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Ava Lee #14
The Sultan of Sarawak
Ava Lee clashes with the most powerful family in Malaysia in the exhilarating new thriller from bestselling author Ian Hamilton.
Ava Lee travels to Sarawak, Malaysia, after a business affiliated with the Three Sisters is bombed in Kuching. She quickly discovers that the powerful Chong family has a political and economic stranglehold on the province and is likely responsible for the bombing. As Ava investigates the Chongs, she is shocked to learn of their billion-dollar illegal logging operation in Sarawak, which has decimated the Malaysian rainforest and threatens the existence of the Penan — a nomadic Indigenous people who have lived in the region for centuries.
Determined to put an end to the Chongs’ dominion over Sarawak, Ava follows a money trail that leads back to the Hong Kong real estate market. There, Ava and Sonny Kwon embark on a campaign of terror against the Chong family — attacking their holdings and bank accounts. Can Ava attain the vengeance she seeks? Or will the powerful Chong family triumph once again?
Ava Lee travels to Sarawak, Malaysia, after a business affiliated with the Three Sisters is bombed in Kuching. She quickly discovers that the powerful Chong family has a political and economic stranglehold on the province and is likely responsible for the bombing. As Ava investigates the Chongs, she is shocked to learn of their billion-dollar illegal logging operation in Sarawak, which has decimated the Malaysian rainforest and threatens the existence of the Penan — a nomadic Indigenous people who have lived in the region for centuries.
Determined to put an end to the Chongs’ dominion over Sarawak, Ava follows a money trail that leads back to the Hong Kong real estate market. There, Ava and Sonny Kwon embark on a campaign of terror against the Chong family — attacking their holdings and bank accounts. Can Ava attain the vengeance she seeks? Or will the powerful Chong family triumph once again?
384 pages, Paperback
First published January 4, 2022
17 people are currently reading
159 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 60 reviews
February 5, 2022
Another excellent addition to the Ava Lee series! The Three Sisters' lumber business in Sarawak (Borneo) is bombed, and the local corrupt police eventually place the blame on an innocent manager. Amanda and Ava fly to Borneo only to learn that the likely perpetrator is Sarawak's ruling family, who have been destroying the local rain forest for its own profit, ruining the habitat of the indigenous tribe. After getting nowhere with the police, they are attacked, and Ava puts a beating on the thugs, returning to Hong Kong before she can be arrested. Disturbed by her inability to find a solution and the shame on the manager's family for her supposed suicide, Ava is visited by Uncle and initiates an offensive in Hong Kong on their local investment manager, their bank accounts, and their real estate, including bombing a Bentley to gain attention. Ava sends her demands to the family, and has her day, after calling in some favors from her Triad friends.
January 29, 2022
Ava Lee Back in Borneo
Review of the House of Anansi Spiderline paperback edition (January 2022)
Ava Lee's Three Sisters' lumber business in Sarawak, Borneo is destroyed by a bomb explosion. Although the incident is initially credited to a terrorist attack, the corrupt authorities blame Three Sisters own local manager. It soon becomes clear that it is all due to the local government potentate, nicknamed the "Sultan", whose powerful family controls the police, the courts, and the press of Sarawak. The purpose of the attack was to destroy their competitor who had also opposed their illegal destruction of the rainforest and habitat of the local indigenous peoples. Ava Lee and her colleagues are also personally attacked and only Ava's bak mai martial arts saves the day. They escape the country before she herself is subject to arrest by trumped up charges of assault.
Back in Hong Kong, Ava plans her campaign to seek restitution and clear the name of her employee. She finds the real estate weak spot of the corrupt family and proceeds with a campaign of financial and property attack. This is where the book takes off as Ava enlists her network of support in bodyguard/driver Sonny, her family in-law connections, her triad, banking and lawyer contacts and even Derek, her hacking partner back in Toronto. The book then zooms along to a final boardroom confrontation in typical Ava Lee fashion.
The book felt a bit slow to start, with Ava and her Three Sisters business colleagues initially under attack and seemingly powerless. There was also the impression that the story might be a recycle of The Two Sisters of Borneo (Ava Lee #6 from 2014). Both of those views changed quickly once Ava Lee went on the offensive back in Hong Kong.
Ava Lee will return in The General of Tiananmen Square (January 2023?) after the 4th Uncle Chow Tung prequel book Finale (expected July 5, 2022). The Tiananmen title hints the book will centre on the related film subplot that has been ongoing in the past several books where Ava's actress lover Fai will star in the movie which is certain to bring everyone associated in conflict with the repressive Communist Chinese authorities.
Trivia and Links
*"Cet animal est si féroce qu’il se défend quand il est attaqué." (original French saying).
The Poisoned Pen Bookstore hosted a book release interview with author Ian Hamilton for the release of The Sultan of Sarawak which you can watch on YouTube here. Ian Hamilton shares a great deal of trivia about the books and his writing process.
Review of the House of Anansi Spiderline paperback edition (January 2022)
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's Three Sisters' lumber business in Sarawak, Borneo is destroyed by a bomb explosion. Although the incident is initially credited to a terrorist attack, the corrupt authorities blame Three Sisters own local manager. It soon becomes clear that it is all due to the local government potentate, nicknamed the "Sultan", whose powerful family controls the police, the courts, and the press of Sarawak. The purpose of the attack was to destroy their competitor who had also opposed their illegal destruction of the rainforest and habitat of the local indigenous peoples. Ava Lee and her colleagues are also personally attacked and only Ava's bak mai martial arts saves the day. They escape the country before she herself is subject to arrest by trumped up charges of assault.
Back in Hong Kong, Ava plans her campaign to seek restitution and clear the name of her employee. She finds the real estate weak spot of the corrupt family and proceeds with a campaign of financial and property attack. This is where the book takes off as Ava enlists her network of support in bodyguard/driver Sonny, her family in-law connections, her triad, banking and lawyer contacts and even Derek, her hacking partner back in Toronto. The book then zooms along to a final boardroom confrontation in typical Ava Lee fashion.
The book felt a bit slow to start, with Ava and her Three Sisters business colleagues initially under attack and seemingly powerless. There was also the impression that the story might be a recycle of The Two Sisters of Borneo (Ava Lee #6 from 2014). Both of those views changed quickly once Ava Lee went on the offensive back in Hong Kong.
Ava Lee will return in The General of Tiananmen Square (January 2023?) after the 4th Uncle Chow Tung prequel book Finale (expected July 5, 2022). The Tiananmen title hints the book will centre on the related film subplot that has been ongoing in the past several books where Ava's actress lover Fai will star in the movie which is certain to bring everyone associated in conflict with the repressive Communist Chinese authorities.
Trivia and Links
*"Cet animal est si féroce qu’il se défend quand il est attaqué." (original French saying).
The Poisoned Pen Bookstore hosted a book release interview with author Ian Hamilton for the release of The Sultan of Sarawak which you can watch on YouTube here. Ian Hamilton shares a great deal of trivia about the books and his writing process.
January 18, 2022
this is the lowest rating in the entire series of ava lee. the story feel rushed, I'm not really satisfied with the plot.
Ever since ava got out of debt collection business, the quality of the story drop a little bit. Not to say that I dislike it, interaction with three sister or/and societies is good. But the 14th series is far from the the quality of the previous books.
Ever since ava got out of debt collection business, the quality of the story drop a little bit. Not to say that I dislike it, interaction with three sister or/and societies is good. But the 14th series is far from the the quality of the previous books.
February 13, 2022
I have live in Kuching for the last 50 years and so happy to have found this book.
My friend was the director of Riverside Majestic Hotel. He died in 2009 and the hotel is a quarantine centre for foreigner now.
I know Ahmad Chong personally but that was not his real name. But the description of appearance is very accurate in this novel.
Sulaiman Chong is no longer the Chief Minister of Sarawak now. He appointed himself as governor of Sarawak and married a young flight attendant from Lebanon.
The lumber industry has basically gone as all the tree has been cut down. At least the good one.
From the last news I known, Ahmad Chong is no longer in Malaysia and live in other country. Some unconfirmed news said he contacted AIDS.
Sulaiman Chong young grandson died in a home swimming pool accident not so long ago. Sulaiman younger sister died last month due to cancer.
For me, I always walk at the place next to the river where 2 policeman attack Ava Lee. The scenery cost more than 15 millions.
If you search my name on youtube. You can see many places in this book from the video I made.
My friend was the director of Riverside Majestic Hotel. He died in 2009 and the hotel is a quarantine centre for foreigner now.
I know Ahmad Chong personally but that was not his real name. But the description of appearance is very accurate in this novel.
Sulaiman Chong is no longer the Chief Minister of Sarawak now. He appointed himself as governor of Sarawak and married a young flight attendant from Lebanon.
The lumber industry has basically gone as all the tree has been cut down. At least the good one.
From the last news I known, Ahmad Chong is no longer in Malaysia and live in other country. Some unconfirmed news said he contacted AIDS.
Sulaiman Chong young grandson died in a home swimming pool accident not so long ago. Sulaiman younger sister died last month due to cancer.
For me, I always walk at the place next to the river where 2 policeman attack Ava Lee. The scenery cost more than 15 millions.
If you search my name on youtube. You can see many places in this book from the video I made.
January 28, 2022
I’m a big fan of the Ava Lee series and have read every book including the Chow Tung series and am looking forward to CBC finally making the TV series. Come on CBC! You’ve announced it in 2014!
I really wanted to like The Sultan of Sarawak a lot more. I found the story quite slow to start and the ending anticlimactic. I also don’t feel the Chong’s would roll over as easily as it’s written. Men with that much power would not accept defeat that easily, even if it means losing money.
I rate the book 3.5
Looking forward to Finale!
I really wanted to like The Sultan of Sarawak a lot more. I found the story quite slow to start and the ending anticlimactic. I also don’t feel the Chong’s would roll over as easily as it’s written. Men with that much power would not accept defeat that easily, even if it means losing money.
I rate the book 3.5
Looking forward to Finale!
April 7, 2022
I love this series. I think this is the 14th book in the series, and per my usual I consumed it in 2 days. I love Ava, and her band of characters. I love reading about HK. But, this might have been my least favourite one. The depth of story that took us on so many wild rides in the first 8ish books, almost seems to be gone. I still enjoyed it, but really felt like this story was missing something.
March 22, 2022
Borneo is not a good place for Ava Lee. Her most stressful adventures have occurred here. Her warehouse is blown up and her manager killed. The police are corrupt and blame the explosion on the employee, thus canceling any insurance payout. Again she finds herself pitted against a foe who holds all the cards and acts with impunity. That’s because the foe is the government.
Ava sees the writing on the wall, withdraws, and attacks from a stronger position in Hong Kong where the enemy owns properties. When I say attack I mean bombs and stealing $45 million to get their attention. You don’t f with Ava Lee. She is triad trained and has connections. It all leads to negotiations. Sadly not enough retribution.
This story is just a stepping stone and distraction from the next one involving a film that she’s financing about Tiananmen Square. That book will be a life changer and it will be curious to see how Ava deals with the CCP coming after her.
Ava sees the writing on the wall, withdraws, and attacks from a stronger position in Hong Kong where the enemy owns properties. When I say attack I mean bombs and stealing $45 million to get their attention. You don’t f with Ava Lee. She is triad trained and has connections. It all leads to negotiations. Sadly not enough retribution.
This story is just a stepping stone and distraction from the next one involving a film that she’s financing about Tiananmen Square. That book will be a life changer and it will be curious to see how Ava deals with the CCP coming after her.
February 6, 2022
Good to be back with Ava in finest form. Found the revenge motivation quite satisfying : )
June 13, 2022
A novel set in Borneo is unusual and, in fact, much of this novel is set in Hong Kong, but nonetheless, this fast-paced crime novel provides valuable insights into political corruption and environmental devastation in Southeast Asia. There is an interesting contrast between an ethically unambiguous world of organized crime and the shady political dealings of the regime in Beijing, the local government in Sarawak and banks and big business everywhere.
February 20, 2022
After 14 books, I'm a little tired of Ava being bulletproof and her friends being able to hack into anything overnight, but I'll keep reading.
July 24, 2022
I frequently hesitate to pick up a book that is clearly one in a series, because not all of the stories stand alone as well as others if you don't begin with the first book. I am SO glad that I picked this one up! I know if/when I read any other of the stories with this character that it will make the story's details "click" but what drew me to this one was, honestly, the title because I'd been to Sarawak and I wanted to see if anything I recognized was in it. It did not disappoint.
Ava Lee is a driven and intelligent woman with varied interests. She and her business partners, who live in other parts of Asia, are forced to go to Malaysia to pursue the truth behind a fire at a warehouse that was one of the investments their company had. Refusing to accept the answers they were given, that one of their trusted employees named Jamilah died by misadventure in causing the fire, the women find a complex and corrupt structure that makes justice hard to find. Making the strategic decision to regroup in Hong Kong, and with her life even there in danger, will Ava's efforts make a difference? And in what way?
The story was rich enough to satisfy me and I read it much more quickly than I could believe.
Ava Lee is a driven and intelligent woman with varied interests. She and her business partners, who live in other parts of Asia, are forced to go to Malaysia to pursue the truth behind a fire at a warehouse that was one of the investments their company had. Refusing to accept the answers they were given, that one of their trusted employees named Jamilah died by misadventure in causing the fire, the women find a complex and corrupt structure that makes justice hard to find. Making the strategic decision to regroup in Hong Kong, and with her life even there in danger, will Ava's efforts make a difference? And in what way?
The story was rich enough to satisfy me and I read it much more quickly than I could believe.
May 10, 2022
Once again Ava has to come to the rescue of one of the sections of "The Three Sisters". The furniture business they create in Sabah, has been importing wood by way of Sarawak. The imported wood is important because the rainforest in Sarawak has been destroyed by illegal logging. Not long after they set up their warehouse it's blown up with their manager in it.
The Police in Sarawak declare that the warehouse was blown up by a bomb set by an environmental terrorist who happened to be their employee. The Malaysian Province is on the Island of Borneo, and is the private fiefdom of the Chong family. In order to get the Chongs to pay for the damages to the warehouse and find the person who set the bomb, Ava will have to go to war.
Ava knows that she won't be able to do anything in Sarawak, so she will have to go after their real estate holding in Hong Kong. With the help of Sonny and his friends she begins a campaign of bombings of some of the Chong's holding and takes over one of their accounts worth $37 million. To get their money back, the Chongs will have to pay a penalty and find the real bomber.
The Police in Sarawak declare that the warehouse was blown up by a bomb set by an environmental terrorist who happened to be their employee. The Malaysian Province is on the Island of Borneo, and is the private fiefdom of the Chong family. In order to get the Chongs to pay for the damages to the warehouse and find the person who set the bomb, Ava will have to go to war.
Ava knows that she won't be able to do anything in Sarawak, so she will have to go after their real estate holding in Hong Kong. With the help of Sonny and his friends she begins a campaign of bombings of some of the Chong's holding and takes over one of their accounts worth $37 million. To get their money back, the Chongs will have to pay a penalty and find the real bomber.
December 27, 2022
Ava Lee (forensic accountant, martial arts expert, debt collector and businesswoman) tackles the most powerful (Chong) family in Sarawak after her timber warehouse is bombed and a late working employee is killed. Ava's Three Sisters company, which owned the warehouse, is devastated over the death of the employee, but the Chongs control the local government, police, newspapers, and seem to be untouchable. Ava needs to do some deep thinking (and dreaming about Uncle) before she can see a way to make the Chongs pay for their misdeeds. As usual, lots of fun, action. This is the last one in the series currently, and I read the short series about Uncle already, so I may have to go back and start reading the Ava Lee series again just for the fun, as I do for the Martha Wells series starting with All Systems Red, because I just LOVE murderbot.
January 6, 2022
What's not to like. Another Ava Lee, and one that takes place in Borneo, Taipei and Hong Kong. This time Ava is having to deal with the bombing and fire-burning of their furniture factory in the Sarawak province of Borneo. As a part of that bombing, a long time employee of Three Sisters is killed, and Ava and her partners are determined to seek justice for the family. Old friends are called in to help, and a new one added to her list, as most of the action is based in Hong Kong, with frequent reference to Taipei where Fae is filming with Lau Lau.
Overall, a thoroughly satisfying addition to the Ava Lee story, though one that wouldn't be where I'd suggest new readers start out. There are a lot of moving parts, with many old friends and acquaintances taking part and for those readers who aren't familiar with the back story, it might prove a challenge. But for those of us who have followed along from the beginning they're a delight and a pleasure to encounter again. Highly recommended.
Overall, a thoroughly satisfying addition to the Ava Lee story, though one that wouldn't be where I'd suggest new readers start out. There are a lot of moving parts, with many old friends and acquaintances taking part and for those readers who aren't familiar with the back story, it might prove a challenge. But for those of us who have followed along from the beginning they're a delight and a pleasure to encounter again. Highly recommended.
December 31, 2021
Ava Lee spins into action when a warehouse in Sarawak, Malaysia, owned by her family business is firebombed and one of her employees killed. It's especially odd, she thinks, that the police want to pin responsibility on an environmental group that no one can find. Her hunt for answers brings her up against the powerful Chong family and spans not only Malaysia but Hong Kong. Sigh. I wanted to like this more than I did but I found myself a tad befuddled in spots by the numerous characters. While Hamilton gives a precis of Ava's family (complicated!) I still had a hard time fitting everyone, including her love interest and the bad guys, in. Ava's a tough person with interesting connections in the criminal community that she leverages at critical points. Gotta note that food is a consistent theme (this family eats a lot). I've only read one in this series, making this more or less a standalone for me. Thanks to edelweiss for the ARC. For fans of the series.
February 9, 2022
Ava is having a relaxing time watching her lover film a movie about Tiananmen Square when she learns that the lumber company in Sarawak that is one of her company's investments has been bombed. Things go from bad to worse when the manager of the plant dies as a result of the bombing and the local police pin the bombing on her. So, Ava and partners head off to Sarawak where they discover that everything is controlled by one all-powerful family and no one is willing to confront them. Ava returns to Hong Kong and takes the offensive against the family, eventually brokering a deal to get restitution for the murdered plant manager and to eliminate fear of future repercussions.
Nice to see Ava on the offensive, including tapping into allies and aliases, instead of just negotiating between thugs. More of that please!
Nice to see Ava on the offensive, including tapping into allies and aliases, instead of just negotiating between thugs. More of that please!
May 6, 2022
#14 in Ian Hamilton's wonderful series of Ava Lee mystery/thrillers! I am exhausted by the tension Hamilton builds in his stories with Ava at the center of all the aggro. She's well able to take care of herself, however, as she amply demonstrate early in the book. I love all the main characters in the series, especially Sonny and some of the other triad men. Her family also adds interest, as does her business partners and her partner Fai. When I finish one of this series I usually am short of breath and worn out, not what I'm usually feeling after reading a really good book! In the afterwords, a mention is made of a possible show being made of the series. If so, I'll be the signing on!
Super high 4 stars!
Super high 4 stars!
January 30, 2022
Another page turner in the adventures of Ava Lee. I have read all of the books in the series. Some are better than others. This was one of the better ones. Lots of characters from various parts of Ava's past are employed to bring justice for the death of an employee wrongfully accused of sabotage and suicide. In this story, Ava puts choosing to do the right thing before retribution. She deals with some real nasties and employs some techniques not normally in her arsenal of tactics. A good, fun read.
September 21, 2022
Another Ian Hamilton, another Ava Lee, she is very good and can find bad guys to do her less pleasant work. The Triads are involved, but only because she was a partner of another triad member. She drink a lot of white wine and drinks a lot of coffee. She used to on,y drink Starbucks coffee, not anymore but still wears simple Armani t-shirts, always inserted, are name brands, which I find a little tedious. But Ava always delivers. Ava is a fantasy with millions of dollars. I enjoyed everyone of them.
February 22, 2022
Another worthy addition to the Ava Lee series. Ava is getting older and wiser but losing none of her kick-ass-take-no-prisoners charms. It was nice to see an environmental injustice drive the plot, but it would have been nicer to see Ava and her crew right the wrongs, rather than simply get what was due to them. The buildup to Ava’s lover Fai’s new movie looks like the setup for a terrific confrontation in the next book. Can’t wait!
June 16, 2022
As always, Ian Hamilton delights the reader with nonstop action and a deliciously convoluted mystery of evil doing that requires the special skills of forensic accountant Ava Lee. I've been a fan of this author throughout this series and he does not disappoint with this one. I look forward to continuing on with the adventures of Ava Lee and continue to route for her and her many friends in and out of the business world.
July 18, 2022
Mystery series - Ava is back in China. Ava is back in Borneo. Ava's triad friends back her up. Cars blow up; buildings blow up. After fourteen books they are becoming a bit formulaic. Not a deep read but a good beach one.
Canadian references - Ava lives in Toronto so too many to count.
Pharmacy references - Ava and her crew decide not to blow up a building because there is a pharmacy on the main floor.
Canadian references - Ava lives in Toronto so too many to count.
Pharmacy references - Ava and her crew decide not to blow up a building because there is a pharmacy on the main floor.
May 4, 2022
I absolutely love, love, love this series!! I always get so excited when I see that there is a new Ava Lee book out! Thank you once again Ian for sharing your fantastic stories with us. It is always an absolute pleasure reading your words, they flow like a mighty river!! And each book is a hell of a wild ride to boot!!!!
June 27, 2022
I read all the books of the Ava Lee series and never disappointed. I am familiar with the back story, so easy to follow. Ava is a tough lady with connections that have helped in her assignments. All characters are likeable and glad to see Sonny still in the story. Another quick and satisfying read.
September 22, 2022
I enjoyed this quite a bit. Maybe I was predisposed to like it because of having been to Sarawak. However I think it was more because of admiring Ava’s skill in anticipating how the negotiations would go and being ready to deal with any problems. Nice to see her defeat the powerful bad guys and get justice for the woman who was killed.
January 6, 2022
Once again a hit!
Ian Hamilton’s ability to create a story around the unforgettable Ava Lee, balancing eastern and western cultures is again a triumph. 15 out of 10 for this one. If you haven’t read his books you are in luck as they are well worth the read!
Ian Hamilton’s ability to create a story around the unforgettable Ava Lee, balancing eastern and western cultures is again a triumph. 15 out of 10 for this one. If you haven’t read his books you are in luck as they are well worth the read!
January 9, 2022
Another quick, but satisfying read in the Ava Lee series. This book had less violence and triad action than previous books to the point where I wish some of the old crew makes an appearance but I enjoyed it nonetheless. Reading about how Ava Lee maneuvers and outwits people never gets old.
January 23, 2022
This is he Ava Lee that captured me
This felt like returning to Ava’s roots. Fabulous read. I was feeling a departure from what initially captured my strong passion for the series over the last couple of books, and this brought me right back into the fold.
This felt like returning to Ava’s roots. Fabulous read. I was feeling a departure from what initially captured my strong passion for the series over the last couple of books, and this brought me right back into the fold.
March 10, 2022
I've been following this series for over half a decade and it rarely disappoints! I really like how Uncle in the dream sequences and how Ava has grown as a person and professionally but isn't afraid to get her hands dirty and take care of issues directly when it's needed.
March 20, 2022
Ava Lee is in fine form in this one! Another can’t-put-it-down story. So great to have a fierce female protagonist outwitting and outmaneuvering all opposition. And a nice touch, having Uncle return to Ava in her dreams and give her advice.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews