The King of Shanghai

Starred review from February 16, 2015
The brilliant, sexy, and formidably martial arts-trained forensic accountant Ava Lee is back in her seventh adventure (after The Two Sisters of Borneo). Avaâs mentor and long-time partner (and retired Asian Triad chairman), Uncle, has died of cancer, and Avaâs focus has now moved from a Hong Kongâbased collection agency to a quieter new venture capital business with her sister-in-law, Amanda, and their friend May. But, of course, just when she thought she was out of any Triad entanglements, they pull her back in. Shanghaiâs ambitious Triad leader, Xu, offers to bankroll the new Three Sisters firmâs legitimate investment in a line of high-end fashions under the smooth guise of his obligations to the late Uncle. Unable to refuse Xuâs offer, Ava soon becomes a reluctant player in a gang war over the Triad chairmanship election. Ever since his dazzling surprise debut with The Water Rat of Wanchai, Hamilton has propelled Ava along through the series with expanded storytelling and nuanced character development: thereâs always something new to discover about Ava. Fast-paced suspense, exotic locales, and a rich cast of characters (some, like Avaâs driver, Sonny, are both dangerous and lovable) make for yet another hugely entertaining hit. Agents: Bruce Westwood and Carolyn Forde, Westwood Creative Artists.

September 1, 2016
After months of grieving the death of her mentor, Uncle Tung, hard-nosed forensic accountant Ava Lee (last seen in The Two Sisters of Borneo, 2014) heads to Shanghai to launch Three Sisters, the investment partnership she's created with May Ling Wong and Amanda Lee. After meeting with Xu, another of Tung's proteges and Shanghai's triad boss, Three Sisters agrees to let Xu's organization invest millions of laundered triad dollars. On paper, the deal with Xu is a win-win, but it puts a target on Ava's back. When Xu's powerful rival for the triad chairmanship attacks, Xu barely survives, and Ava takes charge, determined to punish the attackers and negotiate an advantageous ceasefire. Ava's seventh adventure ramps up slowly, developing a luxurious sense of place, but Hamilton's knack for creating fascinating detail will keep readers hooked. The action comes eventually, and there's enough of it to satisfy the series' thrill-loving fans. Still, the real appeal here is Hamilton's portrayal of Ava's tough negotiations with triad heavies. Good fun, too, for those who like to combine crime fiction with armchair traveling.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)