"Twelve books into his Ava Lee series, Ian Hamilton delves into the backstory of one of the series’ most beloved characters: Lee’s mentor, Chow Tung (known as “Uncle”). We already know and love Uncle for his endless wisdom, but Fate gives us a glimpse into what makes him tick and how he’s achieved such great success. Hamilton’s writing never fails to deliver when it comes to time and place, and he comes through again with Uncle’s story of Communist China and triad gangs. Ava Lee fans are in for a treat—as, really, are all mystery and crime fans."
- Apple Book Reviews
“There is no denying his creative powers . . . Hamilton’s characters are vivid and complex, his plots are intricate and compelling . . . When it comes to pacing, Hamilton is a master. He maintains the tension and suspense that are the hallmarks of a good read.”
- Literary Review of Canada
“Hamilton does a masterly job capturing the sights, smells, and sounds of Hong Kong as he charts Chow’s struggle to survive.”
- Publishers Weekly
“A welcome origin story about the man who helped shape Ava Lee.”
- Booklist
“A magnetic tale of intrigue among rivals and cohorts, the early ascent of ‘Uncle’ Chow Tung within the Hong Kong triads is exhilarating and utterly convincing. This is the first in a spin-off series that you’ll want to keep spinning forever. Jump on at the start!”
- John Farrow, bestselling author of the Émile Cinq-Mars series
“Ian Hamilton’s knowledge of the triads and their operations is fascinating — and slightly unsettling. He unwinds his tale of Uncle’s origins with such detail that readers will wonder how he grew so familiar without being a triad himself. A must-read for fans of the Ava Lee novels!”
- John Lawrence Reynolds, Arthur Ellis Award-winning author of Beach Strip
“[Ian Hamilton is] a lively writer with an attentive eye for the details of complicated suspense.”
- London Free Press
