Customer Reviews

Hangman's Point; A Novel

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
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This monster of a historical adventure takes 1857 Hong Kong as its venue, and places an American tavern-manager/adventurer at the center. Like George Fraser's rogue Flashman (from the series of the same name and set roughly the same era), Andrew Adams is prone to making unwise decisions, and usually has several women on the side. The story is a complicated one, involving a nefarious plot by an English pirate lord to try and take the port of Hong Kong while the bulk of the British force is away shelling Canton, and an unrelated, but simultaneous plot to poison the entire foreign population. There are load and loads of characters, from all classes and parts of society, and Barrett succeeds in making each indelible. The books flags at times, but Barrett is mostly successful in juggling all the plots and players while dishing out loads and loads of daily life detail on his setting. It's a quite impressive--if slightly old-fashioned--historical entertainment. One small annoyance is the fluctuating spelling of one of the main villain's names. A much greater annoyance is the lack of any kind of map!

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

A really well done mystery/thriller, obviously well researched, that takes you right into the period of history. The trial scene is superb and the psychology and humor match the wonderful scenes with violence. I very much look forward to the sequel, Thieves Hamlet.

The author seems to have intended this novel to be many things: a mystery, a thriller and a real picture of Hong Kong as it was in 1857. I think he succeeded in all areas. In fact, maybe he lived there at the time because he seems to know every detail. And yet the details never bog down the book; in fact, they seem to move the action forward. The chapters from the Chinese point of view are wonderful. Makes it a balanced account and lets us get into the minds of both sides of the conflict. Loved it!

Hangman's Point is one of the most original, well researched and entertaining novels ever to land on my desk. - Alex Rossu, CEO, Fortis Entertainment, L.A.

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.

Truth be told, I met Dean in Bangkok on several occasions (including when he was exploring setting up shop) and even treated him to a night out on the condition that he send me the sequel to this fine novel. A fascinating period piece on China with a great story thrown in. Read this and then fast forward 70-years and read Master of Rain by Bradby. So Dean how is the sequel coming? Otherwise, you owe be several thousand Baht =:)

There is adventure and mystery in every corner of this well-researched and well-written historical. 1BookStreet.com Book Reviews

A superbly crafted blend of Asian and Western intrigue, cast in a magnificent tale of adventure, steeped in mystery and suspense. Historical fiction at its best! Harold Stephens, author, At Home in Asia