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Ava Lee #9
The Couturier of Milan
Ava attends London Fashion Week for the launch of the PÖ fashion line, one of the major investments she and her partners in the Three Sisters — May Ling Wong and Amanda Yee — have made during the last year. With the exponential expansion of the luxury-brand market in China, Ava and her partners are determined to see a young Chinese designer break out in Europe and North America and they go full out in London.
The show is a success, but perhaps too much of one. It attracts the attention of Dominic Ventola, the principal partner in the luxury fashion conglomerate VLG. The women are invited to Milan to meet with Ventola and senior executives in his company. VLG offers to buy the Three Sisters’ stake in PÖ. Ava and her partners decline. A few days later, PÖ comes under attack in the fashion media and a large part of their customer base is pressured by VLG to abandon them.
Ava decides to strike back and turns to Xu for assistance, leading to a confrontation between two of the world’s biggest global crime syndicates: the Camorra and the Triad.
The show is a success, but perhaps too much of one. It attracts the attention of Dominic Ventola, the principal partner in the luxury fashion conglomerate VLG. The women are invited to Milan to meet with Ventola and senior executives in his company. VLG offers to buy the Three Sisters’ stake in PÖ. Ava and her partners decline. A few days later, PÖ comes under attack in the fashion media and a large part of their customer base is pressured by VLG to abandon them.
Ava decides to strike back and turns to Xu for assistance, leading to a confrontation between two of the world’s biggest global crime syndicates: the Camorra and the Triad.
400 pages, Unknown Binding
First published January 16, 2017
20 people are currently reading
512 people want to read
About the author
Ian Hamilton
27 books351 followersIan Hamilton has been a journalist, a senior executive with the federal government, a diplomat, and a businessman with international links. He has written for several magazines and newspapers in Canada and the U.S., including Maclean's, Boston Magazine, Saturday Night, Regina Leader Post, Calgary Albertan, and the Calgary Herald. His nonfiction book, The Children's Crusade, was a Canadian Book of the Month Club selection.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
February 11, 2017
More than once I have called this series of books about a Chinese-born Canadian my guilty pleasure, but now I wonder why I should feel guilty. Ava Lee is a forensic accountant with deep ties to Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland. For several books in the series she investigated improprieties in international trade and business deals, but then she invested her earnings in new businesses on the mainland as a venture capitalist. Anyone with even a cursory interest in how the world turns is gong to be fascinated by the mysteries revealed in this series.
Ava Lee is smart, savvy, sexy, and…a lesbian…which is no big deal when she is residing in Toronto. In China, however, that lifestyle choice is not appreciated, nor even permitted. At the end of this installment of the series, the author puts a little pressure on those restrictions and I expect we will just see how far they bend.
One of Ava’s investments is in a clothing designer trying to break into the European market. The designer attracts the attention of a major Italian luxury goods provider who doesn’t take kindly to the smallish company rejecting his takeover bid. Ava calls on her friends in the Triads to push back, and the Mafia becomes involved.
What’s so fascinating in this installment is the discussion about sourcing and supply for luxury goods. We must all have had our suspicions about how luxury goods makers were able to survive in the era of Chinese low-cost production and competition, and here we get a few details that might help us to figure out for ourselves how much of those expensive products are actually “Made in Italy,” or perhaps just assembled in Italy.
There is no doubt that shipping plays an enormous part in costs, both time and money, for the materials are often shipped in and [mostly] finished goods shipped out—across the world. Besides the enormous marketing efforts, quality of the scarce materials, plus the real design genius behind some of the products…all of these things add to cost, but a little deep dive into the metrics and the kinds of markups on these products sort of takes away our enthusiasm for these ‘luxury' products: luxury for whom?
Hamilton imagines for us a meeting between the Mafia and the Triads in Macau, that city of casinos, where residents, curiously, live in one the most densely populated areas on earth and yet have the world’s longest life expectancy. He discusses along the way the changes in Macau’s landscape when foreign concessionaires were finally allowed to build, making a kind of Vegas on steroids. Millions of gamblers leave $45 billion there a year, compared to a take of $6 billion a year in Las Vegas.
There is no bloodshed in this novel, but I have to admit I was expecting it every second once everyone arrived at the Italian restaurant on Macau to talk an unreasonable and profane billionaire magnate into moderating his expectations. That man did not fit the mold I was expecting for someone “with everything.” He seemed too disbelieving that anyone would refuse his incentives, and too rude when he finally got the message. There was something authentic missing in his characterization.
After all this time, after 9 episodes of Ava’s experiences, I am still trying to come to grips with author Ian Hamilton, and why he does not seem prurient when describing the sex life of a woman. First, Ava is pretty restrained, and in all that time has had only one fling…a one-night stand with a hotel manageress in Iceland. Second, Ava has had a steady girlfriend in Toronto whom she barely ever saw, from readers’ point of view. And thirdly, it occurs to me that maybe the male Hamilton has an easier time writing about a gorgeous sexy woman than he does a man. That’s a bit of a challenge for him.
All in all, I always enjoy reading about Ava’s next challenge, where she’s been, and what she ate. There have to be some advantages to making millions of dollars after all, and it is a lot easier (and I argue even more fun) to read about it than it is to actually go out and do it. It looks like she’s off to the Philippines in the next installment and I have to admit a little danger does my heart good. This novel was a little more talky than usual, but a lot happened in a couple days. It takes time to explain.
Recent reporting in the New York Times discusses the case of a Chinese-born Canadian billionaire banker who has been thought to have been abducted from Hong Kong, North Korean-style, and kept under some kind of arrest in mainland China. Apparently some Chinese officials are purchasing large shares in national power companies for their own enrichment, like what happened in Russia when the Soviet Union dissolved, and they don’t want their machinations known. I wouldn't mind seeing Hamilton wading into this criminal circus and political controversy, just for fun. Many thanks to author Hamilton, editor Yoon, and publisher Anasi for the high-class entertainment.
Ava Lee is smart, savvy, sexy, and…a lesbian…which is no big deal when she is residing in Toronto. In China, however, that lifestyle choice is not appreciated, nor even permitted. At the end of this installment of the series, the author puts a little pressure on those restrictions and I expect we will just see how far they bend.
One of Ava’s investments is in a clothing designer trying to break into the European market. The designer attracts the attention of a major Italian luxury goods provider who doesn’t take kindly to the smallish company rejecting his takeover bid. Ava calls on her friends in the Triads to push back, and the Mafia becomes involved.
What’s so fascinating in this installment is the discussion about sourcing and supply for luxury goods. We must all have had our suspicions about how luxury goods makers were able to survive in the era of Chinese low-cost production and competition, and here we get a few details that might help us to figure out for ourselves how much of those expensive products are actually “Made in Italy,” or perhaps just assembled in Italy.
There is no doubt that shipping plays an enormous part in costs, both time and money, for the materials are often shipped in and [mostly] finished goods shipped out—across the world. Besides the enormous marketing efforts, quality of the scarce materials, plus the real design genius behind some of the products…all of these things add to cost, but a little deep dive into the metrics and the kinds of markups on these products sort of takes away our enthusiasm for these ‘luxury' products: luxury for whom?
Hamilton imagines for us a meeting between the Mafia and the Triads in Macau, that city of casinos, where residents, curiously, live in one the most densely populated areas on earth and yet have the world’s longest life expectancy. He discusses along the way the changes in Macau’s landscape when foreign concessionaires were finally allowed to build, making a kind of Vegas on steroids. Millions of gamblers leave $45 billion there a year, compared to a take of $6 billion a year in Las Vegas.
There is no bloodshed in this novel, but I have to admit I was expecting it every second once everyone arrived at the Italian restaurant on Macau to talk an unreasonable and profane billionaire magnate into moderating his expectations. That man did not fit the mold I was expecting for someone “with everything.” He seemed too disbelieving that anyone would refuse his incentives, and too rude when he finally got the message. There was something authentic missing in his characterization.
After all this time, after 9 episodes of Ava’s experiences, I am still trying to come to grips with author Ian Hamilton, and why he does not seem prurient when describing the sex life of a woman. First, Ava is pretty restrained, and in all that time has had only one fling…a one-night stand with a hotel manageress in Iceland. Second, Ava has had a steady girlfriend in Toronto whom she barely ever saw, from readers’ point of view. And thirdly, it occurs to me that maybe the male Hamilton has an easier time writing about a gorgeous sexy woman than he does a man. That’s a bit of a challenge for him.
All in all, I always enjoy reading about Ava’s next challenge, where she’s been, and what she ate. There have to be some advantages to making millions of dollars after all, and it is a lot easier (and I argue even more fun) to read about it than it is to actually go out and do it. It looks like she’s off to the Philippines in the next installment and I have to admit a little danger does my heart good. This novel was a little more talky than usual, but a lot happened in a couple days. It takes time to explain.
Recent reporting in the New York Times discusses the case of a Chinese-born Canadian billionaire banker who has been thought to have been abducted from Hong Kong, North Korean-style, and kept under some kind of arrest in mainland China. Apparently some Chinese officials are purchasing large shares in national power companies for their own enrichment, like what happened in Russia when the Soviet Union dissolved, and they don’t want their machinations known. I wouldn't mind seeing Hamilton wading into this criminal circus and political controversy, just for fun. Many thanks to author Hamilton, editor Yoon, and publisher Anasi for the high-class entertainment.
January 22, 2019
The Three Sisters and Po's head to London to publicize the PÖ clothing line in a fashion show, and are approached by a luxury brand VLG, who wants to buy the company. When the offer is rebuked, VLG's flashy owner not only trashes the line, but bullies his customers into cancelling orders. Ava Lee heads back to Asia determined to have retribution and develops a brilliant counterstrategy to undermine VLG's local production and selling efforts. In fact, she is so successful that the silent investor in VLG contacts Ava's friends in the Triad to have her beaten or killed. Hamilton does his usual fine job of making you feel you're in Macau and Kong Kong along with his characters.
April 2, 2019
I really hope there will be more of Ava in the foreseeable future. This series is way too good to stop reading it anytime soon! Congratulations to Mr. Hamilton on the really good job he has done with his fiction.
This one was again excellent! Better than #8 which I just a tad couldn'tget into.
This one was again excellent! Better than #8 which I just a tad couldn'tget into.
February 5, 2017
“The Couturier of Milan” is the 3rd of the Ava Lee novels with her major allies of the partners in Three Sisters Investments with Triad chairman Xu behind the scenes. It follows closely on from "The Princeling of Nanjing and somewhere there was a mention that the book time that has elapsed in this period of Ava’s life is only a year (whereas the 3 recent books have appeared over 3 years). So one up side is that Ava is not aging in real-time and there is certainly hope for several adventures yet to come. In fact a generous teaser chapter for the next book "The Imam of Tawi Tawi" is provided at the end of this current one which hints that the next adventure may be more of a solo one for Ava.
Ian Hamilton has not lost his touch in writing a compulsive thriller and though the world of international fashion may not immediately strike you as fodder for suspense fiction he creates a set-up for a compelling social media/advertising/shipping/production war between the villains (an Italian conglomerate in this case) and the fledgeling fashion house of PÖ which is funded by Ava & her allies.
I was slightly distracted by the possible symbolic meaning of Ava missing out on a bak mei martial arts lesson with her teacher Grandmaster Tang and the somewhat brief physical altercations in this book. Will Ava start slowing down in the years to come? Let us hope not!
Ian Hamilton has not lost his touch in writing a compulsive thriller and though the world of international fashion may not immediately strike you as fodder for suspense fiction he creates a set-up for a compelling social media/advertising/shipping/production war between the villains (an Italian conglomerate in this case) and the fledgeling fashion house of PÖ which is funded by Ava & her allies.
I was slightly distracted by the possible symbolic meaning of Ava missing out on a bak mei martial arts lesson with her teacher Grandmaster Tang and the somewhat brief physical altercations in this book. Will Ava start slowing down in the years to come? Let us hope not!
January 2, 2018
Ava Lee is back with more pizzazz!
April 7, 2020
Excellent addition to the Ava Lee series, as Ava is becoming more of an investment partner and less of a "chase down the bad guys" heroine. Ava and her partners are excited to see that the PO fashion line is taking off when they are invited to Milan by a major fashion mogul to discuss working together. When that turns sour, Ava calls on her deep Asian connections, both business and Triad, to retaliate. Still someone that you really don't want to tangle with......love Ava!
June 12, 2017
"The Couturier of Milan" by Ian Hamilton was my first encounter with Ava Lee and I found the book to be a quick easy read as we traveled the globe from London to Milan to Hong Kong and got an eyeopening look at the high fashion industry. The book moved very quickly and it did not seem to matter that I was jumping in mid series.
May 30, 2017
I love the Ava Lee series! This one was also great. I set aside my Jeffrey Deaver to finish this one. My first Overdrive read. Recommended.
September 27, 2019
I so enjoy Ava Lee. Loved this line, "Geography is a detail."
September 24, 2017
To be published in US October 3, 2017. Reading the advance copy I won in the Goodreads Giveaway. It's SO good, but I'm not surprised. This is a great series. Not all the books are easily available in the US, but they are appearing slowly but surely over time. This outing gives us Ava and the Three Sisters group who have invested in a young fashion designer who makes a big splash at the London Fashion shows. When the group is approached by a major Italian fashion group who wants to buy out their majority backing and take over the young designer and they refuse the offer, things begin to happen involving major crime syndicates in Asia and Europe. Good thing Ava has her back covered and is herself a bak mei expert! I couldn't stop reading as the tension just cranked up bit by bit. Another great outing with Ava! This is a really high 4 stars!
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Yaaay! I won a copy of the 9th Ava Lee on Goodreads! So excited. I love this series. The Mystery Book Group read The Disciple of Las Vegas in March 2013.
Received my copy of the novel today with a bonus surprise of an advance copy of The Princeling of Nanjing, #8 in the series. Going to dive in and get reading!
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Yaaay! I won a copy of the 9th Ava Lee on Goodreads! So excited. I love this series. The Mystery Book Group read The Disciple of Las Vegas in March 2013.
Received my copy of the novel today with a bonus surprise of an advance copy of The Princeling of Nanjing, #8 in the series. Going to dive in and get reading!
June 29, 2017
Another great Ian Hamilton edition for the Ava Lee series. A great thriller once again. I am a bit nostalgic for the Ava that worked alone with Uncle. Not enjoying her partnerships in business with May and Amanda because that discussion is not too interesting for me. Also not sure about her connection to the Triads as far as the story line is concerned. Both good story developments I'm sure but just not so much for me. I do enjoy her relationships with family in China and in Canada, and her martial arts master in Toronto and friends. Also I think that saying good bye to Maria is a good move, both for Ava and for the story line!
May 28, 2017
My least favourite of this series. There is little character development of the villains and the novel suffers from it. It's also hard to understand why Ava Lee has invested in a couturier business, given her highly functional approach to her own clothing. Even harder to understand how she's not influenced by her exposure to high fashion. Credibility in writing from a female character's POV is beginning to be strained a bit, I think. Still, highly readable (despite some really annoying typos).
October 26, 2016
Sigh, I finished. Now I have to wait for the next one to come out. Vicious circle. As always Ian is a master storyteller and Ava as his kick ass character she doesn't back down one bit even when it comes to the Italian mob.... I started this about 12 hours ago and in between errands. I miss Ava and Ian's writing already. Cannot wait for the next book.
April 30, 2017
As interesting as the other books in the series, but kind of an anticlimactic resolution to the central issue...
October 14, 2017
Ava Lee #9: The Couturier of Milan by Ian Hamilton. Ava Lee and her Three Sisters team are in London promoting their new fashion company, PO, and really bring the house down. Afterwards, The fashion king of Italy, Dominic Ventola, asks Ava and her partners to meet with them in Milan. At the meeting Ventola offers to buy 51 percent interest in the company, taking control of PO, but they refuse. A few days later, Ventola releases a statement to the press that PO is an inferior product, and causes a loss in all their sales and connections to Europe and America. Ava strikes back, stopping VLG’s purchasing and shipments in and out of Asia. Then the battle escalates when Ventola brings in his Mafia partners, and a contract is put out on Ava and May Ling. Ava is left with no other course than to bring Xu, the leader of the Triads in for help.
This was another enjoyable read. However, there is little action in it. Thankfully, the author’s writing kept me involved in the story. Although I wasn’t interested in the fashion industry, the author goes into detail about the fake products and knock-offs being produced in Asia, and then sent to companies in Europe where brand names are placed on the product, offering cheap imitations of the brand names. It was fascinating watching Ava work her magic in bringing the large Italian corporation and Mafia to her way of thinking, and the characters are truly memorable, but the story could have used more action this time.
This was another enjoyable read. However, there is little action in it. Thankfully, the author’s writing kept me involved in the story. Although I wasn’t interested in the fashion industry, the author goes into detail about the fake products and knock-offs being produced in Asia, and then sent to companies in Europe where brand names are placed on the product, offering cheap imitations of the brand names. It was fascinating watching Ava work her magic in bringing the large Italian corporation and Mafia to her way of thinking, and the characters are truly memorable, but the story could have used more action this time.
March 10, 2017
Ava is as formidable as ever in the ninth book in the series. We meet her in London for a fashion show in which her newly discovered fashion prodigy and talent Clark Po is making his debut. It goes fabulously, perhaps too fabulously, as they are invited to Milan to meet with one of the most powerful icons in the fashion industry-Dominic Ventola of VLG. VLG wants to buy or control Po and Ava and her partners aren't having it. Ventral is a bully who is used to getting his way and doesn't take kindly to being told no. He's rude and threatening and promises to make Ava pay for saying no. Thus begins the book. Ventola has no idea who he is dealing with and either does Ava. So starts a war that goes beyond brand trashing and slips into personal violence. Ventola and Ava finally come to the table to renegotiate in Macau. Lots of action and some personal changes for Ava as well. She is poised to visit the Philippines in book ten and also ready for a new love in her life.
March 16, 2018
This isn't as good as earlier Ava Lee novels. It's set in the fashion industry, about which I know little and care less, and it's rife with asides about Ava's relationships with her lesbian friends, who spend an inordinate amount of time crying. Meanwhile, there's less of that wonderful Ava Lee violence: one thug gets his eye poked by Ava, but it takes a gigantic Chinese bodyguard to finish him off.
And then there's the "plot." An Italian fashion conglomerate decides to ruin the little business Ava invests in, and Ava retaliates by causing problems for the conglomerate in China. The conglomerate is backed by "the mob" and Ava's business has the support of the triads. Ava turns out to be cleverer than anybody else, so things come to a predictable conclusion.
So why three stars? For all its failings, this novel remains a page turner and Ava remains a lethal, if diminutive, hero.
And then there's the "plot." An Italian fashion conglomerate decides to ruin the little business Ava invests in, and Ava retaliates by causing problems for the conglomerate in China. The conglomerate is backed by "the mob" and Ava's business has the support of the triads. Ava turns out to be cleverer than anybody else, so things come to a predictable conclusion.
So why three stars? For all its failings, this novel remains a page turner and Ava remains a lethal, if diminutive, hero.
May 8, 2017
I read this book for the pre-Writer's Festival class. I generally do not like crime or detective novels. This action packed thriller was a real page turner and may have converted me, at least to reading more of the Ava Lee novels. Set in Toronto, London, Milan and Hong Kong, the story reveals much of the underside of fashion manufacturing and distribution. Ava Lee and her two partners in the Three Sisters business have backed a new and quite talented young designer. When he captures the eye of a billionaire fashion conglomerate, things immediately go from a heady London fashion debut to a murky, threatening and sinister situation that includes involvement of the mafia. Hamilton writes with precise description and does not use excess words to convey his tale.
June 26, 2017
This was my first venture into the life of Ava Lee and it was quite the globetrotting journey into the world of fashion. While part of a series, this book can be read as a stand alone. Author Ian Hamilton has done a good job of creating a strong leading female character with a great supporting cast of females in Three Sisters Investments.
This thriller has enough twists and turns to keep you turning pages well past bedtime. You will want to update your passport to follow Ava from London to Milan to Hong Kong and on to see this thriller to the end! I highly recommend it.
Thank you to Goodreads for the copy of this book that I won in their giveaway.
This thriller has enough twists and turns to keep you turning pages well past bedtime. You will want to update your passport to follow Ava from London to Milan to Hong Kong and on to see this thriller to the end! I highly recommend it.
Thank you to Goodreads for the copy of this book that I won in their giveaway.
July 19, 2017
What better than to win a review copy of the latest in a series you REALLY enjoy? Well, when the book is good. That's better.
Ava Lee is still a kick-butt accountant, martial arts expert, and business woman travelling from her home-base in Toronto to London, Milan, Hong Kong and Shanghai. This is the third book after her business shifts from a debt collection partnership with Uncle to an investment partnership with two friends. There is also a shadow partner in the form of a reforming gang-boss in Shanghai.
COUTURIER OF MILAN exposes the icky underbelly of the fashion world. What could be more fun?
Ava Lee is still a kick-butt accountant, martial arts expert, and business woman travelling from her home-base in Toronto to London, Milan, Hong Kong and Shanghai. This is the third book after her business shifts from a debt collection partnership with Uncle to an investment partnership with two friends. There is also a shadow partner in the form of a reforming gang-boss in Shanghai.
COUTURIER OF MILAN exposes the icky underbelly of the fashion world. What could be more fun?
September 19, 2017
This was my first Ava Lee book and what an adventure! I never felt lost or confused because I hadn't read earlier books although after reading some of the other reviews I wish I had. There is enough information throughout to take care of any questions you might have on the background story. Ava is smart. sassy, and sexy. You do not want to mess with this woman! She can defend herself and she has connections. The Couturier of Milan (Ava Lee #9) was well written and easy to read. The story moved at a good pace with plenty of surprises that kept your interest throughout the book. An enjoyable read.
June 7, 2017
Ava Lee is one smart, beautiful, kick ass, lesbian, Chinese Canadian accountant and martial artist. This is the third Ava Lee story I have read, and I must say that I not only enjoy her character but I also love the complex situations she gets herself into all over the world. Ava deals with Triads and the Comorra as she attempts to foil the Italian fashion house who has ruined an up and coming client of hers.
The settings are exotic and the action is fast paced - a perfect thriller for a summer afternoon.
June 22, 2017
I received a copy of this book through the Goodreads Giveaway program in exchange for an open and honest review. It took a while to get into the book (especially since I hadn't read any of the previous books in the series), however once it picked up it was a great read! I really enjoyed the range of characters and I can only imagine how rich their stories would be if I had read the earlier books as well. Ava is a kick-ass protagonist and by the end of the book I found myself wanting to know so much more about her and her history. So glad Goodreads introduced me to Ian Hamilton!
September 27, 2022
First disappointment I’ve had from this series.
It was too bound up in threats and negotiations and not enough action.
The fashion line that Ava Lee’s Three Sisters corporation is launching is first courted by and then trashed by an Italian conglomerate. Ava and her homies won’t put up with that! They sabotage the Italians’ operations in China, in quest of an apology (seriously???) and a chance to legitimately launch the new fashion line. Yawn.
Though I am still intrigued by Ava and Xu and Pan Fai!
It was too bound up in threats and negotiations and not enough action.
The fashion line that Ava Lee’s Three Sisters corporation is launching is first courted by and then trashed by an Italian conglomerate. Ava and her homies won’t put up with that! They sabotage the Italians’ operations in China, in quest of an apology (seriously???) and a chance to legitimately launch the new fashion line. Yawn.
Though I am still intrigued by Ava and Xu and Pan Fai!
July 10, 2017
Ian Hamilton has written another great Ava Lee novel. This time Ava and her partners are in London to launch their PO fashion line. But a spectacular launch is soon turned into failure when a powerful and greedy rival emerges. Much travel across the world, much planning and strategizing and much hope that with the help of The Triad and Xu, they can reclaim the much deserved accolades for PO and successfully launch this brand around the world, and not just in China.
June 11, 2019
Another great book (#9) in the Ava Lee series. You can't help but love Ava; this strong, dedicated, loyal, intelligent and courageous heroine who takes on big challenges, straddles Chinese and Canadian cultures. Not what you would expect from a petite Chinese-Canadian forensic accountant. The plot flows quickly with some unexpected detours and the character development is superb. Each book tackles another timely topic; this one the world of high fashion.
May 18, 2020
I've been reading this series in order so by the 9th book, a lot of the characters are familiar but this storyline was a bit different than the usual Ava Lee mystery. I'd define it as 'little dog takes on the big dog'--and wins. For the first while in this book, I was annoyed by the simplistic writing ( eg. Ava said "..."; 'May said " …."; Amanda said "....", etc.) but as the action picked up, it was less noticeable. Ava Lee always wins the day!
September 26, 2025
I have been watching reruns of Project Runway, so this storyline of the PO clothing line with factories in China, fashion weeks, the press impressions, l and orders being placed first in with the vibe I’ve got going. Thai story was a compelling read, like all of the others. It had less gore, probably less tension than some of the other stores, but the character connections and haunting of potential violence kept everything percolating. I will soon read the next one too!
December 24, 2025
Ava Lee’s move from forensic accountant to investor in an Asian fashion start-up seems to have gotten off to a great start in a London show, but she will have to face a major fashion conglomerate that wants to swallow her small company up. Taking a few months off from the series worked wonders and I enjoyed this despite the loss of the forensic accounting and most of the marital arts. It still works for me.
June 25, 2017
Mystery series - Hamilton continues his Ava Lee stories. These are not really mysteries but more a problem solving exercise. Ava and her company get involved with the Mafia in a bad way and she has to call in all her triad contacts to make the problems go away. Quick, sort of entertaining read.
Canadian references - Ava is based in Toronto so too many to mention.
Pharmacy references - none
Canadian references - Ava is based in Toronto so too many to mention.
Pharmacy references - none
Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews