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The Rage of Plum Blossoms
Attorney Quinn Jones is in over her head. Her husband, Jordan Chang, Annapolis grad and superstar businessman, has been found dead outside their Greenwich Village brownstone. He’s wearing clothes that aren’t his, and was last seen at a place he never went while consorting with people he shouldn’t—and he’s vastly richer than he ought to be, Quinn discovers. Since NYPD has labeled Jordan’s death a suicide, Quinn is on her own to uncover the truth. Courtrooms, Quinn knows. Chanel No. 5, horses, martial arts, and frizzy hair, she knows. Murder, she doesn’t know but she’s learning fast in order to stay alive. With a few clues to work with, including a photo of Jordan with a stunning unknown Asian woman and a copy of a 1986 check payable to Jordan for twelve million dollars, Quinn stalks the back streets of Chinatown, haunted by the need to know what happened that day and why.
273 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 27, 2016
462 people are currently reading
755 people want to read
About the author
Christine M. Whitehead
3 books109 followersI’m a New England and Jersey Girl, a graduate of Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts, and a divorce lawyer in Hartford, Connecticut. Tell Me When It Hurts was my first novel and The Rage of Plum Blossoms was my second. My latest is Hemingway's Daughter and I am excited to have readers enjoy and comment on it. Hemingway had 3 sons but always wanted a daughter. The book is about Finn's yearning to be a trial lawyer, and her hope to fall in love despite her belief that the family has a love curse on it,, and her dream to impact her father's writing--all of which feel impossible .
Alll three books can be read literally as good stories but the general theme of all is how we struggle to regain purchase when so much is pressing us every day to slip and when life turns on us and hope seems gone. All of the books are above all about choices and and second chances.
I spend my spare time with my dogs, my horses, and my significant other on a farm in rural CT. Please visit me at my website www.christinewhitehead.com and my blog www.theblogalsorises.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews
June 29, 2019
Six years ago, Quinn Jones was a single divorce attorney with a full life. She had her work, good friends & “Tink” the wonder dog. Then she went out for coffee one morning & met the love of her life.
Jordan Chang was a smart, elegant mix of modern businessman & traditional Chinese culture. When he proposed, Quinn didn’t think twice & they set up house in his Manhattan brownstone. Now he’s dead.
Quinn is devastated & nothing makes sense. The cops have ruled it suicide but Quinn can’t believe the man she knew would ever leave her this way. As she starts to dig, it turns out she may not have known Jordan as well as she thought. And it soon becomes clear there are shadowy men who’d prefer she leave the case closed.
Friends & police chalk up her disbelief to that of a grief stricken widow in deep denial. Fine. Through a series of humorous & chance meetings, Quinn soon assembles a team of accomplices willing to help her investigate. Her posse includes retired NYPD cop Bernie McBain, grad student Ryan Byrne & gemologist/slave to fashion Sam Stern.
It’s the start of a wild ride as Quinn & her band of merry men race around Manhattan & Chinatown trying to uncover what Jordan was up to & who’d want him dead. It’s an entertaining mystery full of witty dialogue, engaging characters & a clash of cultures. The twists come at you like a hail storm as the book progresses & the author delivers moments of suspense mixed with humour.
At the heart of all the mayhem is Quinn, a resourceful woman who just wants the truth. She’s the kind of gal pal we’d all love to have, even if it means putting up with her horse Francesca who suffers from mood swings & (unwarranted) high self esteem.
It’s the kind of book that that doesn’t take itself too seriously & fits loosely into several genres…..romantic suspense, humour, chicklit. But whatever box you want to stuff it in, you’ll still end up with a fast paced & entertaining read.
Jordan Chang was a smart, elegant mix of modern businessman & traditional Chinese culture. When he proposed, Quinn didn’t think twice & they set up house in his Manhattan brownstone. Now he’s dead.
Quinn is devastated & nothing makes sense. The cops have ruled it suicide but Quinn can’t believe the man she knew would ever leave her this way. As she starts to dig, it turns out she may not have known Jordan as well as she thought. And it soon becomes clear there are shadowy men who’d prefer she leave the case closed.
Friends & police chalk up her disbelief to that of a grief stricken widow in deep denial. Fine. Through a series of humorous & chance meetings, Quinn soon assembles a team of accomplices willing to help her investigate. Her posse includes retired NYPD cop Bernie McBain, grad student Ryan Byrne & gemologist/slave to fashion Sam Stern.
It’s the start of a wild ride as Quinn & her band of merry men race around Manhattan & Chinatown trying to uncover what Jordan was up to & who’d want him dead. It’s an entertaining mystery full of witty dialogue, engaging characters & a clash of cultures. The twists come at you like a hail storm as the book progresses & the author delivers moments of suspense mixed with humour.
At the heart of all the mayhem is Quinn, a resourceful woman who just wants the truth. She’s the kind of gal pal we’d all love to have, even if it means putting up with her horse Francesca who suffers from mood swings & (unwarranted) high self esteem.
It’s the kind of book that that doesn’t take itself too seriously & fits loosely into several genres…..romantic suspense, humour, chicklit. But whatever box you want to stuff it in, you’ll still end up with a fast paced & entertaining read.
October 16, 2016
Quinn Jones’ husband is dead. They have ruled it a suicide but she cannot believe he would take his own life. All her friends and family as well as the police feel she just cannot accept that he took his own life so she decides to investigate his death on her own and she discovers she did not really know her husband as well as she had thought. Now there are people who do not want her asking questions. A good read with a great cast of characters. I would like to thank the Publisher and Net Galley for the chance to read this ARC.
April 30, 2017
Excellent writing. I loved the story which made me laugh and cry. A story of true love lost and of unforgettable friendship from unlikely friends. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good mystery and a good romance. nc
I have found another favorite author in Christine M. Whitehead and look forward to reading her latest book very soon.
I have found another favorite author in Christine M. Whitehead and look forward to reading her latest book very soon.
January 10, 2017
I wanted a lighter hearted read but enough to keep me interested (I don’t like fluff). This was the perfect book. Quinn has the perfect life she has always wanted- a wonderful loving husband, a comfortable lifestyle and a job she loves. She is a lawyer and helps Chinese teenagers as a part time job. Her husband is an investment banker and already had the house they now live in. Suddenly Jordan commits suicide which to Quinn is so out of character. The police not having any evidence to the contrary close the case, however Quinn notices discrepancies apart from why on earth would he do that when they were so happy and she knew of nothing to make him even imagine of such a thing. There is a gap in his CV which his best friend and even his parents shrug off and don’t really answer. Could this be a clue? A well written interesting story with some wonderful characters along the way. Realistic it may not be in parts- but hey! This is fiction so go with the ride and enjoy it. A strong lead- one who is enthusiastic and determined, a couple of animals to provide a little humour (always good for me) and a good flow keep the pages turning. I learnt something as well- of perfume, of history and never get in the way of a determined female. Let’s go girls!
March 19, 2020
Why not? Boring, lacklustre content, lousy and pretty much predictable.
Why should you read this book? For perfume recommendations and fashion tips because that’s in abundance in the book. Or maybe you shouldn’t read it.
I did like a few quotes in there, but didn’t find the prose alluring in general.
2.5🌟 rounded down.
Why should you read this book? For perfume recommendations and fashion tips because that’s in abundance in the book. Or maybe you shouldn’t read it.
I did like a few quotes in there, but didn’t find the prose alluring in general.
2.5🌟 rounded down.
January 8, 2017
I loved this book especially Quinn, and Ryan. The relationship that Quinn had with her boy (friends) was so wonderful.
It took a long time for her to trust someone, or anyone. Is there more stories about Quinn and cohorts to come? Shirley
It took a long time for her to trust someone, or anyone. Is there more stories about Quinn and cohorts to come? Shirley
August 11, 2017
Meh. She could use a professional content editor to help with plot.
December 5, 2016
As our novel begins, NYC divorce attorney Quinn Jones Chang is well and happily married to international investment banker Jordan Chang, When she is informed that her husband has committed suicide by jumping from their home’s second floor balcony, she immediately goes into denial.
No, he is not dead. No, they have mis-identified the body. No, he had absolutely no reason to commit suicide. And, yes, if he is truly dead then he was murdered.
Yes, the detectives admit that it would have been difficult to jump from that balcony without striking a lower ledge, but not impossible. Yes, the body would normally have landed differently in a jump, but that position is not impossible, either. Yes, the head injuries are a bit unusually placed for that kind of fall, but not impossible to have occurred. Yes, the injuries to his hands and arms look like offensive injuries rather than the results of landing on concrete, but there are no defensive injuries either.
And no, it doesn’t matter that Quinn says he is wearing clothes he never bought, the tailored suit he wore only an hour before not only gone from his body but from the premises entirely. No, it doesn’t matter that a vase that would probably match the head wound is missing, that the furniture and rugs have been rearranged and that the dog – a herding and guard breed – has cuts all over its chest.
No, if it remotely looks like a duck, sort of quacks like a duck, then it is a duck – a suicide-committing duck. Case solved, clearance rate numbers preserved, and on to the next of the other 18 cases piled up on the detectives’ desks.
But Quinn won’t take any of these “explanations” as truth. As she slowly emerges from her cloud of grief, she decides to investigate on her own, particularly when the probate process reveals some alarming and – to her, unknown – facts. Plus, there’s that black Cadillac Escalade that tries repeatedly to mow her down when she is caught on foot crossing a busy intersection.
The premise, and excerpt, of this story really intrigued me when I nominated the title for publication in the Kindle Scout program. Receiving a free copy prior to official publication obligates me in no way to provide a positive review, or any review at all, for that matter. However, since this appears to be only the second work by this author over a 10-year span, I feel it deserves attention.
First, the writing flows easily from scene to scene. The descriptions of people, places and objects are precise and easily visualized. Secondly, the emotions that are evoked by the phrasing is spot-on and moving. Thirdly, there are only a few editing errors, mostly missing prepositions, but nothing that interrupts the flow of the narrative. And finally, the characters of Quinn and her three eventual sidekicks are written beautifully, with depth, humor and consistency.
Unfortunately, all this good is counteracted, in my opinion, by three tactics on the part of the author. First, there is a fatal flaw in the main premise of the storyline – that the detectives rule Jordan’s death a suicide with no possibility of murder as an option. Without that plot device there is no justification for Quinn to become an amateur sleuth. (By the way, this is not a cozy. While there may be absolutely no sex within the pages, there is plenty of graphic violence.)
However, in reading the details of the unusual findings that the detectives ignore, the writer does not come out and say – but the reader clearly feels – that the body has been moved prior to official discovery. And – SPOILER ALERT – it comes out that the body is, indeed, moved from the concrete to the basement, where the clothes are changed out, and then the body placed back on the concrete.
Harassed, hurried, overworked or not, there is no way the detectives could have missed that. At the very least, there would have been smears in the blood spatter and overlay of smears and body fluids because the body could not, statistically, be put back in exactly the same spot or position as when it landed. The author has simply violated the laws of physics, in a non-science fiction text, to establish the reason for the rest of her story.
The second problem with the novel is the time line. The storyline takes place over 15 months, but the placement of events within that time is inconsistent. On one page, we may be told it’s one month, only to be told, several paragraphs later that it’s another month. On other occasions we are told an event is to occur two days later, only to find it not happening for a week and two days later.
The three attempts to kill Quinn are also a timeline problem, there being months between attempts rather than days. Granted it gives the author plenty of pages to write Quinn’s investigative endeavors, but it doesn’t feel “real.” And speaking of reality, the sophistication and timing of the hits does not jive with the impromptu locations and/or the variable dynamics prior to the hits. Apparently, like the movement of the body, Ms Whitehead may feel that if she doesn’t concern herself with such details, the reader won’t think about them either.
The last problem that took a 5-star premise to a 3-star actuality is the last chapter. The ending of the story is a confusion of the solved and the unresolved. Now, don’t get me wrong – there is no cliffhanger. The murder of Jordan Chang is solved and the guilty parties pay.
But the personal resolution for Quinn is left in a confusing jumble of words and images. Three months have disappeared from the timeline. It feels like important events alluded to earlier may have transpired but we are not really sure. Yet the final paragraphs do not have the feel of a hook leading to a follow-up novel, either. Whether the author ran out of words on her contract and made an attempt to condense, I do not know. But I do know that it came across as another case of not dealing with plausible details.
As a postscript, any author who, in a promotional blurb, likens her heroine to Stephanie Plum is potentially doing herself a grave financial disservice. Fortunately, that comment was not in the original blurb or I would not have gone anywhere near the book. And, fortunately, Quinn Jones Chang shares no resemblance to Plum in the slightest. She is a beautiful character and it was a pleasure to meet her.
No, he is not dead. No, they have mis-identified the body. No, he had absolutely no reason to commit suicide. And, yes, if he is truly dead then he was murdered.
Yes, the detectives admit that it would have been difficult to jump from that balcony without striking a lower ledge, but not impossible. Yes, the body would normally have landed differently in a jump, but that position is not impossible, either. Yes, the head injuries are a bit unusually placed for that kind of fall, but not impossible to have occurred. Yes, the injuries to his hands and arms look like offensive injuries rather than the results of landing on concrete, but there are no defensive injuries either.
And no, it doesn’t matter that Quinn says he is wearing clothes he never bought, the tailored suit he wore only an hour before not only gone from his body but from the premises entirely. No, it doesn’t matter that a vase that would probably match the head wound is missing, that the furniture and rugs have been rearranged and that the dog – a herding and guard breed – has cuts all over its chest.
No, if it remotely looks like a duck, sort of quacks like a duck, then it is a duck – a suicide-committing duck. Case solved, clearance rate numbers preserved, and on to the next of the other 18 cases piled up on the detectives’ desks.
But Quinn won’t take any of these “explanations” as truth. As she slowly emerges from her cloud of grief, she decides to investigate on her own, particularly when the probate process reveals some alarming and – to her, unknown – facts. Plus, there’s that black Cadillac Escalade that tries repeatedly to mow her down when she is caught on foot crossing a busy intersection.
The premise, and excerpt, of this story really intrigued me when I nominated the title for publication in the Kindle Scout program. Receiving a free copy prior to official publication obligates me in no way to provide a positive review, or any review at all, for that matter. However, since this appears to be only the second work by this author over a 10-year span, I feel it deserves attention.
First, the writing flows easily from scene to scene. The descriptions of people, places and objects are precise and easily visualized. Secondly, the emotions that are evoked by the phrasing is spot-on and moving. Thirdly, there are only a few editing errors, mostly missing prepositions, but nothing that interrupts the flow of the narrative. And finally, the characters of Quinn and her three eventual sidekicks are written beautifully, with depth, humor and consistency.
Unfortunately, all this good is counteracted, in my opinion, by three tactics on the part of the author. First, there is a fatal flaw in the main premise of the storyline – that the detectives rule Jordan’s death a suicide with no possibility of murder as an option. Without that plot device there is no justification for Quinn to become an amateur sleuth. (By the way, this is not a cozy. While there may be absolutely no sex within the pages, there is plenty of graphic violence.)
However, in reading the details of the unusual findings that the detectives ignore, the writer does not come out and say – but the reader clearly feels – that the body has been moved prior to official discovery. And – SPOILER ALERT – it comes out that the body is, indeed, moved from the concrete to the basement, where the clothes are changed out, and then the body placed back on the concrete.
Harassed, hurried, overworked or not, there is no way the detectives could have missed that. At the very least, there would have been smears in the blood spatter and overlay of smears and body fluids because the body could not, statistically, be put back in exactly the same spot or position as when it landed. The author has simply violated the laws of physics, in a non-science fiction text, to establish the reason for the rest of her story.
The second problem with the novel is the time line. The storyline takes place over 15 months, but the placement of events within that time is inconsistent. On one page, we may be told it’s one month, only to be told, several paragraphs later that it’s another month. On other occasions we are told an event is to occur two days later, only to find it not happening for a week and two days later.
The three attempts to kill Quinn are also a timeline problem, there being months between attempts rather than days. Granted it gives the author plenty of pages to write Quinn’s investigative endeavors, but it doesn’t feel “real.” And speaking of reality, the sophistication and timing of the hits does not jive with the impromptu locations and/or the variable dynamics prior to the hits. Apparently, like the movement of the body, Ms Whitehead may feel that if she doesn’t concern herself with such details, the reader won’t think about them either.
The last problem that took a 5-star premise to a 3-star actuality is the last chapter. The ending of the story is a confusion of the solved and the unresolved. Now, don’t get me wrong – there is no cliffhanger. The murder of Jordan Chang is solved and the guilty parties pay.
But the personal resolution for Quinn is left in a confusing jumble of words and images. Three months have disappeared from the timeline. It feels like important events alluded to earlier may have transpired but we are not really sure. Yet the final paragraphs do not have the feel of a hook leading to a follow-up novel, either. Whether the author ran out of words on her contract and made an attempt to condense, I do not know. But I do know that it came across as another case of not dealing with plausible details.
As a postscript, any author who, in a promotional blurb, likens her heroine to Stephanie Plum is potentially doing herself a grave financial disservice. Fortunately, that comment was not in the original blurb or I would not have gone anywhere near the book. And, fortunately, Quinn Jones Chang shares no resemblance to Plum in the slightest. She is a beautiful character and it was a pleasure to meet her.
August 11, 2017
This book had some interesting moments. The title puzzled me, when I reached the end I must have skipped the tie-in, unless it had something to do with Chinatown or Laos. The first few chapters were exceptional, the description of Quinn's grief could only have come from someone who knows that level of pain. The writing at times, was beautiful.
In the last third of the book I started skipping little chunks, wanting to forget about perfume and romance and each characters lives and get to the conclusion. The book was serious and it was funny, all in all, a good read.
In the last third of the book I started skipping little chunks, wanting to forget about perfume and romance and each characters lives and get to the conclusion. The book was serious and it was funny, all in all, a good read.
May 19, 2019
What an A M A Z I N G novel ❤
Loved it from start to finish. Such a great read.
BUT... who is Steven??? Mentioned at the very end. I simply cannot recall the death of someone named Steven. Did I miss this alltogether??
Loved it from start to finish. Such a great read.
BUT... who is Steven??? Mentioned at the very end. I simply cannot recall the death of someone named Steven. Did I miss this alltogether??
October 4, 2016
The Rage of Plum Blossoms by Christine M. Whitehead is a fairly conventional mystery story. There a few twists in the telling on the way to find the identity of a killer but we are pretty sure from the start that a murder has taken place and we read the story to find out the who and the why. As readers, we know a murder has taken place; the police do not agree, the medical examiner does not agree, the parents of the victim apparently do not agree, the victim’s best friend is uncommunicative. Only wife Quinnie believes that Jordan did not commit suicide. She knows her husband as an ex-marine, cum laude graduate from university, and a successful investment banker. She didn’t even know how successful he was until a lawyer told her she was left with a totally paid for three-story brownstone building in New York and twenty-seven million dollars. She didn’t mind the million given to his university and five million to his family.
Quinn Chang would never accept that her husband Jordan Chang would commit suicide. Especially not in front of the dog, Tink. Quinn was a successful divorce attorney. After spending nine months in grief, Quinn decided to investigate and solve what she was sure was a murder. She did not have confidence in her investigative talents despite being somewhat of an undercover part-time DEA secret agent.
Here we come to the weakest part of the novel. It seems Quinn had studied Chinese in university for four years and by the time of graduation could speak Chinese Mandarin so fluently that she had no problem using it on the phone. She continued her studies in Vermont at Middlebury College and picked up Cantonese as well as bits of other major dialects. Her fluency in Chinese was what made her valuable to the DEA. As she defended Chinese speaking clients she would overhear bits and pieces of drug information which she would pass to the DEA. Of course, she had to keep her Chinese language ability secret from everyone, even her husband. But she told Jordan, her American-born Chinese husband.
Claimed language fluency is the weak point. It is very rare for someone to even approach fluency by studying language in a university, but I’ll give the author that one. Middlebury in Vermont is very famous with a well deserve reputation in language development. But one just doesn’t “pick up” Cantonese, let alone bits of the other (up to 15) major dialects. Chinese is a tonal language and the tones are not common across dialects. Chinese Mandarin uses four tones, Cantonese uses nine and is vastly dissimilar in vocabulary. Reading and writing can ease communication across dialects if the student is careful to study both simplified and complex forms of characters. Quinn presumably studied other subjects other than Chinese in university, her language studies would not have been intensive. I studied Mandarin Chinese intensively eight hours per day for fourteen months. That was after I had studied Cantonese Chinese eight hours per day for twelve months. Talented polyglots (which I am not) would be envious of language skills claimed here. Additionally, since she had to keep her language abilities secret from everyone, she would have had no chance to practice. Lack of practice equals a dramatic degradation in language use skill over a very short period of time.
Readers who happen to be students of language take this kind of stuff seriously.
Once Quinn made her decision to investigate, she had to find help with gathering information. She cobbled together a group reminiscent of the Lion, the Tin Man, and the Scarecrow. There was Bernie, a retired cop and current groundskeeper for a city park. Good, that gets us investigative skill. There was Ray, several years Quinn’s junior and a graduate student in Southeast Asian studies (and languages). This was valuable because Quinn would soon discover that there were some letters left behind by Jordan written in Lao by a former spy colleague. And there was Sam who seemed to be an expert in perfume fragrances. I am not sure why he was a valuable addition to the team. Jordan forgot to tell Quinn he had been one of the super-secret types carrying out unauthorized missions in Southeast Asia. And she was not supposed to tell him about her DEA work. Jordan also didn’t tell her he was carrying out some intelligence activities in New York to stem the flow of drugs and human trafficking. This family has lots of secrets. And that is not considering the child Jordan left behind in Laos many years before.
The anti-crime efforts of Jordan are probably what got him killed. This is not much of a surprise. But when Quinn started asking questions, ones that would invite the attention of law enforcement, she became a target of Lao and presumably Chinese gangs, as did her friends Ray, Bernie, and Sam. It was probably good that Quinn had a lot of time after language studies to become a crack shot with a pistol and become a martial arts expert in Krav Maga.
Even though I thought the novel ended with a whimper (and a predictable one at that) I liked the book because of the Asian background. I disagreed with assertions made about language but found some of the cultural comparison notes interesting. I think I would have fun corresponding with this author about different interpretations non-Asians make when living in a predominantly Asian society. I don’t know how interesting the novel would be for a reader without such a cultural interest but I liked it.
Quinn Chang would never accept that her husband Jordan Chang would commit suicide. Especially not in front of the dog, Tink. Quinn was a successful divorce attorney. After spending nine months in grief, Quinn decided to investigate and solve what she was sure was a murder. She did not have confidence in her investigative talents despite being somewhat of an undercover part-time DEA secret agent.
Here we come to the weakest part of the novel. It seems Quinn had studied Chinese in university for four years and by the time of graduation could speak Chinese Mandarin so fluently that she had no problem using it on the phone. She continued her studies in Vermont at Middlebury College and picked up Cantonese as well as bits of other major dialects. Her fluency in Chinese was what made her valuable to the DEA. As she defended Chinese speaking clients she would overhear bits and pieces of drug information which she would pass to the DEA. Of course, she had to keep her Chinese language ability secret from everyone, even her husband. But she told Jordan, her American-born Chinese husband.
Claimed language fluency is the weak point. It is very rare for someone to even approach fluency by studying language in a university, but I’ll give the author that one. Middlebury in Vermont is very famous with a well deserve reputation in language development. But one just doesn’t “pick up” Cantonese, let alone bits of the other (up to 15) major dialects. Chinese is a tonal language and the tones are not common across dialects. Chinese Mandarin uses four tones, Cantonese uses nine and is vastly dissimilar in vocabulary. Reading and writing can ease communication across dialects if the student is careful to study both simplified and complex forms of characters. Quinn presumably studied other subjects other than Chinese in university, her language studies would not have been intensive. I studied Mandarin Chinese intensively eight hours per day for fourteen months. That was after I had studied Cantonese Chinese eight hours per day for twelve months. Talented polyglots (which I am not) would be envious of language skills claimed here. Additionally, since she had to keep her language abilities secret from everyone, she would have had no chance to practice. Lack of practice equals a dramatic degradation in language use skill over a very short period of time.
Readers who happen to be students of language take this kind of stuff seriously.
Once Quinn made her decision to investigate, she had to find help with gathering information. She cobbled together a group reminiscent of the Lion, the Tin Man, and the Scarecrow. There was Bernie, a retired cop and current groundskeeper for a city park. Good, that gets us investigative skill. There was Ray, several years Quinn’s junior and a graduate student in Southeast Asian studies (and languages). This was valuable because Quinn would soon discover that there were some letters left behind by Jordan written in Lao by a former spy colleague. And there was Sam who seemed to be an expert in perfume fragrances. I am not sure why he was a valuable addition to the team. Jordan forgot to tell Quinn he had been one of the super-secret types carrying out unauthorized missions in Southeast Asia. And she was not supposed to tell him about her DEA work. Jordan also didn’t tell her he was carrying out some intelligence activities in New York to stem the flow of drugs and human trafficking. This family has lots of secrets. And that is not considering the child Jordan left behind in Laos many years before.
The anti-crime efforts of Jordan are probably what got him killed. This is not much of a surprise. But when Quinn started asking questions, ones that would invite the attention of law enforcement, she became a target of Lao and presumably Chinese gangs, as did her friends Ray, Bernie, and Sam. It was probably good that Quinn had a lot of time after language studies to become a crack shot with a pistol and become a martial arts expert in Krav Maga.
Even though I thought the novel ended with a whimper (and a predictable one at that) I liked the book because of the Asian background. I disagreed with assertions made about language but found some of the cultural comparison notes interesting. I think I would have fun corresponding with this author about different interpretations non-Asians make when living in a predominantly Asian society. I don’t know how interesting the novel would be for a reader without such a cultural interest but I liked it.
June 20, 2020
This was such a book of contrasts, differing personalities and most certainly very different cultures but even more that that it is a book of incredible friendships. I will not rehash the story or the characters simply to say that Quinn is luckier then most in her quest for a solution to her husbsnd's murder when she finds support in a polyglot of friends. And it is these friends,their interactions with each other and Quinn that make this book a 'feel good' one.
October 9, 2016
Brilliant! That is my one word for describing this story. At the core is a murder mystery, but the storyline that works alongside this is extremely well written and flows beautifully. The establishment and growth of friendships that occur between a number of characters who pop into the story along the way, complements the well described dedication of the main character on her journey of discovering what happened to her husband.
The language of this story makes it easy to get caught up in it, like being swept along in a smooth flowing current. The author has incorporated a sliver of humour that provides a few light hearted moments amongst the seriousness of the storyline. Just enough humour to keep it light, but not so much that the seriousness of the story is turned into a comedy.
This is definitely a book I would highly recommend to anyone who enjoys a mixture of suspense, crime, murder mystery, family and friendships.
The language of this story makes it easy to get caught up in it, like being swept along in a smooth flowing current. The author has incorporated a sliver of humour that provides a few light hearted moments amongst the seriousness of the storyline. Just enough humour to keep it light, but not so much that the seriousness of the story is turned into a comedy.
This is definitely a book I would highly recommend to anyone who enjoys a mixture of suspense, crime, murder mystery, family and friendships.
October 29, 2016
I don’t have to start my review with telling what this book is all about since other reviewers did that already.
I will just tell what I thougth about this book and it will be no suprise that I rated it 4 stars. This story combines an interesting mystery with very likable characters, some humour and even a little romance. Not to speak about a litte fragrance… I’m someone who likes perfumes too, and try and wear the appropriate perfume for different occasions, but I don’t think I could ever take it as far as Quinn does. Mainly because it is a very expensive hobby ;-)
Although some things in the story are a little strange, like the fact that Quinn and her husband both have a secret job (I was remembered of the movie Mr. and Mrs. Smith), all in all I couldn’t put it down once I started and I agree with other reviewers here that this is a very enjoyable book from a talented author.
I will just tell what I thougth about this book and it will be no suprise that I rated it 4 stars. This story combines an interesting mystery with very likable characters, some humour and even a little romance. Not to speak about a litte fragrance… I’m someone who likes perfumes too, and try and wear the appropriate perfume for different occasions, but I don’t think I could ever take it as far as Quinn does. Mainly because it is a very expensive hobby ;-)
Although some things in the story are a little strange, like the fact that Quinn and her husband both have a secret job (I was remembered of the movie Mr. and Mrs. Smith), all in all I couldn’t put it down once I started and I agree with other reviewers here that this is a very enjoyable book from a talented author.
November 10, 2016
The best part about taking a chance on a new author is when the end result is a winner! Instantly, I connected with the story and Quinn as well as all of the other characters in the book. They did not play just minor parts or as secondary characters. I applaud Quinn's determination to find the truth while keeping a level head. There were a few times that Quinn found herself in a dangerous situation but she kept her cool.
Additionally, I enjoyed learning about Chinese traditions. I have a better understanding of the beliefs, especially regarding the soul. To be honest, I didn't see the ending coming. This is a good thing as the author was able to kept a few steps ahead of me. The events leading to the truth involving Quinn's husband was believable. I look forward to reading more books from this author. The Rage of Plum Blossoms will have you yearning for more!
Additionally, I enjoyed learning about Chinese traditions. I have a better understanding of the beliefs, especially regarding the soul. To be honest, I didn't see the ending coming. This is a good thing as the author was able to kept a few steps ahead of me. The events leading to the truth involving Quinn's husband was believable. I look forward to reading more books from this author. The Rage of Plum Blossoms will have you yearning for more!
July 28, 2017
A so so read. I thought it was written in a juvenile manner. I became bored and skipped portions
July 24, 2017
Really Exasperating
I hated myself a little bit all the way through this book because I always have to know how it ends, no matter how much I roll my eyes as I'm reading. This book desperately needed better editing. There are really glaring breaks in continuity, some amateurish mistakes in grammar and structure, way too much nonsense about clothing and perfume and restaurants and and butterflies, of all things. The final annoyance came at the very end when it appears that Quinn and Sam have resolved their ridiculous sexual tension but there's no explication of how the romance progressed.
I hated myself a little bit all the way through this book because I always have to know how it ends, no matter how much I roll my eyes as I'm reading. This book desperately needed better editing. There are really glaring breaks in continuity, some amateurish mistakes in grammar and structure, way too much nonsense about clothing and perfume and restaurants and and butterflies, of all things. The final annoyance came at the very end when it appears that Quinn and Sam have resolved their ridiculous sexual tension but there's no explication of how the romance progressed.
January 14, 2017
Terrible
I can't understand how this book received almost 5 stars. Maybe it's not bad, just not my cup of tea. I will never know since I couldn't get past the 10 pages that took almost a week to get through. If you like over descriptive dialogs full of adjectives and adverbs with very other word, then this is the book for you. I couldn't take it. I did not finish it. Maybe it got better, but I will never find out. Good luck.
I can't understand how this book received almost 5 stars. Maybe it's not bad, just not my cup of tea. I will never know since I couldn't get past the 10 pages that took almost a week to get through. If you like over descriptive dialogs full of adjectives and adverbs with very other word, then this is the book for you. I couldn't take it. I did not finish it. Maybe it got better, but I will never find out. Good luck.
January 11, 2017
In some ways this book gave me mixed messages as far as what author Christine Whitehead intended say in the story. On the one hand it first seemed to be a serious mystery about a questionable suicide, but then it became more a commentary on the excentric Manhattan lifestyles of the super wealthy. It was an okay read but probably too erratic in its plot to rate as a solid 'who dunnit'.
March 9, 2022
Not sure if this was a murder mystery, romcom, or a thesis on fashion. The first half of the book was okay, but then it just got boring and predictable. As she was being targeted by a gang of thugs, I was kind of rooting for the thugs and bring this story to an end. My rage is that I spent far too many hours of my time reading it.
November 14, 2016
So engrossing! I could not put it down and read it all in one sitting. Is it the most realistic book? No. But I enjoyed it so much that the crazy coincidences and almost superpowered character didn't even bother me. She's not superpowered, but she seems to be better at more things than more people. She's into a lot of things and knows a lot about them, but they made her incredibly interesting. She's never, ever boring. And neither is this story.
Quinn is a lawyer living a good life. Happy marriage, lovely home, rambunctious dog... until her husband dies. He's seemingly swan dived off their balcony. Quinn had just left for work shortly before. When she is informed, she is completely in denial. They were very happy. She'd just chatted with him before work and he seemed fine. He was in his suit, ready to go to work. When he's found, he's in different clothing. There's been no forced entry to the house. Nothing has been stolen. It's basically an open and shut case to the police, but not to Quinn. Jordan wouldn't kill himself. He wasn't depressed, he wasn't facing financial ruin. She is convinced someone pushed him, and if the police won't find out by who, she will. She makes some fantastic new friends during her search, who quickly become invested and willing to do whatever they can to help her find the truth.
She quickly finds out that not everything is as it seems. She knew that she and her husband were comfortable financially, but she had no idea how much money he actually had. Most of it is left to her, and she has no idea how he made all of it. She also finds some interesting photos and items in a safe deposit box she didn't even know he had. Seems her husband had many secrets... and she begins to receive anonymous threats to stop investigating.
I received a copy of this book from Net Galley and Kindle Press, thank you! My review is unbiased and honest.
Quinn is a lawyer living a good life. Happy marriage, lovely home, rambunctious dog... until her husband dies. He's seemingly swan dived off their balcony. Quinn had just left for work shortly before. When she is informed, she is completely in denial. They were very happy. She'd just chatted with him before work and he seemed fine. He was in his suit, ready to go to work. When he's found, he's in different clothing. There's been no forced entry to the house. Nothing has been stolen. It's basically an open and shut case to the police, but not to Quinn. Jordan wouldn't kill himself. He wasn't depressed, he wasn't facing financial ruin. She is convinced someone pushed him, and if the police won't find out by who, she will. She makes some fantastic new friends during her search, who quickly become invested and willing to do whatever they can to help her find the truth.
She quickly finds out that not everything is as it seems. She knew that she and her husband were comfortable financially, but she had no idea how much money he actually had. Most of it is left to her, and she has no idea how he made all of it. She also finds some interesting photos and items in a safe deposit box she didn't even know he had. Seems her husband had many secrets... and she begins to receive anonymous threats to stop investigating.
I received a copy of this book from Net Galley and Kindle Press, thank you! My review is unbiased and honest.
July 30, 2025
Allegedly, Quinn (the main character of The Rage of Plum Blossoms) has female friends, but we never really see that come into play in the book. Instead, she spends her time with three men of varying ages trying to solve her husband's murder. She just happens to meet these strangers throughout New York City, at the right time and with the exact skills she needs to crack the case... slowly ... while people try to kill her in very public spaces.
It's all a little unbelievable, but I'm a sucker for a murder mystery book, so I did breeze right through it. I expected to enjoy the book when I started, but the more I got into it, the more ridiculous it got. And for some reason, the food she eats was described in great detail, despite it having nothing to do with the plot? I'm not sure why that bothered me the most.
There is a book by this author about one of the characters loosely mentioned in this one. And, despite all my complaints, I'd probably still read it.
It's all a little unbelievable, but I'm a sucker for a murder mystery book, so I did breeze right through it. I expected to enjoy the book when I started, but the more I got into it, the more ridiculous it got. And for some reason, the food she eats was described in great detail, despite it having nothing to do with the plot? I'm not sure why that bothered me the most.
There is a book by this author about one of the characters loosely mentioned in this one. And, despite all my complaints, I'd probably still read it.
August 23, 2017
A thoroughly entertaining novel with a marvelous cast of characters! It was definitely not what I expected. The lightheartedness initially threw me off, but I very quickly realized this was meant to be less sinister and dark than other murder thrillers.
The ragtag team quirky Quinn assembles to help solve her husband's apparent suicide is an odd, wonderful mix of men who are completely unalike. Quinn meets all three of them purely by chance as she struggles to accept Jordan's death. In these 3 men, she finds people who believe her murder theory and are willing to aid her in every way with her investigation. The bonds of friendship build throughout the narration so that, by the end, they are a fully united crew, willing to go all the way even in the face of life threatening peril.
The ragtag team quirky Quinn assembles to help solve her husband's apparent suicide is an odd, wonderful mix of men who are completely unalike. Quinn meets all three of them purely by chance as she struggles to accept Jordan's death. In these 3 men, she finds people who believe her murder theory and are willing to aid her in every way with her investigation. The bonds of friendship build throughout the narration so that, by the end, they are a fully united crew, willing to go all the way even in the face of life threatening peril.
January 1, 2018
Really a 3.5. The plot was wonderful, wrapped me into it within a chapter. The characters were rich and multi dimensional, people i would like to know. The writing was wonderful, with clumsy inelegant moments throughout. They would completely detail my fantasy and rudely jerk me to th real world. A disharmonic note clanging so loud as to drown out the delicate prose surrounding. And then, she apparently got tired of writing and threw some kind of ending into the book to run for vacation. Or something else. I loved so many parts of the book, I don't want the boys that made my teeth itch to spoil the rest.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 19, 2019
I was not a fan. The plot seemed interesting, but it was very poorly executed. The main character solves a case with zero expertise but happens to EASILY stumble upon every single thing she needs to succeed. Can't translate an uncommon language? Boom, run into a person who can. Need to get top-secret/classified information? Boom now you immediately have access.
On top of the unrealistic story-line, there was far too much explanatory writing for things that definitely didn't matter. Everyone's clothes and scent descriptors took up half the book which really added nothing to the story.
As I read more and more of this book I liked it less and less. The characters are unrealistic, the story-line is unrealistic, and the ending is not worth it.
On top of the unrealistic story-line, there was far too much explanatory writing for things that definitely didn't matter. Everyone's clothes and scent descriptors took up half the book which really added nothing to the story.
As I read more and more of this book I liked it less and less. The characters are unrealistic, the story-line is unrealistic, and the ending is not worth it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 13, 2017
The best thing about winning books on this site is finding new authors; this is a book that deserved to be picked up by a publisher. Story flows easily, with well fleshed, like-able characters. It does not take itself seriously, as it is hard to believe that one stumbles upon the perfect mix of friends. With this said, it has a bit of mystery, suspense, and romance and was a perfectly enjoyable read, so treat yourself! Book received in goodreads contest.
April 14, 2019
New Author for me!
I really really liked this book. When I had an opportunity to go out for a late lunch, I said no because I wanted to read my book. That says a lot. The story of a love that arrived late in life and did not stay very long. This is a beautiful look at Chinatown as well as the mystery of not belonging and needing to find answers so your life will continue. Read this beautifully written love story mystery.
I really really liked this book. When I had an opportunity to go out for a late lunch, I said no because I wanted to read my book. That says a lot. The story of a love that arrived late in life and did not stay very long. This is a beautiful look at Chinatown as well as the mystery of not belonging and needing to find answers so your life will continue. Read this beautifully written love story mystery.
January 26, 2022
Absolutely wonderful. This book is so heartbreaking with the loss of her wonderful husband Jordan, Quinn has to prove to herself that he did not commit suicide, but was murdered. This puts her in grave danger. Along the way she finds Sam, Ryan and Bernie who help her through the hardest year of her life. I loved the New York vibe of this book. I loved the descriptions of perfumes and scents and fashion. This book was exciting and comforting. Loved it.
April 2, 2022
Okay Reading
I gave this book 3 stars because it started out as an adventure that needed solving and it kept me interested enough to keep reading. I got a little lost about 2/3 in. Maybe it's my lack of government security, espionage, security, etc that it was hard to follow the plot and why/how some things happened. It did have a good expected ending. Getting lost in the plot is what prevented me from giving it 4 stars.
I gave this book 3 stars because it started out as an adventure that needed solving and it kept me interested enough to keep reading. I got a little lost about 2/3 in. Maybe it's my lack of government security, espionage, security, etc that it was hard to follow the plot and why/how some things happened. It did have a good expected ending. Getting lost in the plot is what prevented me from giving it 4 stars.
December 16, 2024
I absolutely loved this book and was mesmerized by all the twists and turns. I tried so many times to predict the outcome, but never got it quite right.
Quinn, the main character, has remarkable strength and resiliency, never giving up and her unlikely crew of friends brought me many smiles.
Christine, I hope you have a 4th book on the horizon because I have so loved the first three — all so different but beautifully done. You were my inspiration to finally publish my own!
Quinn, the main character, has remarkable strength and resiliency, never giving up and her unlikely crew of friends brought me many smiles.
Christine, I hope you have a 4th book on the horizon because I have so loved the first three — all so different but beautifully done. You were my inspiration to finally publish my own!
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