THE TWO SISTERS OF BORNEO by Ian Hamilton (Anansi), 326 pages, $19.95 paper. See listing. Rating: NNNN
Ian Hamilton’s great new Ava Lee mystery has the same wow factor as its five predecessors. The plot is complex and fast-paced, the writing tight, and its protagonist is one of the most interesting female avengers to come along in a while.
A stylish young Chinese-Canadian lesbian and a brilliant forensic accountant, Ava’s been working in the debt collection business with her partner, Uncle, a former Triad boss. Now he’s dying, and Ava’s in Hong Kong looking after him.
When the Bornean furniture company she’s invested in falls victim to a suspected fraud, Ava follows the money trail to Amsterdam and then Kota Kinabalu to recoup her and her partners’ money. She attacks the problem with her usual fearless energy, and there’s never a dull moment.
If you like your mysteries with a strong travel element, Hamilton doesn’t disappoint. His locations are rich in detail, and his description of the huge Hong Kong wedding that opens the book is worthy of an anthropologist.
In the previous books, Ava is ruthless when it comes to getting her clients’ money back, skilled in martial arts and ready to use violence when necessary. Here we’re given a glimpse of a softer Ava, torn apart by the impending death of Uncle, who, in a final intervention, shows how powerful he still is.
Despite his past, Uncle is portrayed as an honourable man, as appealing a character as Ava. Their complicated relationship has been a big part of the books.
Which makes me wonder: what’s going to happen without him? At the end, Hamilton skilfully throws in a new player, hinting that a fresh, scintillating collaboration awaits Ava Lee.
Hamilton does a signing Monday (February 10) at Chapters Indigo. See listing.
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