Author: Jonathan Freedland
Year Published: 2015
Genre: Adult fiction
Pages: 466
Rating: 4 out of 5
Location (my 2015 Google Reading map): USA (CA)
FTC Disclosure: I received a copy of this from the publisher for review
Summary (from the back of the book): The United States and China have struck a shocking bargain: in return for forgiving trillions in debt, the People's Republic of China--now the world's dominant global superpower--has established a permanent military presence on US soil. Years of decline have left America economically vulnerable, and evidence of China's cultural and political dominance is everywhere.
Journalist Madison Webb is obsessed with exposing the lies and corruption that have corroded her once great society. When her sister is savagely murdered, the police insist it's an isolated crime. But Madison suspects the cops are hiding something. Digging for answers, she discovers her sister's death may be one of many... and part of a dangerous conspiracy. Even though her life is on the line, Madison refuses to give up on the story. And sooner or later, she will have to confront the consequences of exposing the powerful forces intent on hiding the truth.
Review: I do like me a good mystery or "who done it" and I was mostly pleased with this one. I liked the intrigue and characters, but wasn't quite buying the China take-over.
Regarding the China as world superpower, I see that and would not be surprised if it ever comes to pass, but I just didn't buy that we all of a sudden had such bad smog that people were wearing smog masks (like in China) or that all bars, etc were Chinese-influenced. I think if that part had been toned down it would be a bit more believable for me.
The characters are good and there are lots of them! Between journalists, victims, politicians (and their staff), police, etc there was a lot going on and a bunch of people to keep track of. It worked though and I did like Madison. I could feel her desperation as she worked to figure out what happened to her sister, her desire to believe what she was learning, her need to keep pushing (even though everyone was trying to stop her), and her absolutely drained feeling of running on no sleep and lots of anxiety.
I don't want to say too much about the plot because I don't want to give any of it away, but it was believable. With political tensions and careers on the line, the Chinese running things in the Los Angeles port, everyone is on edge.
FTC Disclosure: I received a copy of this from the publisher for review
Purchase Links: Amazon | IndieBound | B
Summary (from the back of the book): The United States and China have struck a shocking bargain: in return for forgiving trillions in debt, the People's Republic of China--now the world's dominant global superpower--has established a permanent military presence on US soil. Years of decline have left America economically vulnerable, and evidence of China's cultural and political dominance is everywhere.
Journalist Madison Webb is obsessed with exposing the lies and corruption that have corroded her once great society. When her sister is savagely murdered, the police insist it's an isolated crime. But Madison suspects the cops are hiding something. Digging for answers, she discovers her sister's death may be one of many... and part of a dangerous conspiracy. Even though her life is on the line, Madison refuses to give up on the story. And sooner or later, she will have to confront the consequences of exposing the powerful forces intent on hiding the truth.
Review: I do like me a good mystery or "who done it" and I was mostly pleased with this one. I liked the intrigue and characters, but wasn't quite buying the China take-over.
Regarding the China as world superpower, I see that and would not be surprised if it ever comes to pass, but I just didn't buy that we all of a sudden had such bad smog that people were wearing smog masks (like in China) or that all bars, etc were Chinese-influenced. I think if that part had been toned down it would be a bit more believable for me.
The characters are good and there are lots of them! Between journalists, victims, politicians (and their staff), police, etc there was a lot going on and a bunch of people to keep track of. It worked though and I did like Madison. I could feel her desperation as she worked to figure out what happened to her sister, her desire to believe what she was learning, her need to keep pushing (even though everyone was trying to stop her), and her absolutely drained feeling of running on no sleep and lots of anxiety.
I don't want to say too much about the plot because I don't want to give any of it away, but it was believable. With political tensions and careers on the line, the Chinese running things in the Los Angeles port, everyone is on edge.
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