The story has a plot that can be hard to follow at times.

There are just so many characters involved, which makes it a bit challenging to keep track of everyone's actions and relationships.

Each character seems to have their own subplot, and these subplots sometimes intertwine in complex ways.

It requires a lot of concentration from the reader to fully understand what is going on.

However, despite the difficulty in following the plot, the story does have its engaging moments.

The characters are diverse and interesting, each with their own unique personalities and motives.

As the story progresses, we start to see the connections between the characters more clearly, and this adds an element of mystery and intrigue.

Overall, while the hard-to-follow plot and numerous characters may be a bit of a drawback, the story still has enough substance to keep the reader interested.

I thought this was an outstanding murder mystery book.

It truly kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end.

What I adored about it was that it was centered around a real place and an actual historical find.

This added an extra layer of authenticity and interest to the story.

The plot was filled with numerous twists and turns, which constantly kept me guessing.

I found myself completely engrossed in the narrative, unable to put the book down.

Every time I thought I had figured out the mystery, there would be another unexpected development that would throw me off.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good murder mystery with a touch of history.

It was a thrilling and engaging read from start to finish.

Such a literate book!

It is an absolute delight to come across a book that is not only well-plotted but also highly intelligent. The author's use of language is truly exquisite, painting vivid pictures and evoking strong emotions with every word. The story unfolds seamlessly, leading the reader towards its inexorable finale with a sense of anticipation and excitement.

The terra cotta warriors, which are now widely known and admired, were an astonishing discovery in the Twentieth Century. This book masterfully plays off of that initial thrill, intertwining it with the memory of the Vietnam War and the complex issues of corruption within the Chinese communist government and party.

As the reader delves deeper into the pages, they are drawn into a world of mystery, intrigue, and moral dilemmas. The characters are well-developed and believable, and the plot twists keep the reader on the edge of their seat. It is a real pleasure to read a book that challenges the mind and engages the heart, and this one does both in spades.

A fair mystery thriller.

Carl Hiassen is a well-known author who has made a name for himself with his wacky Florida novels and young adult books. However, this particular book fails to reach the same high standards.

The story may have its moments of mystery and excitement, but it lacks the depth and complexity that Hiassen is capable of achieving. The characters are not as fully developed as they could be, and the plot seems to move along rather predictably.

Despite these shortcomings, the book is still an enjoyable read for those who are fans of the mystery thriller genre. It has enough twists and turns to keep the reader engaged, and Hiassen's writing style is as entertaining as ever.

Overall, while this book may not be one of Carl Hiassen's best, it is still worth a read for those who are looking for a lighthearted and entertaining mystery thriller.

Thomas Stratton, an esteemed art history professor, is embarking on a visit to China as part of a tour group.

During his stay, he unexpectedly encounters an old friend and mentor, David Wang, who is in the country to visit his brother, a high-ranking communist official.

Tragically, David meets his untimely end under mysterious circumstances. Driven by a sense of curiosity and a desire for justice, Thomas resolves to uncover the truth behind David's death.

Fortunately or unfortunately, depending on one's perspective, Stratton is not just an ordinary professor. In fact, he had infiltrated China even during the Vietnam War, a fact that adds an extra layer of complexity and danger to his current investigation.

This perilous journey begins in China and ultimately leads to Ohio.

While this book may not be like the later works of HIaasen, it still offers a captivating and engaging read that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.

With its intriguing plot, well-developed characters, and vivid descriptions, it is a must-read for fans of mystery and thriller novels.

So, pick up this book and join Thomas Stratton on his thrilling adventure as he races against time to solve the mystery of David Wang's death.

In 1983, Beijing was still known as Peking. The Cultural Revolution was a very recent part of history. It is crucial to set aside the images presented by a massive propaganda campaign of a modern, transformed China and envision what it was truly like back then. One of the aspects I most appreciate about this book is that it helps to elucidate a great deal about the China of today. In fact, I believe it may serve as a cautionary tale regarding placing excessive trust in the Middle Kingdom. (Attention: there may be some spoilers here.)

Art history professor Tom Stratton hasn't seen his former mentor David Wang for years when he encounters him during a guided tour of China. They engage in conversation and plan to meet again once David returns from visiting his brother Wang Bin, the Deputy Minister of Art and Culture, who remained in China after David left to reside in America. Stratton becomes slightly concerned when the appointed date for their reunion passes without hearing from his friend. He then learns that David Wang has been discovered dead following a lavish banquet. He is said to have died of a heart attack, dismissively described as “death by duck” - essentially over-exertion and overconsumption of food and drink. The American embassy believes the official Communist party explanation and bungles the investigation badly, so Stratton decides to solve the mystery himself. He soon becomes entangled in a web of corruption, secrecy, and abuse of power that endanger his own safety.

He immediately notices many troubling inconsistencies. Why were David’s passport and journal taken? He recovers the journal but discovers that pages have been cut from it. Why do Wang Bin's loyal security forces attempt to kill him when he begins asking questions? Wang Bin's rebellious daughter appears eager to assist him and reveals that she overheard her father and uncle arguing. Soon the two of them are on the run. Eventually, he finds himself back in a town where he was dispatched on a secret mission earlier as part of his work in a Vietnam War-era operation and risks exposure by someone still alive from that time.

He ultimately reaches relative safety in Hong Kong and realizes what is happening. Wang Bin, in danger of political execution, is going to use his brother's body in a fake suicide. Moreover, Stratton has figured out how Wang Bin is financing his secret flight and new life in America. He has been smuggling Chinese archaeological/art treasures to unscrupulous US dealers in the coffins of American tourists who die while on trips to China. The CIA is attempting to keep the situation under wraps, and this is more important than Stratton’s safety.

The book becomes a bit weaker during the action-packed finale, but the rest of the book is a solid, lively thriller. It offers a refreshing departure from the romanticized view of China and its culture that is prevalent in so many books. The portrayal of US Embassy staff as more interested in smoothing relations with the Communist Party while turning defectors rather than helping American tourists and businessmen is an eye-opener that visitors and investors should take seriously. This book is well worth the readers’ time.

I have an unwavering love for everything that Hiaasen has ever written, and this particular piece is no exception!

His unique writing style and ability to create engaging and thought-provoking stories never fail to captivate me.

Whether it's the vivid characters he brings to life or the intricate plots that keep me on the edge of my seat, Hiaasen's work is truly a delight to read.

This latest offering is yet another testament to his talent as a writer.

It combines elements of humor, adventure, and social commentary in a way that only Hiaasen can.

I find myself completely immersed in the world he has created, eagerly turning the pages to see what will happen next.

In conclusion, I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a great read.

It's a must-have for fans of Hiaasen and a wonderful introduction to his work for those who are new to his writing.

Fascinating and imaginative with the traditions and history of imperial China

This story is truly captivating. It weaves together the rich traditions and history of imperial China in a most fascinating and imaginative way.

It presents a page-turning mystery that involves high-ranking Communists, a massive historic dig, the murder of Americans, and huge dollar amounts. The plot is full of twists and turns that keep the reader on the edge of their seat.

The characters are excellent. They are well-developed and come to life in a very believable Asian setting. Some of them are haunted by old nightmares, while others are driven by the pursuit of illicit profit. The interactions between the characters add depth and complexity to the story.

Overall, this is a most intriguing and well-written story that is well worth the time. It offers a unique perspective on Chinese history and culture, and will leave the reader with a sense of wonder and satisfaction.

Truly extraordinary

This book may very well be Hiaasen's best work to date. It presents a thrilling story that delves into the complex struggle between America and China, spanning over several decades. The plot is filled with more twists and turns than a high-stakes Grand Prix race, constantly keeping us readers on the edge of our seats. From the very first page, we are drawn into a world of mystery, intrigue, and intense emotions. The characters are vividly portrayed, and their actions and decisions drive the story forward in a way that is both captivating and engaging. We find ourselves unable to put the book down, completely immersed in the narrative. And when it finally comes to an end, we are left with a sense of sadness, reluctant to part ways with the characters and the world that Hiaasen has created. This is a book that will stay with us long after we have turned the final page, a testament to the author's remarkable talent and storytelling ability.

Fast-paced, layered story centering on an intriguing heist story that takes place in China.

It was written in the early 80s, yet it holds up extremely well. The narrative is engaging from start to finish, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat.

The heist itself is full of twists and turns, with the characters facing numerous challenges and obstacles along the way.

My only issue is with the main character’s many injuries and brushes with death in a short time period. It seems almost miraculous that he somehow survives to fight another day, as they say.

However, despite this minor flaw, the novel is otherwise a pretty perfect piece of work. The writing is excellent, the characters are well-developed, and the story is both exciting and thought-provoking.

It is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good thriller or heist story.

This book stands out as being very distinct from Hiassen's Florida mysteries. For me, it holds a great personal connection as the main character is in Beijing in 1982 - the very first time I was there!

It presents an interesting mystery with a constantly changing focus throughout the book. Initially, we are engrossed in the search for the killer of the American professor. Then, we find ourselves cheering for the fleeing ex-soldier as he makes his way through rural China. Finally, we end up Stateside, chasing coffins.

Overall, it's just a fun mystery, not something that will shatter the earth. It offers an enjoyable read with its engaging plot and diverse settings. The different storylines keep the reader hooked and make it a unique and entertaining experience.

I thought it was a really quite good book.

To be honest, I haven't read a great deal of Carl Hiaasen's books. However, I had a hunch that this one might be worth giving a try.

The beginning, to be frank, didn't immediately grab my attention. It was perhaps a bit slow-paced or didn't have that initial hook that would make me instantly engaged.

But as the story progressed, something strange happened. I found myself becoming more and more intrigued. I simply had to find out what was going to happen next.

The characters started to come alive, and the plot began to thicken. It was as if a spell had been cast on me, and I couldn't put the book down.

Now, I'm really glad that I decided to take a chance on this book, and I'm looking forward to exploring more of Carl Hiaasen's works in the future.