3.5 stars.

This book is by no means similar to the Hiaasen books that I am familiar with and adore. Those books are renowned for their magnificent humor, biting satire, and outrageously exaggerated characters and scenarios set in the zany south Florida. However, this is one of his earliest novels. Maybe the co-author was responsible for writing the majority of it? Only they know for sure.

Nonetheless, it is still a rather good thriller, mainly taking place in 1980s China. It managed to keep me on the edge of my seat, constantly guessing and eager to turn the pages. The story had enough twists and turns to maintain my interest throughout. Despite not having the typical Hiaasen charm that I'm accustomed to, it still has its own merits and is worth a read for thriller enthusiasts.

I was truly disappointed by this book.

It turned out to be just a run-of-the-mill international thriller. The hero was an ex-special forces soldier, which is a common trope.

However, what really let me down was that it lacked the crazy, over-the-top comedic characters that I have come to expect from Hiassen.

The authors did give the hero enough of a back story to make him seem human, which was a plus. But unfortunately, the supporting characters were nothing more than one-dimensional cliches.

They added no depth or interest to the story.

Overall, this book failed to live up to my expectations and I was left feeling rather unimpressed.

Thrilling

This novel offers a completely different path for the author. It is devoid of any humor, yet it manages to captivate the reader with its intense and engaging storyline. The themes of sex, intrigue, brutal sibling rivalry, and the theft of antiquities are all seamlessly woven together, creating a narrative that is both thrilling and thought-provoking. The author's ability to bring these elements to life on the page is truly remarkable, and it makes for a reading experience that is not to be missed. I found myself completely engrossed in the story from beginning to end, and I can't wait to see what the author has in store for us next. If you're looking for a novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat and leave you breathless, then this is the one for you.

Excellent Read

This is truly an outstanding book that stands out from all the previous Carl Hiaasen books I have had the pleasure of reading. The story presents a great premise that immediately grabs the reader's attention and keeps them engaged throughout. It has a unique charm and a freshness that makes it a joy to explore. The characters are well-developed and come to life on the pages, adding depth and authenticity to the narrative. The plot is filled with twists and turns that keep you guessing until the very end. It's a book that you won't be able to put down once you start. I highly recommend it to all fans of Carl Hiaasen and anyone looking for a great read. In fact, the premise is so good that it definitely warrants a sequel. I can't wait to see what the author has in store for us next.

Good Read

This particular book is a good read and stands out from other works by Hiaasen. It offers a unique perspective that is truly fascinating. Just imagining China as it was only 25 years ago, as presented in these terms, is an engaging exercise. It makes one realize how much the world has changed in such a relatively short period of time. The author's ability to transport the reader back to that era and present China in this light is quite remarkable. It allows for a deeper understanding and appreciation of the country's development and evolution. Whether you are a fan of Hiaasen's work or simply interested in learning more about China's past, this book is definitely worth picking up.

Audiobook - Have you ever purchased an album from a band you adored only to discover that they had taken a completely different musical direction? Well, that's precisely how I felt while listening to this particular book.

The pacing, story, and plot of this audiobook are, for the most part, quite decent. However, there are times when it feels a bit contrived, as if the author is forcing the plot to progress rather than allowing it to unfold naturally.

Nonetheless, I am awarding it 3 stars mainly because of Hiaasen's name. This is one of the 3 books written by Hiaasen/Montalbano. In comparison, "Trapline," also by Hiaasen/Montalbano, was a better read. But perhaps that's because it aligned more closely with what I had anticipated from the "band" (in this case, the writing duo).

Overall, this audiobook has its strengths and weaknesses. It's an okay listen, but it didn't quite live up to my expectations based on the author's reputation.

Unexpected Hiassen

I had fully anticipated reading Hiaasen's typical works, which I was quite familiar with. However, to my great surprise, I discovered a mystery/action piece instead. This particular work is not only extremely well-written but also showcases beautifully meticulous research. The details and the way the story unfolds truly make it a gem. For anyone who has an interest in Chinese history, this book offers a fascinating glimpse into that rich and complex world. Additionally, it weaves a captivating yarn that keeps the reader engaged from start to finish. It's a unique and unexpected offering from Hiaasen that is sure to delight a wide range of readers, whether they are fans of his previous works or those who are simply looking for an exciting and informative read.

Fun Read

This book offers a truly engaging experience. The historical context it provides is both rich and detailed, which gives the story a remarkable sense of versimilitude. It's as if you are transported back in time, witnessing the events unfold.

The plot is interesting, although I was able to guess most of it quite early on. However, this didn't detract from my enjoyment of the book. In fact, it added an element of anticipation as I followed the characters through their adventures.

The author has done a great job of creating a vivid and believable world, filled with well-developed characters and exciting events. Whether you're a history buff or just looking for a good read, this book is definitely worth checking out.

Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction. It's a fun and engaging read that will keep you entertained from start to finish.

This was truly thrilling.

Not only was the plot completely unpredictable, keeping me on the edge of my seat throughout, but the setting was also magnificent. It was as if I was transported into a different world.

What made it even more special was that China itself seemed to be a character in this drama. The way it was portrayed, with its rich history, culture, and people, added an extra layer of depth to the story.

I was especially pleased that the action takes place in 1982 in many of the places I visited in China in 2019. The contrast in accomplishment, modernization, and sheer scale that has taken place in less than 40 years is truly incredible. It made me realize how far China has come and how much progress has been made. It was a fascinating and eye-opening experience to see the changes that have occurred over the years.

Meh

This is a pretty standard murder mystery/spy story. I have delved into quite a number of Hiaasen novels, but unfortunately, I couldn't detect his unique voice in this particular one. It's truly a disappointment. The plot seems to follow the typical套路 of such stories, lacking the distinctiveness and creativity that Hiaasen is known for. The characters also don't have the same depth and charm as those in his other works. It feels as if this novel is just going through the motions, rather than offering something fresh and engaging. I was really looking forward to another great read from Hiaasen, but this one just didn't live up to my expectations.

The story presented in this book is truly excellent. The logical storyline unfolds in a seamless manner, captivating the reader from the very beginning. The characters are so believable that they seem to step right out of the pages and into reality. Each one has their own unique personality and motives, making it easy to form an emotional connection with them. What's more, the author has done an amazing job of bringing China to life. Through vivid descriptions and detailed accounts, the reader is able to experience the rich culture, history, and beauty of this fascinating country. I found myself completely immersed in the story, so much so that on one cold, stormy day, I read the entire book in one sitting and forgot that I was stuck at home. It was a truly remarkable reading experience.

Excellent

Logical storyline. Believable characters. China comes alive. I read the book in one cold, stormy day and forgot I was stuck at home.

I would have maybe given it 4 stars because the writing was really engaging and kept me interested throughout. The author had a certain style that made it easy for me to get lost in the story. However, there were some aspects that I couldn't overlook. The plot was so inconceivable that it was hard for me to suspend my disbelief. It felt like the events were happening just for the sake of being dramatic and didn't have a solid foundation. Additionally, the main character was portrayed as being almost indestructible. This made it difficult for me to feel any real tension or danger for the character. As a result, I had to go with 3 stars. In fact, I even considered giving it 2 stars because of these issues. Overall, while the writing was good, the flaws in the plot and character development prevented me from giving it a higher rating.