The King of Shanghai

The brilliant, sexy, and formidably martial arts-trained forensic accountant Ava Lee is back in her seventh adventure (after The Two Sisters of Borneo). Ava%E2%80%99s mentor and long-time partner (and retired Asian Triad chairman), Uncle, has died of cancer, and Ava%E2%80%99s focus has now moved from a Hong Kong%E2%80%93based 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. Shanghai%E2%80%99s ambitious Triad leader, Xu, offers to bankroll the new Three Sisters firm%E2%80%99s legitimate investment in a line of high-end fashions under the smooth guise of his obligations to the late Uncle. Unable to refuse Xu%E2%80%99s 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: there%E2%80%99s always something new to discover about Ava. Fast-paced suspense, exotic locales, and a rich cast of characters (some, like Ava%E2%80%99s driver, Sonny, are both dangerous and lovable) make for yet another hugely entertaining hit. Agents: Bruce Westwood and Carolyn Forde, Westwood Creative Artists. (Jan.)