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Henry Lau / Janet Lau Mysteries #2
Tiger Claw
SILVER FALCHION AWARD FINALIST! {Presented by the Killer Nashville International Writers' Conference. } TIGER CLAW is one of five finalists in the Best Investigator catetory.
FIVE STAR REVIEW ***** from Readers' Favorites. "The writing captivated me immediately and kept my attention until the final page..with never a dull moment. The characters wee well-developed and felt genuine. [The novel] surpassed my expectations."
It’s murder in the worst degree when an executive at a knife factory is killed with its newest product, a curved blade called the tiger claw. Was Sam Park murdered because of the “private project” he was working on, one that threatened to expose dirty secrets? Ominous message fragments only deepen the mystery. Most perplexing of all is why the dead man’s outstretched hand is resting on the open page of a world atlas. Was he naming his killer?
All is not as it seems as Detectives Henry Lau and Janet Lau try to answer these and other questions, leading them to a startling revelation that undercuts everything they thought they knew in a puzzling investigation Henry refers to as “very Agatha Christie.”
Elements of the murder recall challenging moments from Henry’s distant past. Meanwhile, Janet, his niece and work partner, deals with the aftereffects of a concussion that she struggles to keep from affecting her work on the investigation.
TIGER CLAW is the follow-up to the award-winning first Henry Lau novel, THE LOST DRAGON MURDER.
"A joy of a read. Loved Henry and loved his relationship with his niece." ---William Kent Krueger, New York Times Bestselling Author
FIVE STAR REVIEW ***** from Readers' Favorites. "The writing captivated me immediately and kept my attention until the final page..with never a dull moment. The characters wee well-developed and felt genuine. [The novel] surpassed my expectations."
It’s murder in the worst degree when an executive at a knife factory is killed with its newest product, a curved blade called the tiger claw. Was Sam Park murdered because of the “private project” he was working on, one that threatened to expose dirty secrets? Ominous message fragments only deepen the mystery. Most perplexing of all is why the dead man’s outstretched hand is resting on the open page of a world atlas. Was he naming his killer?
All is not as it seems as Detectives Henry Lau and Janet Lau try to answer these and other questions, leading them to a startling revelation that undercuts everything they thought they knew in a puzzling investigation Henry refers to as “very Agatha Christie.”
Elements of the murder recall challenging moments from Henry’s distant past. Meanwhile, Janet, his niece and work partner, deals with the aftereffects of a concussion that she struggles to keep from affecting her work on the investigation.
TIGER CLAW is the follow-up to the award-winning first Henry Lau novel, THE LOST DRAGON MURDER.
"A joy of a read. Loved Henry and loved his relationship with his niece." ---William Kent Krueger, New York Times Bestselling Author
290 pages, Paperback
Published September 10, 2024
3 people are currently reading
12 people want to read
About the author
Michael Allan Mallory
17 books18 followersMichael Allan Mallory is the author of THE LOST DRAGON MYSTERY which was a winner of the Best Independent Book Awards, a Midwest Book Award finalist and a Silver Falchion Award Finalist (presented by the Killer Nashville International Writers' Conference).
"...a perfect story to curl up with on a winter's night....Mallory's strong writing and atmospheric Minnesota setting grabbed me from the first page!" ---Ellen Hart, Mystery Writers of America Grandmaster.
Michael is also the co-author of KILLER INSTINCT, which continues the adventures of mystery's first zoologist sleuth into the North Woods of Minnesota.
"KILLER INSTINCT is both a great entertainment and a compelling mystery, with a strong sense of place (fans of Kent Krueger take note) and really cool, interesting characters."
--Crimespree Magazine
His debut mystery novel, DEATH ROLL, was published in 2007 and was also written with Marilyn Victor, DEATH ROLL, offers a deep look at the exhibits behind a zoo but, as one reviewer put it “is so well done, the Minnesota Valley Zoo feels like a key character.”
Michael's short stories have appeared in numerous anthologies and publications. "Minnesota Not So Nice: Eighteen Stories of Bad Behavior" was a Silver Falchion Award finalist for 2021 Best Short Story Collection / Anthology from the Killer Nashville International Writers' Conference. Michael was an editor for this collection and has a story in it.
Check out his website at http://www.snakejones.com
"...a perfect story to curl up with on a winter's night....Mallory's strong writing and atmospheric Minnesota setting grabbed me from the first page!" ---Ellen Hart, Mystery Writers of America Grandmaster.
Michael is also the co-author of KILLER INSTINCT, which continues the adventures of mystery's first zoologist sleuth into the North Woods of Minnesota.
"KILLER INSTINCT is both a great entertainment and a compelling mystery, with a strong sense of place (fans of Kent Krueger take note) and really cool, interesting characters."
--Crimespree Magazine
His debut mystery novel, DEATH ROLL, was published in 2007 and was also written with Marilyn Victor, DEATH ROLL, offers a deep look at the exhibits behind a zoo but, as one reviewer put it “is so well done, the Minnesota Valley Zoo feels like a key character.”
Michael's short stories have appeared in numerous anthologies and publications. "Minnesota Not So Nice: Eighteen Stories of Bad Behavior" was a Silver Falchion Award finalist for 2021 Best Short Story Collection / Anthology from the Killer Nashville International Writers' Conference. Michael was an editor for this collection and has a story in it.
Check out his website at http://www.snakejones.com
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
May 16, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this Minnesota mystery with its endearing characters and relationships; clean, smart, crackling prose; and a fabulous plot twist I didn't see coming. I especially love the relationship at its heart, between niece and uncle detectives who work together to solve the crime. It was a joy to read and it was hard to put it down. I love that feeling! And also, we get to see some awesome fight scenes that are full of just enough detail but not too much for someone ignorant of the martial arts, but fascinated by them, like me. I loved those scenes. And I was also tickled to see there's a character who spells her name the way I do--because how often do you see that?
November 25, 2025
This was an exciting and heartwarming read. A police procedural that captures the warmth of a the relationship between an uncle and his niece - both police detectives - while immersing the reader into the world of martial arts. Well written and satisfying!
January 21, 2025
Reposting this Five Star review from Readers' Favorites:
"Tiger Claw by Michael Allan Mallory was filled with suspense and intrigue. The writing captivated me immediately and kept my attention until the final page. The story's pace was fast and full of action, with never a dull moment. With so many unexpected twists, I was constantly surprised by what came next. The plot was thrilling and maintained my excitement, prompting me to turn the pages as quickly as possible. The characters were well-developed and felt genuine. Henry and Janet complemented each other well as a team, with Henry encouraging Janet to trust her instincts. I found the extensive history of the Lau family’s background fascinating and gained insight into the knife manufacturing industry. The story was skillfully written and far surpassed my expectations."
--Readers' Favorites Reviews
"Tiger Claw by Michael Allan Mallory was filled with suspense and intrigue. The writing captivated me immediately and kept my attention until the final page. The story's pace was fast and full of action, with never a dull moment. With so many unexpected twists, I was constantly surprised by what came next. The plot was thrilling and maintained my excitement, prompting me to turn the pages as quickly as possible. The characters were well-developed and felt genuine. Henry and Janet complemented each other well as a team, with Henry encouraging Janet to trust her instincts. I found the extensive history of the Lau family’s background fascinating and gained insight into the knife manufacturing industry. The story was skillfully written and far surpassed my expectations."
--Readers' Favorites Reviews
March 25, 2025
This is one of those books that deftly weaves through multiple genres. Think "Agatha Christie meets a kung-fu movie."
Henry Lau is one of those main characters you like to read about. He's steadfast with a good moral compass. He does what's right. He helps others. He stands for what's right.
Janet is a good foil for Henry. Capable and determined, she cares, too.
Mix them in with Mallory's own personal experience and knowledge of martial arts, and the little history lessons you get about them throughout the novels, and you have something that's infinitely readable and fun.
It's not quite a cozy mystery, but it's far from hard-boiled. It's not an action spectacular, but it's not plodding, either. It's almost its own genre.
I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.
Henry Lau is one of those main characters you like to read about. He's steadfast with a good moral compass. He does what's right. He helps others. He stands for what's right.
Janet is a good foil for Henry. Capable and determined, she cares, too.
Mix them in with Mallory's own personal experience and knowledge of martial arts, and the little history lessons you get about them throughout the novels, and you have something that's infinitely readable and fun.
It's not quite a cozy mystery, but it's far from hard-boiled. It's not an action spectacular, but it's not plodding, either. It's almost its own genre.
I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.
November 26, 2025
An entirely worthwhile read.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews