The author has an obvious appreciation of Chinese culture, which is evident throughout the book. The language that the characters use distracts the reader from the rich details. The cursing is out of place and ruins the story.
"THE CHINESE JARS," by William C. Gordon, Bay Tree Publishing, $14.95, 256 pages (f)
Written by internationally best-selling author William C. Gordon, "The Chinese Jars" is a suspenseful mystery that has a cast of memorable and likable characters.
Gordon begins the novel by taking the reader to 1960s San Francisco. The story follows Samuel Hamilton, who is a successful ad salesman for a local newspaper. Donning the role of investigator, Hamilton examines the bizarre death of a local millionaire. Hamilton eventually uncovers a set of clues that lead him through the mystical world of Chinese art and antiquities.
Eventually Hamilton encounters Mr. Song, a powerful man who owns a Chinese herbs store. Hamilton discovers that this store is a safe house for valuable documents and money. It is up to Hamilton to find out if there are any clues to the mystery hidden within the store.
"The Chinese Jars" is a unique book because the plot happens primarily in Chinatown, a place that is not often explored in fiction. Anyone who has ever been to San Francisco will also appreciate the author's attention to detail. He paints a vivid picture of what San Francisco was like in the 1960s. The charisma of the city is certainly appealing.
The author has an obvious appreciation of Chinese culture, which is evident throughout the book. The language that the characters use distracts the reader from the rich details. The cursing is out of place and ruins the story.
"The Chinese Jars" is the first book in the series of four mysteries that feature Hamilton. His other titles include "King of the Bottom" and "The Ugly Dwarf," which will be published in English next year, and "Fractured Lives."
Action-packed and entertaining, the plot of "The Chinese Jars" is certainly comparable to any Agatha Christie book. The language, however, downgrades the book from reaching its full potential.
If you go ...
What: William G. Gordon book signing
When: Friday, Nov. 18, 7 p.m.
Where: The King's English, 1511 S. 1500 East, Salt Lake City
Web: kingsenglish.com, www.williamcgordon.com
Shelby Scoffield is a graduate of Brigham Young University and a graduate student at California State University, Stanislaus.