The Goddess of Yantai

Ava Lee #11

by Ian Hamilton

Ava travels to Beijing for the premiere of her secret lover Pang Fai’s latest film, Mao’s Daughter. After the screening, a distraught Fai tells Ava that she is being blackmailed by senior officials of the China Movie Syndicate. The Syndicate seeks sexual favours in return for their continued support of Fai’s career and films. When Fai resists, the threats become increasingly violent and far-reaching, including the release of scandalous videos of the young Fai that could end her career entirely.

Working alongside Fai and several of her friends, Ava delves deep into the seedy world of the Chinese film industry in an attempt to liberate her lover from the grasp of the Syndicate. But can Ava save Fai from her memories?

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Thriller, Crime, Canada, Mystery Thriller, China

405 pages, Paperback

First published December 4, 2018

About the author

Ian 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.

Reviews

[☘Misericordia☘ ⚡ϟ⚡⛈⚡☁ ❇️❤❣ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most underrated series ever that I have been in love since, well, a long time. It just never gets old. Full review to follow.

[Trish · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is tempting to point to the many truths this series of books tell about contemporary society in China/Asia and suggest that events described are real, that just the names and locations have been changed to protect the innocent.

This particular story takes on the film industry in China, notorious for its propagandist control over messaging. We imagine what it must be like for contemporary artists and actors to thrive in such conditions. Or perhaps not so much.

A great deal is happening at once in this installment and Ava, now enamored of a beautiful movie actress, has toned down her jet-setting lifestyle to a Beijing hutong apartment and zhajiang noodles and sweet and sour soup at a streetside canteen. Plots and revenge dominate the lives of movie industry players, and illicit sex tapes of young and now-famous actors and directors threaten to take down storied careers.

Author Hamilton is working with a new editor after a successful run of eleven books in his series of Ava Lee, forensic accountant, investor and practitioner of bak mei, an ancient and deadly martial art. Things do seem a little different, just like Ava curbing her propensity to fly to several continents over the course of two days. She gets hurt in this one, too. She’s been hurt before, but it seems like she might have been a little slow in reacting to a thrust by a thug: “he was faster than he looked.”

A few loose threads were left open, but we know as the book closes what the next installment will bring and that is impelling. I noticed when I ordered the twelfth book in the series that there is a new, shorter trilogy giving the backstory of Uncle, Ava’s mentor who died in his eighties. Hamilton is looking to free himself up to imagine new lives and situations. Keep your eyes peeled for Fate, Foresight and Fortune: The Lost Decades of Uncle Chow Tung.

[Skip · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great mystery series, which is not as well known in the U.S. as in Canada or the U.K. This book was a little below the usual high standard, probably because the interconnections between the primary characters form the main plot, rather than provide background for something more exciting. Mr. Mo, the head of China's film syndicate is pressing Ava's same-sex partner, actress Pang Fai, for sexual favors to ensure release of her latest film, "Mao's Daughter." After Ava and Lop pressure Mo to cooperate, Fai is threatened with the release of a very old tape of her with another woman. Author Hamilton does a nice job keeping readers guessing about the identity of the blackmailer. Meanwhile, there are some goings on in the Triads that leave things hanging for the next book.

[Pennie · Rating 3 out of 5]

There seemed to be something missing with this novel. I love Ian Hamilton and Ava Lee but this one just didn't seem to meet the expectations...

[Alan (the Lone Librarian rides again) Teder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of the paperback edition

Ava Lee's latest adventures have taken her far from her forensic accountant roots and the money collection days with Uncle Chow Tung but Ian Hamilton hasn't lost his touch in writing a compelling suspense thriller even when centred in the world of the fashion industry (as in The Couturier of Milan) or the Chinese film industry as in the present volume.

Many of the regular extended cast of the Ava Lee series make cameo appearances as Ava marshals her allies to help her to rescue friend and lover Pang Fai from a exploitative situation. The conclusion hints at a further Triad entanglement in the upcoming The Mountain Master of Sha Tin (2019).

Ian Hamilton fans should watch for Fate: The Lost Decades of Uncle Chow Tung due January 22, 2019 in what will presumably be an Ave Lee-less prequel to The Dragon Head of Hong Kong.

[DeB · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️In his concluding remarks, Ian Hamilton comments that this series doesn’t get any easier to write. As an erstwhile fan, I’d have to agree that he is a bit weary of Ava Lee, and this novel lacked the pizzazz of the earlier books in the series. SO much dialogue between our formerly snappy protagonist Ava, and her girlfriend Pang Fai whose career has been put in jeopardy, but whose behaviour I found almost unpleasantly clingy as she relied on the super sleuth to save her. It wasn’t the most exciting formula that Hamilton has concocted for the formerly dynamic forensic accountant to bring to life, and the endless conversations stymied plot buildup - almost as though this novel truly was preamble for the next to follow, where the action will really develop. I hope?

Considering that this is #11 in a pretty amazing series, one misstep is to be easily forgiven. I’m hopeful that #12 will return with more adventure, exotic locales, sumptuous cuisine and an expansion of the Ava Lee’s remarkable earlier relationships.

The Goddess of Yantai was okay, but not quite up to Hamilton’s earlier work.

Three stars.

[Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ava Lee is in Beijing to see the premiere of her girlfriend's latest movie. What should be a wonderful celebration turns sour when a governmental organization deems the movie to be subversive and threatens its release. The primary players are willing to support an edited final cut if Pang Fai agrees to accompany some executives on a trip. That isn't happening in Ava's world and one problem spirals into another when blackmail is introduced.

My favourite aspect of this long running series is the cultural journey Ian Hamilton takes us on as Ava visits different destinations in Asia. This is Ava's first trip to Beijing and it comes up wanting with Ava's dislike of the smog and rain. Although she visits the Great Wall of China and stays with Fai in her house in a Hutong, the overall impression of Beijing is dismal. The Triads are also mostly absent in this outing until the end which heightened my anticipation for the next book.

The Goddess of Yantai is an enjoyable read with themes of corruption and homophobia woven through the narrative.

[Hollie Lawder · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really love the Ava Lee series, and actually just wait for the next one to come out! This instalment was AMAZING! I loved that Hamilton touched on the #MeToo in the plot, loved the descriptive setting, and the food that is in this novel is enough to make me want to order some food in! I now cannot wait for July for the next one to come out :)

[Hopsnbarley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oh dear. The one word I have to describe this book is boring. Unfortunately it just wasn't very interesting or exciting. Ava Lee usually gets into adventures with some suspense and then they end with action and a few twists. Overall the stories are some what predictable but usually you get that sense of excitement in them. Not this particular one. The behind the scenes story was dull and the conclusion uninteresting. Will watch for the next in the series and hope that this was a one-off.

[eyes.2c · Rating 5 out of 5]

And things have just become more complicated!

[Charlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another superb addition to the Ava Lee series from Ian Hamilton. This book focuses around the Chinese film industry and Ava's new lover, Pang Fai, whose career is being threatened because she won't provide favours to a senior official in the Chinese Movie Syndicate. An excellent addition to the series and I highly recommend both this book and the series as a whole.

[Taveri · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is eleven in a series of Canadian Forensic Accountant Ava Lee, although there is not much forenesic accounting in this volume. I have rot read the others but it seems to work as a stand alone novel although I suspect had I read the others some of it would have made more sense. It was very much a (boring) linear story with many missed opportunties for twists. Below is a parody of the level of suspense:

"They got in at the first floor of the elevator and pushed the button for the 43rd floor. A couple got in at the 3rd floor and got off at the 5th floor. Then a woman got on at the sixth floor and hit the button for the 56th floor. At the seventh floor a man with a four year old child entered. The child pushed all the buttons she could reach which was up to the 32nd floor. In the meantime back in the taxi in the smog stuck in traffic there was no movement and even though he couldn't see the vehicle he was following he knew it was stuck in traffic too..." Would they ever reach the 43rd floor?

[Lorraine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not my favourite book in the series.

[Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I like the trajectory that Ava is on, I missed meeting the regular characters. There was little in the story about her partners or her family.

[Veronica Traynor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always look forward to the annual new addition to the Ava Lee series. A story started in this book will be picked up & continued when the new book comes out in July. Can’t wait.

[Elisabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very nice — lots of intrigue, danger etc. Ava Lee defeats yet another opponent. I liked this one better than I’ve liked the last couple (ever since Uncle died). And the basis is laid for an equally dramatic next book in the series. I can’t wait!

[Swmbt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this one. Not overly violent and a new industry was investigated. Can’t wait for the next book

[Buffyanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ava Lee was much more intriguing and sympathetic when she was an underdog forensic accountant retrieving lost fortunes for swindled clients. Ava Lee “The Triad Years” is now dauntless in her wealth and connections. Everything goes her way, and that dampens both the suspense and the connection we have with her character.

The Goddess of Yantai reads like a mediocre mystery thriller. Ava’s new girlfriend, the famous actress Pang Fai, has just celebrated the premiere of Mao’s Daughter, what could be the greatest film of her career thus far. It’s an inopportune time for Fai to come under attack from multiple threats, involving sexual harassment, bullying, blackmail and threatened public humiliation.

Ava is driven to solve all of Fai’s problems. It’s personal for her and she’s just the woman for the job. Need a private audience with an arrogant and exclusive Chinese official? Ava knows someone who can arrange that. Need some dirt to use against same official? Ava knows someone who can get her that. Need some information from various self-serving witnesses? Ava can get whatever she wants once she pulls her wads of rubber-banded cash out of her Louis Vuitton handbag.

And when she needs rescue from bodily harm, a retired law enforcement official who is just like “family” happens to be a neighbor that she didn’t even know about. Well! Ava Lee has the connections to open every door and enough money to open any mouth, so the serendipity seems a bit excessive. My eyes rolled so hard, I was seeing the back of my head.

I actually love Ava Lee novels but she has been losing her lustre the last couple of books. Maybe I miss her chats with Uncle.

[Lars Stuyts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick witted, well written, methodical adventure. Wow do I need to go on? I have always enjoyed Ian Hamilton’s Ava Lee books. The storylines always carry you with purpose to each books climax or conclusion. I cannot wait for the next.

[Marci - · Rating 4 out of 5]

As always, Ian has crafted a great story! Cannot wait until January to read about Uncle 😍

[Douglas Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another strong entry in an amazing series. I can't wait for the next Ava Lee book.

[Vincent · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Anansi Press kindly sent me an advance reader copy of The Goddess of Yantai, and these are my honest thoughts.)

You can always tell I've been reading an Ian Hamilton novel because the next day I have puffy bags under my bloodshot eyes from staying up until 3am to finish.

The Goddess of Yantai extends that streak and is one of the best entries in the series.

Hamilton continues to pull from the headlines, in this case #MeToo, deepen the relationship between Ava and Pang Fai, weave in a teaser for the next book to come, and give us a satisfying mystery, all at the same time. Yet the novel never feels overstuffed or like it's giving short shrift to any one element. Whew!

[Chrystal · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointing.

Have been a fan of Ian Hamilton's Ava Lee and read every book in this mystery/suspense/thriller series. This novel did not read anything like the quality of the others. The conclusion was obvious from the beginning - no suspense, no mystery. The 'action' was nothing like we're used to getting when Ava Lee is involved; just a couple of scraps with goons who needed an attitude adjustment - no thrills, no risks, no life or death challenges.

This novel read much more like a weak 'mystery', concocted to provide romantic tension. It even failed at that.

Am hoping the real Ava Lee shows up in the next novel.

[Caroline · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.8. Not the strongest Ava Lee novel and, honestly, a bit boring. I felt there ought to have been more action. Nonetheless, it explored the relationship Ava has with Pang Fai in lots of detail and some of that was interesting. As always, the novel exposed the reader to an area of Chinese society with which one might not be familiar. I find Ava engaging and have read all of the other Ava Lee novels, but do hope the next one is an improvement. All that having been said, it was a quick read but lacking the oomph of earlier novels.

[Rocklee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read until I couldn't see last night and finished this book today. I always love the Ava Lee stories! This finished with a cliff hanger and I can't wait for the next book.

[Scot Clarke · Rating 3 out of 5]

The best part of the book was the seeds laid for the next book.

[Therese · Rating 3 out of 5]

Who are the main characters and what are the important outlines of this book? The inimitable Ava Lee, of course, and her lover Pan Fai, and secondarily, Xu, Ava's co-leader of a Triad gang. Ava needs Xu's advice on how to approach and handle Mr. Mo, the head of China's film syndicate. He had demanded sexual favors from Fai in order to ensure release of her latest film, "Mao's Daughter." Ava also enlists the aid of Derek, her Toronto computer whiz/hacker, requesting that he find anything that can be used as leverage against Mo. I tried to keep reminding myself of this as I skimmed through the needlessly detailed and boring descriptions of Suki, Ava's business partner, as she engages in negotiations to acquire a Beijing company. This was distracting and should have been edited out, as it added nothing to the story. The interesting counterpoint in this novel is the misogynistic Mr. Mo and the Triad gang members who do not see Ava as a mere woman. They treat her with the utmost respect, seeing her as their co-leader with Xu, both anointed by the late, respected Uncle, Ava's former partner and mentor.
Derek unearths evidence of homosexual activity on the part of Mo's son, something that is frowned on in China that would harm Mo's image, and perhaps his status at the head of the film bureau. Accompanied by Xu, Ava confronts Mo with this information. Is there a coincidence in the fact that thereafter Fai receives a video showing her engaged in sex with another female actress? If shown publicly, this would finish Fai's film career. A couple of vicious attacks on Ava ensue. Meanwhile, there are problems in the Triad. The book ends with a hook to the next episode in Ava's derring-do. I cannot wait, hopefully it will not have distracting elements. It is worth noting that Ian Hamilton changed editors during the writing of this book. This may account for the disjointed air of the Goddess of Yantai. I felt it did not merit more thatn 3 ***

[Janice Chan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wish that Goodreads would allow half-star ratings, because I'd rather rate "The Goddess of Yantai", Ian Hamilton's 12th* Ava Lee novel, a 3 1/2. I only started reading the series because iTunes Camnada used to offer a free weekly iBook from a Canadian author. I like reading books that take place in places I've visited, and "The Water Rat of Wanchai" fit that bill. I didn't think that first book was all that great - the dialogue among characters seemed really stilted and unnatural and the minutely detailed descriptions of what Ava wore (usually the same thing) several times in the book annoyed me. At times the book seemed like an advert for every highend women's wear line you could think of.

But I kept reading the ebooks (from the library) because the premis is intriguing (Ava is lesbian Chinese-Canadian forensic accountant, the plots interesting (she travels around the world collecting stolen money and bad debts, usually from very dangerous people) and the main character lives in the same city that I do. The books did get better, mostly because there was less of the things listed above that annoyed me about the first one. The 11th book in the series, "The Imam of Tawi-Tawi" is the one that I enjoyed the most. It seems that as Hamilton developed as a writer, so did Ava.

In this latest book (which ends on a cliffhanger for the next book!), Ava does seem more "real", and not some super female Bond-like character, and we get to see more of her personal side. I'll keep reading!

* "The Dragon Head of Hong Kong" is a prequel, so maybe shouldn't strictly be counted as an Ava Lee book, making The Goddess the 11th

[Jennifer Arnold · Rating 4 out of 5]

After a while of not reading, due to the demands with my job, I was was able to finally sit down with this novel. As always the Ava Lee series did not disappoint. We follow Ava around on her adventures, even though she has left the debt collection business she still finds herself somewhat emerged in that part of her life once again. That happens when you have connections to the Triads.

I must point out that in comparison to the earlier books in this series, that it is not as action filled as the earlier ones were. This one is more so making connections to previous people and events. I felt as though what is happening in this book is setting ground for something big that is to come in future books.

I am always left with some questions after reading Ian's books. First I seem to always wonder, how to I get on that list of people who get advanced copies, I would love to do that! Secondly, I don't feel the books ever leave you hanging so the long wait until the next book isn't as hard as he could make it. Lastly, as the series is getting larger, I keep thinking, what else is he going to be able to come up with for Ava to do? I don't want the series to ever end, that would be a very sad day for me.
I have already started the 12th book, as I got very behind on my reading, it's going well so far too, when aren't his books great to read?

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another well-done for Hamilton. The Ava Lee series gets better and better.
This one ends on a cliffhanger. The author has a new book out July 2019 and it will be a must read as one of the storylines in The Goddess of Yantai carries on in a huge way.
Ava and her new friend and lover Fang Pai are thrust into a blackmail scheme beyond belief as far as Ava is concerned. All sorts of events and meetings happen in Beijing, a city Ava is not too familiar with and she knows many in Asia. The setting in rainy, grimy, hazy Beijing is as gloomy as the situation they face and while they are trying on their romance, nothing is made easy for either. Hamilton deftly has them grow, survive knife attacks and sleazy heads of the movie industry. There is a glimmer of hope and some successes (Ava and her partners in Three Sisters close another big deal) only to have them overshadowed by wild events at book's close.
Hamilton's cast of characters, attention to detail, dialogue, and Asian sensibilities are rooted in time and cultural niceties that stop and make you think, truly consider the right approach. Once again, Ava learns from a mistake and gives a silent thanks to Uncle, still always with her and the long time reader.