Tyger! Tyger!

James Burlane Thriller #8

by Richard Hoyt

In the forests of the world, the mighty tiger is disappearing. A symbol of virility and power, its bones are a principal ingredient in traditional homeopathic medicines-and worth hundreds of dollars per pound on the Asian black market. The latest threat to these magnificent creatures is a well-organized profiteering ring that is trying to corner the market on tiger parts by systematically exterminating all wild tigers.

Western diplomatic efforts and economic sanctions have failed laughably against simple human greed and indifference. Bribery and corruption are rampant, leaving CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) desperately fighting for a lost cause.

But when the law falls short of justice, there are men like James Burlane, of Mixed Enterprises, a former CIA agent who specializes in delicate international cases. Following leads from Germany all the way to the Philippines, Burlane finds he is not just up against poachers. A killer of women stalks the night, with a twisted fire in his eyes, sensuously painting his naked victims in the buff-orange and luscious black stripes of the tiger before his dread hand seizes the knife.

256 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1996

About the author

The author of 27 mysteries and thrillers, I’m a former army counterintelligence agent, newspaper reporter, Newsweek writer and college professor with a PhD. in American studies. The New York Times included four of my titles on its annual notable books list. My novels include 10 John Denson Pacific Northwest mysteries and 10 James Burlane international thrillers. My John Denson mystery 30 for a Harry was nominated for a Shamus by the Private Eye Writers of America and Siege won the American Mystery Award for best espionage novel. The French publisher Gallimard published Trotsky’s Run as a Serie Noir best-of-the best title. I’ve been widely published in British commonwealth countries, France, Holland, Belgium, Finland, Japan and Germany.

Reviews

[Ed · Rating 4 out of 5]

#8 in the James Burlane series.

James Burlane series - In the forests of the world, the mighty tiger is disappearing. The latest threat to these magnificent creatures is a well-organized profiteering ring that is trying to corner the market on tiger parts by systematically exterminating all wild tigers. Western diplomatic efforts and economic sanctions have failed laughably against simple human greed and indifference. But when the law falls short of justice, there are men like James Burlane, of Mixed Enterprises, a former CIA agent who specializes in delicate international cases. Following leads from Germany all the way to the Philippines, Burlane finds he is not just up against poachers. A killer of women stalks the night, with a twisted fire in his eyes, sensuously painting his naked victims in the buff-orange and luscious black stripes of the tiger before his dread hand seizes the knife.

[Chris Carr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book which is a detective novel but makes effective comments on animal poaching and also covers and questions the US trade sanctions on Taiwan due to medicinal ingredients whilst overlooking China due to the fact that closing down economic ties to a large country wouldn't be beneficial.

Also related to the comments made about expats in Asia getting a dose of sanity by mixing with other expats in bars.

I enjoyed how the writer comments through his main character to say readers of fiction are creative. The setting in the Philippines was a nice change and the writer showed understanding towards the way of life there which is often incomprehensible to outsiders.