Community Reviews

Rating(4.2 / 5.0, 99 votes)
5 stars
44(44%)
4 stars
26(26%)
3 stars
29(29%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
99 reviews
July 15,2025
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I deeply miss Carl Hiaasen books


These co-written books that I have come across recently seem to be lacking something crucial - Carl's unique voice and his trademark humor. Carl Hiaasen is undoubtedly one of my all-time favorite authors. His writing style is like a breath of fresh air, filled with wit, satire, and a deep understanding of human nature. However, when I picked up these co-written works, it felt like I was reading something completely different. It was as if James Patterson had taken over and Carl's essence was nowhere to be found. It's truly a disappointment, as I had been looking forward to more of Carl's brilliant storytelling. I hope that in the future, Carl will return to writing solo or find a better collaborator who can capture his magic and bring his wonderful characters and stories back to life.
July 15,2025
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A great plot, well done. This is a book that truly stands out. The story unfolds in a captivating manner, keeping the reader engaged from start to finish.

The characters are vividly portrayed, each with their own unique personalities and motives. Their actions and decisions drive the plot forward, creating a sense of excitement and anticipation.

The author has done an excellent job of building tension and suspense, making it impossible to put the book down. Every page turn reveals a new twist or revelation, adding to the overall intrigue.

This is a book that I will highly recommend to others. It has all the elements of a great story - a compelling plot, well-developed characters, and masterful writing. Whether you're a fan of mystery, adventure, or romance, this book has something for everyone. So, don't miss out on this amazing read!
July 15,2025
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Most of Hiaasen's books fall into the category of crime thrillers. These books are filled with zany and over-the-top Florida characters that add a unique flavor to the stories. However, "A Death in China" takes a different approach. It is a more serious crime thriller that does not feature the same kind of zany or over-the-top characters. While the book is interesting in its own right, it lacks the craziness that makes Hiaasen's other works so memorable. I found myself missing the wild and wacky characters that I have come to expect from his books. Despite this, "A Death in China" still manages to hold the reader's attention with its engaging plot and well-developed characters. It is a worthy addition to Hiaasen's body of work, but it may not be the best choice for those who are looking for a typical Hiaasen experience.

July 15,2025
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He thought it was safe to return to China


He had been away for a long time, constantly worried about various things. But finally, he convinced himself that it was safe to go back to his homeland, China. With a mix of anticipation and nervousness, he made the journey. When he arrived, to his great surprise, he discovered that his old mentor was also in China. This was an unexpected encounter that brought a flood of emotions. He had always held his mentor in high regard and had learned so much from him. Now, seeing him again in this familiar yet somewhat changed land, he felt a sense of relief and joy. It was as if fate had arranged this meeting to give him a boost and a sense of connection in this new phase of his life back in China. He couldn't wait to catch up with his mentor and share his experiences and listen to the wisdom and advice that his mentor would surely have to offer.
July 15,2025
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Hiaasen Is Back

This remarkable story takes us on a captivating journey back to vintage China. It is richly populated with a cast of convincing characters that seem to leap off the page. The plot is anything but simple; it is a complex web of events that unfolds in a way that keeps the reader completely engaged from start to finish.

The protagonist, far from being a perfect super hero, is delightfully flawed. He makes numerous mistakes that are all too human, which at times can be annoying but ultimately serve to enhance the realism of the story. We can't help but empathize with his struggles and cheer him on as he navigates through the challenges that come his way.

Hiaasen has truly outdone himself with this latest offering. It is a must-read for anyone who loves a good story that combines elements of history, drama, and character development in a seamless and engaging way.
July 15,2025
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This is not a traditional Hiaasen novel.

If that is what you expect, you will be disappointed very soon.

Hiaasen is known for his unique style and engaging plots that often involve environmental themes and zany characters.

However, this particular work takes a different approach.

It may lack some of the elements that have made his other novels so popular among readers.

Perhaps the story is more subdued or the humor is not as prominent.

But don't let that deter you from giving it a chance.

Sometimes, stepping out of the familiar can lead to new and unexpected literary discoveries.

You might find that this non-traditional Hiaasen novel has its own charm and merits that will surprise and delight you.

So, keep an open mind and see where this different literary journey takes you.
July 15,2025
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A good read, as they say.

(Now, where have I heard that before? It seems like a common phrase that pops up whenever someone is trying to describe a book that they found somewhat enjoyable.)

This particular book had its moments. It was a bit muzzy in parts, meaning that some of the descriptions and explanations were a bit unclear or hard to follow. However, I decided to give it the benefit of the doubt and awarded it 4 stars because the plot was so creative and original.

It really stood out from other books in the same genre. The author had come up with some truly unique ideas and concepts that kept me engaged throughout the story.

Unfortunately, the book also had its flaws. The pacing was inconsistent at times, with some parts dragging on while others felt rushed. Additionally, some of the best action scenarios lacked pizazz. They could have been more exciting and thrilling if the author had added more detail and description.

Overall, it could have been a great read, but these issues prevented it from reaching that level. Nevertheless, I still enjoyed it and would recommend it to others who are looking for a book with a unique plot.
July 15,2025
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**Original Article**: This is a short article. It has some interesting points. But it could be improved.

**Expanded Article**:

This is a rather short article.

It indeed contains some interesting points that catch the reader's attention.

However, it is evident that it could be enhanced and made even better.

Perhaps more details could be added to further elaborate on those interesting points.

Also, the structure and flow of the article might need some adjustments to make it more coherent and engaging.

With a little more effort and refinement, this article has the potential to become a truly great piece of writing.

elibrary
July 15,2025
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I really struggled with the rating for this book. At first, I was inclined to give it a four, but after much thought, I finally settled on five. The reason being that I truly thought it was an extremely good read.

The historical details presented in the book were, in my opinion, highly accurate. It had the remarkable ability to transport me back to the Vietnam era, a time that holds a significant place in our history. And it also took me to the period that followed, when stories of China's revolution and its rise to communism dominated our evening news.

However, there was one aspect that I found a bit of a stretch as a reader. The idea of a middle-aged art professor suddenly regaining the strength and timing of his twenty-year-old former soldier self seemed a little far-fetched. But despite this, his instincts were good, and the adventure that unfolded was very real and engaging. Overall, it was a well-written and adventurous read that I would highly recommend.

July 15,2025
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Good. These two individuals have truly spun an amazing yarn. Their storytelling skills are top-notch, captivating me from the very beginning. The way they develop the plot and characters is simply outstanding. I found myself completely immersed in their fictional world.


Really good. I couldn't put the book down once I started reading. It was that engaging. The twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat, always eager to know what would happen next. I'm now reading the third installment and I'm loving it just as much.


Good. I highly recommend this series to anyone who loves a good story. These two authors know how to keep their readers hooked. I truly hope they decide to write another book in this series. I can't wait to see what else they have in store for us.

July 15,2025
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Excellent book

When I think of Carl Hiaasen's books, I immediately recall his remarkable works that are set in the wild and crazy backdrop of Florida. I have always had a great affinity for his writings, as they are filled with unique characters and engaging storylines. However, I was quite surprised to discover that this particular book was set in a completely different part of the world.

Hesitantly, I embarked on reading this book, not really sure what to expect. But before I knew it, I found myself completely immersed in this fascinating story that takes place in modern-day China, a place that not many of us are overly familiar with.

The protagonist of the story is a veteran who has endured the turmoil of the Vietnam War. He is constantly fighting his own inner battles, haunted by the memories and experiences of that dark and difficult time.

When an elderly scholar, who has become his friend and mentor, dies during a trip to China to visit his brother, a series of events are set in motion that are both shocking and dangerous.

This is truly a very enjoyable book. It combines elements of mystery, adventure, and drama in a way that keeps the reader hooked from start to finish. I highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a great read.
July 15,2025
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As a highly delighted reader who has devoured all of Hiaasen's books, I must admit that I was extremely disappointed by this particular one. I had been expecting his usual high standards of excellence.

However, except for one brief episode, I was completely unable to detect any hint of the author's unique style that I have come to cherish and enjoy so much.

In short, I would say that this book is not the least bit funny (contrary to what many critics have claimed), nor is it witty. The plot is messy and in many cases highly unlikely, with incoherent events that seem to be strung together haphazardly.

I actually had to force myself to plod through to the very last page, even though the temptation to give up midway was incredibly strong (and this almost never happens to me!).

Therefore, I shall definitely not attempt to read the other Hiaasen-Montalbano books. Instead, I shall eagerly wait for the treat of new Hiaasen-only works to grace my bookshelves.
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