Visiting one's home country and reuniting with family is typically a joyous and heartwarming occasion. It's a time to catch up, share memories, and strengthen the bonds that have been absent during the time away. However, this idyllic scenario takes a dark and tragic turn when one shows up dead. The shock and grief that this brings are indescribable. And to make matters worse, if a friend is also involved and is left getting the run around in a foreign country, the situation becomes even more complex and distressing. The friend may face language barriers, cultural differences, and a lack of understanding from the local authorities. They may be left feeling helpless and frustrated as they try to navigate through the unfamiliar territory and seek answers. It's a nightmare situation that no one would ever wish upon themselves or their loved ones.

I have read numerous Carl Hiaasen novels, and I have always adored the stories. His unique brand of humor has truly carried me through this challenging Covid year. However, this particular novel took me completely by surprise. It was an entirely different beast. It presented a captivating murder mystery that delved into Chinese artifacts, history, and their distinct culture. The main character is a professor who served in Vietnam and still grapples with the mental distress it caused. The story masterfully intertwines the various places, events, and people in a wonderful descriptive journey. The professor is on a quest to discover the identity of the person who killed his best friend and mentor in China, as well as the reason behind it. I really enjoyed this novel very much. It was a refreshing departure from Hiaasen's typical works and offered a rich and engaging narrative that kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish.

An interesting tale unfolds, filled with sometimes preposterous situations that are truly captivating. It's as if we've entered a world that is reminiscent of an off-brand James Bond of sorts. The story takes us on a wild ride, with unexpected twists and turns at every corner. The characters are engaging, and their actions keep us on the edge of our seats. Despite the absurdity of some of the situations, there is a certain charm and entertainment value that makes this tale truly enjoyable. It's a lighthearted and fun read that will leave you with a smile on your face. Whether you're a fan of action-packed adventures or just looking for a good laugh, this story has something for everyone. So, sit back, relax, and let yourself be swept away by this entertaining tale.

Wow.

I happened to see Carl Hiaasen's name, and immediately, I thought to myself, "got to read it". I was truly intrigued. When I finally delved into the story, I was both surprised and pleasantly so. It turned out to be a different type of narrative than what I am accustomed to from this talented author. The plot was engaging, filled with unexpected twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat. The characters were well-developed, each with their own unique personalities and motives. I found myself completely immersed in the story, unable to put the book down until I had reached the very end. It was a great read indeed, one that I would highly recommend to others. Whether you are a fan of Carl Hiaasen or simply looking for a captivating story, this book is definitely worth checking out.

3 stars - not up to Hiaasen’s standards.

This book does offer some interesting information about China in the late 20th century. However, it unfortunately dragged on.

The author had the potential to create a captivating narrative, but something seemed to be lacking. The pacing was slow, and it made it difficult to stay fully engaged throughout the entire read.

Despite the interesting subject matter, the book failed to live up to the expectations set by Hiaasen’s previous works. It could have been a more exciting and engaging exploration of China during that time period.

Perhaps with some tighter editing and a more focused storyline, this book could have been a better read. As it stands, it is an average effort that falls short of what we have come to expect from this author.

Great suspense filled the air, leaving everyone on the edge of their seats. There was an abundance of double dealing going on, making it extremely difficult to determine who could truly be trusted. People were constantly second-guessing the motives and actions of those around them. Every interaction seemed to be laced with hidden agendas and ulterior motives. The situation was so complex that it felt like a never-ending maze of uncertainty. Who could be relied upon in this web of deceit? It was a question that plagued everyone's minds. As the story unfolded, the level of suspense continued to rise, keeping the audience hooked and eager to find out the truth. Would the real culprit be revealed? Or would the double dealing continue to cloud the waters? Only time would tell in this thrilling tale of mystery and mistrust.

I toured China in the same year and in the same places as the book describes.

It was truly an amazing experience. As I followed the story line and compared it with my travel itinerary, it felt very cool.

However, 36 years have passed, and China has changed so much. The country I remember is now very different. My fading memories seem almost unreal in today's context.

It's quite ironic that a work of fiction would be the thing that confirms my reality. It makes me reflect on how much has changed and how our memories can sometimes play tricks on us.

Despite the differences, I still have a deep appreciation for China and its rich history and culture. The experience of traveling there and comparing it to the book has given me a new perspective and a greater understanding of the country.

I'm glad I had the opportunity to visit China and to have this unique connection with the story. It's an experience I will never forget.

Not the Carl Hiaason I know.


I have always been suspicious whenever a well-known writer suddenly decides to take on a co-author. However, I thought I would give this particular book a chance.


To be clear, I am not disappointed that this book was not about the crazy Florida underworld that Carl Hiaason is often associated with. I understand that an author may seek to explore new directions, and I am generally okay with that. However, the problem with this book is that it dragged on and on. It simply did not have the engaging quality that would inspire me to take breaks from whatever I was doing to go read a chapter.


Putting Carl Hiaason’s name on the cover is undoubtedly a marketing strategy that is sure to boost sales. But as a reader, I would much rather have more of that classic Carl Hiaason word smithing for which he is so well known. I hope that in future works, he will return to his roots and deliver the kind of stories that have made him a beloved author.

We listened to this one on a road trip.

It is clearly dated, and the dialogue often comes across as rather silly. However, despite these flaws, the plot manages to be quite entertaining. There are numerous twists and turns along the way that keep you engaged.

I must admit that I found the minister's daughter to be a completely unbelievable character. Her actions and decisions seemed out of place and not in line with what one would expect. On the other hand, the other characters were more realistic and added a certain authenticity to the story.

Overall, "A Death in China" would make a pretty good beach read. It was good enough to pass the time during our journey in the car. However, I do not think it is very well written. The dated nature and the silly dialogue do detract from the overall quality of the book.

Nonetheless, it did have its moments of entertainment, and for that, it can be considered a moderately enjoyable read.

Hiaasen But Not Good Hiaasen


This work was likely Carl Hiaasen's initial foray into the realm of fiction, and it truly shows. There are elements such as girls seemingly randomly falling into the protagonist's bed, and significant leaps in the setting without any proper explanation. These aspects kind of brought to mind a Matt Helm book. It gives the impression that perhaps Hiaasen was still finding his footing in the world of fiction writing. Instead of spending your money on this particular piece, it would be a much better idea to save it and invest in one of Hiaasen's South Florida books. Those works are known for their unique charm, engaging storylines, and well-developed characters. They offer a more fulfilling reading experience compared to this early attempt at fiction. So, do yourself a favor and skip this one in favor of the better offerings from Hiaasen's South Florida series.

Carl Hiaasen has once again delivered an outstanding murder mystery that is filled with numerous unexpected twists and his trademark dark humour.

The story not only keeps the readers on the edge of their seats with its thrilling plot but also offers an interesting narrative of China.

It provides a unique perspective on the country, exploring its culture, society, and the various elements that make it so diverse.

Hiaasen's writing style is engaging and captivating, making it difficult for the readers to put the book down.

The characters are well-developed and the dialogue is sharp, adding to the overall appeal of the story.

This murder mystery is a must-read for fans of the genre and those who are interested in learning more about China through an entertaining and engaging story.

This is an incredibly intriguing story with a plot that has been skillfully developed.

As you turn the pages, you'll find yourself completely immersed in the narrative, eagerly following the twists and turns.

What makes this book even more remarkable is the wealth of information it contains. It offers a detailed look at China, specifically Peking, and provides valuable insights into Chinese culture in general.

Whether you're interested in history, traditions, or simply learning about a different part of the world, this book has something for everyone.

It's not just a story; it's a window into a fascinating culture and a must-read for anyone looking to expand their knowledge and understanding.