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Rating: 
Summary: Intensely honest depiction of the US military in Korea
Review: Having spent two years at 8th Army HQ in Korea , I found Limon's descriptions of the lifestyles of GI's and residents of Itaewon incredibly accurate and absorbing. CID investigators Sueno and Bascom are vividly rendered characters, cynical yet intense as they unravel the mystery. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys murder mysteries or simply outstanding writing.
Rating: 
Summary: OUTSTANDING BOOK
Review: Martin Limon has just scratched the surface of his writing skills. I will be looking forward to more of his work. His three books were nearly impossible to put down, he takes you there, you see what he has seen. You smell the smells. "Great Writer." Thanks Martin - Great Enjoyment in reading them......
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Summary: Realistic and Totally Believable!
Review: Not only is the concept of the "closing of ranks" (regardless of offense)around military officers totally believable, but even the the "good guys" are flawed. I am a dedicated Asiafile and found that the insights offered by the Author run remarkably deep. The are only a small number of Authors that specialize in the Asian set fiction. Martin Limon is certainly one of the best in this genre and the only one that comes to mind with a series set in a Korean locale. Having read the trilogy, I can hardly wait for his next offering.
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Summary: Wonderfully written, darkly funny, absorbing read-
Review: One of the best of the genre I've ever read. The setting, an army base in Korea in the 70's, comes alive through Limon's deft descriptions. Feels like noir. Dark winter atmosphere, desperate characters and unexpected humor. You pull for the "good guys" even though they're not so likable. I usually sell my old mysteries to the used book store--not this one. This one I keep.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderfully written, darkly funny, absorbing read-
Review: One of the best of the genre I've ever read. The setting, an army base in Korea in the 70's, comes alive through Limon's deft descriptions. Feels like noir. Dark winter atmosphere, desperate characters and unexpected humor. You pull for the "good guys" even though they're not so likable. I usually sell my old mysteries to the used book store--not this one. This one I keep.
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Summary: Excellent Military Procedural
Review: Set in what looks to be 1970s-era Seoul, Limon's debut is a highly enjoyable procedural featuring two well-drawn US army CID officers. Normally confined to busting up black market operations, the two must battle army bureaucracy while trying to solve the murder of one of the hundreds of prostitutes who live off US GIs. The book is excellent at exploring the relationship between the army and the local service economy that it supports, and Limon's service in Korea brings raw authenticity to every page. Limon's use of both Korean and US army culture in service of the plot makes this well worth reading.
Rating:
Summary: well written
Review: This is one of the better books i've read recently. For any military or ex-military personnel who have been to korea, this book will most likely bring back vivid memories of the experience. A difficult place to put into words, Martin Limon acurately describes the way life is over there as far as the american military experience is concerned. Beyond that is also a well thought out and written story that should keep any reader of detective novels very interested. I highly recommend this book as well as "slicky boys".
Rating:
Summary: well written
Review: This is one of the more original mysteries I have read. As a foreigner who has lived in Korea for three years, I still learned a thing or two from the author reading this book and enjoyed hearing about the dark side of Korea. Although presently things have really changed since the timing of the book, I still walked around Itaewon afterwards and spotted some of the places Limon had mentioned. You also end up having a love-hate relationship with the main character, he obviously feels bad for the prostitutes he comes in contact with and seems to care for their welfare, but yet doesn't mind going into a whorehouse for a quick screw and every woman he comes into contact with, whether a working girl or not, is quickly rated on her appearence. The main character also seems to carry around a lot of the stereotypical attitudes military men here seem to have, but yet he also has learned to immerse himself in the culture and language and seems to have great respect for Korea. I will look forward to reading the next two books by this author, and recommend this to anyone who likes suspense and intrigue mixed in with an exotic background.
Rating:
Summary: Intriguing story full of culture and suspense
Review: This is one of the more original mysteries I have read. As a foreigner who has lived in Korea for three years, I still learned a thing or two from the author reading this book and enjoyed hearing about the dark side of Korea. Although presently things have really changed since the timing of the book, I still walked around Itaewon afterwards and spotted some of the places Limon had mentioned. You also end up having a love-hate relationship with the main character, he obviously feels bad for the prostitutes he comes in contact with and seems to care for their welfare, but yet doesn't mind going into a whorehouse for a quick screw and every woman he comes into contact with, whether a working girl or not, is quickly rated on her appearence. The main character also seems to carry around a lot of the stereotypical attitudes military men here seem to have, but yet he also has learned to immerse himself in the culture and language and seems to have great respect for Korea. I will look forward to reading the next two books by this author, and recommend this to anyone who likes suspense and intrigue mixed in with an exotic background.
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