Review by timd -- Conflict on the Yangtze by Greg Kater
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Tim Terry
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Review by timd -- Conflict on the Yangtze by Greg Kater
[Following is a volunteer review of "Conflict on the Yangtze" by Greg Kater.]
4 out of 4 stars
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Conflict on the Yangtze by Greg Later continues in the series about Jamie and Jacko. It can also be read as a stand-alone. For those who have read the previous books it is heart warming to read the innocent romances and also to share in their further adventures. Both of them are newly married but when an MI 6 operative is killed or captured in China the two are summoned to investigate the case.
What follows is an exciting adventure in China along the Yangtze River as the two investigate the opium trade which is flourishing there. Post war China is a dangerous place with factions on all sides competing for power. There are also criminal warlords operating in the region as well. Jamie and Jacko are assisted by their old American friend, and the pair of them become embroiled in a tangle of adventure and intrigue. The fact that corruption has set in on all levels of government makes their job even more complicated and dangerous.
While they are busy in China, their wives and Jacko’s sister face danger from the drug dealers during their stay in the Philippines. With the help of colourful characters in both the countries, they manage to sort things out, but then the adventures continue in Australia as they pursue the criminals there.
As with his precious books, the author knows the locations well. He has also researched the history and the local traditions comprehensively. This comes out in the writing and the descriptions magnificently. In the beginning of the book, are maps of the region in China, as well as some photographs. This adds to the enjoyment of the story. Conditions in both countries after the devastation of the war are described well and make an exciting backdrop to the story.
Historical details are mentioned with just enough detail to add interest to the plot but are not overwhelming to read. The images of the buildings and the countryside are blended with characters to make a realistic and convincing plot. This is the kind of book which manages to live on in your mind, and the promise of more adventures for the two delightful characters is alluring.
I enjoy historical novels which include some details of the period. Descriptions of minor items such as the radio’s used, manage to transport you into the world of that time. There were no mobile phones which could be used to communicate to anyone in the world and radio communications were irregular.
Violent and other unpleasant scenes are detailed enough to be realistic but are not explicit or upsetting. It is interesting to note that Jacko does not seem to mind killing his opponents in hand to hand fighting that occurs in the story. He shows no compunction in slitting the throat of a criminal and dumping the body in the river.
I was particularly fond of the good Japanese policeman that helped them as well as the dog that Jacko befriended and who proved invaluable in helping them. Hopefully, they will encounter these characters again in a further book in the series. The criminals appeared to be more vicious and unpleasant than in the previous books. I think this made the story more convincing.
There is not much to dislike in this book. The world created in the plot is warm and exciting, even with unpleasant criminals for the protagonists to fight. There are no religious or controversial issues which could offend sensitive readers. None of the scenes include the use of foul language.
The editing and layout of this book are of a high standard and very professional. There are no typos or spelling mistakes. I could not identify any faults with grammar punctuation. Good clean adventure in exotic locations, with a dash of romance, makes this an absorbing book to read. I have no hesitation in awarding this book a rating of 4 out of 4 stars.
******
Conflict on the Yangtze
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
4 out of 4 stars
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Conflict on the Yangtze by Greg Later continues in the series about Jamie and Jacko. It can also be read as a stand-alone. For those who have read the previous books it is heart warming to read the innocent romances and also to share in their further adventures. Both of them are newly married but when an MI 6 operative is killed or captured in China the two are summoned to investigate the case.
What follows is an exciting adventure in China along the Yangtze River as the two investigate the opium trade which is flourishing there. Post war China is a dangerous place with factions on all sides competing for power. There are also criminal warlords operating in the region as well. Jamie and Jacko are assisted by their old American friend, and the pair of them become embroiled in a tangle of adventure and intrigue. The fact that corruption has set in on all levels of government makes their job even more complicated and dangerous.
While they are busy in China, their wives and Jacko’s sister face danger from the drug dealers during their stay in the Philippines. With the help of colourful characters in both the countries, they manage to sort things out, but then the adventures continue in Australia as they pursue the criminals there.
As with his precious books, the author knows the locations well. He has also researched the history and the local traditions comprehensively. This comes out in the writing and the descriptions magnificently. In the beginning of the book, are maps of the region in China, as well as some photographs. This adds to the enjoyment of the story. Conditions in both countries after the devastation of the war are described well and make an exciting backdrop to the story.
Historical details are mentioned with just enough detail to add interest to the plot but are not overwhelming to read. The images of the buildings and the countryside are blended with characters to make a realistic and convincing plot. This is the kind of book which manages to live on in your mind, and the promise of more adventures for the two delightful characters is alluring.
I enjoy historical novels which include some details of the period. Descriptions of minor items such as the radio’s used, manage to transport you into the world of that time. There were no mobile phones which could be used to communicate to anyone in the world and radio communications were irregular.
Violent and other unpleasant scenes are detailed enough to be realistic but are not explicit or upsetting. It is interesting to note that Jacko does not seem to mind killing his opponents in hand to hand fighting that occurs in the story. He shows no compunction in slitting the throat of a criminal and dumping the body in the river.
I was particularly fond of the good Japanese policeman that helped them as well as the dog that Jacko befriended and who proved invaluable in helping them. Hopefully, they will encounter these characters again in a further book in the series. The criminals appeared to be more vicious and unpleasant than in the previous books. I think this made the story more convincing.
There is not much to dislike in this book. The world created in the plot is warm and exciting, even with unpleasant criminals for the protagonists to fight. There are no religious or controversial issues which could offend sensitive readers. None of the scenes include the use of foul language.
The editing and layout of this book are of a high standard and very professional. There are no typos or spelling mistakes. I could not identify any faults with grammar punctuation. Good clean adventure in exotic locations, with a dash of romance, makes this an absorbing book to read. I have no hesitation in awarding this book a rating of 4 out of 4 stars.
******
Conflict on the Yangtze
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Mobius by Garon Whited
