The Color of Jadeite

by Eric D. Goodman

The Color of Jadeite is a literary thriller full of intrigue, romance, treacherous villains, alluring clues, narrow escapes, and surprises around every corner.

Clive Allen, a suave private eye, ventures throughout China in search of an ancient jadeite tablet from the Ming dynasty. Along the way, he delves into the mysteries of China’s art, history, and culture.

Every bit as captivating as the treasure Clive seeks is the mysterious Wei Wei, an expert on Chinese artifacts who helps the droll detective navigate the most perilous pockets of Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, Hangzhou, Suzhou, and beyond.

With sidekicks Salvador and Mackenzie, Clive sets out to find the priceless artifact, outwitting their rivals at almost every turn. But between the fistfights and rickshaw chases, gunfights and betrayals, Clive’s deep connection with the treasure he seeks and his romance with Wei Wei force him to confront truths about his past and himself.

Genres: Noir, Thriller

260 pages, Paperback

Published October 1, 2020

About the author

Eric D. Goodman is the author of seven books, including FARAWAY TABLES (Yorkshire Publishing, 2024), WRECKS AND RUINS (Loyola University's Apprentice House Press, 2022), THE COLOR OF JADEITE (Loyola’s Apprentice House Press, 2020), SETTING THE FAMILY FREE (Apprentice House, 2019), WOMB: A NOVEL IN UTERO (Merge Publishing, 2017), TRACKS: A NOVEL IN STORIES (Atticus Books, 2011) and FLIGHTLESS GOOSE (Writer’s Lair Books, 2008).

Born in San Jose, California, Eric has lived in the Maryland for the past 20 years. More than 100 of his short stories, articles, and travel stories have been published in journals, magazines, and periodicals. He is co-founder of the Lit & Art Reading Series, Baltimore’s longest-running literary salon. Learn more about Eric and his writing:

www.EricDGoodman.com

www.Facebook.com/EricDGoodman.

Reviews

[Barbara Friedland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Top notch thriller that both pays homage to the genre and in some ways reinvents the usual script. The characters are well developed and interesting.

In addition to all the fascinating information about China/ its history, people, customs, art and beauty, I finished knowing so much more while having a great read.

Eric Goodman avoided the pitfall- and one of my pet peeves- of not providing enough clues to justify the ending. The story arc unfolded beautifully. Spend a few days in China/ you won't regret it,

[Jennifer Tooker · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Maltese Falcon meets The Amazing Race

What does a retired police officer turned private detective, a divorce lawyer and a parolee have in common? They are about to go on an adventure of a lifetime across the globe and back through history. Hired to find a priceless Chinese artifact dating back to the Ming dynasty, Clive Allan cannot believe his luck. This very jadeite tablet has been a source of intrigue to the detective for years and being offered the opportunity to finally locate this mythical piece seems like a dream come true. Clive, Salvador, and Mackenzie jet off to Beijing, where they are joined by the beautiful and mysterious Wei Wei and they set out to unravel the clues that will eventually reveal the location of the tablet. Clive and his team are not the only people looking for the jadeite tablet, however, and they are dogged at every stop on their quest as their pursuers try to locate the prize first. Clive and company are racing against time and other elements to collect their prize and return to the States before they land themselves in a Chinese jail cell for their troubles.

The Color of Jadeite is a novel written by Eric D. Goodman and for me this was a really fun read. On the surface, Goodman has crafted a witty thriller reminiscent of the old Noir movies of the 30s and 40s (complete with a clever nod to Casablanca in the opening chapters) but he did not stop there. With the foundation firmly laid, Goodman then layered in an exotic locale as mysterious as it is familiar. As the companions track down each new clue, traveling to several different locales in China, the riddles themselves practically amount to mini-history lessons. I have always been drawn to Asian cultures, art, and history, but have never had the time to learn in-depth about China, her people, or the various points of interest. I quickly found myself Googling everything from the car make, to skyscraper names, transportation methods, and more while making my way through the book which only served to make an already good story truly vibrant as my mental images began to take form. In fact, I enjoyed this cast of characters so much, I would jump at the chance to read a follow-up novel involving a different case but the same group of people. Goodman introduced all the characters with a level of familiarity in the narrative, it would be good to see some of the backstories that were hinted at played out or new cases taken and tackled. If The Color of Jadeite was any indication of a “first impression” I am very interested in what Eric D. Goodman offers to his readers in the future.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another one of Eric D Goodman’s fine novels. Keep on your toes adventure through China in search for an antique tablet. I loved the history lessons and learning about some history/culture along with adventure.

[Sally Whitney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those terrific novels that’s appealing on several different levels. On one level, it’s an exciting adventure story, filled with danger, surprises, and intrigue. It has the delicious feel of an old-time detective story with its protagonist, Clive Allan, a perfect modern-day Sam Spade. At the same time, it’s a colorful travel story filled with lush descriptions of cities in China and fascinating nuggets of Chinese history and culture. And then there’re the relationships among the characters. They’re a diverse group, who may like each other one minute, resent each other the next, lust after each other at another time, and fear for each other when times are tough. But they’re always interesting. I loved watching them through their escapades in searching for the tablet, and I loved being exposed to the beauty, history, and culture of China. I hope this won’t be the last of Clive’s adventures. It’d be great to see what he could stir up in Paris, maybe, or Cairo.

[Tom · Rating 1 out of 5]

I could only manage 66 pages and that much was bereft of any entertainment . There was no tension, no atmosphere , cardboard characters and insipid dialogue . Maybe it gets better, it couldn't get any worse. Of course this is just one man's opinion .

[William Mehl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Won this book on Goodreads. Absolutely delightful reading. It was a go from the first chapter all the way through. At the end I wanted more and didn't want to close the book. Highly recommended.

[Rosa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well-written and fast paced thriller book. Some of the interactions between the characters read like a literary novel, other parts are pure action & adventure.

If you are into Steve Berry and Dan Brown books, you’ll definitely love The Color of Jadeite!

[Bridgette · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Color of Jadeite has it all...suspense, thriller, interesting cast of characters, captivating storyline and much more! I was hook from the beginning to the very last page. The character travel to a different part of China tracking down clues while treating the reader to a Chinese history lesson each time. Not only did I enjoy the thrill of the chase, I also enjoyed learning about Chinese culture, art, and history at the same time. I highly recommend this book!

[Philip · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would strongly recommend this to Netflix, it would be a killer series! Something like James Bond meets Indiana Jones. Flawed heroes, intriguing bad guys, and a prize as mysterious as a glowing briefcase, lost ark, or falcon statue. Not to mention the romance part and suspicious sidekicks.

I'm looking forward to the next book!

[Pan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Action packed novels are my taste so I enjoyed The Color of Jadeite, but the Chinese set in the book makes it more outstanding and exotic. After 1-2 hours of read I get hooked. Good read!

[Lauren Davis]

A terrific mix of detective story, history, and culture

[Charlie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Got about half way through, then abandoned it.

Terrible

[Eric Goodman]

THE COLOR OF JADEITE has been praised by such critically acclaimed and bestselling authors as Jacquelyn Mitchard ("As tense, romantic, and obsessed as the great noir thrillers"), Steve Berry ("A tight, taut, terrific thriller"), and Lucrecia Guerrero ("This page-turner will keep you holding your breath").

Available in hardcover, paperback, or ebook!