The Disciple of Las Vegas

November 26, 2012
Hamilton’s fast-paced first novel introduces tough Toronto forensic accountant Ava Lee, who receives a new assignment from her partner, “Uncle” Chow Tung, for the Philippines’ richest man, Tommy Ordonez. As she begins investigating a real estate deal involving Tommy’s brother, Philip Chew, from which more than $50 million is missing, Uncle alerts her that corrupt toy manufacturer Jackie Leung has put out a contract on her life. Ava learns that the real estate deal was a cover for online gambling debts that a key character lost to crooked fellow players. To recover the money, she must travel from Canada to Las Vegas and finally to London, relying on her martial arts skills when things get ugly. High-end travel, cuisine, and product placement add glitz, while Ava’s circle of mostly offstage friends and family lend enough personal depth to lift this thriller above solely action-oriented fare. Agent: Bruce Westwood and Carolyn Forde, Westwood Creative Artists.

Starred review from January 1, 2013

Ava is a Chinese Canadian forensic accountant living in Toronto. She met "Uncle" while collecting a debt from a Chinese importer for her mother's friend. They formed a partnership based on his connections in China and her accounting, martial arts, and survival skills. When $50 million disappears from his account in the Philippines, Tommy Ordonez turns to Uncle for help. Ava sets out to track down the funds, all the while being followed by sinister hit men from China. VERDICT Having published four Ava Lee mysteries in Canada, Hamilton makes his U.S. debut here. This financial mystery echoes Sue Grafton's Kinsey Millhone series heroine, but Ava is edgier and computer savvy; she is as resourceful as Stieg Larsson's Lisbeth Salandar but without the emotional baggage and extreme violence. Highly recommended.--Susan Carr, Edwardsville P.L., IL

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