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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Classic page turner

This book is truly a classic page turner. The pace is simply great, keeping you engaged from the very first page. The plot is deftly plotted, with twists and turns that keep you guessing until the very end.


Getting to the end was both tantalizing and agonizing at the same time. On one hand, you can't wait to find out how the story concludes. On the other hand, you don't want it to end because you're so invested in the characters and the story.


This is definitely the best read I've had for a while. It's a book that will stay with you long after you've finished reading it. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good mystery or thriller.

July 15,2025
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China 101,

As much as that is possible,

I don't imagine that much has changed since this book was written.

However, there are glimmers of hope for a freer future.

The situation in China is complex and multifaceted.

While some aspects may seem to remain the same, there are also signs of progress and evolution.

The Chinese government has been taking steps to promote economic development and social stability.

At the same time, there is also a growing awareness among the people about the importance of freedom and human rights.

Although the path to a freer future may be long and difficult,

these glimmers of hope give us reason to believe that positive change is possible.

It is important to continue to observe and analyze the situation in China,

and to work towards building a more just and democratic society for all.
July 15,2025
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Fun, but cheesy.

Predictable with unpredictable twists.

I read this mainly because I’m going to China. However, 1980's China is nothing like today’s.

It was a quick read that offered a glimpse into a bygone era. The story had its moments of entertainment, but the cheesiness was hard to ignore. The predictability of the plot was somewhat offset by the unexpected twists that popped up here and there.

Despite its flaws, it did give me some context about China in the 1980s. I'm looking forward to seeing how much the country has changed since then when I visit.

Overall, it was an okay read that served its purpose of piquing my interest in China's history and preparing me for my upcoming trip.
July 15,2025
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A gripping read indeed! It was an absolute treat to come across a Carl Hiaasen book that I hadn't read before. The characters in this book are well-developed and engaging. Each one has their own unique personality and quirks that make them stand out. The story is filled with excitement and adventure, keeping me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. I found myself completely immersed in the world that Hiaasen has created, and I simply didn't want to put the book down. It's one of those rare books that you can't wait to pick up again as soon as you've put it down. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good mystery or adventure story.

July 15,2025
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Wow! What an outstanding espionage book it is! There are so many twists and turns that it's truly mind-boggling. It seems like there are twists within the twists within the twists. Unless I overlooked something, Hiaasen managed to tie them all up neatly in the end. This is truly remarkable when compared to some of the more recent works I've read.



The prologue swiftly summed up the rule of China's Emperor Qin Shi Huangdi around 213 B.C. He was known as "The Son of Heaven," and we are familiar with his life-sized clay soldiers today. This played a significant role in art history professor Tom Stratton's wild Chinese adventure. As a Vietnam Veteran, he had endured a terrifying experience in China during the war. He hadn't returned until this trip with the American Association of Art Historians. There were several things he could claim he took the trip to escape from, but as he put it to himself, he "had come to weigh the man he had [worked extremely hard to] become against the one he once was."


To the great annoyance of a nosy art historian from California and the group's Chinese tour leader, Stratton evaded the AAAH tour group whenever possible to explore Peking on his own. In a rather unclear incident, he accidentally bumped into his good friend, former mentor, and teacher, David Wang, who had also come to Peking. At the request of his brother, Wang had returned for the first time since he went to America as a young student. He was supposed to meet with his brother, a deputy minister, in Xian the following day. He and Stratton agreed to get in touch the day after that to catch up and for Wang to show Stratton the "real" Peking. However, the call never came.

July 15,2025
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Grace Diggers Delight

In this captivating tale, both physical and spiritual ghosts are exhumed.

Embark on a tour of Ancient China that is not revealed in the guide books. It is a world filled with torture and death, yet also sprinkled with a hint of forbidden romance.

Hansen has once again worked his magic, creating a story that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. The vivid descriptions bring the ancient world to life, allowing us to witness the horrors and the passion that existed.

As we follow the characters on their journey, we are drawn into a web of mystery and intrigue. The combination of historical elements and supernatural occurrences makes this a truly unique and engaging read.

Whether you are a fan of history, romance, or the supernatural, Grace Diggers Delight has something for everyone. Prepare to be transported to a time and place that you will never forget.

July 15,2025
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I’ve become extremely accustomed to Carl’s books being set in Florida. So much so that it took me a moment to adapt when I started reading one that was based in China.

This particular book is a nonstop, heart-pounding adventure that delves into a thrilling murder mystery that spans both China and the US. It involves rare and precious artifacts, which adds an element of mystery and intrigue. There is also betrayal at its core, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat.

To make matters even more exciting, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is involved in the case. This adds an extra layer of complexity and danger to the story. What more could you possibly ask for in a book?

While this book doesn’t have the typical comedy that you would expect to find in one of Carl’s books, the action more than compensates for it. The fast-paced plot and intense scenes will keep you hooked from beginning to end. It’s a must-read for anyone who loves mystery, adventure, and a good thriller.
July 15,2025
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This piece of writing is truly well-written and exhibits a great pacing.

However, for me, it was somewhat marred by the sheer stupidity of a few central characters.

Surprisingly, this stupidity was a necessary element for the book to have a certain length, yet it seemed quite unbelievable.

Given that the characters were otherwise portrayed as good and intelligent individuals, their moments of extreme stupidity felt out of place.

Moreover, this is not a typical Hiaasen novel.

It lacks the comical aspect that is often a hallmark of his works.

The kind of stupidity exhibited by the characters, which is usually an important feature in Hiaasen's writing, is not the kind that his loyal readers would easily recognize from his other books.

This departure from his usual style might leave some readers feeling a bit disappointed or confused.

Nevertheless, it still has its own merits and can be an interesting read for those who are willing to look beyond the unexpected flaws in the characterizations.
July 15,2025
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The story progresses at a rather sluggish pace.

Some segments of the plot are crafted merely to advance the narrative, and they come across as somewhat extraneous.

The initial quarter of the book commences in a promising manner.

However, the subsequent one-half of the book is slow, bordering on being almost, but not quite, tedious.

Thankfully, the final quarter of the book is decent.

It seems that the author could have done a better job of streamlining the plot and eliminating the unnecessary elements to enhance the overall pacing and readability of the story.

Perhaps with some revisions and tighter editing, the story could have been more engaging and captivating from start to finish.

As it stands, while there are some good aspects to the book, the slow pacing and superfluous plot parts do detract from the overall experience.

Nevertheless, it still has the potential to be an enjoyable read for those who are willing to persevere through the slower sections.

July 15,2025
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I deliberately steered clear of reading any of the books that Carl Hiaasen penned in collaboration with Bill Montalbano. The reason being, all the indications seemed to suggest that they would be vastly different from the Carl Hiaasen books that I hold dear.

However, after a highly persuasive recommendation, I decided to give "A Death in China" a try.

And as it turns out, I was correct. This book was nothing like "Tourist Season" or "Double Whammy" or "Native Tongue" or any other Hiaasen work. The way it reads is entirely distinct. The most显著的 difference lies in the absence of Hiaasen's trademark humor.

That being said, it is an extremely captivating mystery. The characters are vividly and precisely depicted, and the plot is replete with twists, turns, and surprises that keep the reader on the edge of their seat. It is definitely a recommended read for Hiaasen fans who are curious about these early co-written works.

Despite the lack of the familiar humor, "A Death in China" has its own charm and allure that makes it a worthwhile addition to any mystery lover's collection.
July 15,2025
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Even after reading Carl Hiaasen’s two previous collaborations, this one still managed to catch me completely off guard.

It presented a story that was so distinct, set within a culture that was vastly different from what I had encountered before. The book had deep ties to both the past and the present, creating a rich and complex tapestry.

It was truly a very intriguing read, filled with numerous twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat right up until the final page.

The author’s ability to craft such a captivating narrative and transport the reader into this unique world is truly remarkable.

I found myself completely immersed in the story, eagerly turning the pages to discover what would happen next.

This book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good mystery or a story that challenges their perceptions and takes them on an unexpected journey.
July 15,2025
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Twisted, sick, mysterious, wonderful. These words perfectly describe the experience of reading this article.

The story takes you on a journey through a world full of strange and unexpected events. The characters are complex and fascinating, each with their own motives and secrets.

The plot twists and turns, keeping you on the edge of your seat until the very end. You'll find yourself guessing what's going to happen next, only to be surprised by the actual outcome.

Despite its dark and twisted nature, the article also has moments of beauty and wonder. The writing is vivid and descriptive, painting a picture in your mind that you won't soon forget.

Overall, I would highly recommend this article to anyone looking for a thrilling and engaging read. It's a true masterpiece that deserves all 5 stars!
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