A Death in China

Black Lizard #3

by Carl Hiaasen, Bill Montalbano

An American investigates a murder amid the secrecy and corruption of China in this crime thriller from the New York Times–bestselling author of Razor Girl.   Art history professor Tom Stratton hasn’t seen his former mentor David Wang for years—until they unexpectedly run into each other while Stratton is on a guided tour of China. But the reunion doesn’t last long. After Wang is found dead—and the American embassy fumbles the investigation—Stratton sets out to solve the mystery of the killing on his own.   Before long, he’s tangled in a web of corruption that reaches the highest seats of power. Beset by the suffocating secrecy and subterfuge of communist China, Stratton must find his friend’s murderer—before the fury of a brutal conspiracy closes in on him.   Along with Powder Burn and Trap Line, this international mystery is one of the early suspense thrillers written by Carl Hiaasen and Bill Montalbano, a writing team praised for their “fine flair for characters and settings” (Library Journal).  

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Thriller, Humor, China, Crime, Mystery Thriller

290 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1984

About the author

Carl Hiaasen was born and raised in Florida. After graduating from the University of Florida, he joined the Miami Herald as a general assignment reporter and went on to work for the newspaper’s weekly magazine and prize-winning investigations team. As a journalist and author, Carl has spent most of his life advocating for the protection of the Florida Everglades. He and his family live in southern Florida.

Reviews

[aPriL does feral sometimes · Rating 3 out of 5]

''A Death in China' by Bill Montalbano and Carl Hiaasen is a good thriller. But I don't think Carl Hiaasen was involved very much in the writing of this novel. It is a straightforward crime thriller without any satire at all.

China has changed since this 1984 book was published insofar as infrastructure is concerned. For one thing, China has more tools for spying on the activities of everyone within it's borders. The way the main character maneuvers about "Peking" would not be possible today in China. China is currently a hardfisted communist government hiding behind a front of capitalism.

The book uses the older names for cities and places in China. It calls Beijing Peking, for example. Most people use bicycles for transportation in "Peking" in the story instead of cars. People are wearing Mao suits. China has changed so much and very very quickly since 'A Death in China' was written. The government has embraced the making of money and spending it on oneself only.. Cities have been rebuilt with beautiful futuristic buildings. However, I think many Westerners are unaware that basically all house and condo owners are basically trailer park residents. The communist government owns all of the land forever. Housing owners are basically all renters.

Moving on....

Tom Stratton is in China as a member of the American Association of Art Historians. The AAAH is touring museums. Stratton is a professor and an art historian, teaching in New England, but during the Vietnam War he was what we call today a black-ops guy. One of his assignments during the war, to rescue hostages in China, went horribly wrong. The incident haunts him, but it was long ago and he has moved on from the military to becoming an academic. He decided to return to China for a visit since he was very bored when the AAAH conference was announced. Besides, he is very excited to meet up with his mentor, David Wang. If it wasn't for Wang, Stratton would never have become an art historian. Wang also helped him recover from his war experiences.

Wang retired and is still living in the United States, but he has a brother living in China. His brother, Wang Bin, is a Deputy Minister in the communist government, a very powerful official in the Communist Party. Wang Bin asked David to visit him. David decided it would be ok. So he tells Stratton that after his meeting with his brother, he will meet Stratton at the hotel for dinner.

Strangely, David never shows up. Stratton makes inquiries at David's hotel and discovers David's room is emptied out of David's things and being cleaned. When Stratton goes to the American embassy to report David is missing, the diplomats and the CIA dismiss Stratton's concerns as overblown. Then Stratton is told David is dead! Heart attack. Stratton knows that is a lie. What is going on?

Then the attacks on Stratton begin. Someone is trying to kill him! Stratton is Not. Going. Down! The fight is on, even if Stratton has to take down Wang Bin and all of China to find David...

I liked this thrilling beach read! But there is an instant love interest which kinda pulled me out of the story a little. The relationship reminded me a bit of the more fantasy-based James Bond novels which was jarring. 'A Death in China' plays the secret operative dangers a lot more straight and serious than the Bond books.

[Bobby · Rating 4 out of 5]

I avoided reading any of the books that Carl Hiaasen wrote with Bill Montalbano because all signs pointed to them being nothing like the Carl Hiaasen books I love. Finally though, after a persuasive recommendation, I gave A Death in China a shot.

I was right. This was nothing like Tourist Season or Double Whammy or Native Tongue or any Hiaasen book. It reads entirely differently, the most notable difference being the lack of Hiaasen's trademark humor. That said, it is a riveting mystery with characters painted with precision and a plot that's filled with twists, turns, and surprises. Definitely recommended for Hiaasen fans who are wondering about these early co-writes.

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a great murder mystery book... kept ya hanging till the end... I loved that it was about a place and an historical find that is true... the story had may twists and really enjoyed it.

[Frank · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been a fan of Carl Hiaasen for years and always enjoy his satirical novels set in Florida filled with humor and wacky characters. Several years ago, I found out he had written three novels with his friend and fellow journalist, Bill Montalbano: Powder Burn (1981), Trap Line (1982), and A Death in China (1984), prior to writing his his first solo novel, Tourist Season in 1986. Being a big fan, I ordered all three of these books from an online bookseller. However, I have delayed reading these because they didn't seem to fit into Hiaasen's world of eccentric Floridians. I have finally read Death in China and although it does not include Hiaasen's usual wit, it is a really good mystery involving international intrigue and suspense.

The novel takes place in 1980s China where art teacher, Tom Stratton, has gone as part of a tour group. But Stratton is also there to meet his friend and mentor, David Wang, a Chinese-American art historian, who is also in China to meet his brother, an official in the Chinese government in charge of the excavation of priceless artifacts in the ancient tomb of the emperor Qin. Then Wang dies after a visit to his brother and the tomb. But was his death a heart attack or something more sinister? Stratton, who is also a Vietnam war veteran, seeks answers and is drawn into a conspiracy involving Wang's brother who tries to stop him in his quest.

Overall, I really enjoyed this even though it lacked the usual Hiaasen touch. I feel that Montalbano may have written most of this. It is a very good thriller and I will be reading the other two novels cowritten by Montalbano sometime soon.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

China 101, as much as that is possible. I don't imagine that much has changed since this book was written although there are glimmers of hope for a freer future.

[Michael Carlson · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read this book because it was by Carl Hiaasen, whom I know as a clever writer of novels usually set in corruption-filled Florida. But I hated this book! The best I can say is it is dated. The China he describes is no longer there (and probably never was!). It drips with condescension, racism, and airs of superiority. The plot is affected by this, as dastardly characters--guess what?--act dastardly in predictable ways and--you'll be shocked!--our hero acts heroically.
At least Hiaasen found his voice in Florida. But not here!

[Christine Bishop · Rating 2 out of 5]

No humor, contrived, violent, pointless

Hiassen’s humorous, stinging work about the venality of Florida and the southern scene are missing here. In addition, the hero Is beaten up so much that he should be in a nursing home but he bounces back like the Energizer bunny and manages to solve a mystery in China and doesn’t speak Mandarin. Unbelievable is an under statement about the book .

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great murder mystery and real page turner when an american investigating his mentor's murder in China gets out of hand. He gets more then bargained for when he starts snooping around asking questions.

[David Schwan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story is a bit slow and some parts of the plot are written to move things along and seem somewhat superfluous. The first quarter of the book starts out well the next one half is slow (almost but not quite tedious) and the last quarter is fine.

[Diane Mezzanotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast-paced, layered story centering on an intriguing heist story that takes place in China. Written in the early 80s but holds up well. My only issue is with the main character’s many injuries and brushes with death in a short time period—that he somehow survives to fight another day, as they say. Otherwise a pretty perfect novel.

[Alan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read, as they say. (Now, where have I heard that?) A bit muzzy in parts, but I gave it the benefit of the doubt and 4 stars because the plot was so creative and original. Could have been a great read but for its inconsistent pace and lack of pizazz in some of the best action scenarios.

[Liisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I reluctantly graded this tale four stars because: (1). I generally expect some humor from Hiassen’s books, but I did not find that in this tale, (2) I found the main character constantly in stressful situations tiring. Even so, the story was interesting and somewhat improved at the very end.

[Nina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like others the author has written but this one is not grabbing me. The description of life in Chica of the time period the book is set (can't remember but a while back) is interesting.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This is NOTHING like the Hiaasen books I know and love with their splendid humor, satire and over-the-top characters and scenarios in wacky south Florida. This is one of his first novels, and perhaps the co-author wrote most of it? Who knows. Still a pretty good thriller set mostly in 1980s China; it kept me guessing and turning pages.

[Lynn Shaffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book great. I have always found China fascinating and to get this prospective was interesting. Characters well developed.

[Shuai Zhou · Rating 1 out of 5]

One of the most racist books I have ever read. I’m glad I’m not the only one who noticed its problematic nature. The book builds harmful stereotypes about Chinese people, drawing on politically biased Western news rather than firsthand experience. The author, who likely never visited China, used his imagination to create an American hero’s adventure set in a ‘dangerous and uncivilised’ China. He even includes a subplot in which a young Chinese female character suddenly falls in love with a hero nearly 30 years her senior, with no clear justification. While this may have been intended to add color to the hero’s experience, it is unnecessary and demeaning to Chinese people.

[Jeannie Huie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good mystery, but not as good as his earlier ones!

[Laurie Bauer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping read, was a treat to read a Carl Hiaasen book I hadn't read before. Good characters, pretty exciting book. Didn't want to put it down.

[Juanita · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've enjoyed Hiaasen's irreverence toward American consumer culture and the vapid citizens it can create. The preposterous situations and characters in these books were never meant to be taken as real, which is what make the stories delightfully entertaining.

This is a darker, non-comedic attempt at international crime drama. (Is that a thing? I know nothing about writing genres.) I was quite willing to dismiss awareness of my current Covid-19 context by immersing myself deeply in an action-filled romp through China. However, inconsistent details and unrealistic scenarios created a shallowness that jerked me from my willing suspension of disbelief. A man already weak from beatings and lack of food has been forced flat, face-down into pig manure. Yet a young, beautiful woman is so overwhelmed with passion that she immediately initiates copulation on his manure encrusted body as soon as they are alone? That same man has only been in China once before on a swift military incursion from the jungles of Vietnam into the backwaters of China's rural farming communes where he encountered brutal death, committed murder, and brought back a still-triggering PTSD. Yet that same character's actions and thoughts were guided by knowledge of everyday urban life in China that he could not possible have gained in a day-long traumatic military incursion or in the first few days of his academic tour. Didn't ring true to me. Perhaps the gaps would never be considered if it was one of Hiaasen's comedic accounts?

That being said, it wasn't the worst way to relieve boredom at this stage of lockdown.

[Kara Prem · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thomas Stratton, an art history professor is visiting China with a tour group when he runs into an old friend and mentor, David Wang who is visiting his brother, a high ranking communist official. David dies under mysterious circumstances and Thomas sets out to find out what's really going on. Fortunately, or unfortunately at times, Stratton isn't just a professor, but had infiltrated China even during the Vietnam War (this book was written in the early 80's and took place at about the same time). It's a dangerous investigation that starts in China and eventually ends in Ohio. Not like the later HIaasen books at all, but still worth the read.

[Flapidouille · Rating 2 out of 5]

As a delighted reader of all of Hiaasen's books, I was very disappointed by this one. I was excepting his usual standards...
Except for one short episode I could not find any hint of the author's style, which I have come to enjoy.
To make it short, I'll say this book is not the least funny (contrary to what many critics say), not witty, with a messy and in many cases highly unlikely plot -- incoherent event !
I even made myself plod to the very last page although the temptation to give up midways was very strong (and this almots never happens to me !)
I shall definitely not try the other Hiaasen-Montalbano books, and shall wait for the treat of new Hiaasen-only works...

[Maureen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is very different from Hiassen's Florida mysteries. For me this one had great personal connection because the main character is in Beijing in 1982 - the first time I was there!
It is an interesting mystery because the focus changes throughout the book. First we're looking for the killer of the American professor. Then we're cheering for the fleeing ex-soldier through rural China. Then we end up Stateside chasing coffins.
It's just a fun mystery, nothing earth-shattering.

[Ron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably the best of the Hiaasen/Montalbano collaborations. Hiaasen leaves his familiar haunts of Florida and the Caribbean for China in the in the early '80s. It's a complex, international plot worthy of Hitchcock and reminiscent of the Alistair McClean books I read in my teens.

[Laurie Edwards · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is one of Carl Hiaasen's earliest books released in the early 80s. I did not like it as much as his more recent stories. His creation of crazy, hysterical, off the wall characters is not present in this book.

[Julie Heckman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love everything written by Hiaasen and this no exception!

[Martha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thrilling

A different path for the author, no humor. Sex, intrigued, brutal sibling rivalry, theft of antiquities this novel. Has it all. I truly enjoyed it

[Brian Keane · Rating 1 out of 5]

Didn’t finish.

[Lorne Strachan · Rating 4 out of 5]

In 1983 Beijing was still Peking. The Cultural Revolution was very recent history. It’s important to put aside pictures put forth by a massive propaganda campaign of a modern, transformed China and imagine was it was really like back then. One of the things I most liked about this book is that it helps to explain much about the China of today. In fact I think it may serve as a cautionary tale about putting too much trust in the Middle Kingdom. (Attn: there may be some spoilers here.)

Art history professor Tom Stratton hasn't seen his former mentor David Wang for years when he runs into him while on a guided tour of China. They talk and plan to meet again as soon as David gets back from visiting his brother Wang Bin, the Deputy Minister of Art and Culture, who remained in China after David Wang left to live in America. Stratton is slightly concerned when the date for their appointed reunion passes without hearing from his friend. He then learns that David Wang has been found dead after a fancy banquet. He is said to have died of a heart attack described dismissively as “death by duck” -- basically over-exertion and over consumption of food and drink. The American embassy believes the official Communist party explanation and badly fumbles the investigation so Stratton sets out to solve the mystery himself. He is soon tangled in a web of corruption, secrecy and abuse of power that threaten his own safety.

He immediately sees many troubling inconsistencies. Why were David’s passport and journal taken? He recovers the journal but discovers that pages been cut from it. Why do Wang Bin's faithful security forces try to kill him when he starts asking questions? Wang Bin's rebellious daughter seems to be eager to help him and she reveals she overheard her father and uncle arguing. Soon the two of them are on the run. Eventually he finds himself back in a town where he was sent on a secret mission earlier as part of his work in a Vietnam war era operation and risks exposure by someone still alive from that time.

He eventually makes it to relative safety in Hong Kong and realizes what’s going on. Wang Bin, in danger of political execution, is going to use his brother's body in a fake suicide. Furthermore, Stratton has figured out how Wang Bin is financing his secret flight and new life in America. He has been smuggling Chinese archaeological/art treasures to unscrupulous US dealers in the coffins of American tourists who die while on trips to China. The CIA is trying to keep the situation under wraps and this is more important than Stratton’s safety.

The book gets a little weaker during the action-packed finale but the rest of the book is a solid, lively thriller. It’s a refreshing change from the romanticized view of China and its culture that is found in so many books. The depiction of US Embassy staff as more interested in smoothing relations with the Communist Party while turning defectors instead of helping American tourists and businessmen is an eye opener visitors and investors should take seriously. This book is worth the readers’ time.

[Deirdre · Rating 4 out of 5]

Things have changed a lot in China since this story is supposedly taking place, 1983, but I imagine some like strictures in policy and government do remain. The young citizens who are talked about in this novel, the new revolutionaries, are forward-looking and yearning to experiment. And, we have seen where much of their dreams have been too exuberant at times, without any research and rational thought employed to determine if there might be any negative outcome. Like ghost cities of high rises that were built seemingly overnight at great expense, expecting a super influx of people rushing to inhabit them or open businesses that never appeared.

But, at the time our story unfolds, we are looking at a China that created the tragedy of their Cultural Revolution, but before the Tiananmen Square debacle; ruled by old men who know only threats of death and torture to make its citizens submit to their rule. And, at the heart are two Chinese brothers, separated years before; one who came to the United States, and one who remained in Shanghai, then in mainland China. One who became a beloved professor and one who became a jealous, murderous little Chinese bureaucrat. In addition, there is another American professor (friend of the first one), a Vietnamese veteran, who becomes embroiled in the main conflict between the brothers, which includes the theft and smuggling of extremely valuable archaeological artifacts out of China into America.

There're a lot of action and thrills in this book, which kept me tensely occupied without regret of having opened it's covers.

[Nd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What a great espionage book! There are twists in the twists in the twists, and unless I missed something Hiaasen tied them all up eventually. Remarkable compared to some of the more recent things I've read.

A prologue quickly summed up the rule of China's Emperor Qin Shi Huangdi around 213 B.C., "The Son of Heaven" and his life-sized clay soldiers with which we are familiar today. This factored heavily into art history professor Tom Stratton's off-the-rails Chinese adventure. As a Vietnam Veteran, he had had a horrific experience in China during the war. He had not been back until this trip with the American Association of Art Historians. There were a number of things he could say he took the trip to escape from, but as he summed it up to himself, he "had come to weigh the man he had [worked very hard to] become against the one he once was."

Much to the chagrin of a nosey art historian from California and the group's Chinese tour leader, Stratton eluded the AAAH tour group whenever possible to see Peking on his own. In an unclear happenstance, he accidentally bumped into his good friend, former mentor and teacher, David Wang, who also had come to Peking. At the behest of his brother, Wang had come back for the first time since he went to America as a young student. He was to meet with his brother, a deputy minister, in Xian the following day. He and Stratton agreed to make contact the day after that to catch up and for Wang to show Stratton the "real" Peking. The call never came.