Customer Reviews

Lair of the Dragon

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3 star:		(1)
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A retired detective lieutenant, Frederick Price spent thirty-three years with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's department. He spent time in everything from patrol to special investigations, and investigated cases ranging from organized crime to terrorism. Lair of the Dragon is his first mystery.

Every portion of police work involves the writing of reports. Combine this with the years spent in dangerous situations with bad guys, some life tragedies, and an overbearing captain and you have the beginning of Lair of the Dragon. Chad Belmontes is a Metro Detective who is still mourning the loss of his wife and child. When his supervisor threatens punitive action if he doesn't catch up on his caseload, he fakes some reports to save his hide, never dreaming that his faked report sets up an alibi for a murderer. As he and his friend Stan begin to dig, they uncover an organization of Triads, a Chinese mob, run by Benny Chi:

"Returning to his chair, Wu accepted Belmontes' offered cigarette. 'Chad,' he began again, 'these are real fanatics you're dealing with. Triad rites and ceremonies are based upon 36 Hung Mun oaths. They are...' 'Hung...what?' Belmontes interrupted. 'Blood oaths,' Wu answered. 'These oaths basically demand allegiance by all members to the Triad. As part of their initiation ceremony, new members drink a mixture of their own and other initiates' blood. It's supposed to make them bound for life.'"

Chad Belmontes is a marred cop who is lovable in spite of his warts. The one thing that stands out is his basic sense of honesty and decency...even to the point of putting his life in jeopardy for a system all too ready to pounce on one mistake. Frederick Price does a bang-up job of creating a real police environment, which translates to overworked men who are expected to be superhuman in their pursuit of crime and organizations. They are often outgunned and out manned, and they have to use their wits to get the better of their adversaries. Price reminds us, via Belmontes' character, just what a thankless and dangerous job police work is. Lair of the Dragon pulls the reader through a maze of criminals and murders that is exciting and frightening. A great read!

Shelley Glodowski
Senior Reviewer

A good read! Fast-paced, interesting characters, lots of excitement. An easy to read and follow story, with a more complex plot, with lots of twists which keeps the reader wanting to read another chapter, another chapter, and yet another chapter. There was a little something in each character that I recognized in people that I have personally known which made the book even more interesting. I will definitely keep my eyes open for more of this author's books.

A friend who is also an avid reader of police/detective mysteries gave this book to me. She knew that I was a huge fan of the late Robert B. Parker (Spencer mystery series) and thought I would enjoy reading "Lair of the Dragon." She was absolutely right. Price has written a fast-moving mystery novel built around believable characters, places and events. As a plus, it has a terrific back story that keeps the reader guessing and its almost as intriguing as the mystery itself. The writer, a former detective lieutenant, has woven a tantalizing tale of murder, deceit, and human failing. Well, done.

I liked the story, the characters, and the writing. The editing was horrible. I was impressed when Chad reupholstered, or upholstered, his weapon. Far too many errors. Think for thing. Sad for a book that was otherwise fine.

"Lair of the Dragon," by Frederick Price, was a most enjoyable book. It had all the best ingredients I look for in a mystery--action, intrigue, romance, interesting plot. It was readily obvious through his writing, that the author had been there and done that, and had great insight with regard to the details of police work and procedures. I highly recommend "Lair of the Dragon" for a can't-put-it-down reading adventure.

Author Price has written a realistic, enjoyable look into the Asian community, especially in the LA Area. I found myself learning about another culture, as well as being caught up in the suspense and intrigue of the story. It is obvious that Price has worked this area of law enforcement investigation, and is right on with his descriptions of Chinatown and police policy and procedures. It is an excellent story, well written, and I look forward to Price's next book.

At the recommendation of a friend, I bought this book. To make a long story short, I started it one evening and finished it the next day, as I couldn't put it down. I loved it. It kept me going the entire time. Both the adventure and realism were there. Anyway, I hope that the author does a sequel with the same characters, as I'm hooked.