Finale

Uncle Chow Tung #4

by Ian Hamilton

The fourth and final installment in Ian Hamilton's exhilarating Ava Lee spin-off series The Lost Decades of Uncle Chow Tung.

Following a diagnosis of terminal cancer, Uncle begins preparing for his inevitable death. As he sets his affairs in order, he recalls the moments in his life that meant the most to him — including his first encounter with the talented forensic accountant Ava Lee and the origins of their life-changing partnership.

Genres: Thriller, Fiction, Mystery, Mystery Thriller, Canada, China, International

264 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 5, 2022

About the author

Ian 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.

Reviews

[Skip · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sadly disappointing conclusion to the four book series about Uncle Chow Tung, whose leadership of his own Triad and subsequently all Triads made three good books. This last book is about the onset and treatment of Uncle's cancer, and rehashes the events from two books from the Ava Lee series (The Scottish Banker of Surabaya and The Two Sisters of Borneo), albeit from Uncle's perspective.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

★★★ 1/2

The final book in this series and I feel sad that I will not be adventuring with these characters anymore. This series is a spin-off from the Ava Lee series and provides Uncle's perspective of his first meeting with Ava. There wasn't supposed to be a fourth book in this series but the author felt that there were a few loose ends to clean up so this very much has the feeling of a "wrap up" book.

I enjoyed that the author referenced events that occurred in book #5 and book #6 of the Ava Lee novels, but told them from Uncle's perspective. So while Ava flies to Indonesia to deal with a corrupt banker in The Scottish Banker of Surabaya, Uncle details the actions he was taking to support Ava and help collect the money that was stolen from their clients.

I've written before about the pace of Ian Hamilton's books. He has a talent for creating tension and suspense while still making the reader feel like they are not being rushed through the story. This story includes the details of Chinese culture, food and customs that are a Hallmark of all this authors work.

"Over the next few hours, Uncle ate his way slowly and carefully through a plate of momo, dumplings stuffed with vegetables, with mayonnaise on the side; yomari, rice dough stuffed with a sweet paste made of coconut and molasses; and juju dhau, a sweet creamy yogurt made from buffalo milk."

That's just a little sample of the descriptions that fill the book. Most impressively, they don't take away from the story but rather, add to it.

I highly recommend that if you're interested in this series, you start with the Ava Lee series. Both the Ava Lee series and the Uncle Chow Tung series are for readers who like slow building tension, detail about business strategy, negotiations and culture and strong character development.

[Jennifer S · Rating 3 out of 5]

From the title, it is clear that this is the last book about Uncle. In Finale, we learn of Uncle's terminal cancer diagnosis and follow him through his last year. This includes quite a bit of repetitiveness ... he doesn't want anyone to know, he falls asleep for long periods of time, he continues to get weak and have bouts of illness. Weaving through the story are two prior Ava Lee novels (The Scottish Banker of Surabaya and The Two Sisters of Borneo), though those are seen from Uncle's viewpoint, not from Ava's.

I appreciate the attempt to close out Uncle's story and show how beloved he was to his inner circle, but thought there wasn't enough new here to really make a convincing book. 2.5 stars, rounded up.

[Sandra Lockhart · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have long been a fan of Canadian author Ian Hamilton. In Hamilton's regular series with Ava Lee, Uncle was a main character. In the development of his regular series, the author went back and gave the early history of Uncle Chow Tung in the books: Fate, Foresight and Fortune. In Finale, Uncle has been forced to recognize that his stomach problems may be serious. He visits his regular family doctor who recommends him to Dr Parker who will work with Uncle under his own terms. As Uncle comes to terms with his health, he looks to make preparations for his future. At this time Ava calls him with the prospects of a new job. Ava meets Uncle after early plans have been made and she must travel further to meet the banker who might have answers for her. All this is happening while Uncle is keeping his medical issues secret from Ava, Lourdes his housekeeper, Sonny his driver and Fong his oldest friend. Can Uncle keep his secret until he is ready? That is how the first part of the book draws the reader into this Finale.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the final book in the Uncle Chow Tung series, the one that bridges to the Ava Lee series. As always, Ian Hamilton's prose and plotting are compelling in a way that keeps you jumping from chapter to chapter even when you promised yourself an early night.
As we know from the Ava Lee series, Uncle dies of cancer, knocking the wind out of Ava emotionally. This book bridges to The Scottish Banker of Surabaya and The Two Sisters of Borneo, both very emotionally charged novels since Ava is sexually assaulted in both books.
In addition to the business of debt collecting, this novel provides a sensitive look at the last few months of a character we have come to love over the past decade. His battle with cancer, with chemo, and with his own body are handled with sensitivity and frankness.

[Douglas Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first book of either the Ava Lee or Uncle Chow series that disappointed me. The final days of Uncle Chow, which we knew from the Ava Lee book that included these events. Plus, Hamilton retells two of Ava's adventures, but from Uncle's perspective, which by necessity is from afar with Uncle not directly involved in the action, and therefore, also by necessity, is told not shown. The result is what you expect from a story that is told not shown. We get to experience Uncle's emotions and grandfatherly affection for Ava more directly than in any of the Ava books, but the result is still (never thought I'd say this for either of these series) rather dull. I'd still recommend the Uncle Chow series but this make a disappointing conclusion.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the last of the 'trilogy plus one' story of Uncle who become so beloved in the Ava Lee series. It was not quite as good as the previous three but Hamilton did a good job of wrapping up Uncle's story and his life. The third in the trilogy left the reader wanting to know more about how Uncle and Ava formed their partnership, from Uncle's viewpoint. After all, in the Ava Lee series, it is all from her viewpoint. This book also pulls together some loose ends such as Xu and Ava meeting at Uncle's funeral (in an Ava Lee book). Now we know that Uncle meant to tell Ava about Xu when she got back from Borneo. This book brought closure to the tales of Uncle. I liked that Hamilton wove in a few of Ava's exploits from her books, but with Uncle's perspective.

[Janice Chan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The title kind of says it all. This is the final and fourth book in Iain Hamilton's Uncle Chow series that fills out the life story of Ava Lee's mentor. Ava Lee is of course, the main character in Hamilton's other book series, and you really need to have read at least The Scottish Banker of Surabaya and The Two Sisters of Borneo to get anything out of this book at all.

This book really doesn't add anything new except for Uncle's perspective, and that can be gleaned to a great extent from the two Ava Lee titles previously mentioned.

[Kevin Vrieze · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, it was very different from anything in the series. Thr title is very apt. Like a familiar story ...from the other side. The regular main characters aren't. A good, complex, story line. One not often covered. Uncle is great. Xu does very well. In that respect its a lovely beginning among the endings, and becomes more a story of transitions. One does wonder, about how the Ava Lee series transitions. Very good read.

[Max · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this fourth and final entry in the Uncle Chow Tung series, Hamilton has written a lovely book about the nicest gang leader you've ever encountered in fiction. Now retired from his official duties, Uncle Chow spends his time working with Ava Lee recovering money lost through fraud. Uncle learns he has terminal stomach cancer and this book has him wrapping up loose ends as he comes to term with his looming death. The book parallels two books which focused on Ava, but told from Uncle's perspective. I loved the writing style - tight but rich and evocative. Great dialogue and the story moves it a nice pace. For me, I found the Ava books repetitive and preferred this series. I am sorry to see Uncle go!

[Tim Wong · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is very difficult to review. I really enjoyed it but i am invested in the Ava Lee series and have the background for this book. It basically provides Chow's version of events for a number of books and sets up the Ava Xu relationship that develops after Chow's death. There is no real plot or storyline to it and is not much of a novel if taken by itself.

[Michelle Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick read, but intense. Uncle is dying, but for a leader of a triad gang, he is quite sentimental when it comes to Ava Lee his partner in the money return business.

If fact he can be quite ruthless, which is demonstrated quite often, in the Ava Lee books. I’m very sad that the end has come for him, but glad he finds his old love. Very sweet.

[Rocklee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a fulfilling story, but I am not unhappy I read it. Whenever I begin an Ian Hamilton book about Ava or Uncle, it is like visiting with family and this final story about Uncle gave another perspective and insight into his character.

If you have enjoyed the series, you'll like this one, too.

[Michael Ranalletta · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have loved all three uncle books, as well as most of not all of the Ava lee books. I am not sure I needed this one. I appreciated seeing things from uncles perspective, but it was too much of a rehash. If I hadn’t read the Ava books, I might have enjoyed this more, but really felt a bit meh to me.

[Susan Ovans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having devoured the 16 books in the Ava Lee series, I was afraid Uncle's back story would pale by comparison. Fortunately, Ian Hamilton's prodigious talents didn't fail Uncle or his readers. I'm really sad to leave Hong Kong and all these people I've come to know over the course of 20 books. What a feat the author has pulled off: to leave us hankering for more. Well done!

[Wanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book was short but packed an emotional punch. As someone who has loyally followed the Ava Lee series for years, these tender moments between Ava and Uncle were heartwarming but also tragic. I loved seeing Uncle worry like a grandfather. Now it makes me want to revisit it all over again.

[Martina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is still within the Ava Lee stories, but is focused on Uncle's story. Can't talk a lot about the plot without spoiling the story for others, but suffice to say it is a super read. So glad I decided to queue this up after some less satisfying reads recently.

[Nancy Thornton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved hearing Uncle's perspective in this book and revisiting some of Ava's adventures (and near misses). I hope Uncle's ghost continues to appear in future Ava Lee books.

[Rick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maybe only 3.5 stars. Leading up to Uncle's passing, we see Ava's troubles in Surabaya and Borneo from Uncle's perspective. Still worthwhile and recommended.

[Kate Wick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was a good book. Sad in many ways, the last words and thoughts of Uncle.

[Dave · Rating 3 out of 5]

2+

[Bob Webb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will miss Uncle!

[Kathryn Berge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent conclusion to an excellent series!

Steady character development, great story and a satisfying finish that answers many questions about this and the Ava Lee series.

[Jim Kokocki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Consistently good series

[Lola Marguerita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow.

[Anniereads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hamilton interweaves two of the Ava Lee stories here but from Uncle’s dying eyes. I feel slightly cheated. I wanted to know more about the Hong Kong handover.
A good read, nevertheless.

[Zeke Zimonick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bittersweet. Even though you know how it ends, it is still bittersweet.

[Chris · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nothing new here. Just the stories of two Ava Lee books being told from the perspective of Uncle as he’s dying.

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

*3.5 stars rounded up*

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honestly, a bit disappointing. After enjoying the Ava Lee series, I wasn’t really enthralled with the Uncle books.