The King of Shanghai: An Ava Lee Novel: Book 7 (The Ava Lee Novels, 7)

Ian Hamilton and Ava Lee are must reads. Three of my favourite female protagonists are Ava Lee, Caitlin Strong, and Nikki Heat. Ava Lee novels should be read in order as the developing relationship between Ava and Uncle is key to the story lines. As well, one appreciates the historical and geographical aspects regarding Hong Kong. The strengths of Ava Lee lie in both the physical and mental realms, as she is a very talented forensic accountant and a very talented performer of a unique form of martial arts. Both talents play pivotal roles as the stories unfold. I have read all the Ava Lee novels and eagerly await the next one coming out.

This one takes the story into new territory. Very well written. Engrossing and obviously setting up more. Can not wait.

I have enjoyed all the books up to and including this one. Ava is in transition. I will start the next one immediately.

This book certainly kept me guessing. There was more up front violence than I expected all the way to the end. The character of Xu us well developed and I’d an enigma. I still cannot fully trust him. He’s not Uncle and I don’t feel as warm towards this character as with Uncle. At the end, I also felt like Ava, I want to get back to the old game.I was mot sorry to finish it beacause now we can get back to the Three Sisters, hopefully without all the male testosterone to get in the way.I’m really enjoying this series more than I thought.

I enjoyed this book quite a lot. Multiple story lines that all blended together very well. His descriptions of China made the story come alive and be real. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone.

The ava lee series continues to be a great read, look forward to many more books coming out. Great character development over a period of years.

Good, but definitely a bit of a let-down after the previous three in the series, which were outstanding. Maybe Ava's move from financial recovery agent to association with a triad needs to be more fully thought through for the next novel?

Well done Ian Hamilton, another excellent book in the great Ava Lee series. I can't recommend this series highly enough

Another novel in a great series. My accountancy life was never as interesting as Ava Lee's. Well researched and, from where the novel crosses my experience, realistic about places and society.Pity these novels are not more easily available in the UK.

I have read all the Ava Lee books and found them interesting even though they are as much travelogues as action stories. The last two books, however, were softening my interest. The heavy focus on setting up fashion businesses in China doesn't interest me in the least as I found myself speed reading to get past the interminable descriptions. The author has (had) a good formula with Ava Lee but it seems he is going somewhere else. I read these books for the formula and if I want a different one, I will read a different author. By killing off Uncle, it seems Ava may not be doing the same work, with the same perils and excitement. And, by having Ava as a lesbian, the author avoids having to involve her in the usual man-woman romances that a beautiful globe trotting woman might experience. Then again, Mr. Hamilton's strength is more descriptive text than developing complex characterisations. Fine; bring back the old Ava and her recovery business. And stop ending stories as suddenly as this one.

Always exciting when a new Ava Lee is published! Mr Hamilton introduces a new actor in Ava Lee's business life, in the person of Xu, head of the Triad in Shanghai. Ian Hamilton's writing & story telling style provides an amazing transition from Uncle's old school wisdom to this new character representing changes happening in Asia, i.e. the younger generation taking more control of the economy - in all manners. A great book, full of action, suspense, emotions, culture, makes us travel again in Asia and within the Triad. Hurry up with the next one!

My favorite writer and character. Settings do not matter, story development has me reading book -start to finish- withoutr stopping. Too ban Mr.Hamilton, due to his research, releases books every 18 months, cause now that I have caught up, I AM WEAITING for the nect one.

very good. I love Ian Hamilton's books Eva Lee and her loyal henchmen . The plots are always interesting and once they get going, its hard to put the book down. However, I think the female characters are a bit overdrawn. They are strong, capable businesswomen who are much to be admired. So why, with the exception of Ava and May are they so insecure? for example, the episode with Chi-Tze ... too much hand wringing on this character's part. the character Also, the book ends abruptly with strings left dangling.