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Ava Lee #12
The Mountain Master of Sha Tin
Ava is in Shanghai with Pang Fai to visit her ailing friend Xu when a triad war breaks out in Hong Kong. Sammy Wing, an old enemy of Ava’s who has twice tried to kill her, has enlisted the aid of his nephew Carter — the new Mountain Master of Sha Tin — to reclaim control of his old territory, Wanchai, from Xu’s men.
There is nothing subtle about the Wings’ methods. Xu’s most trusted enforcer, Lop, has been shot, and six of his street soldiers kidnapped. The Wings threaten to execute them unless Xu’s men vacate Wanchai immediately. Ava steps in to broker a settlement, and the Wings respond by sending her a box containing six fingers — and a twelve-hour deadline.
As the violence and tension mount, Ava is driven to the edge, and she is forced to devise a plan that will bring her face-to-face with Sammy and Carter Wing. The only question left unanswered is who will pull the trigger first?
There is nothing subtle about the Wings’ methods. Xu’s most trusted enforcer, Lop, has been shot, and six of his street soldiers kidnapped. The Wings threaten to execute them unless Xu’s men vacate Wanchai immediately. Ava steps in to broker a settlement, and the Wings respond by sending her a box containing six fingers — and a twelve-hour deadline.
As the violence and tension mount, Ava is driven to the edge, and she is forced to devise a plan that will bring her face-to-face with Sammy and Carter Wing. The only question left unanswered is who will pull the trigger first?
311 pages, Paperback
First published July 2, 2019
38 people are currently reading
183 people want to read
About the author
Ian Hamilton
27 books348 followersIan Hamilton has been a journalist, a senior executive with the federal government, a diplomat, and a businessman with international links. He has written for several magazines and newspapers in Canada and the U.S., including Maclean's, Boston Magazine, Saturday Night, Regina Leader Post, Calgary Albertan, and the Calgary Herald. His nonfiction book, The Children's Crusade, was a Canadian Book of the Month Club selection.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
April 2, 2019
5 Jan 2019. I'm a time traveller and I expect to fully love this book. The rating is just my bookmark to self, a note to self, meaning I expect, I EXPECT this one to be as cool as the rest of the series!
March 22, 2020
I'm a big fan of Ava Lee, but this one disappointed me. Ava is in Shanghai with Pang Fai to visit 'big brother' Xu, who is recovering from meningitis when a violent triad war breaks out between Xu's gang and an old foe (and his nephew), for control of the Wanchai territory in Hong Kong. There is resentment over the Xu's "mainland" roots, and Ava must step in to help negotiate a settlement. However, things escalate quickly, when Xu's captain is shot, and six others are taken as hostages. Ava and Sonny have to assemble a committed team, and Ava has to develop a strategy. My issue is that we've seen most of this before, and it's a bit stale now. Readers also don't need a summary of all of the prior books, even when they are brief. Finally, Fai's voice is wrong: she is demure and her dialogue is overly masculine -- she would not call Ava "babe."
May 17, 2020
Reading several Ava Lee books in a row is intense but this series can sustain close reading and I needed to catch up on all that has been happening. I want to be ready to contemplate the TV film series, whenever it manages to present itself.
Hamilton has managed, in the last three books of the Ava Lee series, to create a parallel trilogy detailing the life of Uncle Chow Tung, Ava’s mentor for the first years of her career as a forensic accountant and debt collector. That trilogy includes Fate,Foresight andFortune: The Lost Decades of Uncle Chow Tung.
In this installment of the Triad Years, Ava goes to Hong Kong to handle a defection among the collection of allied triads working under the aegis of the Shanghai organization of Ava’s friend, Xu. And it has gotten personal for Ava, too: someone Ava has relied on to help her since Uncle’s death, Lop, has been shot and is near death.
During the course of the novel, we see Ava unusually decisive about life-and-death decisions: she plots the ambush of the defecting HK triad under the leadership of a figurehead who had once tried to kill her. At the same time she seeks to rehabilitate a drug- and alcohol addicted film director on the mainland. It may seem she is a bundle of contradictions.
All this gang payback deepens her relationship with those that survive the fighting, and destruction is avoided. But Ava’s relationship with the Shanghai triad is more expansive even than before. The action takes place entirely in Hong Kong.
I haven’t a clue whether or not the relationships exposed herein exemplify real triad behaviors. I can only guess that if other books Hamilton has written cut close to the bone, this one may as well. If you ever wondered what hit teams are thinking while involved in shootouts, this may give some clarity. Spoiler: there is always collateral damage.
Hamilton has managed, in the last three books of the Ava Lee series, to create a parallel trilogy detailing the life of Uncle Chow Tung, Ava’s mentor for the first years of her career as a forensic accountant and debt collector. That trilogy includes Fate,Foresight andFortune: The Lost Decades of Uncle Chow Tung.
In this installment of the Triad Years, Ava goes to Hong Kong to handle a defection among the collection of allied triads working under the aegis of the Shanghai organization of Ava’s friend, Xu. And it has gotten personal for Ava, too: someone Ava has relied on to help her since Uncle’s death, Lop, has been shot and is near death.
During the course of the novel, we see Ava unusually decisive about life-and-death decisions: she plots the ambush of the defecting HK triad under the leadership of a figurehead who had once tried to kill her. At the same time she seeks to rehabilitate a drug- and alcohol addicted film director on the mainland. It may seem she is a bundle of contradictions.
All this gang payback deepens her relationship with those that survive the fighting, and destruction is avoided. But Ava’s relationship with the Shanghai triad is more expansive even than before. The action takes place entirely in Hong Kong.
I haven’t a clue whether or not the relationships exposed herein exemplify real triad behaviors. I can only guess that if other books Hamilton has written cut close to the bone, this one may as well. If you ever wondered what hit teams are thinking while involved in shootouts, this may give some clarity. Spoiler: there is always collateral damage.
September 22, 2019
小老闆 / Xiao Lao Ban (Little Boss) is on the case!
Review of the House of Anansi Spiderline paperback edition (2019)
Ava Lee is forced by circumstances to step up when her ailing business partner Xu's businesses in Hong Kong are under attack by her old enemy Sammy Wing and his vicious nephew, the Mountain Master of the local Sha Tin triad. Ian Hamilton's latest Ava Lee suspense thriller steps back into the criminal underworld after the last several adventures have been in the worlds of high fashion and film (which of course held their own relentless enemies). Ava tries her negotiation and bribery techniques that she learned from her old mentor Uncle Chow, but is still forced into a brutal confrontation, fortunately with her old allies from the Uncle days at her side.
A teaser for the next episode in the series hints at a return to hometown Toronto.
*"Cet animal est si féroce qu’il se défend quand il est attaqué."
Review of the House of Anansi Spiderline paperback edition (2019)
There is a French* saying that applies to my situation: 'Be careful of that animal - it is very vicious. When you attack it, it defends itself.’ - Ava Lee (in The Water Rat of Wanchai)
Ava Lee is forced by circumstances to step up when her ailing business partner Xu's businesses in Hong Kong are under attack by her old enemy Sammy Wing and his vicious nephew, the Mountain Master of the local Sha Tin triad. Ian Hamilton's latest Ava Lee suspense thriller steps back into the criminal underworld after the last several adventures have been in the worlds of high fashion and film (which of course held their own relentless enemies). Ava tries her negotiation and bribery techniques that she learned from her old mentor Uncle Chow, but is still forced into a brutal confrontation, fortunately with her old allies from the Uncle days at her side.
A teaser for the next episode in the series hints at a return to hometown Toronto.
*"Cet animal est si féroce qu’il se défend quand il est attaqué."
October 7, 2019
Ava ends up on triad business in Hong Kong for big brother Xu. Ava has come a long way since I first met her. I'm still loving every episode of her life. I'm awed by Hamilton's knowledge.
Another scintillating read!
Another scintillating read!
March 19, 2020
Another fast paced, engaging read with Ava Lee being mediator, envoy, and enforcer in a Triad dispute in Hong Kong. The body count climbs despite her reasonable efforts at compromise and finding a solution. You don’t want to f*ck with her. That’s for sure. She will not shrink from what needs to be done. A violent, righteous ending that leaves the reader completely satisfied. Onto to Singapore for the next book. It’s a long wait until the summer for its release.
May 22, 2019
Book #12, in the Ava Lee series
Ava is in Shanghai with Pang Fai to visit her ailing friend Xu when a violent triad war breaks out between two feuding gangs vying for control of the Wanchai territory in Hong Kong. Ava steps in to broker a settlement.
This 12th novel does not disappoint. The turf war between the Wings clan who is trying to take back power from Xu, the head of triads, is mixed with cold brutality and provides a fascinating peek into a disturbing world we hear of but hopefully never see. Nothing is subtle with their methods…..
When Xu’s soldiers are kidnapped and the Wings threaten to execute them after sending a box containing six fingers and a twelve hour deadline, Ava is driven to the edge and devises a plan that only death will solve…but who will fall first.
I love Ava Lee she is a female sleuth extraordinaire. In this latest she steps away from recuperating stolen cash and other business ventures to concentrate on being the negotiator between two fearless gangs and help Xu regain full control. The plot is suspenseful and intriguing of course we find lots of violence to make us cringe. Ava is at her best, the challenges she faces are intriguing. The action never ends, move fast and is very captivating, quite a page turner. No worries if you pick up this series here, there is enough backstories to situate the new comers and not too many details to overwhelm the avid fans…..
Once again, Mr. Hamilton has penned a great thriller for our enjoyment and he surely hit the button with this one. . Well-done as usual I love this series.
Many thanks to the publisher House of Anansi Press and to Edelweiss for this ARC
Ava is in Shanghai with Pang Fai to visit her ailing friend Xu when a violent triad war breaks out between two feuding gangs vying for control of the Wanchai territory in Hong Kong. Ava steps in to broker a settlement.
This 12th novel does not disappoint. The turf war between the Wings clan who is trying to take back power from Xu, the head of triads, is mixed with cold brutality and provides a fascinating peek into a disturbing world we hear of but hopefully never see. Nothing is subtle with their methods…..
When Xu’s soldiers are kidnapped and the Wings threaten to execute them after sending a box containing six fingers and a twelve hour deadline, Ava is driven to the edge and devises a plan that only death will solve…but who will fall first.
I love Ava Lee she is a female sleuth extraordinaire. In this latest she steps away from recuperating stolen cash and other business ventures to concentrate on being the negotiator between two fearless gangs and help Xu regain full control. The plot is suspenseful and intriguing of course we find lots of violence to make us cringe. Ava is at her best, the challenges she faces are intriguing. The action never ends, move fast and is very captivating, quite a page turner. No worries if you pick up this series here, there is enough backstories to situate the new comers and not too many details to overwhelm the avid fans…..
Once again, Mr. Hamilton has penned a great thriller for our enjoyment and he surely hit the button with this one. . Well-done as usual I love this series.
Many thanks to the publisher House of Anansi Press and to Edelweiss for this ARC
January 26, 2022
Reading Ava Lee books is like watching an exciting film. The books are packed with action and the plot is fast-paced. Ava is the protagonist that you want to root for.
In this novel, Ava must go to Hong Kong to fix an issue. Her friend Xu’s control over Wanchai is in jeopardy when his commander is shot and the loyalties of his men are put into question. Xu is recovering from bacterial meningitis which puts Ava in charge.
This book was pretty short and uneventful compared to the other novels. But it really cements Ava’s journey from being a debt collector to an unofficial triad member.
While it doesn’t stand out on its own, it’s a great addition to the overall series and is a must-read for fans.
In this novel, Ava must go to Hong Kong to fix an issue. Her friend Xu’s control over Wanchai is in jeopardy when his commander is shot and the loyalties of his men are put into question. Xu is recovering from bacterial meningitis which puts Ava in charge.
This book was pretty short and uneventful compared to the other novels. But it really cements Ava’s journey from being a debt collector to an unofficial triad member.
While it doesn’t stand out on its own, it’s a great addition to the overall series and is a must-read for fans.
August 3, 2023
Finally back to this series, it's been three years, yikes! Luckily this is one where you aren't floundering around too much after an absence.
This novel focuses on warring Triad factions. There is dissent in Hong Kong with regard to the intrusion of mainland Chinese into their territory despite existing agreements. Ava steps in to represent Xu's interests while he recovers in hospital from an illness. Old rivalries flare up leading to violence with a high body count.
Ava has drifted off course from her original role as a butt kicking forensic accountant and I missed the camaraderie with her female business partners who are only briefly referenced in this novel. Enjoyable read, although the politics of the Triads are of more interest to me than the fighting.
This novel focuses on warring Triad factions. There is dissent in Hong Kong with regard to the intrusion of mainland Chinese into their territory despite existing agreements. Ava steps in to represent Xu's interests while he recovers in hospital from an illness. Old rivalries flare up leading to violence with a high body count.
Ava has drifted off course from her original role as a butt kicking forensic accountant and I missed the camaraderie with her female business partners who are only briefly referenced in this novel. Enjoyable read, although the politics of the Triads are of more interest to me than the fighting.
October 4, 2019
Hamilton is a master of pacing!
December 4, 2022
This was a great return the roots of these mysteries. I liked how the romance was on the back burner and the adventure and mystery came back.
July 18, 2019
I can't resist the Ava Lee series. It's purely pleasure reading, easy, exciting, and somewhat predictable thrills. Again, the Triad Years are less involved than the exploits of Ava's debt-hunter years. And I would love if there was a little more exploration of Ava's feelings about "breaking bad" toward Triad boss trajectory. Make no mistake, though, I'm eager for Ava's next adventure. I'm hooked.
July 26, 2019
Normally my "could not finish" books get one star, but this one gets two because I did read about 75% of it before I gave up and flipped through the rest of the pages to find out what happened.
There was nothing in this book that gave me a sense of investment in the characters. Normally I consider these novels to be light reading - tightly paced, somewhat formulaic and escapist - but there is always something at stake for Ava and a story that needs resolving. Something that keeps me reading, wanting to find out what happens next. This felt more like a description of people taking a series of actions, mostly as Ava directed them around and they complied unquestioningly.
I'll try the next book when it comes out next year; maybe Ian Hamilton was struggling to resolve the triad storyline so that he could disentangle his heroine from the increasingly tedious and silly Triad gang wars. I'll give Ava Lee another chance.
There was nothing in this book that gave me a sense of investment in the characters. Normally I consider these novels to be light reading - tightly paced, somewhat formulaic and escapist - but there is always something at stake for Ava and a story that needs resolving. Something that keeps me reading, wanting to find out what happens next. This felt more like a description of people taking a series of actions, mostly as Ava directed them around and they complied unquestioningly.
I'll try the next book when it comes out next year; maybe Ian Hamilton was struggling to resolve the triad storyline so that he could disentangle his heroine from the increasingly tedious and silly Triad gang wars. I'll give Ava Lee another chance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 11, 2020
Really a continuation of Book #11, starting the very next day. Ava heads to Shanghai with Pang Fai to check on Xu's health when triad issues escalate in Hong Kong. She has to take over command of Xu's troops as he and his right-hand-man are both incapacitated. She calls on Xu's most loyal soldiers and her most loyal fighters and manages to resolve everything with a realistic amount of bloodshed. I liked that Hamilton wasn't afraid to kill off both bad guys and good guys, including ones that we knew from previous books.
January 31, 2020
An excellent addition to the Ava Lee series. Ava's back in Hong Kong, mostly, dealing with unfinished business. Meanwhile, Xu is in the hospital, and Pang Fai is travelling with Ava, but staying at Xu's house with Aunt Grace. Lots of action, but little Canadian content, with everything happening in Hong Kong or Shanghai.
May 30, 2020
I’ve read all the books in the Ava Lee series, and much preferred the earlier ones when Ava was working with Uncle, putting her forensic accounting skills work, balancing her Chinese and Canadian worlds, etc. Now, the focus is on her involvement and influence on the shadowy triad wars, which is getting very tiresome. I won’t give up on her yet, but not liking the books nearly as much.
December 28, 2019
Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
The Mountain Master of Sha Tin is the 12th book in the Ava Lee thriller series by Ian Hamilton. Released 2nd July 2019 from House of Anansi, it's 360 pages and available in paperback and ebook formats.
This is a tightly written and thoroughly readable thriller series with a strong female protagonist who is a savvy intelligent and fearless badass. She's got a bit of a superwoman thing going on (readers are never afraid she's going to ultimately fail), but it's still a lot of fun to read. These books may be ever so slightly formulaic, but they're solid escapist fun and intelligently written and engaging.
This is the 12th book in the series and there's a strong serial development for the characters and their interrelations and back-stories. I would recommend that they be read in order. It's certainly possible to read this one as a standalone, the author is adept at providing the necessary background without info dumping, but especially getting a good feel for the relationships between the various triad gangs and secondary characters is easier when reading at least a few of the prior books in the series.
The setting is exotic and written with a palpable sense of place. After a bit of benign online author stalking, I can't see that he has lived or spent a significant amount of time in Asia, but it certainly wouldn't surprise me. It felt very believable during reading.
I enjoyed this action filled thriller and the characters and dialogue. Well worth a read for lovers of the genre.
Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
The Mountain Master of Sha Tin is the 12th book in the Ava Lee thriller series by Ian Hamilton. Released 2nd July 2019 from House of Anansi, it's 360 pages and available in paperback and ebook formats.
This is a tightly written and thoroughly readable thriller series with a strong female protagonist who is a savvy intelligent and fearless badass. She's got a bit of a superwoman thing going on (readers are never afraid she's going to ultimately fail), but it's still a lot of fun to read. These books may be ever so slightly formulaic, but they're solid escapist fun and intelligently written and engaging.
This is the 12th book in the series and there's a strong serial development for the characters and their interrelations and back-stories. I would recommend that they be read in order. It's certainly possible to read this one as a standalone, the author is adept at providing the necessary background without info dumping, but especially getting a good feel for the relationships between the various triad gangs and secondary characters is easier when reading at least a few of the prior books in the series.
The setting is exotic and written with a palpable sense of place. After a bit of benign online author stalking, I can't see that he has lived or spent a significant amount of time in Asia, but it certainly wouldn't surprise me. It felt very believable during reading.
I enjoyed this action filled thriller and the characters and dialogue. Well worth a read for lovers of the genre.
Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
February 8, 2020
Pacing is always key in an Ava Lee story. In this latest adventure there is the feeling of menace just around the corner, pretty much wherever and whatever city Ava flies to, whether Shanghai or Hong Kong as the clock winds down on a triad war breaking out.
Almost same old same old as the story begins; we've been down two previous triad tales, this makes the third time Ava, Xu, Sonny and a new/old cast/crew have to make quick and correct decisions, this time to put an end to the Wing triad family, Sammy being the constant thorn in Ava's side from a few books back. Hamilton is not complacent with this series, Ava et al spend a lot of time and conversation on their cells, waiting, as men check perimeters, other gang members of other gangs, mountain masters, white fans and others are spoken to, deals are presented and declined and Ava collects ready cash for a snitch.
Just when you wonder how is this story different from what's come before, it turns, there is shocking violence sealing the deal on the evil that is Sammy Wing and his nephew Carter.
The last 30 pages are tense, taut, edge of seat and in your face exciting. The Wings are dealt with and there are casualties. The ending, a subplot introduced more than midway through, promises a tale for another Ava Lee story. Explored more fully, too, is the relationship Pang Fai and Ava are developing and the added role Hamilton gives Sonny in Mountain Master of Sha Tin. All in all, well done.
Ironic the timing of this read--Coronovirus has shut down China entirely.
Almost same old same old as the story begins; we've been down two previous triad tales, this makes the third time Ava, Xu, Sonny and a new/old cast/crew have to make quick and correct decisions, this time to put an end to the Wing triad family, Sammy being the constant thorn in Ava's side from a few books back. Hamilton is not complacent with this series, Ava et al spend a lot of time and conversation on their cells, waiting, as men check perimeters, other gang members of other gangs, mountain masters, white fans and others are spoken to, deals are presented and declined and Ava collects ready cash for a snitch.
Just when you wonder how is this story different from what's come before, it turns, there is shocking violence sealing the deal on the evil that is Sammy Wing and his nephew Carter.
The last 30 pages are tense, taut, edge of seat and in your face exciting. The Wings are dealt with and there are casualties. The ending, a subplot introduced more than midway through, promises a tale for another Ava Lee story. Explored more fully, too, is the relationship Pang Fai and Ava are developing and the added role Hamilton gives Sonny in Mountain Master of Sha Tin. All in all, well done.
Ironic the timing of this read--Coronovirus has shut down China entirely.
February 13, 2020
As always, Ian did not disappoint in this book. This twelfth book as always takes Ava from Toronto to different areas in China. There are highs and low in the book but definitely not a a book that is easy to put down.
In this book Ava is helping Fai deal with an issue that brings back Ava's connections and detective skills back into play. I found that this book made many connections to others in the series, deepening the understanding I have of the numerous character's that Ian has introduced throughout the series. Some old favourites come back in this one including the very loved, Sonny. Reading through the chapters I started to anticipate what was going to happen near the end. I was quite happy that the end was not predictable however I did get upset with one of the ending pieces, don't want to spoil anything for anyone through. All in all I obviously suggest this book for anyone who has continued with the Ava Lee series. I also encourage anyone looking for something new to pick up Ian's first book in the Ava Lee series, The Water Rat of Wanchai. Well off I go now to read the second book in Ian's Uncle series. Happy Reading.
In this book Ava is helping Fai deal with an issue that brings back Ava's connections and detective skills back into play. I found that this book made many connections to others in the series, deepening the understanding I have of the numerous character's that Ian has introduced throughout the series. Some old favourites come back in this one including the very loved, Sonny. Reading through the chapters I started to anticipate what was going to happen near the end. I was quite happy that the end was not predictable however I did get upset with one of the ending pieces, don't want to spoil anything for anyone through. All in all I obviously suggest this book for anyone who has continued with the Ava Lee series. I also encourage anyone looking for something new to pick up Ian's first book in the Ava Lee series, The Water Rat of Wanchai. Well off I go now to read the second book in Ian's Uncle series. Happy Reading.
March 14, 2020
This is a "bang bang shoot-it-up" story in the Ava Lee action adventure series. Ava finds herself back in Hong Kong helping to quell a rebellion in her Big Brother's triad operation there. Yu, her Big Brother, is recovering from a near fatal bout of meningitis and is confined to hospital in Shanghai. Ava goes to Hong Kong to lead a counterattack. She is faced by an old enemy as well as an ambitious young relative of his, the Mountain Man of Sha Tin. Action gets ratcheted up when some of Yu's men are kidnapped, one is killed and the rest are tortured. Without giving too much away, things do not end well for the Mountain Master of Sha Tin.
The storyline in this book lacks some of the depth of others in this series, although the action and sheer bloodiness match the earliest books. All in all, it's good but not the best of the series. It can be read as a standalone because there is sufficient explanation of Ava's backstory to give a new reader the necessary background to understand relationships and so on.
The storyline in this book lacks some of the depth of others in this series, although the action and sheer bloodiness match the earliest books. All in all, it's good but not the best of the series. It can be read as a standalone because there is sufficient explanation of Ava's backstory to give a new reader the necessary background to understand relationships and so on.
March 3, 2020
Really enjoyed the latest Ava Lee, they are always smooth reads.
Some people might find Ava a little clinical or cold-blooded, but I find that suitable for a crime novel series. I also like the way Hamilton weaves in the preparation for the next story into the text of the current one while still letting all the books be standalone.
I do wonder how long Ava can go down her current path and stay a sympathetic protagonist. Each decision she takes seems like the best option open to her at the time, but also brings her closer, and closer to becoming an outright villain. I'm interested to see how Hamilton handles this.
(and, as usual, Hamilton has me incredibly hungry by the end of his books...)
Some people might find Ava a little clinical or cold-blooded, but I find that suitable for a crime novel series. I also like the way Hamilton weaves in the preparation for the next story into the text of the current one while still letting all the books be standalone.
I do wonder how long Ava can go down her current path and stay a sympathetic protagonist. Each decision she takes seems like the best option open to her at the time, but also brings her closer, and closer to becoming an outright villain. I'm interested to see how Hamilton handles this.
(and, as usual, Hamilton has me incredibly hungry by the end of his books...)
August 5, 2019
Very exciting! I was glad to see Ava back at scheming, and taking an active role in the fighting even. Care was taken to make her not seem cruel or unfeeling — she tried to avoid bloodshed and in the end she didn’t do any of the killing herself. And it seemed totally justified, as the two leaders killed were ruthless and cruel themselves. And untrustworthy.
I wasn’t sure what the point was about arranging rehab for Pang Fai’s ex-husband/filmmaker and encouraging him to write a new movie script — it had nothing to do with this book’s story. Maybe it’s a start on the next book (already scheduled for a year from now.) looking forward to it already,
I wasn’t sure what the point was about arranging rehab for Pang Fai’s ex-husband/filmmaker and encouraging him to write a new movie script — it had nothing to do with this book’s story. Maybe it’s a start on the next book (already scheduled for a year from now.) looking forward to it already,
October 5, 2019
Ian Hamilton is an excellent writer and the Ava Lee character is a sharp, intelligent heroine. The dialogue is outstanding, with each character having a unique and clear voice. The story is interesting, as Ava attempts to resolve a complex issue with a rival gang in Hong Kong. Her personal life, which adds to the story, flows seamlessly in and out of the plot. The rivalries and alliances between gangs felt realistic to me (although I have no personal knowledge of these things). Although I think this series was somewhat better with the character known as Uncle, Ava and her friend Xu make for a compelling book. The only downside is that my library does not carry the complete series.
June 25, 2019
What an interesting heroine Ava Lee is. I know, I know, fans of this series are fully aware of that but I haven't had a chance to read it before and, I admit, I was wishing I had even as I clicked the pages on my kindle. There's a lot going on in this relatively slim thriller. Ava's negotiating a triad war in Hong Kong and dealing with some truly dreadful people in the Wings. Great atmospherics, good tension, and some tricky plotting made this a good read. Thanks to edelweiss for the ARC. I'm going to look for more of these novels.
November 16, 2019
Mystery series - a lot more violent than Hamilton's previous books about Ava Lee, forensic accountant. Two rival triad gangs are killing each other off and Ava has to intervene to try and bring peace. But this involves a lot of people being killed.
No pharmacy reference.
Canadian reference - Ava's home base is Toronto and her family is living throughout Canada. Too many references too mention.
No pharmacy reference.
Canadian reference - Ava's home base is Toronto and her family is living throughout Canada. Too many references too mention.
March 30, 2020
Wow, what a ride!! I got this in a kindle addition as my library is closed, sob, from Amazon as I just could not wait after reading and loving #11 in the series. Ian, this series just keeps getting better and better and better and it was fantastic to start with!! You must write faster, I have caught up with you, lol!! Thank you for such an outstanding novel and for letting me go along such a wild ride!!
July 26, 2019
I have read all of the books in the Ava Lee series. This latest one goes back to the page turning characteristics of some of the early stories, when Ava still worked with Uncle. I liked it better than some of the later books which just weren't as exciting. They were interesting but not like the earlier tales.
July 28, 2019
Another great book. The series continues to captivate me. Lots of action, lots of planning, good entertainment.
Ava's character is rather unique and the plots have shifted somewhat, although there continue to be challenges in different ways. I'm looking forward to the next book in this new take on the series, from the previous ongoing series, with the death of Uncle 2 books ago now.
Ava's character is rather unique and the plots have shifted somewhat, although there continue to be challenges in different ways. I'm looking forward to the next book in this new take on the series, from the previous ongoing series, with the death of Uncle 2 books ago now.
July 30, 2019
I'm a big Ava Lee series fan, but this book was the best one in a little while!! I loved how Hamilton got back to the Ava roots of kicking some serious ass. This series fills the void that the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo left in my heart. And love that Ava is from Richmond Hill. Totally recommend it, fast moving, lots of dialogue, and so much spunk!
September 22, 2019
Ava Lee is required again, to settle some nasty business in Hong Kong. Derailing a triad takeover, rescuing hostages, dealing with ruthless men is all in a day’s work for Ava. She is smart, beautiful and a gifted practitioner of bak mei martial arts. Another action packed adventure from Ian Hamilton.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews