Chinaman is a great character and he is what makes the book so interesting. Particularly, his Beijing background and his character. The New York setting is also very well done and the plot works well. The author obviously knows things Chinese as well as Manhattan, etc. A very well done detective novel.

A really well done mystery set in New York City by someone who obviously knows the place well. The detective is a Chinese who was smuggled into Hong Kong and then into New York after his father was murdered by China's Red Guards. He is damaged by his memories (his mother committed suicide) and hates crowds. When a woman he loves if found murdered in a New York hotel, he is determined to bring the murderer(s) to justice. Lots of twists, tension, humor and very good writing.

The story of this book is well plotted but it is the characterization that I like best, esp. of the main character. "Chinaman" as his friends call him is tough, sensitive, funny but never politically correct. He came from Beijing and doesn't quite fit in with American pop culture anymore than he buys into the complaints of American Chinese he meets (or has an affair with). The author obviously knows New York City like the back of his hand. This is supposed to be a series with Murder in Dominatrix Black next. That should be a corker! Chinaman is no Charlie Chan but he has some of the best traits of Charlie: integrity, honesty, brains.

Rick Taylor is a Specialist 4th Class, US Army is a frequenter of mid-1960s Bangkok, Thailand brothels and prone to clashing with his military superiors, falling in love with Thai women, and embellishing tales of the legendary Whore House Charlie -- his hero and godhead. Dean Barrett's Memoirs Of A Bangkok Warrior satirizes military justice (especially as it applied to enlisted men), and through satirical human, raises questions of a soldier's role in war and peace. Memoirs Of A Bangkok Warrior suggests that the clash of cultures and values between American officers and enlisted men often exceeded that which existed between Thais and Americans. Memoirs Of A Bangkok Warrior is recommended reading for anyone who ever donned a uniform and found themselves far from home.

Memoirs of a Bangkok Warrior is set in Bangkok during the 1960's, a Bangkok far more innocent than it is now. A time when American GIs could give mess hall apples to taxi drivers in lieu of cash (Thais love apples but they don't grow well in their climate). Dean Barrett handles character and dialogue quite impressively, and his protagonist ("Pineapple") is a remarkable reference point amidst the madness of war in Southeast Asia. It is a very funny and very special novel, tremendously entertaining and would make a fun movie. It is as spicy as the food of the Thais and his knowledge of both military madness and Thai culture is obvious. I also enjoyed the love story between the soldier and the Thai woman but it is the satirical humor that stands out for me. A great read!

Hey, I just saw a link to this book and had to give it a thumbs up. I had a business in Thailand and I'm an avid reader and found this book while there. Hilarious. Great fun. Worth reading.

A very pretty book, wonderful illustrations and a very charming tale. I would say for any age. And learning about Chinese traditions is a big plus.

A really fine fairytale set in Hong Kong in which children of the land learn to accept children who are different from them. This is a very readable tale for children, probably from 7 to 12, depending on which country, etc., and the moral is excellent. The author's details on the boat people "fisherfolk" are often excellent and really bring the story to life. Both the writing and the theme are excellent.

Well written and beautifully illustrated tale for children set in southern China. The tale ends on a poignant note but along the way we learn about the ways of the Chinese fishing community and how they have to adapt to present conditions. A very well done fairytale.

Amy Lin

This volume is very welcome to those who are interested in the 19th century American stage and especially those who are interested in the almost-forgotten actor Lawrence Barrett. Barrett was one of the first American actor-managers who oversaw all details of his productions and this book illustrates his creative control over the plays he performed. Two of Howells' plays were performed by Barrett to great acclaim and Barrett made sure that everything went according to plan. You could call his letters, dashed off in a spare moment, as harping and irritating, but he was a perfectionist which undoubtedly made Howells' plays all the stronger upon the stage. Barrett was never one to refrain from criticism! The letters are arranged chronologically so that the course of their relationship unfolds naturally. A final letter, separated by the last one by several years, is a touching note of sympathy for Barrett's widow. Despite their artistic differences, these two men truly respected each other. A wonderful book.

In 1857 China, American Andrew Adams has held several legally questionable jobs and other tasks that clearly stepped beyond the south side of the law. In Hong Kong, the part-time smuggler manages a bar that has patrons that are some of the sleaziest individuals residing in the area. However, this time Andrew goes too far and to avoid prison, must search out the pirates who beheaded foreign sailors.

However, that is only the start of what is turning into a bad new year for Andrew. Soon, the beleaguered anti-hero is involuntarily battling slave traders, escaping from prison after being accused of murder, and ultimately is in a fight to the death with vicious pirates, who will stop at nothing to loot a city.

Anyone who reads this novel will have to have a passport because they will be immediately transferred to the mid-nineteenth century Orient. The story line is filled with Andrew's misadventures even as it provides a rich historical perspective of the era. The support cast feels so genuine as they move the plot forward. HANGMAN'S POINT is a great historical fiction that, if there is any justice, will enable Dean Barrett to become a household name.

Harriet Klausner 11/1/98

In 1857 China, American Andrew Adams has held several legally questionable jobs and other tasks that clearly stepped beyond the south side of the law. In Hong Kong, the part-time smuggler manages a bar that has patrons that are some of the sleaziest individuals residing in the area. However, this time Andrew goes too far and to avoid prison, must search out the pirates who beheaded foreign sailors.

However, that is only the start of what is turning into a bad new year for Andrew. Soon, the beleaguered anti-hero is involuntarily battling slave traders, escaping from prison after being accused of murder, and ultimately is in a fight to the death with vicious pirates, who will stop at nothing to loot a city.

Anyone who reads this novel will have to have a passport because they will be immediately transferred to the mid-nineteenth century Orient. The story line is filled with Andrew's misadventures even as it provides a rich historical perspective of the era. The support cast feels so genuine as they move the plot forward. HANGMAN'S POINT is a great historical fiction that, if there is any justice, will enable Dean Barrett to become a household name.

Harriet Klausner

What makes Hangman's Point such a great read is its skillful blending of colorful and exotic historical details with high drama of love, betrayal and intrigue between the local Chinese and the expatriates of Hong Kong in 1857. Every page teems with action! The courtroom scene full of eccentric characters and outbursts of humor and cunning maneuvers is as engrossing as any found in the best legal thrillers. Highly recommended to anyone looking for an exiting historical novel with elements of mystery and adventure thrown in.

This book is set in Thailand in 1988 but besides being a fine novel it provides a wealth of information about the country and its people.
I would have to say it is one of the best I've read on a Southeast Asian country. I enjoyed the love story and the misunderstandings between a foreign man and a Thai woman. I especially enjoyed being taken behind the the tourist facade in Thailand by someone who knows the country well. A fine read.

Kingdom of Make-Believe refers to the Thailand that people see and what is behind it. The author also has one of his characters mention a Kingdom of Make-Believe at her school where she allows the children to act out their fantasies. This is used very well at the end. This is obviously a very well thought out novel in which a New York editor receives a mysterious letter from his brother's widow (a woman he was once in love with) and that, plus business, sends him back to Thailand after 20 years. And things begin to happen: love, danger and lots of people with secrets to hide. A fine read.

The author obviously knows Thailand very well. It's a country of beautiful temples and smiling people on the facade but the novel explores what lies behind. Set in throbbing bars in steamy Bangkok, seedy sea-side town, Pattaya, and beautiful ruins of Ayudhya, this novel will offer great entertainment to anyone who's been to Thailand or interested in Thai culture. Exotic, always interesting and even comic at times, it makes an engrossing read throughout. It is defintely a page-tunrer.

An Interest-holding story with which to get through a lazy afternoon or a plane ride. Barrett does a great job of introducing and finishing the story with his pre and post notes that hint as if Rowley was a real person and theses are real memoirs. I don't rate this higher because I had trouble identifying Rowley as a character. Rowley doesn't give the impression that he's fallen "in love" with his captor (though he no doubt believes that he has), but rather he's been brainwashed by her. His actions and attitude indicate psychological injury not unlike a Patty Hearst Syndrome, and the reader ends up feeling a pathetic pity towards Rowley. Again, the best parts of the book are Barrett's own narratives, which entice you to research these Taiping warriors and learn more about this period of Chinese history. An ample escapist story to tide you over, but a far cry from 5 stars.

Having read and enjoyed several other of Dean Barrett's books and after reading the description on the cover I was not expecting to be so captivated with Mistress of the East. It was a new experience reading about female dominance. The author engages the reader with so much skill that one becomes frightfully involved with the book.

I have to say I loved this book. It is set in China in 1862 when Taiping rebels were fighting against the Manchus. An American soldier is captured by an all-female brigade of Taiping women and this leads to whipping, domination, sex, sexual tension, etc., etc. But it is presented as a true story as if a manuscript of the man himself has recently been discovered. It rings as true as non-fiction and is far more literary than the normal book from Blue Moon. The second half of the book is very moving as well. Love, sex, erotica, femdom, things Chinese, well researched, deeply moving, etc., etc. This one has it all. Don't miss it!

One of the things I love about this book is that so many of the women are from the countryside. Although almost all of the nightlife shots are in Bangkok, the first half of the book concentrates on women who still represent the majority of Thai women: ricefield workers, construction workers, etc.

There is little of the middle class Bangkok type which is fine because urban middle class types are pretty much the same the world over. In the case of Thailand, the middle- and upper middle-class types usually go abroad on daddy's credit cards and go to universities such as Stanford and look down their arrogant noses at Thai women who have to work to feed their kids and who don't have college degrees, light complexioned skin, and daddy's charge accounts. This is the type of close-minded Thai woman who may be schooled for years in fine universities but who will never be truly educated and, indeed, will never rise beyond her class arrogance. I hope next edition, if there is one, the author will add even more women in sarongs, etc., in countryside settings. Those are the photographs that capture the true charm of Thai women; not spoiled upper-middle class brats.

I enjoyed the book with letters to and from bargirls but this is a beautiful photobook with pix of Thai ladies of all professions and it is a lot more informative. I've been to the Big Mango lots of times and I can testify that the information here is right on! I thought the author had an in-depth knowledge of his field and was very balanced in the end about all those who try to put their own spin on the attraction of foreign men for Thai women. If this book doesn't make you want to go to Thailand, check your pulse: you may be dead.

This book is a great introduction to the women of the Land of Smiles. 160 pages of photographs and lots of text. Of course, I've been to Bangkok a number of times so I might point out that as great as the women look in the book they are even better in person, up close and personal.

But what I really like is the often witty and well reasoned discussion of why men are crazy about Thai girls and why western girls get so upset about the situation. Like the author says, everybody has his or her own spin to put on the situation. Charming and beautiful, yeah, but if you marry a country girl best to keep her ikn the Thai countryside. Not try to westernize her. It won't take and it will just cause trouble. In other words, don't be afraid to live in Thailand and get a bit involved in the culture. The more you know about Thailand, the molre chance of having a great relationship with a thai woman. Anyway, that's my two baht worth. I think this great book will open a few eyes.

This was a really good buy. I have read all of Coonts books along with Clancy (except his Net Force), Brown, & Coyle. This is a great book for when you want to get down and dirty with the action within a short period. Each short is creatively done and reflects different views on combat and its effects on people and machines.

This is also a great way to learn about up and coming authors in this particular field.

Combat #3 offered up four good stories by four good authors.
The first story was written by Harold Coyle.He told of a special Army unit made up of cyber warriors. They are recruited to combat the growing attacks by hackers whocause online terrorism around the world. The next story is by Ralph Peters. His story takes place in the Balkan states. A U.S. Army observer is taken hostage by the people he is sent over to observe.James Cobb tells of a U.S. calvary unit that does combat with an Algerian recon division that is attempting to attack a helpless African country.R.J. Pineiro,one of the rising stars among today's authors tells of a Russian terrorist seizes a space station
equipped with nuclear warheads.It is up to Marine Diane Williams to stop him.Four good stories for the price of one. Read this. You will enjoy it.

This is a very novel concept to writing a book. In Combat#1 you
have Larry Bond,Dale Brown,and David Hagberg as the authors of three short novels.These are three of the most read authors all
together in one book.The first story written by Larry Bond is
cakked Lashup. In this story the Unites States has to deal with
China shooting down their satellites. A very good story.The next
story is written by Dale Brown. This story tells about the role
of a review board.It also has some good sequences. The third story is written by David Hagberg which features his favorite
action character Kirk McGarvey. This story involves the rescue of a Chinese dissident. This series of books is truly quality
reading. You have some of the best authors in the world featured in the Combat series. Buy this book. You will not be dissapointed.

Do not waste your hard earned money on this book. I bought it thinking short stories about WWII would be a great easy read book with very exciting story lines. In no way was this book even close. The only thing that keeps you going to the next story is the hope that the next one will be a little better than the last, which never really happens. Out of all the writers there is one or two that keep your attention but for the most part the writers have done a very poor overall job. You buy this book thinking you will be reading about hero's of WWII and you get stories about a little boy who helps in an aircraft hanger building an experimental aircraft. Not to spoil the ending the little boy turns out to be an alien and goes back to his home planet via a bicycle space craft. "WOW GREAT STORY"

They really aren't around anymore, but from the 1930s through the 1970s, there was a proliferation of what became known in the trade as "adventure" magazines. These ranged in quality from the semi-respectable (Argosy) to the not so respectable (a veritable slew of titles, such as Stag and the right-out front For Men Only). They featured stories of spies, derring do and jungle intrigue, but they primarily contained war stories. Lots and lots of war stories. The covers often told the tale regarding the type of quality you could expect within; this was particularly true of Stag, which featured damsels who were either in distress (especially with respect to the state of their undergarments) or inflicting distress upon U.S. soldiers who were tied to chairs and doing their best to appear panic-stricken. All of these magazines, alas, are long gone, or at least don't seem to have the circulation they used to. I was reminded of them, however, by the publication of a mammoth volume of war fiction titled VICTORY.

VICTORY is a companion volume to COMBAT, both of which are edited by intrigue-meister Stephen Coonts. VICTORY is a doorstop of a volume, weighing in at well over 700 pages and consisting of ten previously unpublished pieces by masters of the war story. The stories in VICTORY range in length from fifty to over one hundred pages; if they had appeared in any of the adventure magazines, they would have been serialized. Most of the stories in VICTORY would or could have found a home in Argosy, though one --- "Blood Bond" by Harold Robbins --- is definitely Stag material. More on that in a minute.

The stories in VICTORY do not glorify war. Far from it. All of the stories are set during World War II, with the exception of "Honor" by Ralph Peters, set immediately thereafter. It is difficult to pick an immediate favorite; the average reader may have several, for different reasons. Coonts's own "The Sea Witch," which opens VICTORY, begins as a fairly predictable tale with an unpredictable ending and that utilizes an unexpected technique to catch the reader flatfooted.

"Blood Bond" is typical Robbins. It is a spy story, dealing with a plot to kill Hitler, and stands apart from the other tales due to its unrelenting scatological narrative. Robbins writes the way James Bond really thinks. Though Robbins, gone for several years now, had his share of detractors, he never inflicted boredom on his audience, and this previously unpublished work continues his streak, even in his absence.

David Hagberg's "V5" concerns the German rocket that could have turned the tide of World War II and the Allied military and espionage components that feverishly work together, though at some distance, to ensure that the project never makes it off the ground.

Peters's "Honor" deals not with Americans in the war but with a German officer in the war's aftermath, trudging through the nightmarish ruin that is postwar Germany as he tries to return home to his wife. The conclusion of "Honor" is predictable, almost from the first paragraph; it is the journey, not the close-to-foregone destination, that is important here.

The biggest surprise in VICTORY may be "The Eagle and the Cross" by R.J. Pineiro, a tale of an American pilot who is sent to the Eastern front to train Russian aviators during the final months of the Battle of Stalingrad. The bittersweet ending is perhaps the most haunting of any tale in the book.

With VICTORY Coonts again demonstrates that his talent as a writer is matched by his editorial abilities. While this volume is aimed at a more narrowly defined audience, the quality of the stories involved should, for the most part, satisfy the more discerning reader of any genre. Recommended.

--- Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub