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Riding the Snake
A Beverly Hills golden boy whose glow is fading, Wheeler Cassidy, an aimless, hard-drinking womanizer, is partying toward dissipation. But after his brother's mysterious death, Wheeler embarks on a perilous journey to find himself and the Chinese gangsters who murdered the only member of his family he ever really loved.
Along the way, he teams up with Tanisha Williams, a beautiful African-American detective raised in Watts and now assigned to the L.A.P.D. Asian Crimes Task Force. The two make an unlikely pair, but together they face the violence and corruption that stretches from Hong Kong's notorious criminal Triad to the highest reaches of the American government. It's an international conspiracy of huge proportions that will take Wheeler and Tanisha halfway around the world and into the most dangerous adventure of their lives...
Along the way, he teams up with Tanisha Williams, a beautiful African-American detective raised in Watts and now assigned to the L.A.P.D. Asian Crimes Task Force. The two make an unlikely pair, but together they face the violence and corruption that stretches from Hong Kong's notorious criminal Triad to the highest reaches of the American government. It's an international conspiracy of huge proportions that will take Wheeler and Tanisha halfway around the world and into the most dangerous adventure of their lives...
416 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1998
4 people are currently reading
278 people want to read
About the author
Stephen J. Cannell
68 books269 followersStephen J. Cannell was an American television producer, writer, novelist, and occasional actor, and the founder of Cannell Entertainment (formerly Stephen J. Cannell Productions) and the Cannell Studios.
Cannell created or co-created several successful TV series from the 1970s to the 1990s. Creations included The Rockford Files, The A-Team, The Greatest American Hero, 21 Jump Street, and The Commish. He was an Emmy winner and was awarded The Eye - Lifetime Achievement Award by the Private Eye Writers of America.
Cannell created or co-created several successful TV series from the 1970s to the 1990s. Creations included The Rockford Files, The A-Team, The Greatest American Hero, 21 Jump Street, and The Commish. He was an Emmy winner and was awarded The Eye - Lifetime Achievement Award by the Private Eye Writers of America.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
September 4, 2016
“Riding the snake”, at least in this novel, refers to the efforts of Chinese immigrants to seek better lives by engaging in the lengthy process to illegally enter and live in the United States. Unfortunately, the process is managed by the notorious criminal Triad organization and as such, is fraught with peril for those who make the risky and desperate attempt to make the ride.
Wheeler Cassidy, a wealthy playboy type with no ambition but pursuing lower golf scores, looser women, and ever more alcohol, has his life permanently altered when his near perfect do-no-wrong politically-connected brother dies from a heart attack. Or was he murdered? Wheeler is joined by Tanisha Williams, a black street-smart LAPD detective from the Asian crimes Task Force in an effort to determine just what is behind the death and it isn’t long before the pair are on the trail of international criminals, the Chinese underworld, and having to fight against expectations and their own people along the way. For them, “riding the snake” has a different meaning but still fraught with just as much peril.
Stephen Cannell, is of course, well known as one of the most successful Hollywood television script writers and producers over the past fifty years. That could have been a red flag for me because television and novels are two different mediums and success in one certainly doesn’t always translate to success in the other. But I’ve read Mr. Cannell before and he usually produces fun-to-read novels. There are similarities to his TV shows; his novels are always well-paced, meaning there is a time for action, a time for romance, and a time for reflection. It’s a bit formulaic but it’s a formula designed for satisfying entertainment and, once again, it works well here. The characters were interesting and the plot was a good one. I felt invested in the outcome. I definitely learned more about Chinese life in general, Hong Kong, and about the last couple of decades of Chinese history than I knew before going into this book. In the end, it was another satisfying read from Mr. Cannell.
Wheeler Cassidy, a wealthy playboy type with no ambition but pursuing lower golf scores, looser women, and ever more alcohol, has his life permanently altered when his near perfect do-no-wrong politically-connected brother dies from a heart attack. Or was he murdered? Wheeler is joined by Tanisha Williams, a black street-smart LAPD detective from the Asian crimes Task Force in an effort to determine just what is behind the death and it isn’t long before the pair are on the trail of international criminals, the Chinese underworld, and having to fight against expectations and their own people along the way. For them, “riding the snake” has a different meaning but still fraught with just as much peril.
Stephen Cannell, is of course, well known as one of the most successful Hollywood television script writers and producers over the past fifty years. That could have been a red flag for me because television and novels are two different mediums and success in one certainly doesn’t always translate to success in the other. But I’ve read Mr. Cannell before and he usually produces fun-to-read novels. There are similarities to his TV shows; his novels are always well-paced, meaning there is a time for action, a time for romance, and a time for reflection. It’s a bit formulaic but it’s a formula designed for satisfying entertainment and, once again, it works well here. The characters were interesting and the plot was a good one. I felt invested in the outcome. I definitely learned more about Chinese life in general, Hong Kong, and about the last couple of decades of Chinese history than I knew before going into this book. In the end, it was another satisfying read from Mr. Cannell.
February 6, 2013
I absolutely loved this novel! 10 of 10 stars
July 18, 2012
A thrill ride - and a joy to read
After having slogged my way through a couple of books lately Riding the Snake was a real pleasure. Now, don't get me wrong with the 5 star rating here - it's not a life-changing book. It's just a whole lot of fun.
And it should be since it comes from famed television producer and writer Stephen J. Cannell. One can tell that he has plenty of experience (what kind of experience? How about working on Adam-12 and Columbo, creating the Rockford Files, Baretta, 21 Jump Street, The A-Team , The Greatest American Hero and at least a dozen more) with creating likable, interesting characters and putting them over their heads in difficult situations...
Read more at: http://dwdsreviews.blogspot.com/2011/...
After having slogged my way through a couple of books lately Riding the Snake was a real pleasure. Now, don't get me wrong with the 5 star rating here - it's not a life-changing book. It's just a whole lot of fun.
And it should be since it comes from famed television producer and writer Stephen J. Cannell. One can tell that he has plenty of experience (what kind of experience? How about working on Adam-12 and Columbo, creating the Rockford Files, Baretta, 21 Jump Street, The A-Team , The Greatest American Hero and at least a dozen more) with creating likable, interesting characters and putting them over their heads in difficult situations...
Read more at: http://dwdsreviews.blogspot.com/2011/...
December 3, 2020
I'm glad I didn't listen to myself. I didn't like the last book I read by Mr. Cannell and I vowed never to read another of his. But missing out on used book sales and being locked up in the house for months led to a dearth of books and here we are. This one was so much better it doesn't even seem like the same author. Maybe this one had a better editor.
Although this book was written in the late 90s, it's almost more relevant today. I liked the peek into Chinese culture. There were also a lot of good action scenes. I wasn't crazy about the romance, and there were random words capitalized, which annoyed me, but overall I really enjoyed this one.
Although this book was written in the late 90s, it's almost more relevant today. I liked the peek into Chinese culture. There were also a lot of good action scenes. I wasn't crazy about the romance, and there were random words capitalized, which annoyed me, but overall I really enjoyed this one.
September 11, 2021
Нищо особено,очаквах много повече!
March 20, 2016
PLOT OR PREMISE:
Stephen J. Cannell is an expert at pulling PR successes with fluff on the TV airwaves. This book is no exception. It takes a wealthy playboy (who never measured up to his father's standards) and a black female cop (who came from the streets) and throws them together to investigate a crime committed by Asian tongs. About the only thing missing from the demographics are gays because we also have Russians and international intrigue. The short plot summary is that playboy Wheeler Cassidy loses his seemingly straight-laced brother to an Asian tong war involving immigrants "riding the snake" to America and the "free" elections in Hong Kong as it reverts to Chinese rule. Along as his investigative partner is a black cop, Tanisha Williams, being investigated for having ties still to her "hood", and therefore assigned to a desk in the Asian bureau of the LAPD. She investigates the death of Cassidy's brother, and the brother's secretary, and it all leads off to Hong Kong -- taxi!
.
WHAT I LIKED:
A weird series of events leads from Hong Kong back to L.A. and more fights with the tongs, and a Russian nuclear bomb that has been smuggled into L.A.
.
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE:
Basically, the writing is fine, but the story is what happens when you take a Tom Clancy-type story, and replace the spooks with characters from your average cop story on TV, and run it along the same TV format plot lines. No depth here, but he hits all the major story headlines from popular press.
.
BOTTOM-LINE:
Holes all over the place but fun ride
.
DISCLOSURE:
I received no compensation, not even a free copy, in exchange for this review. I am not personal friends with the author, nor do I follow him / her on social media.
Stephen J. Cannell is an expert at pulling PR successes with fluff on the TV airwaves. This book is no exception. It takes a wealthy playboy (who never measured up to his father's standards) and a black female cop (who came from the streets) and throws them together to investigate a crime committed by Asian tongs. About the only thing missing from the demographics are gays because we also have Russians and international intrigue. The short plot summary is that playboy Wheeler Cassidy loses his seemingly straight-laced brother to an Asian tong war involving immigrants "riding the snake" to America and the "free" elections in Hong Kong as it reverts to Chinese rule. Along as his investigative partner is a black cop, Tanisha Williams, being investigated for having ties still to her "hood", and therefore assigned to a desk in the Asian bureau of the LAPD. She investigates the death of Cassidy's brother, and the brother's secretary, and it all leads off to Hong Kong -- taxi!
.
WHAT I LIKED:
A weird series of events leads from Hong Kong back to L.A. and more fights with the tongs, and a Russian nuclear bomb that has been smuggled into L.A.
.
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE:
Basically, the writing is fine, but the story is what happens when you take a Tom Clancy-type story, and replace the spooks with characters from your average cop story on TV, and run it along the same TV format plot lines. No depth here, but he hits all the major story headlines from popular press.
.
BOTTOM-LINE:
Holes all over the place but fun ride
.
DISCLOSURE:
I received no compensation, not even a free copy, in exchange for this review. I am not personal friends with the author, nor do I follow him / her on social media.
June 15, 2009
Riding the Snake is a the story of a rich, silver-spoon country club white guy who gets drawn in a wild search for his brother's killer alongside a black female LA detective. Their investigation takes them into the under belly of Hong Kong where they end up running for their lives from the Chinese mafia and then the Crips in LA. It's a long detailed book, but a very good read. Try to ignore the overused slang in the 'hood scenes...that will get on your nerves.
November 2, 2014
Exciting from beginning to end!! Loved how one of the main characters turned his life around and actually "grew up" at the age of 40!! 8 out of 10 on this one for me.
August 20, 2023
Stephen J. Cannell was one of the greatest story-tellers of these United States, and "Riding the Snake" is one of his greatest stories.
And despite its 1998 publication date, it's very timely, and very relevant today to us in these United States, especially with the Biden family in the White House (this review is being written in 2023) and its connections to certain foreign nations.
Author Cannell was remarkably inventive and creative, and the plot of "Riding the Snake" is intricate and complex, and it involves dozens of characters.
Among them are racists, upper-economic-class members of high society, extremely poor residents of U.S. and Chinese slums, power-seeking politicians and bureaucrats, vicious criminals, Chinese communist imperialists, and thousands of innocent victims.
"Riding the Snake" will encourage a reader to learn about history, about geography, and about what some call "realpolitik."
It is one of the best books I've read lately, and I strongly recommend it.
And despite its 1998 publication date, it's very timely, and very relevant today to us in these United States, especially with the Biden family in the White House (this review is being written in 2023) and its connections to certain foreign nations.
Author Cannell was remarkably inventive and creative, and the plot of "Riding the Snake" is intricate and complex, and it involves dozens of characters.
Among them are racists, upper-economic-class members of high society, extremely poor residents of U.S. and Chinese slums, power-seeking politicians and bureaucrats, vicious criminals, Chinese communist imperialists, and thousands of innocent victims.
"Riding the Snake" will encourage a reader to learn about history, about geography, and about what some call "realpolitik."
It is one of the best books I've read lately, and I strongly recommend it.
May 6, 2022
Exciting story, with lots of interesting insights into criminal Chinese Triads. I was disappointed that some of the references about firearms seemed not to be well-informed. Also, I thought some of the protagonist's self-critical musings were overdone and a little hokey. Ditto the romance between two of the characters. Finally, there are lots of improbabilities in the story. I won't give details, so as not to blurt out spoilers. It still was a good read.
May 22, 2019
Slower than most of Cannell's books. The background on the two main characters seems to take a considerable amount of time, and isn't that interesting. The final 1/4 of the book is very enjoyable and worth reading the rest of the novel (nice ending). It is a good read, but not quite on the level of many of his other books.
December 25, 2017
Very fast paced.
October 31, 2018
great plot, a little too violent for my liking
January 6, 2025
Felt a little bit unbelievable and formulaic. A lot of plot happened but it was almost too fast paced. Felt like the Fu Hai plot in Hong Kong was unnecessary and didn’t get resolved
April 10, 2013
This story was of illegal Chinese immigrants coming to America - called Riding the Snake - and the rise in power of one man to take a major political office in Honk Kong. The characters are unlikely, as always in Cannell's books, but that's what makes his stories work. The research he put into writing this one was very obvious, and the story was well played. From the Walled City of Kowloon to Honk Kong, and all the way to California - this, like the rest of his stories, is huge. It's global. Most of his stories involve major political powers and a whole lot of the map.
I didn't like Tanisha's and Wheeler's relationship very much - I found it hard to believe. She's a black cop and he's a white country club member who does nothing but drink all the time. I'm okay that they got involved and tried to solve the case, but I found a few jumps in logic that I don't think were realistic. The thought that they decided to hop on a plane to fly to Hong Kong to try and "figure out what's going on" was a little too much of a stretch for me. What do you do in a foreign city where you know nothing? Where do you begin looking? What the hell are you looking for? Since they didn't know the answer to that last question, I found it hard to believe they'd leave for Hong Kong in the first place. Aside from that, it was really well told. He, as always, finds a few key phrases he likes to use in descriptive narration and just beats the hell out of you with it. Like "inky blackness". He used that probably twenty times in the last chapter of the book. "Tromboning the slide" was another one. Aside from his writing style, which I'm always critical of, the story was well told and worthy of a read. This is probably my second favorite of his so far, next to King Con. I've now read The Plan, Final Victim, King Con, Riding the Snake, and The Devil's Workshop. One more of the standalones and I'll begin reading his Shane Sculley series, uninterrupted by any other books. I'd like to read that entire continuing character saga, which currently is seven-strong, without touching another author in between.
I didn't like Tanisha's and Wheeler's relationship very much - I found it hard to believe. She's a black cop and he's a white country club member who does nothing but drink all the time. I'm okay that they got involved and tried to solve the case, but I found a few jumps in logic that I don't think were realistic. The thought that they decided to hop on a plane to fly to Hong Kong to try and "figure out what's going on" was a little too much of a stretch for me. What do you do in a foreign city where you know nothing? Where do you begin looking? What the hell are you looking for? Since they didn't know the answer to that last question, I found it hard to believe they'd leave for Hong Kong in the first place. Aside from that, it was really well told. He, as always, finds a few key phrases he likes to use in descriptive narration and just beats the hell out of you with it. Like "inky blackness". He used that probably twenty times in the last chapter of the book. "Tromboning the slide" was another one. Aside from his writing style, which I'm always critical of, the story was well told and worthy of a read. This is probably my second favorite of his so far, next to King Con. I've now read The Plan, Final Victim, King Con, Riding the Snake, and The Devil's Workshop. One more of the standalones and I'll begin reading his Shane Sculley series, uninterrupted by any other books. I'd like to read that entire continuing character saga, which currently is seven-strong, without touching another author in between.
February 8, 2012
Wheeler Cassidy is the big brother who has never taken life seriously. Rich and idle he has played his life away, and the only serious work he ever did was a small stint in the military. Wheelers life consists of living in the shadow of a successful father who has died, and a mother who has no love for him, he is the eldest son.
Wheeler is drinking his life away when his younger brother is killed. Detective Tanisha Williams arrives into his life to not only solve the mystery of "whodunit" but also to steal his heart. Wheeler is thrown into moving from the Beverly Hills life style to the "hood" to the throng of heaving humanity in Hong Kong. The author takes the reader along the mysteries of "Riding the Snake".
This story covers illegal immigration to the bribing of high American government officials. The story grips the reader, and takes one along for the ride, as Wheeler and Tanisha race against time to find a nuclear bomb in L.A. ready to destroy a city. The selling of America to China is discussed time and again in this book written in 1999. One wonders if the author had any inclination of the "selling of America" to China today.
Wheeler is drinking his life away when his younger brother is killed. Detective Tanisha Williams arrives into his life to not only solve the mystery of "whodunit" but also to steal his heart. Wheeler is thrown into moving from the Beverly Hills life style to the "hood" to the throng of heaving humanity in Hong Kong. The author takes the reader along the mysteries of "Riding the Snake".
This story covers illegal immigration to the bribing of high American government officials. The story grips the reader, and takes one along for the ride, as Wheeler and Tanisha race against time to find a nuclear bomb in L.A. ready to destroy a city. The selling of America to China is discussed time and again in this book written in 1999. One wonders if the author had any inclination of the "selling of America" to China today.
December 12, 2016
Riding the Snake is set in the late 1990's in China, Hong Kong, and California. Wheeler is the family black sheep. Never able to live up to his father's unrealistic demands, he chooses to be the fun guy. His brother, Prescott, does just the opposite.
When his brother is found dead, Wheeler is forced into uncharted territory. Suddenly, he finds his life in danger. The only way to help his brother is to enter the world of China's most dangerous mob.
Tanesha does not fit in. The only African American in the Asian Crimes Unit, she knows she is unwanted. She refuses to give in. Only by exposing the corruption in China and America can Tanesha and Wheeler can survive.
I had to find the reference to the corrupt Clinton run America a little surreal. After the election of 2016, the reference to the 1998 government was odd.
I found the book interesting. I know very little about China of the 1990's. So much I never knew or had forgotten. I look forward to Cannell next book.
When his brother is found dead, Wheeler is forced into uncharted territory. Suddenly, he finds his life in danger. The only way to help his brother is to enter the world of China's most dangerous mob.
Tanesha does not fit in. The only African American in the Asian Crimes Unit, she knows she is unwanted. She refuses to give in. Only by exposing the corruption in China and America can Tanesha and Wheeler can survive.
I had to find the reference to the corrupt Clinton run America a little surreal. After the election of 2016, the reference to the 1998 government was odd.
I found the book interesting. I know very little about China of the 1990's. So much I never knew or had forgotten. I look forward to Cannell next book.
October 15, 2010
I'm a big Cannel fan. His books are kind of fluff but usually highly entertaining and that's what I count on when I pick up a Stephen J. Cannel novel. With most of his novels, Cannel asks us to suspend our beleifs just a bit, just swallow this and you'll enjoy the ride. In Riding the Snake I found myslef choking on what I was having to swallow. Easily the most unrealistic of all Cannels novels, I'd advise that you give this one a pass.
October 2, 2012
Stephen J. Cannell wrote books that are heavy on plot but light on believabilty. If you are able to suspend disbelief in about every way, you'll enjoy this fast-moving, fun action novel. Even in the world of thrillers (which always strain credulity), this book is pretty silly. The characters are stereotypical and flimsy, but who cares. It's all about the action. Cannell's books are always fun and real page turners. Looking for something light? This feather-light thriller will satisfy.
October 20, 2008
Now I'm scared. Seriously, this book forced me to look at something I would prefer not to know about---Chinese organized crime. The story was gruesome, but believable. The characters were well defined. There was humor, there was romance. And there was an awful lot of brutal killing.
I'm sleeping with my light on.
I'm sleeping with my light on.
August 1, 2011
Kept thinking I had read this but found recently that I hadn't, I rarely miss a Cannell. I enjoyed it but it was also kind of lame and tedious. But the characters were interesting and now with the US owing china so much money it makes you wonderhow insidious the whole story of Asian forces in our political arena. Sure gonna miss Mr. Cannells books!
August 27, 2013
Excellent book - which included some very relevant information about Chinese Triad gangs and their infiltration to other parts of the world, particularly the US. All this information easily transmitted in the midst of a cliff-hanger mystery.
March 26, 2014
I could NOT get enough of reading this novel. I must have read and re-read it at least 5 times. This novel pours forth with gripping and spellbinding action, which doesn't surprise me since I have been a fan of Stephen J. Cannell's TV show projects since my childhood.
March 14, 2016
Black detective Tanisha Williams, LAPD Asian Crimes Task Force, and black sheep socialite Wheeler Cassidy travel from South Central to Hong Kong to head off a Red Chinese plot with the Triads buying American politicians and Russian suitcase nukes
August 28, 2009
Excellent; Chinese efforts to illegally immigrate their people and strengthen thier crime syndicate and political hold are challenged by a man whose brother they killed and a black policewoman.
August 15, 2015
Cannell is in true form with this book. I grew watching Cannell's TV shows and was thrilled a number of years ago when I discovered he as also an author.
August 14, 2014
Good book. Read this in 2001.
January 28, 2016
An average espionage thriller.
August 22, 2023
Terrific story, well written, good character development and great pacing - as usual.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews