In the latest installment of the Ava Lee novels, Ava becomes embroiled in a violent war between feuding gangs vying for control of the Wanchai territory in Hong Kong.
Ava is in Shanghai visiting her ailing friend, the Mountain Master Xu, when a triad war breaks out in Hong Kong. Sammy Wing, an old enemy of Ava's who has twice tried to kill her, has enlisted the aid of his nephew Carter - the new Mountain Master of Sha Tin - to reclaim control of his old territory, Wanchai, from Xu's men.
There is nothing subtle about the Wings' methods. Xu's most trusted enforcer, Lop, has been shot, and six of his street soldiers kidnapped. The Wings threaten to execute them unless Xu's men vacate Wanchai immediately. Ava steps in to broker a settlement, and the Wings respond by sending her a box containing six fingers - and a twelve-hour deadline.
As the violence and tension mount, Ava is driven to the edge, and she is forced to devise a plan that will bring her face-to-face with Sammy and Carter Wing. The only question is who will pull the trigger first?
About the Author :
IAN HAMILTON is the acclaimed author of sixteen books in the Ava Lee series, four in the Lost Decades of Uncle Chow Tung series, and the standalone novel Bonnie Jack. National bestsellers, his books have been shortlisted for the Crime Writers of Canada Award (formerly the Arthur Ellis Award), the Barry Award, and the Lambda Literary Prize. BBC Culture named him one of the ten mystery/crime writers who should be on your bookshelf. The Ava Lee series is being adapted for television.
Review :
“Whether it’s the triad plot lines or the elegant detective skills of Lee, Ian Hamilton has managed to maintain a freshness to his stories. The Mountain Master of Sha Tin is as slick and smart as The Water Rat of Wanchai, the first Ava Lee novel . . . This is one of Canada’s best series by one of our best writers.” — Globe and Mail
“Hamilton provides a fascinating peek into a disturbingly glamorous world.” — Publisher's Weekly
“Another action-packed entry in a solid series.” — Booklist
“Hamilton’s punchy, fast-paced style has woven a tapestry in over a dozen novels that have introduced us to a variety of characters … This novel, like the previous tales, rockets along.” — The Mind Reels
“Propulsive.” — London Free Press
