Death by Benevolent Tiger

Rating:
Summary: Intricate plot woven with memorable characters
Review: The author weaves an intricate, exciting plot laced with distinctive characters and atmosphere. Set in 1950 Los Angeles, a brutal murder sets private eye Victor Deamis, in a race to discover the secrets of a smuggled ancient Chinese statue before he is swallowed up in a political maelstorm involving the CIA, the Chinese nationalists led by Chiang Kai Shek, the newly formed communist regime of Mao Tse-Tung and a Chinese gang called the Benevolent Tiger Triad.

Each character, no matter how incidental, is vividly and completely drawn. Deamis is a fascinating protagonist, burdened with a world weary sarcasm that covers a sensitive and noble heart.

Figure on missing some sleep - this one is un-put-down-able right up to the last page. I only hope to see more of Victor Deamis in the future - his story is just beginning in this exciting first outing.