Ralph Arnote

This book was written during the years before the scheduled takeover of Hong Kong by the People's Republic of China and is based upon the uneasiness and uncertainty within the colony, and especially within the colony's business community, about that looming event. So, an interesting premise. Unfortunately, this supposed thriller has barely any suspense, and features two-dimensional characters (everybody is rich and beautiful) and awful, wooden dialog. Sometimes I like to pick up old thrillers for a trip back in time. This is one to miss, with extreme prejudice.… (mehr)

I read a LOT of mystery novels and I'm very particular about them. I don't remember when I got this book, but I saw it on my shelf today and picked it up, and I'm glad I did. I love this kind of mystery ... solid plot, good action, no overuse of sex to keep people reading (which I HATE -- stick with the storylines, authors!) -- just a good old-fashioned mystery that kept me reading throughout the day. I think anyone who enjoys a well-written mystery novel would enjoy this one -- maybe I'll exclude those who solely read cozies, because this is anything but.

Basic plot outline (no spoilers)
The detective agency owned by Willy Hansen and Coley Doctor takes on a case of a woman who wants a divorce from her husband. Amanda Granger is the wife of Jason, a high-level exec at an insurance company, and after telling him of her pregnancy, discovers that he is fooling around with another woman from his firm. She hires Hansen's agency to get any evidence the PIs can dig up on Jason so that she can divorce him and start a new life. However, Jason is too busy trying to get even with a psycho who went after him after Jason cut him off driving. His efforts at revenge lead to tragic consequences & even death.

Very good, very fun novel to read. It reminds me a lot of the older mysteries featuring private eyes -- I wish there were more like this. I'm now going to have to track down everything by this author and read them as soon as the books come in! This edition was from Forge Press; #6 in a series of 6, beginning with Fallen Idols written in 1994.

recommended… (mehr)