Darkness Under Heaven

Chase’s suspenseful debut simmers with a gripping view of present-day China and the terrors it can hold for foreigners. The Chinese government hires U.S. security consultant Peter Avakian to provide security for an upcoming conference for international advisers. The U.S. government has also hired Avakian and Dr. Judy Rose, physician turned spy, to aid in the release of a U.S. gymnast arrested in Beijing for shoplifting. When the Taiwanese president is gunned down, chaos erupts, and Avakian is forced to kill three Chinese soldiers who attack him. Dr. Rose proves to be a stalwart character, immersing herself in the game of espionage as she and Avakian attempt to flee Beijing undetected. Chase’s clear, succinct style is well suited to the swift pace, and quirky, brilliant Avakian will easily entice fans to follow his future adventures. (May)