Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Hour of the Rat-Lisa Brackmann

Hour of the Rat


Lisa Brackmann

Soho Crime, Jun 18 2013, $25.00

ISBN 9781616952341



Twenty-something Iraq war veteran Ellie McEnroe works as an art dealer in Beijing. She loves her job and the dynamic city she has lived in for three years in spite of the air quality and her always in trouble mother residing with her; but also knows that the Chinese Domestic Security Department (DSD) secret police watch her every move because she is a foreigner who represents political dissident clients.



Two cops bring Ellie is for a spot of tea. Her “friend” John, Zhou Zheng’an and a DSD agent question her about her client Lao Zhang Jianlo. After they are finished for now with her, Ellie limps home on her war injured leg when John intercedes and drives her home. He suggests she leave Beijing for the moment so heeding his advice, Ellie and mom rusticate while searching for the missing American activist Jason, brother of her comrade in arms Dog Turner.



The latest Ellie McEnroe China mystery (see Rock Paper Tiger) is a fabulous thriller that vividly brings to life Beijing and the rural countryside. Ellie is terrific as she tours the country seeking Jason who has a raging business cartel perusing him. Readers will enjoy Ellie’s awesome adventures as she and mom share in common on thing besides DNA: getting into trouble.



Harriet Klausner



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