The Jade Dragon

Death in Shangai #1

by Garrett Hutson

An old friend murdered. The police won't investigate, so it falls to Doug Bainbridge to find justice for Tim... if mobsters, communist insurgents, or Japanese spies don't get to him first. In 1935, Shanghai is the place to be. Glittering nightlife, bustling business, and a diverse international community are just some of the appeals of the "Paris of the Orient." Douglas Bainbridge, Office of Naval Intelligence, is beginning a two-year immersion in Shanghai when he runs into Tim McIntyre, a childhood friend from San Francisco. Tim is a reporter for the Shanghai office of the Associated Press, and he offers to show Doug the local nightlife.While enjoying a show at The Jade Dragon, Tim never returns from intermission, and Doug finds Tim's body in an alley. The police dismiss it as a robbery gone bad, but Doug knows there was more to it. Bystanders saw Tim arguing with a pair of men before walking away with them.Doug finds files in Tim's office showing he was investigating Japanese infiltration of a Korean resistance group; and the notorious "Green Gang" that controls the opium trade in China, and has deep ties to General Chiang Kai-Shek himself. Tim's friend and fellow reporter, Art "Jonesy" Jones goads Doug into solving Tim's murder. But in Shanghai, danger lurks around every dark corner.The Jade Dragon will take you on a journey to old Shanghai, where danger, excitement, and romance exist side by side. The Jade Dragon is an upmarket historical mystery, with crossover appeal to fans of spy fiction, and gay & lesbian fiction.

Genres: Mystery, Historical, Fiction, Historical Fiction, LGBT, Crime

334 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 4, 2017

About the author

Garrett Hutson writes upmarket mysteries and historical spy fiction, driven by characters who are moving and unforgettable. He lives in Indianapolis with his husband, four adorable dogs, two odd-ball cats, and more fish than you can count. You can usually find him reading about history, and day-dreaming about being there. This is where his stories are born, and he hopes they transport you the way his imagination transports him.

Look for him on Twitter (@GarrettBHutson) and Facebook (Garrett Hutson Author). You can contact him or sign up for his monthly newsletter on his website at www.garretthutson.com.

Reviews

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Jade Dragon is book one in the Death in Shanghai by Garrett Hutson. In May 1935 Lieutenant Commander Doug Bainbridge arrived in Shanghai for a two-year posting. The first week in Shanghai Lieutenant Commander Doug Bainbridge meet a childhood friend Tim McIntryre a report working at the Shanghai office of the Associated Press went out to see a show, and during the show, Tim McIntyre went missing, and Doug found a couple of hours later dead. Lieutenant Commander Doug Bainbridge was not getting any answer from Shanghai law enforcement decided to investigate Tim McIntryre murder. The readers of the Jade Dragon will continue to follow the twist and turns in Lieutenant Commander Doug Bainbridge investigation into Tim McIntryre murder.

The Jade Dragon is a fantastic book to read, and Garrett Hutson did a great job laying out the settings for his readers by including maps of Shanghai. I love Garrett Hutson portrayal of his characters and the way he intertwined them throughout The Jade Dragon. The Jade Dragon is well written and researched by Garrett Hutson.

The readers of The Jade Dragon will learn about living in Shanghai in the 1930s. Also, the readers of The Jade Dragon will see the consequences of corruption in law enforcement.

Thanks to Voracious Readers for my free copy for an honest review. I recommend this book.

[Andria Potter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was good, but a bit slow. I did enjoy many parts of it, and Doug was a believable character, and the action scenes were very good. I'm curious to see where this series goes. 4 ⭐

[Siobhain · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Jade Dragon was a really enjoyable read. Part mystery, part adventure, part spy thriller with a little bit of romance on top. Hutson brings 1930s Shanghai to life with his writing and maps. The way the characters are portrayed is fantastic as well. I particularly liked the main character Doug, but I loved how all characters seemingly intertwined with each other throughout the narrative and it seemed every character had a spot to play.

The main thing I think that stood out to me was tied to an interesting and twisting story was the level of research and care that has gone into The Jade Dragon. It is clear with the level of detail that he did his research and managed to interweave history and fiction to recreate a gripping novel that you won’t be able to put down.

Thank you so much to Voracious Readers and Garrett Hutson for my copy. My review is left voluntarily and is honest.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is a lot to like about this book. Being a fan of this era in Shanghai history, I loved the complex understanding of the many dynamics influencing Shanghai in the 1930’s, like the conflict between nationalists and communists, the influence from European countries, and the trouble concerning Korea and Japan. I knew much about this topic before reading this book and I loved the deep dive into the complex issues. For the mystery itself, it kept me intrigued until the ending. It wasn’t exactly anything that felt totally new, but the setting made it interesting. My one main concern with the book is that the characters weren’t that interesting. In fact, when the murderer was revealed, I had to ask, “Who are that again?” Just none of the characters stood out as real, making the incredibly beautiful setting slightly less impactful. The protagonist similarly was really confusing to me. He was foolish to the point of endangering himself and everyone else, and yet everything miraculously turned out for him. I found there was this weird dichotomy between a cozy mystery and a darker thriller. I wouldn’t have minded if this book went either way (darker or lighter), but it kept switching back and forth which really confused me about the tone. However, it was a good enough book to make me enjoy it, despite its weaknesses.

[Roxx Tarantini · Rating 5 out of 5]

Catapulted into something he really doesn't understand, Doug Bainbridge is nonetheless compelled to find out what happened; why his friend was killed.  In the process Doug learns a few unexpected, perhaps even unpleasant things about himself.

Hutson has an engaging way of weaving a story filled with unexpected twists that simply keeps you riveted.  His characters are interesting . . . beguiling . . . fascinating.  Notwithstanding that you neither like nor trust some of them . . . much . . . you are drawn to their stories.

I could not put this one down.  I venture to say you won't either.   Highly recommend!

[Many thanks to the author for the opportunity to read a copy of this book.   This is my honest review, the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own. ]

[Ander · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was very curious to read a mystery set in 1930s Shanghai, and The Jade Dragon did not disappoint me when it came to evoking the right atmosphere – it's clearly well researched, which I appreciated.

The mystery itself, on the other hand, didn't really grab me – perhaps because there was too much going on setting-wise. The main character only contributed partially to the unraveling of the mystery, with side characters bringing him important clues and pieces of information in a way that felt a bit info-dumpy. I also didn't find any of the characters interesting save for Charlie and Bao – everyone was too much on the dull side.

As for the writing style, I think Hutson writes compelling dialogues, but his exposition (especially when it comes to descriptions) feels mechanical, with sentences not really flowing into each other as much as I wished them to.

I would recommend this book to fans of historical fiction who enjoy well researched and detailed settings.

I received a free copy of the ebook via Voracious Readers Only, but this hasn't influenced my opinions.

[Mia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Voracious readers review copy: I loved the premise of this book and the characters were well fleshed out. The writing was well-paced, although I felt a bit lost following Doug’s thought patterns, but the book did end pretty satisfactorily.

[Courtney · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Voracious Readers only, but my opinion is my own.

I'm a fan of Shanghai, and particularly of this era, so I was quite keen to devour this book. While the setting remained resplendent, and the author's descriptions and grasp of the politics of the time very good, I had a really tough time with these characters.

In all honesty, the main character Doug was just unlikeable, in my opinion. While I do understand the time period had different ways of viewing others, there's just something about this character where he goes out of his way to just be out-and-out rude, even when it directly contradicts his stated goals. It just wasn't believable to me that after literally attempting to punch someone they turned around and were all, "Sure, no problem, I'll help you!" with this guy. It just didn't feel realistic to me and it left a poor taste in my mouth. Subsequently not only did I not connect with the protagonist, but because his antics pushed away other characters, I didn't have an opportunity to connect with them, either. By the end of the book I found myself needing to leaf back to remind myself who the murderer even was, which is a dealbreaker for me in a mystery.

In short, while the setting was lush and the politics felt real, the lens through which I as the reader viewed it left quite a bit to be desired.

[Suzanne Cruz Garcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Garrett Hutson for the book.

I like the vibe of the book, to me it was like I am reading a detective, crime fighting kind of 😁. I love the fact that I feel like I was in Shanghai and I was one with the characters and one of the characters. I felt the visuals in the scene if that makes sense.

I like Doug, he is likable and I felt like I can identify in terms of when he encountered his friend from a long time ago. It was like me at that moment because I was wanting to encounter my friends back in high school and it just be awesome.

There were scenes like I felt like I was transported and thought this is a book about spies then gangs then other things. It was a fun read and very much intrigue.

[Christine Weald · Rating 4 out of 5]

An engaging murder mystery taking place in old Shanghai in the 1935’s when it is at peace from the Japanese, although tremors are rumbling below the surface. Doug Bainbridge is a recruit for the American Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI) already conversant in Mandarin and Cantonese. He is tasked with getting to know the area and in learning the local Chinese dialects, Shanghainese and Pidgin. Although Doug’s upbringing is from the upper classes, he has an down to earth and likeable persona. While in Shanghai, an old friend, Tim McIntyre, a reporter bumps into him and offers to show him around. Tim’s reporting mission is to expose the corruption and political intrigue within the city, but gets him killed after he takes Doug to the Jade Dragon.

The reader is treated to a veritable smorgasbord of sights and smells of Shanghai as Doug explores the East district Yangtzepoo with its warehouses and dockyards and its seedy streets, contrasting with the opulent and fashionable French Concession and the bars and clubs in the British an American areas in the International Concession.

The mystery starts with Doug learning that the police are disinterested in finding the culprits for Tim’s murder. He is determined to find out why Tim was killed, and uncovers a melting pot of criminals and authorities such as the Japanese Secret Service, the Chinese Secret Service, the Green Gang, corrupt police officers, and Chinese Communists. The story only touches on the prostitution, opium dens, starvation and exploitation by pimps and gangsters in Shanghai, and the political intrigues such as the presence of the Korean Provisional Government in Shanghai, with its spies. Doug’s abhorrence for the gay men he encounters in his search for Tim’s murder is shown throughout.

It is a quick and relatively exciting read and is the start of a series.

A little background to add interest to the story. Shanghai was a weaving and fishing town before it was carved up into separate and autonomous districts known as concessions. There was the fashionable French concession alongside the International concession with its sub districts of American, British, and Russian populations. These concessions were beyond the reach of Chinese laws and taxes, self contained with their prisons, police, courts, schools, barracks and hospitals. In addition to this, Shanghai had exclusive parks and gentlemen's clubs that Chinese were not allowed in. The Chineses section was within a walled area.

Du Yuesheng One of Shanghai's most notorious figures was Shanghai Du Yuesheng ("Big-Eared Du"), a former sweet-potato vendor who started his life of crime as a policeman collecting protection money from local opium traders. As the head of the gang that controlled Shanghai's opium trade he reportedly funneled over $20 million a year to French authorities who allowed him to run his operation unhindered in the French Concession.

By the 1930s, Du had become so influential that Chiang Kai-shek put him in charge of the "Bureau of Opium Suppression." Never one to be too complacent he lived in a house with a secret trap door that could be used for quick getaways.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and leave this review voluntarily.

[Joanne Ellis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Garrett Hutson’s The Jade Dragon is a richly atmospheric historical mystery that plunges readers into the dazzling yet dangerous world of 1935 Shanghai. Blending intrigue, espionage, and a deeply personal quest for justice, this novel captivates with its vivid setting and compelling characters.

The story follows Douglas Bainbridge, an officer with the Office of Naval Intelligence, who arrives in Shanghai for a two-year assignment. His plans for a relatively smooth immersion are quickly upended when he reconnects with his childhood friend, Tim McIntyre, a journalist for the Associated Press. What begins as a night of camaraderie and entertainment at the famed Jade Dragon club turns into tragedy when Tim is found dead in a shadowy alley. While the authorities are quick to dismiss it as a random robbery, Doug is unconvinced.

As Doug delves into Tim’s last days, he uncovers layers of intrigue involving Japanese spies, the Korean resistance, and the notorious Green Gang — a criminal syndicate with ties reaching into the highest levels of Chinese leadership. With the help of Tim’s friend and fellow journalist, Art “Jonesy” Jones, Doug navigates the dangerous underbelly of Shanghai, determined to uncover the truth behind Tim’s murder.

Hutson’s meticulous research brings the “Paris of the Orient” to life in striking detail. From the glittering nightclubs and bustling street markets to the city’s political tensions and criminal undercurrents, every scene immerses the reader in the vibrant chaos of pre-war Shanghai. The atmosphere is electric, charged with both glamour and danger.

What makes The Jade Dragon stand out is its layered exploration of loyalty, identity, and resilience. Doug’s determination to seek justice is as much a personal journey as it is a detective’s pursuit. His own struggles with identity in a world that demands secrecy add depth to his character, making him all the more relatable and human. The inclusion of LGBTQ+ themes is handled with sensitivity and authenticity, adding richness to the narrative.

Fans of historical mysteries, spy fiction, and noir thrillers will find much to admire in The Jade Dragon. With its fast-paced plot, complex characters, and immersive setting, Garrett Hutson has crafted a masterful tale of suspense and heart. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking a gripping mystery set against the backdrop of a city on the edge of turmoil.

[Rachel Byrne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the author and from Voracious Readers—thank you! The Jade Dragon is a great summer read. It’s classified as a mystery, but I found the historical aspects of the novel much more satisfying. Garrett Hutson’s depictions of life in 1935 Shanghai are rich with fascinating details. The mystery was a little less engaging.

Douglas Bainbridge, the protagonist, is a young officer in a new Chinese immersion program run by the Office of Naval Intelligence. He runs into an old schoolmate, Tim McIntyre, who is now an AP reporter. As they’re enjoying the Shanghai nightlife, Tim is murdered. Doug makes it his mission to find Tim’s killers.

Although I was never bored by the mystery of Tim’s murder, I never felt entirely immersed in the novel. I think part of it was a lack of connection to Doug. He’s a reasonably well-realized character, but there is a lot to analyze: he sleeps with Lucy on the ship, apparently without any judgement on her character, yet he’s very prudish about things like swim trunks, prostitution and gay people. I understand that a young, wealthy, well-educated naval officer in the 30’s would be relatively conservative, but Doug has a lot of contradictory opinions. I also felt that Doug’s dreams about the jade dragon and about swimming were not elucidated. Does the dragon represent the violence and corruption lurking under Shanghai’s sophisticated veneer? Or is it a symbol of Doug’s fear of/fascination with homosexuality? Are the swimming dreams meant to symbolize emotion and desire for Lucy, or are they washing away the shame he feels from his past experiences with his school roommate? I guess I’ll have to read the next book in the series to find out.

[Tristen Kozinski · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Jade Dragon is a slow book, requiring roughly half of its total length before allowing the plot to actually begin. The first half of the narrative contains our MC's arrival, a bit of social interactions, orienting the reader in Shanghai, the inciting event, dealing with funeral arrangements for the inciting event, making sure everyone who might want to attend the funeral is advertised of the characters death etc. So of this is good, Shanghai is well explored on a thematic level, with it's complex political situation, and the prevalence of corruption, how it's piece-mealed across various European powers, etc. But so much of it also falls into the mundane (see aforementioned funeral arrangements.) Even the social setting, which is usually something I enjoy, is both well implemented and 'real-feeling' and largely boring.
The story improves somewhat as the investigation is allowed to begin, with more scenes of action, drama, or investigation but still struggled to really capture my interest. Some of this can be attributed to the rather dry prose, but a lot of it is owed to out main Protagonist who is both actively hard to like and boring. Doug is bereft of active skill besides basic intelligence, homophobic for ninety percent of the story, spills the secretive nature of his occupation to multiple people he shouldn't, and lacks a distinctive personality. Most of his interactions with the supporting characters, excluding the women, are antagonistic, and he's constantly being made the chump of the plot.

[Felina Pittman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This historical fiction puts the spotlight on Douglas Bainbridge of the US Navy, who was about to participate in ONI's (Office of the Naval Intelligence) two-year immersion program in Shanghai, China. Fluent in Mandarin and Cantonese, Bainbridge was starting to acclimate to the cultural scenery in the Paris of the Orient when he bumped into his childhood acquaintance, Tim McIntyre, who works as a reporter for the Associated Press. The two decided to get together at a Chinese nightclub. After enjoying the show at the Jade Garden, Doug noticed Tim's prolonged absence and decided to look for him. To his dismay, he discovered Tim's dead body in a back alley.

This unexpected tragedy brought Bainbridge's investigative skills to the fore. He was no Sam Spade, but he turned all his efforts towards finding the perpetrator of the murder of an American citizen in Shanghai's International Settlement.

This novel had an unpretentious plot, yet the time period in which the story was set (mid-1930s) gave it a nostalgic touch and evoked an era when life was simple and less complicated. The characters were consistently relatable and properly delineated by the author. The homosexuality references were done in good taste and portrayed in a decent and refined manner. Overall, I was entertained and pleasantly surprised by the timeless quality of the writer's style of narration.

[Ellen Odonohue · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of Jade Dragon by Garrett Hutson from Voracious Readers Only last week. I was already interested in a mystery set in China especially as I had lived in Guangzhou in the 80s as a Foreign Service family member and got to visit Shanghai for 4 days in 1986 and felt it to be one of the most interesting cities I have visited. The author has woven a very great story about an American in Shanghai for his new assignment in Navy Intelligence and his reconnection with a friend from the US. The mystery that unfolds is packed with gems of Chinese and Shanghainese culture and observations about the unique customs and places. The book was set in the 1930s. While Shanghai nowadays is a behemoth of modern structures, my Shanghai (I loved the old city) was closer to the 1930s version than is 1986 to 2022. I really enjoyed the writer's style and will look forward to reading more of his work. He manages to get in to the head of the characters and does not leave out any details when it comes to the outcome of each scene for he is expert at inserting colorful and chronologically correct descriptions in each page. This is a wonderful book if you like the mystery genre and especially if you have traveled in Asia.

[Julija Julija · Rating 4 out of 5]

Douglas Bainbridge, Office of Naval Intelligence, is beginning a two-year immersion in Shanghai. After couple of days in Shanghai, he met his childhood friend Tim, who is a reporter. Tim offers Doug to show Shanghai, nightlife and good places, but at night Doug has found Tim dead in the alley. After that Doug decides to figure out who is responsible for Tim’s death, because he truly doesn’t believe that it has been simply a robbery.

I liked how the author described Shanghai and life there in 1935. It was very colourful and when I read the book I could imagine it all. Also, it was interesting to read how Doug tried to figure out who was the murderer. But the main character Doug is quite annoying guy, who pushes away people, who try to help him. It was strange why he has done it, because he was new in the city, he knew nothing and no one and tried to solve the mystery. Also, his intolerance of homosexuality was too much, because in my opinion there was no connection between the murderer and the guys who lived together. Overall, I liked the book, quite interesting and I would recommend to read who like mystery, murderer solving and corruption stuff.
I got a copy from Voracious Readers only for a review, thank you!

[Jo Budden · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having experienced China through his relationship with missionary grandparents who fled the Boxer Rebellion, and the family import/export business Doug Bainbridge is a natural for the US Navy's Office of Naval Intelligence Immersion program - a stepping stone to working as an attache or within the US Pacific Fleet.

However Doug's watching & learning - the object of the program - is jeopardised on his second day in Shanghai when an acquaintance from the US is murdered & Doug decides to track down the killer.

I liked the main character - a puritanical American version of James Bond but with much less spycraft, so not sure how he will do. I was however quite surprised that although Shanghai was considered the Paris of the East, that the lead seemed to fall into a "nest" of homosexuals.

Not sure if the author was using the romance trope of hate to love, or in this case less disdain, to set up future novels or just trying to appeal to a specific audience.

I did think that there were a few too many "baddies" - Chinese/Korean/Japanese secret services plus the Communists, the corrupt coppers & the actual baddies, the Green Gang, to keep track of.

I received a copy of the book from the author, via Voracious Readers Only and I will be giving book 2 a go to see how Doug develops.

[Suuuuslix · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have quite a few things to say after reading this book.
First of all, it's not type of book I would usually read but I decided to give a go after reading description.
It was very hard to get into the story and to get attached to main character. I'm not sure I did till the very end.
Main character is very unlikable and does seems quite ignorant sometimes. Some of dialogues seemed a little bland, especially if main character was asking the question.
Other characters seemed way more interesting and with some good backstories.
Regardless that it was nice to see how he had some growth in the end of the book although it felt a little out of nowhere.
Great description of places and political situation. Could feel that a lot of research was put into it and everything was though of.

It was still a good read especially considering I am usually not a fan of spy fiction.
I would consider reading next book in the future.

Thank you VoraciousReadersOnly for copy of this book

[Myra McCulloch · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable read with an interesting mix of characters. Set in Shanghai before WW2 I found the character of Douglas so reflective of the times of class distinctions and the rigid attitudes towards sexuality. It appears his sexuality and attitudes are often being questioned by his homosexual neighbors and Tim's colleague Jonesy.
In a foreign country to gather intelligence over the long term Douglas has to deal with new languages, cultures and in his first week the death of Tim his reporter acquaintance on his first night out, then is witness to two murders linked back to Tim's activities and his murder.
Mixed in we have powerful drug lords well connected in government and with corruption on all levels, the inscrutable Asians from several countries all with their own agendas. Douglas sets out to find who killed Tim and with Jonesy's help finds the corrupt police officer responsible.

A free book from Voracious Readers thank you
Myra

[Rebecca Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received a copy from Voracious Readers and I am extremely glad I did. I often find crime fiction predictable, but Hutson certainly kept me on my toes with this one. His writing flows beautifully and is so easy to read. I don't know much about Shanghai, but the description transported me to a bustling and claustrophobic city with ease without sacrificing pace. The city is as much a part of the story as any of the characters, a glossy surface being pulled in many different directions by political factions. I'm looking forward to seeing how Doug develops as the series goes on, as he is very much a fish out of water in this story. My only gripe is that I would have liked to have seen more of Doug and Lucy's flirtation at the start of the story in order to sell their plans by the end a little better, but other than that, I adored this book and look forward to reading more by the author in the future.

[Pavithraa A · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the setting of the book - 1930s Shanghai. The dynamics between the different groups of people, languages spoken, and lifestyle of the era were captured so brilliantly in this book.

The mystery was good, but the way the main character Doug investigated it felt very unorganised. There were two or three different groups of suspects throughout the story, and none of them were eliminated in the investigation till the very end. Doug gathered most of the relevant information from Tim's files near the beginning of the story, but the rest of the investigation was just him corroborating those same facts through different sources. There was little plot development happening in much of the book, and it felt slow and too long.

I might read the sequels, primarily because I liked the setting and the characters a lot and would love to see more of them.

Thanks Voracious Readers Only for my complimentary copy of the book. This is an honest and voluntary review of the book.

[Lynette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5 ⭐️

I received a free copy of this book from the author via Voracious Readers Only.

I enjoyed the historical setting of 1930s Shanghai. The author provides vivid descriptions of the characters' surroundings, allowing me to clearly picture old Shanghai and envision how the characters looked as I read.
The story kept me engaged—I was eager to keep reading to find out what would happen next.

The portrayal of racism, homosexuality, and prostitution seems accurate for the mindset of the 1930s. While some parts were upsetting—particularly the opinions expressed by the male main character—I recognize that these likely reflect the attitudes of the time period.

I truly enjoyed the book, especially its historical fiction elements and the mystery/murder storyline.

[Eilean Rawson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this through Voracious Readers. As the blurb says, this is set in exciting Shanghai prior to World War Two and Communism. Doug is a rather innocent American dropped into the middle of murder, gangs, political expediency and a lifestyle totally alien to anything he could ever have imagined. While the story line is interesting and provides a window on a wonderfully decadent city, Doug is almost an anti hero. At one point Lucy becomes quite exasperated with his narrow minded, gauche view of life and obviously would like to shake him. By half way through I wanted to kick him into the next room. He is narrow minded, a bigot, self opinionated, thoughtless, self centered and a pain in the proverbial. However by the end he is finally starting to grow up. Hopefully, the next books will show steady steps to adulthood.

[Corinne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received I complimentary copy from the author via Voracious Readers Only.

Whilst I really liked the character of Douglas Bainbridge the story did little to keep me turning the page. There was one chapter completely devoted to how a Chinese funeral is different to an English funeral. This added did little to the story I felt.

Bainbridge was supposed to be in Shanghai working for the American Navy intelligence. But I got no sense of his actual job. He seemed to have enough money just to waltz around the city of Shanghai and not work. The other characters were a bit shallow as well. The biggest problem with this book was I just didn’t care enough about the characters to finish the story to find out what happened to them.

I read about 60% of this book and then stopped. It just wasn’t enough to keep me interested.

[Rosemary Spark · Rating 3 out of 5]

Received via Voracious Readers. Set in Shanghai between the wars, this is a thriller exploring a different place and time. Doug has been assigned by the Navy to immerse himself in the city and culture. While it was exciting, the real character is the setting. Doug has a “cover” as a businessman but he never does any business as his watchers point out. He never reports to anybody when he finds the dead body of an acquaintance who just walked out the door. He becomes drawn deeper and deeper into the murky underworld of Shanghai and through much good luck emerges triumphant. The one thing I found was handled oddly was Doug’s attitude about his homosexual neighbours. He is a child of his era and culture and so is afraid and horrified. As he comes to know them his attitude changes…but it seems only for them, not in general. A very slow change of heart indeed.

[Genevieve Paquette · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5. I received this from Voracious Readers Only in exchange for an honest review.
It was a pretty good book, especially for a first novel. The writing was solid, the characters were fairly well developed (even though the main character was a bit of a caricature of a well-to-do jerk. He did experience character development throughout the story, though), and the setting was rich and evocative and well researched. The other thing was, this is from a press specializing in historical fiction with LGBTQ characters. I think the author did a good job on that front, portraying the characters and the circumstances of their lives realistically.
The mystery, though, fell flat for me. There wasn't much to it, nor was there any real sense of urgency, which is why I couldn't give it a 4.

[Sharmani Jayaram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Douglas Bainbridge officer of Navel intelligence runs into his childhood friend from San Francisco in Shanghai. Tim being a reporter for the Shanghai paper offers to show him around. While they go for a show at the Jade Dragon Tim goes out at the intermission and doesn't return. Douglas goes in search of him and finds his body in an alley. The police dismiss this as robbery but Douglas doesn't give up. He finds that Tim had been investigating Japanese infiltration of Korean resistance group.Tim's friend and fellow reporter forces Douglas to take the risk of solving the case. A great and exciting read. I received his book free and I leave a honest review. I recommend this book to other readers.

[Cathy Malasankas · Rating 4 out of 5]

.Douglas Bainbridge, Office of Naval Intelligence , moved to Shanghai to work for 2 years or more..He runs into Tim McKintyre, an acquaintance from his school days. Tim talks Doug into going out with him that night to check out the night life. The They went to a show at the Jade Dragon. During intermission, Tim went outside. He never came back in. So Doug went outside to see where Tim was. He found him dead in an alley.
Doug is determined to find out who killed Tim, no matter what. The police insist that it was a robbery. But Doug doesn’t agree. The book is about what Doug goes through to find Tim’s killer. There is excitement, drama, a little violence and even a little romance in the story.
I am glad I went out of my comfort zone. I really enjoyed the book.

[Rachael Harlen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing read. I loved this type of writing, I could imagine being there. I felt I had a connection with the character, he became a friend an Ally and I could understand how he felt alienated by others possibly from his past experiences in life that made him wary of others. Would love to have a backstory of his childhood. If you’re wanting to read a detective story with also learning about culture this is the book for you. I’m a picky reader, but I loved it. The author gave me a complimentary copy of the story through voracious readers only. He is amazing and talented writer this is honestly a must have book to add to your book case did I mention this is just part one! There’s another two to read. Rush to get your copy now you won’t be disappointed. I’ll be buying it for my bookcase 🥰

[Alexis Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Jade Dragon by Garret Hudson is an engaging adventure with a strong sense of atmosphere and mystery. The story weaves elements of history, intrigue, and action into a well-paced narrative that feels cinematic at times. Hudson’s attention to detail and descriptive writing make the settings vivid and easy to picture, and the plot has enough twists to keep things interesting.

That said, while I could appreciate the craftsmanship, it just wasn’t entirely my cup of tea. The themes and tone didn’t fully click with me, and I found myself more admiring the story from a distance than feeling deeply invested in it.

Overall, The Jade Dragon is a solid read — especially for those who love historical thrillers with a dash of mystery — but it simply wasn’t a personal favorite.