novel had no superfluous bits to it. Everything about it was spot on. That being said, I thought the ending was a bit abrupt, however, given the story he was telling and how much of Dan Sharp's experiences in the story was deceptive, I felt this was his best so far. I am encouraged about reading his next.
Of particular note, his settings were appropriately described and colored beautifully. I felt I was in the middle of a good film noir while reading and thought, this might make a good movie. The characters were, for the most, part three-dimensional and provided good visual images for the reader.
I would warn the reader that several of the situations in the novel were somewhat problematic and needed further development but all in all, I liked this and look forward to the next.
Of particular note, his settings were appropriately described and colored beautifully. I felt I was in the middle of a good film noir while reading and thought, this might make a good movie. The characters were, for the most, part three-dimensional and provided good visual images for the reader.
I would warn the reader that several of the situations in the novel were somewhat problematic and needed further development but all in all, I liked this and look forward to the next.
November 15, 2019
Another fascinating read from Jeffrey Round. His command of the English language and his usage of it goes unsurpassed; for me, the comparison to the late William F. Buckley on his "Firing Line" rekindles fond memories; even though I did not understand most of of what Mr. Buckley was saying. Here is just a sample of how Mr. Round describes the love scene between Dan Sharp and his client, Ren Hao: "...An energy transfer, pure animal magnetism. This was the beginning of real sex, not just a simulacrum of pleasure. Deep and devastating. A dance through fire. A shedding of defenses, shattering and annihilating. He'd experienced it a handful of times before. It was like giving yourself up to the soft cares of Death and seeing where it lead."
February 15, 2024
Didn’t enjoy this quite as much. The ending was a little weird. The premise intrigued me but as it progressed it fell a little flat for me.
Also, there appears to be a different love interest in every book at this point. If this continues for the rest of the series, I really wish it would just stick to the mysteries. I don’t really see the point on the romance side (I’d be fine if they were just casual love interests, but if this continues I think I’m no longer going to be sympathetic for the main character lol).
Also, there appears to be a different love interest in every book at this point. If this continues for the rest of the series, I really wish it would just stick to the mysteries. I don’t really see the point on the romance side (I’d be fine if they were just casual love interests, but if this continues I think I’m no longer going to be sympathetic for the main character lol).
November 3, 2020
3.5*
Dan really does rush in head first in this one, foregoing some of a PI first instincts (who IS your client ) and diving straight into love and marriage!
The misper in this case is found early on but Dan is pulled between her (sadistic) brother and manipulative secret service spooks. I did find the resolution a bit fast and un satisfying.
There was also a lot of navel gazing into Dan’s psyche, but I didn’t feel he grew out of it.
Onwards to book 4!
Dan really does rush in head first in this one, foregoing some of a PI first instincts (who IS your client ) and diving straight into love and marriage!
The misper in this case is found early on but Dan is pulled between her (sadistic) brother and manipulative secret service spooks. I did find the resolution a bit fast and un satisfying.
There was also a lot of navel gazing into Dan’s psyche, but I didn’t feel he grew out of it.
Onwards to book 4!
August 27, 2023
Again, another winner in the "can't put it down" book. I don't know why I'm so interested in these blood thirsty murder mysteries but I keep starting new series that kind of make me anxious and sick to my stomach sometimes but they fascinate me! Dan Sharp is excellent at finding missing people but he can't find a good man.
March 6, 2023
equally as good as the previous two books
After Reading some of the reviews I was concerned this book was not going to be as good as the first two, but I loved it. I enjoyed the continually growing/changing characters and the mystery was excellent.
After Reading some of the reviews I was concerned this book was not going to be as good as the first two, but I loved it. I enjoyed the continually growing/changing characters and the mystery was excellent.
November 27, 2019
Really enjoyed this book. Will definitely be reading more of this series.
July 24, 2023
The ending was SO fucking abrupt it gave me fucking whiplash. While I enjoyed the characters, something about the Asian rep gave me the ick :(
April 4, 2015
seemingly casual encounter in a downtown bar sends missing persons investigator Dan Sharp in search of a woman presumed dead in the Tiananmen Square Massacre. Twenty years after her disappearance, her brother believes that a woman he glimpsed on the Internet is his sister, now living in Toronto. The closer Dan gets to finding her, however, the less sense things make. Just when he thinks he knows what's driving his client, an unexpected revelation forces him to choose between what he's been told and his gut instinct, which says things are not all they seem.
My Review
This book is not what I was expecting when I started to read I fond that most of the first part of this book was spent with finding Dan an partner and although there was the story of the missing girl it was trying to get Dan a man that I thought took up most of the first part. With this been in mind it did Itake me some time to settle into the book but once I did wow loved it I don't like to give spoilers so I want tell you what happens but by the time I had finished the book I was wanting more.
I was given this book by NetGalley to review.
My Review
This book is not what I was expecting when I started to read I fond that most of the first part of this book was spent with finding Dan an partner and although there was the story of the missing girl it was trying to get Dan a man that I thought took up most of the first part. With this been in mind it did Itake me some time to settle into the book but once I did wow loved it I don't like to give spoilers so I want tell you what happens but by the time I had finished the book I was wanting more.
I was given this book by NetGalley to review.
February 9, 2015
Loving this series. What's up with the dates though? For some reason I thought book one was set in the present and I thought book two and three, set in 2008 and 2009 respectively, were prequels. Turns out upon looking back the first book was set in 2007 so they are going in the correct order, which explains why I was so confused when the BC guy showed up in book 2. It just seems weird that the books are tied to an arbitrary date. I was reading these books thinking nothing could happen to Dan or his family as they were all set in the past, will have to revaluate going forward.
Enough pettiness though, I pre-ordered this book and read it in a few days and loved it. This is the kind of book I would like to write one day. Strong characters, set in Toronto's gay village, some sex, some intrigue. I loved the foreign national plot and the twist at the end I did not see coming and was floored by.
Great book, great series, and the next one is coming out in November which means a shorter wait than for previous books. Loving it!
Enough pettiness though, I pre-ordered this book and read it in a few days and loved it. This is the kind of book I would like to write one day. Strong characters, set in Toronto's gay village, some sex, some intrigue. I loved the foreign national plot and the twist at the end I did not see coming and was floored by.
Great book, great series, and the next one is coming out in November which means a shorter wait than for previous books. Loving it!
March 31, 2014
Dangerous and sexy, Dan Sharp is back on another shady case.
November 23, 2015
Jeffrey Round is amazing!! Not only are the mysteries intriguing but there's an abundance of information that make you stop and think!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews