A Death in China (Vintage Crime/Black Lizard)

The second I saw this book -- I bought it. One never, ever, passes on a Hiaasen action-adventure mystery story! I didn't and was thrillingly rewarded. Good. Exciting. Sad. Crazy. But best of all -- GREAT STORYTELLING!

Hiaasen's work has never been so far from Florida, though it does at least make a cameo appearance. In this story, professor Thomas Stratton is on vacation in China, annoying the busybody in his tour group by eschewing nearly all its tours. When he finds out fellow professor and mentor David Wang is also in Peking, he makes plans to see him. Stratton is shocked to learn his friend is dead, a victim of "death by duck," a pithy expression for American tourists who die on vacation in China after overexerting themselves and eating too much rich Peking duck. When Wang Bin, David Wang's influential and nearly identical Chinese brother, asks Stratton to accompany David's body back to the United States, Stratton initially agrees. His casual investigation into David's death turns up a few irregularities, however, and Stratton decides to stay in China instead, setting him unwittingly on a path of danger when he gets in the way of Wang Bin's ambitious plans. That he also falls in love with Wang Bing's daughter Kangmei is his salvation in more ways than one as he is forced to face his demons from a previous, undocumented visit to China as a soldier during wartime. Just as Stratton pieces the entire puzzle of what happened to David Wang together, instead of ending, the story takes a turn and becomes even more intriguing, holding us on the edge until the end. Though Stratton gets conked from behind and overpowered by his enemies at least once too often, this is nonetheless a gripping page-turner. Hiaasen proves again that had he not found his niche in offbeat humor, he could still have had a solid future as a thriller writer. Montalbano's skills and knowledge as a foreign correspondent also come shining through, giving a vivid picture of China's people and politics. Their writing blends seamlessly for a dark tale of mystery and secrets that unfolds on two continents. Hiaasen fans looking for humor won't find it here, but those who enjoy his plotting skills will relish this excellent book.

Not what I expected from a Carl Hiaasen novel! An excellent story, well worth reading. A lot twists in the plot.

Well written as usual. But, his other books are a lot more fun. They keep you engaged to the end.

Like many others, I enjoy the humor tha Hiaasen puts into his Florida books. This one is not funny at all. But it is a smoking good read. This is a murder mystery set in the 1980s in China, a very different time. I had no idea that Hiaasen could write a mystery, a genre that I am just getting to appreciate. Usually, I can't figure out who the murderer is, and that makes it not fun for me. Or sometimes, the murderer is very clear and that also is not fun for me. In this tale, the murder is clear but his motivation is not revealed until the end. Opps, I hope I didn't say too much. If you want a roaring good mystery set in exotic China of 40 years gone by, try this one out. I think Hiaasen fans like me will enjoy a different side of a favorite author. But now I need to re-read the story about the blue tougued vole. That was a crack up.

When I think of Carl His son's books, I think of his great books set in the craziness of Florida. I've always enjoyed his writings, but was surprised to see that this one was set in a different part of the world. Hesitantly, I began to read and before I knew it, was immersed in this fascinating story which takes place in a modern day China not many of us are familiar with. The protagonist is a Veteran from the turmoil of the Viet Nam War who is fighting his own battles against the memories an experiences of that dark time. When the elderly scholar who has become his friend and mentor dies during a trip to China to visit his brother, a series of events are set in motion that are shocking and dangerous. This is a very enjoyable book. I highly recommend it

There is no comedy, or side character with an unusual bodily appendage in this story, both regular occurrences in Carl Hiaasen's other books. However, there is a wonderful tale of an American professor in China uncovering a crime that goes high into Chinese bureaucracy. The setting is well-described and the characters are wonderful. I enjoyed them It's a quick read and worth your time.

I enjoyed this book. It took a little while for me to really get into it. I realized why later- I didn't want the story to end! I liked the characters and hated to see what would happen next to a few of the characters. Interesting timeframe since it took place in 1983 China. Good job of capturing that time of fear and distrust. Good read that had me guessing until the very end.

I love this novel although it is a bit grisly in places. The setting is fascinating and the plot is gripping. It is both a crime novel and an unusual love story, which had me hooked from start to finish.

I have been away from Carl Hiassen for a while - I was beginning to find his cynical observation of human nature a bit repetitive. I was pleasantly surprised by A Death, it's just a well written and very enjoyable adventure yarn which I found hard to put down.

Good read with historical contagion’s!

Gripping thriller demonstrating Carl's varied writing ability He seems to be able to do everything from comedy to thrillers like this. My only criticism is he mixes Chinese time periods for example the plot is set in China some years post revolution yet he refers to Peking rather than the correct name at that time of Beijing. It's a small point but irritating and detracts from the enjoyment of the book

Not your typical Carl Hiaasen hilariously funny novel but it is well written and a great story. I like the whole series, including Trap Line and Powder Burn.