I decided to read this book mainly because it was written by Carl Hiaasen. I have always known him as a highly intelligent novelist whose works are typically set in corruption-ridden Florida. However, to my great disappointment, I absolutely hated this book!

The only thing I can manage to say about it is that it seems rather outdated. The China he描绘的 no longer exists (and perhaps it never truly did!). The entire narrative is filled with condescension, racism, and an air of superiority.

This negative attitude significantly affects the plot. The despicable characters, as one might expect, behave in predictably despicable ways. And, shockingly, our hero acts heroically.

Thankfully, at least Hiaasen has found his true writing style and voice when it comes to stories set in Florida. But unfortunately, that same magic is completely absent in this particular work.

Hiassen's latest work shows a significant departure from his earlier style. It's a remarkable genre hop that keeps readers on the edge of their seats with its high levels of suspense. The story offers an intriguing peek behind the scenes of communist China in the post-Vietnam era. It delves into a world that is both familiar and yet full of surprises. Hiassen's ability to create a vivid and engaging narrative is on full display here. The characters are well-developed and the plot twists and turns in unexpected ways. It's a must-read for fans of thrillers and those interested in exploring different cultures and historical periods. Hiassen genre hops

I truly relished Carl Hiaasen's account of China as portrayed in 1983. I had the opportunity to visit China in 1984, and I was pleasantly surprised to find that his description was extremely accurate. It was as if he had captured the essence of the country at that time with great precision.

However, from a personal perspective, I couldn't help but think that the book could have achieved the same impact with 200 fewer pages. It made me wonder how many presumptions and battles a book really needs to be truly effective. In some cases, it seems that less can indeed be more.

Perhaps a more concise presentation would have allowed the reader to focus more intently on the key aspects of China's story. It might have eliminated some of the extraneous details that, while interesting, didn't necessarily contribute to the overall effectiveness of the narrative. This makes me reflect on the importance of balance and restraint in writing.

Historically, this book is truly fascinating, albeit in some aspects rather unsavoury. The opening chapters leave no room for doubt that it was penned and published during the Cold War era, oozing with a palpable hatred for the Communist Party. What makes it also historically interesting is that in the original publication, the name of the co-author Bill Montalbano was highlighted in larger print. However, as Hiaasen's star rose, it was later reissued to capitalise on the latter's name.

Both co-authors are journalists with deep roots in Miami. Clearly, they know how to craft crime thrillers, and this one had me completely on the edge of my seat. Initially, I was rather put off by the Cold War rhetoric. But by the end of this long novel, I found that the authorial voice had become more even-handed. It recognised that greed knows no national boundaries and celebrated courage and commitment to justice in both the East and the West.

I reluctantly graded this tale four stars for several reasons.

Firstly, I generally have an expectation of some humor in Hiassen's books. However, to my disappointment, I did not find that element present in this particular tale.

Secondly, I found the main character to be constantly in stressful situations, which made it rather tiring to follow. The continuous pressure on the character seemed a bit overdone at times.

Nevertheless, despite these drawbacks, the story did have its interesting aspects. And, to my surprise, it actually improved somewhat at the very end. The conclusion managed to bring together some loose ends and added a bit of a twist that made the overall reading experience not entirely unenjoyable.

Overall, while it didn't meet all of my expectations, it still had enough redeeming qualities to warrant a four-star rating.

This book was truly a departure from all the other books I have read by this author.

Thomas Stratton makes his way back to China, the very place where wartime events have continuously haunted him. Once there, he unexpectedly finds himself right in the middle of serious criminal activity carried out by the brother of a man he has held dear for a significant portion of his life.

The book takes a deep dive into Chinese custom and history, providing readers with a fascinating exploration. It was an easy and enjoyable read, allowing me to immerse myself in the story without any difficulties.

Overall, this book offers a unique and engaging experience that sets it apart from the author's previous works. I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in a good story with a touch of mystery and a rich cultural backdrop.

"Oldie but goodie!"

This simple phrase holds a world of meaning. It refers to something that may be old or have been around for a while, but still has great value and charm.

It could be an old song that always manages to bring a smile to your face, a classic movie that you can watch over and over again, or a piece of furniture that has withstood the test of time and is still as beautiful and functional as ever.

The beauty of an "oldie but goodie" is that it has a certain authenticity and character that cannot be replicated. It has a story to tell and a history that adds to its allure.

In a world where everything seems to be constantly changing and evolving, it's nice to have those things that remain constant and true. So, the next time you come across an "oldie but goodie," take a moment to appreciate its value and enjoy the memories and emotions that it evokes.

This was a book with a very distinct style compared to that of Hiaasen.

It was, however, extremely enjoyable. One could detect certain elements of the same writing style that would later be prominent in his more outrageous and zany books.

But at its core, this book was a serious action thriller.

The story likely had intense moments, heart-pounding chases, and high-stakes situations that kept the reader on the edge of their seat.

Perhaps the characters were complex and engaging, with their own motives and secrets driving the plot forward.

Despite the differences in tone from some of Hiaasen's other works, this book still managed to capture the reader's attention and draw them into its exciting world.

It was a testament to the author's versatility and ability to create compelling stories in different genres.

Overall, it was a great read that offered a unique blend of action and thriller elements.

Luckily, Carl Hiaasen has made significant progress and become a much better writer. However, this particular work from the 80s is quite disappointing. It is a trite, paperback adventure that fails to offer much in terms of excitement or originality. In fact, it's barely worth the meager amount I paid for it, which was only about $.99.

The story seems to follow a predictable formula, lacking the depth and creativity that Hiaasen is now known for. The characters are one-dimensional and the plot feels rushed and underdeveloped.

While it may have been passable entertainment at the time, it simply doesn't hold up well today. It serves as a reminder of how far Hiaasen has come as a writer and makes one appreciate his more recent works even more.

Overall, this 80s adventure is a forgettable piece that I would not recommend to others.

Nice to see a change of location in this book
This particular book offers a refreshing aspect with its change of location. It really gives the reader a new perspective and a sense of exploration.

The action scenes in the book are quite engaging and keep the reader on the edge of their seat. The suspects are well-developed and add an element of mystery and intrigue. However, the inclusion of romantic scenes seems a bit unnecessary and detracts from the overall plot. It feels as if they were just thrown in for the sake of having some romance.

Despite this flaw, the book is still okay for a summer beach read. It has enough entertainment value to pass the time and keep you occupied while enjoying the sun and sand. It's not a masterpiece, but it can provide some light-hearted fun during the summer months.

Not as much fun as Hiaasen’s Florida epics

This was a truly engaging and page-turning tale. As I delved into its pages, it mostly managed to maintain my interest. Stratton, the central character, was quite captivating. His personality and the way he interacted with the events and other characters added depth to the story. Moreover, the vivid descriptions of China provided an interesting backdrop. The visuals painted by the author were so detailed that I could almost picture myself in those settings. I was thoroughly entertained by the narrative. It had its moments of excitement and intrigue that kept me hooked until the end. In fact, I would definitely be willing to read another one of these collaborations. However, I must admit that I did miss the unique humor that is characteristic of the Carl Hiaasen books featuring Skink. Hiaasen's brand of humor always manages to add an extra layer of enjoyment to his stories, and this one, while good, couldn't quite match up in that regard.

Disappointing

I had been eagerly anticipating the presence of some of Hiaasen's unique voice in this story. However, to my great disappointment, there was absolutely none. The narrative progressed at a sluggish pace, lacking any sense of excitement or urgency. It was a rather ordinary and unremarkable piece of work. I found myself unable to engage with it on a deeper level. The story failed to capture my attention and hold it firmly. It simply did not have that special something that would have made it highly likable. I had such high hopes for this story, but unfortunately, it did not live up to my expectations.