A Death in China Audiobook By Carl Hiaasen, Bill Montalbano cover art

A Death in China

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A Death in China

By: Carl Hiaasen, Bill Montalbano
Narrated by: James Yaegashi
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An American investigating his mentor's murder finds himself ensnared in a web of lies and treachery in China, where even tomorrow's weather is a state secret. From a nightmarish interrogation to assassination by cobra, A Death in China takes readers on a trip with no rest stops through a world of claustrophobic mistrust and terrifying danger.

©1984 Carl Hiaasen / Bill Montalbano (P)2012 Recorded Books. LLC
Espionage Spies & Politics Suspense Thriller & Suspense China Imperial Japan Exciting Witty

Critic reviews

"Montalbano and Hiaasen have created a Middle Kingdom maelstrom of intrigues, deceits, lusts and canards." ( Wall Street Journal)
"A terrific story.... Montalbano and Hiaasen have brought it off splendidly." ( Time)
A tautly written, fast-paced thriller that captures the real China." ( The New York Times)
Fast-paced Mystery • Intriguing Plot • Good Performance • Interesting Twists • Well-researched Setting • Moving Story

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Wait, when did we leave Florida?

This is a very non-Hiaasen Hiaasen mystery but with some elements of the original humorous mysteries... less humor, more mystery. William Montalbano lived in China for years where he worked as a foreign journalist, and it clearly shows. I taught in China for seven years and recognize good writing when I see it. Hats off to Mr Montalbano.

Narration is very good with proper Chinese pronunciations, which was a surprise.

Mystery in China

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A great story and good performance. Some of the pauses were awkwardly long though. Overall though, a great listen.

Great story.

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intricate, intriguing, murder mystery set mostly in China. Well crafted with some great surprises. As a bonus, you learned some history you probably did not know about China Recommended.

not at all funny Carl, but that's just fine!

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If you enjoyed the wit and humor of Carl Hiaasen’s best selling novels, you have come to the wrong place. This is a murder mystery along the lines of author Michael Connelly or Lee Child, but not as good. Imagine Stephen King writing a John Grishamesque legal thriller. He could totally do it, but would you want to read it?

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What did you like best about A Death in China? What did you like least?

This is a Hiaasen from the early 80's and is nothing like what the lovers of Hiassen have come to expect. It is further drug down by a poor choice in readers. He is not terrible but neither is he particularly good. The timing is just off. This makes it a so-so book with a so-so reader and a real disappointment for Hiassen fans.

Poor use of a credit.

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it wasn't my type of story. I like Hiaasen's humor in his books about Skank.

death in China

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loved and enjoyed this read .Had me waiting of each time i had to pick it up or turn it on again
the travel of the. story kepp it interesting and fresh good pace to listening or reading hope you enjoy it too get a copy its worth it

Here is an addition to the old radio reads enjoy!

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Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

Well it's not Hiaasen. Was pretty disappointed it's not his regular humorous tales. It's pretty depressing.

Would you recommend A Death in China to your friends? Why or why not?

Depends on what they were looking for.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

no

Never go to China

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A fast paced romp thru the foibles of greed, politics, and family betrayal. Endless twists and curve balls as we tromp thru a China still reeling from the years of the cultural revolution. Where family reunion isn't what it seems. and a soldier seeks to live down his past. Murder, theft, and love found are intertwined into a story both moving, fast paced, and horrifying. Who wins and who loses who knows read on......

Leaving Florida behind

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It just doesn’t hold together as a good story. Whenever the plot gets thin, another character gets added. Or a bit of sex gets put in. Characters are not believable. The research that undoubtably went into book is admirable but it just wasn’t a good story for me. The reader didn’t help.
I’ll read Carl Hisasen when he is the sole author.

Despite the research…

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