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Inspector Samuel Tay #6
Mongkok Station
A city that’s falling apart, a man who’s falling apart, and a girl with a secret past who's disappeared without a trace. What complicates things, complicates the hell out of them actually, is that the missing girl is the daughter of one of the most powerful men in America. She just doesn’t know it.
Hong Kong is teetering on the edge of anarchy. Violent street battles are raging between riot police and mobs demanding democracy.
Samuel Tay is a legendary Singapore homicide detective. He’s retired, but it was purely involuntary. It seems his legend made a lot of senior officers uneasy and they wanted him gone. John August is an American who has shadowy connections to the intelligence community. He’s done Tay a lot of favors in the past, and Tay owes him one.
When August asks Tay to come to Hong Kong to track down the missing girl, Tay doesn’t much want to go. August and his friends deal in the fate of nations. Tay deals with personal tragedies, one human being at a time. Even worse, he doesn’t like Hong Kong and, to be completely honest, he’s not all that fond of Americans either.
Regardless, Tay answers August’s call for help. He’s a man who honors his debts, his forced retirement really sucks, and there’s this woman… well, there’s always a woman in there somewhere, isn’t there?
August thinks that the triads may have kidnapped the missing girl. Tay doesn’t have the sources to get inside the Hong Kong triads so August teams him up with Jack Shepherd, an American lawyer living in Hong Kong who just might be the only white guy on the planet the triads trust.
Tay is considerably less than thrilled by that. Here he is in a city that seems only moments away from going up in flames, everybody is certain the missing girl is dead, and now he’s stuck with all these Americans. Can things get any worse than that? Oh yes, they absolutely can.
Tay has developed symptoms that indicate he may be very seriously ill. For everybody, there is always a last time around the track whether they know it when they make the trip or not. As Tay’s symptoms worsen, it begins to dawn on him that this missing girl just might be his own last time around.
If this really is the end for him, Samuel Tay vows he’s going to go out with one hell of a bang.
Hong Kong is teetering on the edge of anarchy. Violent street battles are raging between riot police and mobs demanding democracy.
Samuel Tay is a legendary Singapore homicide detective. He’s retired, but it was purely involuntary. It seems his legend made a lot of senior officers uneasy and they wanted him gone. John August is an American who has shadowy connections to the intelligence community. He’s done Tay a lot of favors in the past, and Tay owes him one.
When August asks Tay to come to Hong Kong to track down the missing girl, Tay doesn’t much want to go. August and his friends deal in the fate of nations. Tay deals with personal tragedies, one human being at a time. Even worse, he doesn’t like Hong Kong and, to be completely honest, he’s not all that fond of Americans either.
Regardless, Tay answers August’s call for help. He’s a man who honors his debts, his forced retirement really sucks, and there’s this woman… well, there’s always a woman in there somewhere, isn’t there?
August thinks that the triads may have kidnapped the missing girl. Tay doesn’t have the sources to get inside the Hong Kong triads so August teams him up with Jack Shepherd, an American lawyer living in Hong Kong who just might be the only white guy on the planet the triads trust.
Tay is considerably less than thrilled by that. Here he is in a city that seems only moments away from going up in flames, everybody is certain the missing girl is dead, and now he’s stuck with all these Americans. Can things get any worse than that? Oh yes, they absolutely can.
Tay has developed symptoms that indicate he may be very seriously ill. For everybody, there is always a last time around the track whether they know it when they make the trip or not. As Tay’s symptoms worsen, it begins to dawn on him that this missing girl just might be his own last time around.
If this really is the end for him, Samuel Tay vows he’s going to go out with one hell of a bang.
394 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 8, 2020
241 people are currently reading
59 people want to read
About the author
Jake Needham
49 books397 followersJAKE NEEDHAM received the Barry Award at Bouchercon 2024, the world's largest convention of mystery readers, for BEST PAPERBACK MYSTERY OF 2024. He is a three-time Barry Award nominee, as well as a nominee for the International Thriller Writers' award for BEST PAPERBACK THRILLER OF THE YEAR.
Needham is an American screen and television writer who has lived in Thailand for over thirty years. He started writing crime novels when he realized he really didn't like movies and television all that much. Since then, he has published fifteen popular mysteries and thrillers in two different series — The Inspector Samuel Tay Novels, and the Jack Shepherd Novels — as well as the international bestseller, THE BIG MANGO.
"Jake Needham is Asia's most stylish and atmospheric writer of crime fiction," says the Singapore Straits Times. "Jake Needham is Michael Connelly with steamed rice," says the Bangkok Post.
Needham is an American screen and television writer who has lived in Thailand for over thirty years. He started writing crime novels when he realized he really didn't like movies and television all that much. Since then, he has published fifteen popular mysteries and thrillers in two different series — The Inspector Samuel Tay Novels, and the Jack Shepherd Novels — as well as the international bestseller, THE BIG MANGO.
"Jake Needham is Asia's most stylish and atmospheric writer of crime fiction," says the Singapore Straits Times. "Jake Needham is Michael Connelly with steamed rice," says the Bangkok Post.
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December 2, 2020
Mystery set in MONGKOK, Hong Kong
Our You Tube review: https://youtu.be/grO7cnAhiek
The first thing you need to know is that Mongkok is said to be the most crowded place on earth, it is the heart of the Hong Kong sex trade and it is the stronghold of the Triads. It is not a salubrious place and few tourists venture there. However, it is almost like the decaying, beating heart of the city, where you will experience ‘real’ Hong Kong – a place far, far away from the Gucci, Fendi, Prada glitz, the Peak, Kowloon and the Star Ferry.
Inspector Samuel Tay has been asked to investigate the disappearance of Emma Lau, who just happens to be the daughter of the Chief Executive of Hong Kong, Doris Lau (not Lam, obviously). Emma’s biological father is someone high up in the American government, there has however been no contact between the parents – until now. The largely American unit brought in to search for her is more hush hush than anyone can imagine.
As the investigations get under way, it becomes clear that other young women from monied families have gone missing and Tay realises that finding Emma soon is absolutely imperative.
The storyline is pertinently set against the backdrop of the current instability which has resulted in unrest and demonstrations, as China flexes its powerful muscles.
Tay has come from Singapore and the author makes the reader aware of how Singapore and Hong Kong vie for the position of top city in the region. Tay is not the most tech savvy person, but that gives him a kind of human – slightly bumbling – persona. His instincts in getting to the heart of a case are unmatched and that is why he has been brought in. In the novel he is also grappling with medical symptoms, which give him a vulnerability and personality.
The setting of Hong Kong is colourfully drawn and for anyone who has been – or intends to visit – it makes for an excellent read, bringing the city to vibrant life. The storyline is crisply written and engaging. This is no. 6 in the Inspector Samuel Tay series and can be read as a stand alone.
Our You Tube review: https://youtu.be/grO7cnAhiek
The first thing you need to know is that Mongkok is said to be the most crowded place on earth, it is the heart of the Hong Kong sex trade and it is the stronghold of the Triads. It is not a salubrious place and few tourists venture there. However, it is almost like the decaying, beating heart of the city, where you will experience ‘real’ Hong Kong – a place far, far away from the Gucci, Fendi, Prada glitz, the Peak, Kowloon and the Star Ferry.
Inspector Samuel Tay has been asked to investigate the disappearance of Emma Lau, who just happens to be the daughter of the Chief Executive of Hong Kong, Doris Lau (not Lam, obviously). Emma’s biological father is someone high up in the American government, there has however been no contact between the parents – until now. The largely American unit brought in to search for her is more hush hush than anyone can imagine.
As the investigations get under way, it becomes clear that other young women from monied families have gone missing and Tay realises that finding Emma soon is absolutely imperative.
The storyline is pertinently set against the backdrop of the current instability which has resulted in unrest and demonstrations, as China flexes its powerful muscles.
Tay has come from Singapore and the author makes the reader aware of how Singapore and Hong Kong vie for the position of top city in the region. Tay is not the most tech savvy person, but that gives him a kind of human – slightly bumbling – persona. His instincts in getting to the heart of a case are unmatched and that is why he has been brought in. In the novel he is also grappling with medical symptoms, which give him a vulnerability and personality.
The setting of Hong Kong is colourfully drawn and for anyone who has been – or intends to visit – it makes for an excellent read, bringing the city to vibrant life. The storyline is crisply written and engaging. This is no. 6 in the Inspector Samuel Tay series and can be read as a stand alone.
December 1, 2020
Former Singapore detective Sam Tay is retired. Or at least, that’s the theory. When John August from the American intelligence community asks a favour, Tay doesn’t feel he can refuse. Especially as it involves working with the lovely Claire. Then again, Hong Kong isn’t Tay’s favourite destination and with all the riots and political shenanigans going on, it might be wise to avoid the place.
The difference, of course is that this involves a missing woman and that’s really a detective job—a skill Tay revels in. On the face of it, there’s not much to go on—a woman goes missing from a train station, apparently within sight of a close friend, and then disappears completely. With the possibility of Triad involvement, it may be that this is a straightforward ransom job, but no ransom demand has been made. And then there’s the problem of Tay’s dead mother…
I’m ashamed to say that it’s almost exactly three years since I last read a Jake Needham novel (The Ambassador’s Wife) but thank God I finally got around to reading another one. Mongkok Station is book #6 in the Samuel Tay series and like the first one, it’s a cracker. Mr Needham’s writing is sharp and witty and the character of Sam Tay is so unlike any other detective that you can’t help but keep reading. I loved the awkwardness of his relationship with Claire and the unlikely friendship with Triad boss, Jones, who assists Tay with an unrelated issue (though one that could literally be the death of the former cop).
What’s interesting about this book is that it isn’t just the mystery that keeps the plot rolling along, but the possibility that Sam might not make it to the end of the story. Creating characters that readers applaud simply because of who they are, is no mean feat. Jake Needham is a hell of a writer and, having given myself a good kick in respect of his backlog, I’ll definitely be reading more about Sam Tay—in fact, I’ve just bought book #2, The Umbrella Man. Yey!
A clever and thoughtful read that is simply light years ahead of any other novel in the genre.
The difference, of course is that this involves a missing woman and that’s really a detective job—a skill Tay revels in. On the face of it, there’s not much to go on—a woman goes missing from a train station, apparently within sight of a close friend, and then disappears completely. With the possibility of Triad involvement, it may be that this is a straightforward ransom job, but no ransom demand has been made. And then there’s the problem of Tay’s dead mother…
I’m ashamed to say that it’s almost exactly three years since I last read a Jake Needham novel (The Ambassador’s Wife) but thank God I finally got around to reading another one. Mongkok Station is book #6 in the Samuel Tay series and like the first one, it’s a cracker. Mr Needham’s writing is sharp and witty and the character of Sam Tay is so unlike any other detective that you can’t help but keep reading. I loved the awkwardness of his relationship with Claire and the unlikely friendship with Triad boss, Jones, who assists Tay with an unrelated issue (though one that could literally be the death of the former cop).
What’s interesting about this book is that it isn’t just the mystery that keeps the plot rolling along, but the possibility that Sam might not make it to the end of the story. Creating characters that readers applaud simply because of who they are, is no mean feat. Jake Needham is a hell of a writer and, having given myself a good kick in respect of his backlog, I’ll definitely be reading more about Sam Tay—in fact, I’ve just bought book #2, The Umbrella Man. Yey!
A clever and thoughtful read that is simply light years ahead of any other novel in the genre.
December 4, 2020
My review of is on my blog
https://quirkybookreads.wordpress.com...
https://quirkybookreads.wordpress.com...
December 8, 2020
While this is the sixth instalment in the Inspector Tay series, I found that it worked very well as a standalone as I have yet to read the earlier books, although I will be doing so in the New Year because this was an enjoyable read and Tay made for a different protagonist that I want to read more of.
There are three main strands woven into Mongkok Station, the case of the missing girl – which on the surface seems almost simple because if you find the girl, you solve the case; however when that is combined with the other strands and the fact that others are missing it becomes something more. Hong Kong is a strand in and of itself, and Needham does a wonderful job of bringing the city to life and dealing with the events happening within the city. From those directly involved with the characters to the wider events of the time, and it not only served as a living, breathing backdrop to the narrative but was almost a character in and of itself. The third strand is Inspector Tay himself and the situations he finds himself in, and he makes for a fascinating character who is wonderfully, gloriously human, his skills and history as a detective, matched with ongoing struggles, and a somewhat bumbling personality blended with a certain humour makes him wonderfully well-rounded, and a character that it is impossible not to become invested in, especially with the situation and danger that he finds himself in.
Mongkok Station is a clever, well-written crime thriller with a wonderful balance of pacing, characterisation, twists and turns and setting. Needham has a very vivid storytelling style, and his obvious awareness and experience of the city shines through on the pages, and really brings it to life, until it feels as though we are there on the ground with the characters. The characterisation is excellent – not just with Tay, and while there is a relatively small cast of secondary characters, they each bring their own unique voice and viewpoint to the narrative and make for some interesting relationships, and I particularly enjoyed Tay’s unlikely friendship with a Triad boss. While the plot wove through so many twists and turns, that you’re left on the edge of your seat and kept guessing until the end.
This was an enjoyable read, with wit and humour, combined with the drama and tension of a thriller and one that I would recommend to anyone who enjoys crime fiction. It’s a wonderful standalone, and if you’re anything like me, it will also be a wonderful introduction to a series and a new detective that will leave you wanting to read more.
There are three main strands woven into Mongkok Station, the case of the missing girl – which on the surface seems almost simple because if you find the girl, you solve the case; however when that is combined with the other strands and the fact that others are missing it becomes something more. Hong Kong is a strand in and of itself, and Needham does a wonderful job of bringing the city to life and dealing with the events happening within the city. From those directly involved with the characters to the wider events of the time, and it not only served as a living, breathing backdrop to the narrative but was almost a character in and of itself. The third strand is Inspector Tay himself and the situations he finds himself in, and he makes for a fascinating character who is wonderfully, gloriously human, his skills and history as a detective, matched with ongoing struggles, and a somewhat bumbling personality blended with a certain humour makes him wonderfully well-rounded, and a character that it is impossible not to become invested in, especially with the situation and danger that he finds himself in.
Mongkok Station is a clever, well-written crime thriller with a wonderful balance of pacing, characterisation, twists and turns and setting. Needham has a very vivid storytelling style, and his obvious awareness and experience of the city shines through on the pages, and really brings it to life, until it feels as though we are there on the ground with the characters. The characterisation is excellent – not just with Tay, and while there is a relatively small cast of secondary characters, they each bring their own unique voice and viewpoint to the narrative and make for some interesting relationships, and I particularly enjoyed Tay’s unlikely friendship with a Triad boss. While the plot wove through so many twists and turns, that you’re left on the edge of your seat and kept guessing until the end.
This was an enjoyable read, with wit and humour, combined with the drama and tension of a thriller and one that I would recommend to anyone who enjoys crime fiction. It’s a wonderful standalone, and if you’re anything like me, it will also be a wonderful introduction to a series and a new detective that will leave you wanting to read more.
Read
May 4, 2024Having been forced into retirement, Tay takes on another job for John August. He'll be working in Hong Kong with Claire trying to find the missing adult daughter of Doris Lau the HK chief executive and the now VP of the USA who was stationed in HK many years ago. The child was passed off as Lau's husband's and she is not keen on anyone finding out as it will make her position untenable.
Tay flies to HK and soon comes across the umbrella protests with young people demanding a democratic HK whilst using their umbrellas to help defend themselves against tear gas.
The daughter Emma disappeared at Mongkok Station in an area known as a Triad stronghold. Tay and Co end up working with "Jones" a senior triad member to search for Emma. Other girls have gone missing in very similar circumstances and the suspicion cast on the triads is causing them problems.
As usual Tay's late mother appears to him at night with advice. This time it's a deadline to find Emma while she is still alive, plus an insistence that Tay looks into a recently acquired health issue of his own now rather than waiting to go back to Singapore. Tay is keen to show that his mother is wrong and thus dispel his uneasy acceptance of her advice. But things aren't all how they seem.
Tay flies to HK and soon comes across the umbrella protests with young people demanding a democratic HK whilst using their umbrellas to help defend themselves against tear gas.
The daughter Emma disappeared at Mongkok Station in an area known as a Triad stronghold. Tay and Co end up working with "Jones" a senior triad member to search for Emma. Other girls have gone missing in very similar circumstances and the suspicion cast on the triads is causing them problems.
As usual Tay's late mother appears to him at night with advice. This time it's a deadline to find Emma while she is still alive, plus an insistence that Tay looks into a recently acquired health issue of his own now rather than waiting to go back to Singapore. Tay is keen to show that his mother is wrong and thus dispel his uneasy acceptance of her advice. But things aren't all how they seem.
December 1, 2020
Jake Needham delivers... Again.
The latest Samuel Tay detective novel from Jake Needham continues the author's upward trajectory of quality atmospheric writing in the style of Raymond Chandler. In fact, as I read, I could almost hear Robert Mitchum narrating some of Sam Tay's inner dialogue as though from the 1978 version of, "The Big Sleep" - albeit a slightly more neurotic, humorous, endearing, and Singaporean version of Philip Marlowe.
Needham's obvious familiarity with the story's settings and characters enables his highly atmospheric descriptions, and brings life to his work. As a former long time expat in Asia, I can easily see through most pretenders, but Jake Needham is obviously not one of those. He is a consummate crime novelist with his focus clearly set on Asia, and he's a story-teller who deftly peppers entertaining sardonic and insightful dialogue throughout a well-crafted plot and narrative.
Needham's use of the ghost (or is she?) of Tay's mother is an interesting and humorous addition to the character and story, as are the other characters he draws into the hunt for a missing Hong Kong medical student. I love the author's sparing but completely adequate use of just the right number of supporting characters.
This is a really enjoyable read for detective and crime story lovers, as well as anyone with a sense of humour and an enjoyment of entertaining dialogue woven through a good story.
Enjoy!
The latest Samuel Tay detective novel from Jake Needham continues the author's upward trajectory of quality atmospheric writing in the style of Raymond Chandler. In fact, as I read, I could almost hear Robert Mitchum narrating some of Sam Tay's inner dialogue as though from the 1978 version of, "The Big Sleep" - albeit a slightly more neurotic, humorous, endearing, and Singaporean version of Philip Marlowe.
Needham's obvious familiarity with the story's settings and characters enables his highly atmospheric descriptions, and brings life to his work. As a former long time expat in Asia, I can easily see through most pretenders, but Jake Needham is obviously not one of those. He is a consummate crime novelist with his focus clearly set on Asia, and he's a story-teller who deftly peppers entertaining sardonic and insightful dialogue throughout a well-crafted plot and narrative.
Needham's use of the ghost (or is she?) of Tay's mother is an interesting and humorous addition to the character and story, as are the other characters he draws into the hunt for a missing Hong Kong medical student. I love the author's sparing but completely adequate use of just the right number of supporting characters.
This is a really enjoyable read for detective and crime story lovers, as well as anyone with a sense of humour and an enjoyment of entertaining dialogue woven through a good story.
Enjoy!
December 3, 2020
Mongkok Station (An Inspector Samuel Tay Novel #6) by Jake Needham – Hosted By Damppebbles Blog Tour!
Synopsis
A city that’s falling apart, a man who’s falling apart, and a girl with a secret past who has disappeared without a trace. What complicates things is that the missing girl is the daughter of one of the most powerful men in America. She just doesn’t know it.
Hong Kong is teetering on the edge of anarchy. Violent street battles are raging between riot police and mobs demanding democracy.
Samuel Tay is a legendary Singapore homicide detective. He’s retired, but it was purely involuntary. It seems his legend made a lot of senior officers uneasy and they wanted him gone. John August is an American who has shadowy connections to the intelligence community. He’s done Tay a lot of favors in the past, and Tay owes him one.
When August asks Tay to come to Hong Kong to track down the missing girl, Tay doesn’t much want to go. August and his friends deal in the fate of nations. Tay deals with personal tragedies, one human being at a time. Even worse, he doesn’t like Hong Kong and, to be completely honest, he’s not all that fond of Americans either.
Regardless, Tay answers August’s call for help. He’s a man who honors his debts, his forced retirement really sucks, and there’s this woman… well, there’s always a woman in there somewhere, isn’t there?
August thinks that the triads may have kidnapped the missing girl. Tay doesn’t have the sources to get inside the Hong Kong triads so August teams him up with Jack Shepherd, an American lawyer living in Hong Kong who just might be the only white guy on the planet the triads trust.
Tay is considerably less than thrilled by that. Here he is in a city that seems only moments away from going up in flames, everybody is certain the missing girl is dead, and now he’s stuck with all these Americans. Can things get any worse than that? Oh yes, they absolutely can.
Tay has developed symptoms that indicate he may be very seriously ill. For everybody, there is always a last time around the track whether they know it when they make the trip or not. As Tay’s symptoms worsen, it begins to dawn on him that this missing girl just might be his own last time around.
If this really is the end for him, Samuel Tay vows he’s going to go out with one hell of a bang.
Thoughts
For a first time reader, I was very impressed with Needham’s delivery. I’ve not read a crime book that has amazed me a great deal since Guilty Wives (James Patterson), especially set in a continent of the world I aspire to so dearly. The irony was that Tay didn’t feel the same way. The City of Hong Kong is heavily painted with colourful vibrant imagination that brings out it’s rich history of political democracy, sex trade and Triads. I also realised Tay is a Singaporean curmudgeon who smokes and deals with quite alot in life. There felt like a heavy burden on his shoulders. When I read Last Tang Standing (not that there’s a similarity in genre), I learned cultural differences between Singapore and Hong Kong which made me realise in Mongkok Station this was Tay’s values. The fact that Tay has to work with Americans, one a daughter of the Chief Executive of Hong Kong, Doris Lau, adds to this. Needham has lived in Asia for thirty years so brings the setting to a personal level – not politically – but a place that’s understood.
Needham is an American lawyer who became a screen and television writer through a series of coincidences too ridiculous for anyone to believe. However, it is not unbelievable that you can see these written points of view when reading the book because I couldn’t help but think “damn, this would make a good movie”. The way each characters end up meeting is skilfully intertwined with the plot making you feel on edge but excited to see where the whole thing takes you. No doubt you’ll all agree that we couldn’t help but like Claire for her sharp warmth but Tay for his wit and intelligence. It was sad to see his burden become a reality but you just knew he wouldn’t not deliver the case!
Overall, Needham has published twelve novels that have collectively sold more than three-quarters of a million copies so proves readers can’t get enough! I couldn’t get enough of this book and was hooked by the loveable characters. The setting for me was a huge plus but made it raw, cutting edge and even more dangerous.
Synopsis
A city that’s falling apart, a man who’s falling apart, and a girl with a secret past who has disappeared without a trace. What complicates things is that the missing girl is the daughter of one of the most powerful men in America. She just doesn’t know it.
Hong Kong is teetering on the edge of anarchy. Violent street battles are raging between riot police and mobs demanding democracy.
Samuel Tay is a legendary Singapore homicide detective. He’s retired, but it was purely involuntary. It seems his legend made a lot of senior officers uneasy and they wanted him gone. John August is an American who has shadowy connections to the intelligence community. He’s done Tay a lot of favors in the past, and Tay owes him one.
When August asks Tay to come to Hong Kong to track down the missing girl, Tay doesn’t much want to go. August and his friends deal in the fate of nations. Tay deals with personal tragedies, one human being at a time. Even worse, he doesn’t like Hong Kong and, to be completely honest, he’s not all that fond of Americans either.
Regardless, Tay answers August’s call for help. He’s a man who honors his debts, his forced retirement really sucks, and there’s this woman… well, there’s always a woman in there somewhere, isn’t there?
August thinks that the triads may have kidnapped the missing girl. Tay doesn’t have the sources to get inside the Hong Kong triads so August teams him up with Jack Shepherd, an American lawyer living in Hong Kong who just might be the only white guy on the planet the triads trust.
Tay is considerably less than thrilled by that. Here he is in a city that seems only moments away from going up in flames, everybody is certain the missing girl is dead, and now he’s stuck with all these Americans. Can things get any worse than that? Oh yes, they absolutely can.
Tay has developed symptoms that indicate he may be very seriously ill. For everybody, there is always a last time around the track whether they know it when they make the trip or not. As Tay’s symptoms worsen, it begins to dawn on him that this missing girl just might be his own last time around.
If this really is the end for him, Samuel Tay vows he’s going to go out with one hell of a bang.
Thoughts
For a first time reader, I was very impressed with Needham’s delivery. I’ve not read a crime book that has amazed me a great deal since Guilty Wives (James Patterson), especially set in a continent of the world I aspire to so dearly. The irony was that Tay didn’t feel the same way. The City of Hong Kong is heavily painted with colourful vibrant imagination that brings out it’s rich history of political democracy, sex trade and Triads. I also realised Tay is a Singaporean curmudgeon who smokes and deals with quite alot in life. There felt like a heavy burden on his shoulders. When I read Last Tang Standing (not that there’s a similarity in genre), I learned cultural differences between Singapore and Hong Kong which made me realise in Mongkok Station this was Tay’s values. The fact that Tay has to work with Americans, one a daughter of the Chief Executive of Hong Kong, Doris Lau, adds to this. Needham has lived in Asia for thirty years so brings the setting to a personal level – not politically – but a place that’s understood.
Needham is an American lawyer who became a screen and television writer through a series of coincidences too ridiculous for anyone to believe. However, it is not unbelievable that you can see these written points of view when reading the book because I couldn’t help but think “damn, this would make a good movie”. The way each characters end up meeting is skilfully intertwined with the plot making you feel on edge but excited to see where the whole thing takes you. No doubt you’ll all agree that we couldn’t help but like Claire for her sharp warmth but Tay for his wit and intelligence. It was sad to see his burden become a reality but you just knew he wouldn’t not deliver the case!
Overall, Needham has published twelve novels that have collectively sold more than three-quarters of a million copies so proves readers can’t get enough! I couldn’t get enough of this book and was hooked by the loveable characters. The setting for me was a huge plus but made it raw, cutting edge and even more dangerous.
December 6, 2020
IF there’s one thing that I like doing, it’s discovering new authors. Jake Needham is certainly a new author for me but I can safely say that I will be reading more of his work in the future. I really enjoyed reading ‘Mongkok Station’ but more about that in a bit.
When I agreed to take part in the blog tour for ‘Mongkok Station’, I hadn’t actually realised that it is the sixth book in the Inspector Samuel Tay series. The upside to that is the fact that having enjoyed reading ‘Mongkok Station’ as much as I did, I have another five books to catch up with. It took me a little while to get into this story but that has more to do with the fact that I was tired when I started to read the book than anything else. Once I got into the story then that was it and I was away. I found that I just couldn’t get enough of the story. I wasn’t able to read the book over the course of a day but I did manage to read it over the space of a few days, which is still good for me since I often find it hard to concentrate for any length of time. The story intrigued me and I felt compelled to keep reading. I had questions that needed answering and so I had to keep reading. I soon got to the end of the book and I had to say goodbye (temporarily) to Samuel Tay.
‘Mongkok Station’ is well written. The author has written an eye catching synopsis and then draws you into the story. I loved the setting of the story as I haven’t read anything ever that is based in Hong Kong. For me, ‘Mongkok Station’ hit the ground running and maintained a fairly fast pace throughout. There were more twists and turns to the story than you would find on a ‘Snakes & Ladders’ board. I felt as though I was part of the story and that’s thanks to Jake’s very vivid and realistic storytelling. I loved the fact that this book seemed to have a bit of everything within its pages- there was drama, intrigue, espionage, secret service, shady characters and politics. I found ‘Mongkok Station’ to be a gripping read that kept me guessing and kept me on the edge of my seat for most of the time.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘Mongkok Station’ and I would definitely recommend it to other readers. I will certainly be reading more from Jake Needham in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
When I agreed to take part in the blog tour for ‘Mongkok Station’, I hadn’t actually realised that it is the sixth book in the Inspector Samuel Tay series. The upside to that is the fact that having enjoyed reading ‘Mongkok Station’ as much as I did, I have another five books to catch up with. It took me a little while to get into this story but that has more to do with the fact that I was tired when I started to read the book than anything else. Once I got into the story then that was it and I was away. I found that I just couldn’t get enough of the story. I wasn’t able to read the book over the course of a day but I did manage to read it over the space of a few days, which is still good for me since I often find it hard to concentrate for any length of time. The story intrigued me and I felt compelled to keep reading. I had questions that needed answering and so I had to keep reading. I soon got to the end of the book and I had to say goodbye (temporarily) to Samuel Tay.
‘Mongkok Station’ is well written. The author has written an eye catching synopsis and then draws you into the story. I loved the setting of the story as I haven’t read anything ever that is based in Hong Kong. For me, ‘Mongkok Station’ hit the ground running and maintained a fairly fast pace throughout. There were more twists and turns to the story than you would find on a ‘Snakes & Ladders’ board. I felt as though I was part of the story and that’s thanks to Jake’s very vivid and realistic storytelling. I loved the fact that this book seemed to have a bit of everything within its pages- there was drama, intrigue, espionage, secret service, shady characters and politics. I found ‘Mongkok Station’ to be a gripping read that kept me guessing and kept me on the edge of my seat for most of the time.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘Mongkok Station’ and I would definitely recommend it to other readers. I will certainly be reading more from Jake Needham in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
November 29, 2020
Mongkok Station returns the reader to the world of Inspector Samuel Tay, the quirky Singaporean curmudgeon. This time the setting is Hong Kong at the height of the democracy protests. I see the book divided into three main story arcs:
Sam Tay facing a life-threatening situation of his own making.
The city of Hong Kong itself and the demonstrations.
The case of a missing girl.
I listed the above in the order of importance to the book. For a mystery, one might think the case of a missing girl would be paramount. However, it takes a back seat to Sam Tay’s quirks and personal drama. So, if you have invested in Sam Tay from the previous books in the series, you’ll want to join him again. If you have not, you will wonder how this little man who chain smokes and has little interests other than reading could be a hero.
Tay stoically fears many things, and frequently they are humorously portrayed. When he’s driven through a tunnel under the Hong Kong bay, the tile reminds him of a men’s toilet, while he considers the possibility of a freighter above him ramming into the tunnel and tons of water drowning him. If he were to die, he didn’t want it to be “in something that looked like a men’s toilet.”
The book is supported by fine writing and descriptions of Hong Kong that puts you there. Jake Needham is a master of fresh metaphors. For example:
“Doris Lau's eyes hardened and she cocked her head like a dog trying to decide where to bite.”
“He slowly turned his head and looked at Tay the way he might have looked at a duck that had started singing an aria from Carmen.”
“…he had a quality of wear to him, like an old leather suitcase someone had dragged through a lot of airports.”
“It began to rain then, a light mist that seemed to be less falling rain than moisture squeezing out the humid air and trying to escape.”
The strengths of the book are the immersion into Hong Kong, it’s culture, and, of course, Sam Tay, the man and his foibles.
Sam Tay facing a life-threatening situation of his own making.
The city of Hong Kong itself and the demonstrations.
The case of a missing girl.
I listed the above in the order of importance to the book. For a mystery, one might think the case of a missing girl would be paramount. However, it takes a back seat to Sam Tay’s quirks and personal drama. So, if you have invested in Sam Tay from the previous books in the series, you’ll want to join him again. If you have not, you will wonder how this little man who chain smokes and has little interests other than reading could be a hero.
Tay stoically fears many things, and frequently they are humorously portrayed. When he’s driven through a tunnel under the Hong Kong bay, the tile reminds him of a men’s toilet, while he considers the possibility of a freighter above him ramming into the tunnel and tons of water drowning him. If he were to die, he didn’t want it to be “in something that looked like a men’s toilet.”
The book is supported by fine writing and descriptions of Hong Kong that puts you there. Jake Needham is a master of fresh metaphors. For example:
“Doris Lau's eyes hardened and she cocked her head like a dog trying to decide where to bite.”
“He slowly turned his head and looked at Tay the way he might have looked at a duck that had started singing an aria from Carmen.”
“…he had a quality of wear to him, like an old leather suitcase someone had dragged through a lot of airports.”
“It began to rain then, a light mist that seemed to be less falling rain than moisture squeezing out the humid air and trying to escape.”
The strengths of the book are the immersion into Hong Kong, it’s culture, and, of course, Sam Tay, the man and his foibles.
November 24, 2025
Samuel Tay, the now-retired former police detective in Singapore, is asked by a clandestine American team of operatives to help them find a missing young woman in Hong Kong. Tay tries to say no. After all, he's retired--actually forced out--and lives in Singapore, and knows very little about Hong Kong. Besides, he was a homicide detective and had zero experience in missing persons cases. Of course, he finally says yes when he learns some of the details.
The missing young woman is a twenty-something medical student whose mother is the Chief Executive of Hong Kong. The Americans who want Tay's help were involved because the young lady is secretly the daughter of the U.S. Vice President.
Tay soon learns that he's not getting the full story from anybody, and that the missing person is the sixth such young woman to have disappeared without a trace in the last eighteen months. All of them had been from prominent, wealthy families, but ransom did not seem to be the motive. That alone was significant, as kidnapping for ransom was not uncommon for the Chinese Triad organised crime groups. Tay turns to one of the Triad bosses for help, which opens another interesting relationship, in some surprising ways.
As usual, Inspector Tay is a social misfit. He's awkward around others, and even more so out of his comfort zone in Singapore. The break in the case comes with the Triad's help, and the journey to find the victim takes a couple of surprising turns. Like all of Jake Needham's Inspector Tay stories, this one holds the readers' interest throughout. The ending will surprise you, but satisfying in its own way.
The missing young woman is a twenty-something medical student whose mother is the Chief Executive of Hong Kong. The Americans who want Tay's help were involved because the young lady is secretly the daughter of the U.S. Vice President.
Tay soon learns that he's not getting the full story from anybody, and that the missing person is the sixth such young woman to have disappeared without a trace in the last eighteen months. All of them had been from prominent, wealthy families, but ransom did not seem to be the motive. That alone was significant, as kidnapping for ransom was not uncommon for the Chinese Triad organised crime groups. Tay turns to one of the Triad bosses for help, which opens another interesting relationship, in some surprising ways.
As usual, Inspector Tay is a social misfit. He's awkward around others, and even more so out of his comfort zone in Singapore. The break in the case comes with the Triad's help, and the journey to find the victim takes a couple of surprising turns. Like all of Jake Needham's Inspector Tay stories, this one holds the readers' interest throughout. The ending will surprise you, but satisfying in its own way.
December 3, 2020
Mongkok Station by Jake Needham is the sixth book in a series but, luckily it can be read as a standalone as I have read none of the other books. It is set in Hong Kong at a very volatile time for the people.
Tay is a former Singapore detective that has retired, or should be! He is asked by a member of the American Intelligence Community asks a favour, Tay is unable to say no, although he isn't keen on Hong Kong with the volatility over there. What makes Tay say yes is the missing woman and he knows he has the skills, in spades, to find her. There aren't many things to work on, the woman disappeared from a train station, with her friend in close range too. There is a chance that Triads may be involved , so there could be a ransom asked for her, when no ransom demand is forthcoming he thinks it may be a little more complicated.
This is an expertly constructed story, one which made me need to read the rest. Tay is a character that is not the run of the mill. An ex-detective who is also friends with a Triad boss and makes you hope nothing bad happens to him, all the while knowing at any minute now there is a possibility that Sam Tay may not make it to the next paragraph, never mind page!
I enjoyed my time in HongKong with Tay. I may just have to travel back to the first book sometime soon.
Thanks to Damp Pebbles blog tours and Jake Needham for my copy of the book to bring you my thoughts on this clever and well written book today.
Tay is a former Singapore detective that has retired, or should be! He is asked by a member of the American Intelligence Community asks a favour, Tay is unable to say no, although he isn't keen on Hong Kong with the volatility over there. What makes Tay say yes is the missing woman and he knows he has the skills, in spades, to find her. There aren't many things to work on, the woman disappeared from a train station, with her friend in close range too. There is a chance that Triads may be involved , so there could be a ransom asked for her, when no ransom demand is forthcoming he thinks it may be a little more complicated.
This is an expertly constructed story, one which made me need to read the rest. Tay is a character that is not the run of the mill. An ex-detective who is also friends with a Triad boss and makes you hope nothing bad happens to him, all the while knowing at any minute now there is a possibility that Sam Tay may not make it to the next paragraph, never mind page!
I enjoyed my time in HongKong with Tay. I may just have to travel back to the first book sometime soon.
Thanks to Damp Pebbles blog tours and Jake Needham for my copy of the book to bring you my thoughts on this clever and well written book today.
December 14, 2020
Mongkok Station is a great thriller set in the claustrophobic and at time overwhelming Hong Kong. It’s the sixth book in the series but it can definitely be read as a stand-alone as I haven’t managed to read the start of the series yet. It steadily built up the picture and then hit us with all the punches at the end.
I think I enjoyed this book as I have the same feelings about Hong Kong as the main character Tay. I just didn’t enjoy it when I was there and I also love Singapore so I’m totally in sink with him! I did like the narrative behind the book and all the contemporary references to the umbrella protests of last year. It’s a shame that Joshua Wong had to plead guilty to organising them in order to spend less time in prison. Anyway…. that’s my politics showing! It was also really good to see a different light to the triads, well in a way.
Tay was a great character. It would be interesting to see how he was in the Singapore police actually, another excuse to read the previous books. I like how he was slightly damaged but not to the extent of a noir detective. That has become so cliche for me. I loved the scene with his mum!
This is a great introduction (for me anyhow) to this series and I loved the narrative and the characters. It was a well balanced and intricate plot that left you guessing right till the end.
I think I enjoyed this book as I have the same feelings about Hong Kong as the main character Tay. I just didn’t enjoy it when I was there and I also love Singapore so I’m totally in sink with him! I did like the narrative behind the book and all the contemporary references to the umbrella protests of last year. It’s a shame that Joshua Wong had to plead guilty to organising them in order to spend less time in prison. Anyway…. that’s my politics showing! It was also really good to see a different light to the triads, well in a way.
Tay was a great character. It would be interesting to see how he was in the Singapore police actually, another excuse to read the previous books. I like how he was slightly damaged but not to the extent of a noir detective. That has become so cliche for me. I loved the scene with his mum!
This is a great introduction (for me anyhow) to this series and I loved the narrative and the characters. It was a well balanced and intricate plot that left you guessing right till the end.
October 14, 2020
A rocking and rolling tale that will grip you from the first page
Jake Needham has done it again... What a fantastic read this is - I couldn't put it down. From the first page you're transported to Asia, but not just the "fake brand name watches in the market and another nice temple" Asia that you or I know as tourists, but the seedy underbelly of Asia that no one brings to life as well as Needham does. The parallels with the reality facing the world right now and scarily real, and Needham's characters being this to life in a raw and totally plausible way. The descriptions of the settings throughout the book along the way paint a clear picture in your mind and bring to life this side of Asian life that we don't get to see but is definitely going on day after day. Jake Needham deserves his spot at the top of the tree as far as Asian crime literature is concerned and just keeps outdoing himself with every book. I couldn't put this down. A gripping yarn.
Jake Needham has done it again... What a fantastic read this is - I couldn't put it down. From the first page you're transported to Asia, but not just the "fake brand name watches in the market and another nice temple" Asia that you or I know as tourists, but the seedy underbelly of Asia that no one brings to life as well as Needham does. The parallels with the reality facing the world right now and scarily real, and Needham's characters being this to life in a raw and totally plausible way. The descriptions of the settings throughout the book along the way paint a clear picture in your mind and bring to life this side of Asian life that we don't get to see but is definitely going on day after day. Jake Needham deserves his spot at the top of the tree as far as Asian crime literature is concerned and just keeps outdoing himself with every book. I couldn't put this down. A gripping yarn.
October 20, 2020
So pleased to receive Jake Needham's latest book and I was not disappointed. Our hapless but likeable hero, retired Inspector Samuel Tay, is invited to Hong Kong to help solve a missing person mystery. But there are complications. He has been invited by Claire, an American friend and assassin and side kick of a long term associate and covert agent. The missing young woman is a very high profile person and they are forced to work covertly. It becomes even more interesting when they are joined by another great character, Jack Shepherd, who gets the underworld involved. A great combination of characters and a nail-biting plot. First Class, as always.
June Finnigan - Writer
June Finnigan - Writer
October 18, 2020
A good series with the always sympathetic Sam Tay, forced into retirement in the Singapore police, and helping out a shadowy American intelligence group. Set in Hong Kong - which sounds awful - during the demonstrations, the disappearance of the daughter of a powerful couple might be political but maybe not. Jack Shepherd from Needham’s other series makes an appearance as does Mr Jones, a very sympathetic triad chieftain. Takes an existential turn when Sam starts spitting blood. You really should stop smoking Inspector.
Continuity: a Tesla turns into a big Mercedes.
Continuity: a Tesla turns into a big Mercedes.
January 4, 2021
Best series since C.S. Forrester
With a lineup of Police inspectors, lawyers, and PI's ,beautiful agents licensed to kill and colorful and interesting villains and backdrops Mr Need ham has hooked me as surely as C.S.Forrester did with Hornblower and Franklin W Dixon with the Hardy Boys. It's truly a joy to look forward so keenly to the next installment. My hearty thanks go
to Jake Need ham for helping me get through this blasted pandemic with my sanity and enthusiasm intact..
With a lineup of Police inspectors, lawyers, and PI's ,beautiful agents licensed to kill and colorful and interesting villains and backdrops Mr Need ham has hooked me as surely as C.S.Forrester did with Hornblower and Franklin W Dixon with the Hardy Boys. It's truly a joy to look forward so keenly to the next installment. My hearty thanks go
to Jake Need ham for helping me get through this blasted pandemic with my sanity and enthusiasm intact..
July 14, 2022
Singaporean Inspector Samuel Tay's expertise is required in Hong Kong for this sixth in the series. His dignified cynicism shines through as he seeks the missing daughter of the ROC's choice of protectorate for the new H.K. He sorts through the elitism of Kowloon along with the seediness of Mongkok. This crusty veteran always rewards the reader with mix of wit, awkwardness and shrewdness. A fine read.
October 23, 2020
I love these books the characters and the exotic locations kept my interest until the very end. Another well written book with a very good plot! I love the way Samuel Tay is portrayed in the series of Samuel Tay novels. His disposition, his outlook on life and the way he handles life in general. Can't wait for the next one!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
November 29, 2020
All of Jake Needham's crime/mystery novels are a fun and interesting read, aided by the fact they are set in places which are generally "foreign" to the average reader. This one was no exception. The plot was tight, the main characters were very likable, and the setting of modern day Hong Kong with its political unrest just added to my enjoyment.
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December 12, 2020Please click the link to be taken to the blog showing [K]'s review:
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July 12, 2021
Another great book by Mr. Needham. I've now read all of the books in the Sammy Tay and Jack Shepard series and this one ranks up there with the best. My only concern is that by bringing Sammy Tay, Jack Shepard, John August and Claire together this might spell the end of to great book series as well as several wonderful characters. I hope I'm wrong and that I'll see them all again.
October 27, 2021
A superb Asian detective thriller. Samuel Tay is one of those seamless and compelling characters, brilliant yet self effacing, who both drives and glides through the plot. The descriptions of Hong Kong are vivid and real drawing us right into the heart of this incredible city, currently undergoing a hard times with its new rulers.
May 16, 2023
Asian flavours, yet not.
All the nuances of what the visitor savours while in Asia, but so many Americanisms demean the narrative, the lens is USA and the result is disappointing. Make me feel this could have been a really good book if it hadn’t been written for a specific audience.
All the nuances of what the visitor savours while in Asia, but so many Americanisms demean the narrative, the lens is USA and the result is disappointing. Make me feel this could have been a really good book if it hadn’t been written for a specific audience.
Read
March 3, 2024Loved the topical issues interwoven into the story. It was interesting to learn more about the Umbrella Movement. The latest books seemed to have matured almost in line with Sam growing older. It is great that it is set in Hong Kong as I'm quite familiar with the place and hearing about landmarks etc is warming.
December 5, 2020
Sam Tay is a retired police Inspector from Singapore. He is helping some American friends find a missing daughter... not just any daughter but the illegitimate daughter of the VP of the US. Sam is very good at what he does, but he is a thinker, he thinks a lot and he smokes. Wonderful book
December 22, 2020
Another good book the series
While I consider the descriptions Sam goes through to be long wi send and boring the book is good enough to keep you engaged. You have to stay until the end it's just that good.
While I consider the descriptions Sam goes through to be long wi send and boring the book is good enough to keep you engaged. You have to stay until the end it's just that good.
July 14, 2021
Finished all 6 and hungry for more
Samuel Tay is the Larry David of detectives. He has his own distinct view of society and isn’t troubled by what others think. Tay is a delightful and engaging character. Wish there was more…
Samuel Tay is the Larry David of detectives. He has his own distinct view of society and isn’t troubled by what others think. Tay is a delightful and engaging character. Wish there was more…
March 6, 2024
Life and Death in Hongkong
Tay is called to Hong Kong to find a missing daughter of very prominent people. It's a thriller with the added pleasure of lots of details of ordinary life in Hong Kong. Needham is great with detail.
Tay is called to Hong Kong to find a missing daughter of very prominent people. It's a thriller with the added pleasure of lots of details of ordinary life in Hong Kong. Needham is great with detail.
November 18, 2024
I liked this series in the beginning but they’re getting too repetitive. Large portions of the book are just copies of what he’s written before, his smoking addiction and his history with his mother’s death. Enough!
January 19, 2026
Book #6…fabulous! This one even has an appearance by Jack Shepard and takes place in Hong Kong! After 32 trips to HK, it was interesting to read about all the places from the Ladies Market to the American Club!
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