Murder in China Red: A Chinaman Mystery

by Dean Barrett

Book Overview

No Synopsis Available.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0966189949
• ISBN13: 9780966189940
• Release Date: January 2002
• Publisher: Village East Books
• Length: 260 Pages
• Weight: 0.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.7" x 8.6"

Customer Reviews

How easy it is to slip over the line into crime

Dean Barrett began his considerable Asian experiences as a Chinese linguist in the Army during the Vietnam War. He returned to the United States after the war and finished a Masters Degree in Asian Studies from the University of Hawaii. He has written four novels with an Asian theme. Several of his plays have been performed in New York, including Fragrant Harbour. Mr. Barrett is a member of the Mystery Writers of America and the Dramatists Guild.Liu Chiang-hsin is commonly known as the "Chinaman." He is a displaced victim of the Red Guard's attack, which killed his parents and have left him with severe emotional scars. One woman has managed to gain entry into his heart, and she has just been killed in what looks like a professional hit. Chinaman employs his considerable talents as a private detective, as well as calling in a few favors to exact vengeance for the murder of possibly the only woman he has ever loved. Unfortunately, two of the people he needs help from are his ex-wife and her cop father: "Chinaman waited for the ominous silence to end while in the background ringing phones went unanswered at Manhattan Properties. When she spoke again, something new had crept into Mary Anne's voice. Something toxic. 'Let me get this straight. You put your other cases on hold to solve the death of the woman who destroyed our marriage and now you have the unmitigated nerve to call ME and ask for money? You want ME to loan you money?"In spite of his propensity to innocently infuriate everyone around him, Chinaman is a lovable and tragic figure. He has much to teach us about East/West differences, and there is much about him that is honorable and noteworthy. Barrett writes a finely crafted mystery/suspense novel, with enough spy stuff to keep the reader rifling through the pages to see what is just around the corner. His denouement is excellent; set in Brooklyn's Red Hook area. What is most noteworthy about this tale, though, is the fact that ordinary, intelligent people are caught up in nefarious activities simply to make a living, and how easy it is to slip over the line into crime. Shelley Glodowski Reviewer

A Very Fine Detective Novel

This book really is refreshing in that besides being well written and well plotted, it really concentrates on the detective himself and the atmosphere in which he works. That is what Raymond Chandler did and even when his plots went just a bit weird or got away from him, Chandler's books are still great. Barrett also seems to have a natural gift of talent to create a detective we want to see involved in more cases. This Chinese detective from Beijing scraping by in Manhattan is a winner.

A Real Thriller!

The detective in this one is a real pro with a sense of humilty and a sense of humor. He is determined to track down the bad guys who killed a former lady of his. The author's knowledge of China is obvious so he is able to create a Chinese gumshoe in the streets of New York City. The humor is great so is the characterization. The plot ranges from unexpected twists and turns in the case to his seeking revenge for someone else. He doesn't talk much about 9/11 and its aftermath on NY but when he does it is quite moving.A fine read.

A great detective!

The story of this book is well plotted but it is the characterization that I like best, esp. of the main character. "Chinaman" as his friends call him is tough, sensitive, funny but never politically correct. He came from Beijing and doesn't quite fit in with American pop culture anymore than he buys into the complaints of American Chinese he meets (or has an affair with). The author obviously knows New York City like the back of his hand. This is supposed to be a series with Murder in Dominatrix Black next. That should be a corker! Chinaman is no Charlie Chan but he has some of the best traits of Charlie: integrity, honesty, brains.

Edge-of-the-seat suspense!

I was riveted by Dean Barrett's portrayal of the tensions, and excitement, of the East-West interchange. Beautiful writing, and edge-of-the-seat suspense kept me anxious to the finsh.Sujata Masseyauthor of The Bride's Kimono