Old Foreigner: Lao Wai

by Randall Johnson

Daniel Wright returns to his boyhood home of Shanghai to attend his father’s funeral. He is shaken when he is witness to a murder. Finding a large sum of money and a threatening note in his hotel room, it is obvious that someone is desperate to make Daniel’s stay short or risk that he will be the next victim. A former Chicago cop, Daniel, is determined to find out who is responsible for this unfriendly welcome.

Daniel reunites with past acquaintances, including his first love, while learning the truth about his father’s business. His investigation sows doubt about many of the trusted people he knew while growing up in Shanghai. The story unfolds within this mystical city and its’ fascinating modern-day past. This expedition tests the best of Daniel’s physical, personal, and professional skills until he ultimately unveils the killer and is faced with his own survival.

243 pages, Paperback

Published November 19, 2023

Reviews

[Kathy Lamsargis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Old Foreigner-Lao Wai will keep you reading as fast as you can turn the pages. Randall Johnson captivates his readers with rich descriptions and information about Shanghai. The characters are believable and interesting, making this novel an intriguing reading experience. I barely put it down once I started and finished it in three days. I recommend this with five stars and sincerely hope Randall Johnson is writing another book. It appears that talent runs in the family as the beautiful cover art is designed by Sanna Johnson.

[Sanna Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lao Wai was a fun and thrilling story that takes place in the amazing setting of Shanghai. I lived in Shanghai as a child and reading the story was a wonderful revisit of a fascinating culture and city, with so much history and intrigue underneath its surface. The story of Daniel and his life and relationship with the city and people with Shanghai was written so well, and the book went by in a flash as I kept up with the action. I will be excited to read the next work by this first-time novelist Randall Johnson!

[Kacie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excited to read a book by Randall Johnson.

A mix of historical fiction, drama, thrill and mystery.

This novel kept me reading and questioning who Daniel could trust and who was corrupt. Entertaining read!

[Ronald Rubin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Old Foreigner, Lao Wai is a riveting novel set in Shanghai and Chicago. The mingling of two cultures enriches this compelling mystery. I was taken on a journey to Shanghai, a mystical city and Chicago where the main character was a former cop.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

It grabs you from the start and keeps you guessing throughout. Added plus, a new romance. Looking forward to the sequel!