Rating: 
Summary: Disappointing
Review: Having enjoyed "On Gold Mountain", Lisa Sees story of her family's history in California, I was disappointed in this novel. Perhaps the author should stick to nonfiction. I found the writing stilted, particularly the dialogue. The plot was contrived, with coincidences that rendered the story completely unbelievable. I did enjoy the descriptions of life in China, but beyond that would not recommend it.
Rating: 
Summary: Enjoyable but not excellent
Review: Having spent some time in the PRC (People's Republic of China) I felt very much like I was there once again. However, as a murder-mystery novel, it fell down. There were too many places where the characters jumped to rash judgements, acted too confidently, or over-reacted. Each time I said to myself, "No, don't do that! I hope the outcome isn't what I expect..." but the outcomes were always as I expected. I guessed the truly guilty people within a few chapters, although I confess that I was thrown off track a few times. Also, I think Ms. See should learn more about how detectives do their work, specifically in terms of how much information they typically need to get before they arrest someone. Having said all this, however, I should say that it is a good book, and it does redeem itself in the end.
Rating:
Summary: Enjoyable but not excellent
Review: Having spent some time in the PRC (People's Republic of China) I felt very much like I was there once again. However, as a murder-mystery novel, it fell down. There were too many places where the characters jumped to rash judgements, acted too confidently, or over-reacted. Each time I said to myself, "No, don't do that! I hope the outcome isn't what I expect..." but the outcomes were always as I expected. I guessed the truly guilty people within a few chapters, although I confess that I was thrown off track a few times. Also, I think Ms. See should learn more about how detectives do their work, specifically in terms of how much information they typically need to get before they arrest someone. Having said all this, however, I should say that it is a good book, and it does redeem itself in the end.
Rating: 
Summary: Where did that come from???
Review: I found the plot twists to be pretty darned forced. The characters would react to sudden revelations as if they were extraordinary conclusions to previous circumstances. The only problem was that the previous circumstances were non-existant, and only "explained" at the same time to support the new bend in the story. Hardly exciting. I found myself, as the heroes were in danger, saying to myself, "good, kill them off...it might make this book a little more interesting." I do give credit to the research on Chinese herbal medicine and Beijing...interesting learning assuming it was accurate.
Rating:
Summary: A truly intelligent and fast moving plot
Review: I found this book hard to put down, with very ingenious plot twists, compelling characters, and an unusual and seductive international setting in Red China/CA. This book gets you thinking, and its clear and focused style is a joy to read in a genre that I often find overwhelmed by overblown style and simplistic plots. Although I found the romance element to be unrealistic, the characters were well rendered, and the story unique enough to have me hoping that Flower Net will be the first in a series.
Rating:
Summary: Great fun read that tweaks the mystery genre
Review: I have read very few mystery novels (mostly Agatha Christie's Hercule Poirot tales as a child) and I was delighted and surprised to discover Flower Net. To have a woman take the typical "male role"--stoic and yet vulnerable at times is refreshing. To then have that woman be a Chinese woman is even more revolutionary in the context of detective novels (at least from what I know about that genre). Not ever having traveled to China, I'm not sure about the accuracy about See's details in that regard. (see other Amazon customers' reviews) However, as an Angeleno, I found her research and details to be incredibly accurate: small things like the US attorney's office being on the 13th floor, etc. I hope that Lisa See writes many more books, including a sequel to Flower Net.
Rating:
Summary: Great fun read that tweaks the mystery genre
Review: I have read very few mystery novels (mostly Agatha Christie's Hercule Poirot tales as a child) and I was delighted and surprised to discover Flower Net. To have a woman take the typical "male role"--stoic and yet vulnerable at times is refreshing. To then have that woman be a Chinese woman is even more revolutionary in the context of detective novels (at least from what I know about that genre). Not ever having traveled to China, I'm not sure about the accuracy about See's details in that regard. (see other Amazon customers' reviews) However, as an Angeleno, I found her research and details to be incredibly accurate: small things like the US attorney's office being on the 13th floor, etc. I hope that Lisa See writes many more books, including a sequel to Flower Net.
Rating:
Summary: Just read a good Beijing travel book.
Review: I was so disappointed. The problems with Flower Net far outweigh its one virtue: keen observation of life in Beijing. The characters are flat. As for the plot -- one or two things happen, but by the time any resolution is reached, you truly, madly and deeply do not care. Several reviewers have said the main character Liu Hulan is well-drawn. This is true if you find remote, implacable people with good hair compelling. She's all backstory and no zip. There are nonfiction guidebooks (see Lonely Planet) that bring Beijing to life far more successfully. I wish I'd plunked down my big bucks for those.
Rating:
Summary: Mixing old world traditions with new world freedoms
Review: Inspector Liu Hulan of the Chinese Ministry of Public Security investigates the murder of the son of the U. S. Ambassador. At the same time, Assistant U. S. Attorney David Stark is searching for the murderer of the son of an influental and powerful Chinese businessman. Shortly thereafter, the two former business associates and lovers are reuinited by their respective governments in a joint effort designed to fail. Lisa See has done a marvelous job of depicting the heavily instilled traditions and repressions in a China that is struggling to incorporate the benefits of the modern world. Her writing tone changes to match the mood of life in China and then the frenzied pace of freedom in Los Angeles. Even the contrast of life in ethnic Chinese areas within Los Angeles is eye-opening. The reader is easily swallowed into the places and activities of each chapter. Thoroughly enjoyable.
Rating:
Summary: I liked the Flower Net, but it could have been better.
Review: It is interesting how people can read the same book and see something different. Do not expect this to be an Agatha Christie style murder mystery. I more or less enjoyed the "Flower Net" by Lisa See. I might have liked it better had I not read it right after "Mount Dragon" by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child. "Mount Dragon" is one of the best written books I've read in a long time. Much better than any Michael Chrichton. Well, back to Lisa's book. The plot is great, her execution could have been better. It could have had better plot development. Also I would have liked to have gotten to know Hulan and David better, not just Hulan's past. Her past is important to the plot, but I would really like to know what she is feeling today and hopes to do in the future. And as a murder mystery thriller it really suffered from lack of action - except at the climax. The "travelogue" aspect of the book is overdone. It is interesting to learn more about "modern" China and its culture, people and politics. I would have preferred if Lisa limited herself more to a few specific insights about China, and Los Angeles' China Town and saved the rest to be revealed in later books. There were a few places where I got a bit confused, but that is probably my fault. On the positive side, I was often surprised by the plot twists and rarely anticipated anything. Lisa has really done her research. In a way that may be a draw back to this book. She seems overly enthusiastic about telling the reader all she knows. I read Lisa See's first book - her nonfiction history of her family - "On Gold Mountain." This is a great book. At this point she is a better nonfiction writer, but I am sure that she will improve as a fiction author. I, for one would like to see Hulan and Dave back in a sequel solving a new case. Next time Lisa can write her best about Hulan's present as I think that all her past demons have been exorcized. The double meanings were interesting. As a biologist myself, I found the exploitation of wildlife contraband and insect toxins interesting. I do wonder how Lisa learned about these topics that are far removed from her career in publishing (book reviews). Oh, Chinese herbalists?
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