Over the years, while browsing for books to read, the name of Martin Limon kept popping up, but I paid no attention to the recommendations. I now regret those decisions.
I attended the Tucson Festival of Books in March 2019, where I had a chance to hear Mr. Limon speak during a session of a mystery writers’ panel. I discovered that he lived in the Seattle, WA area, not far from where I live. I decided to try his books. (There are over 14.)
Jade Lady Burning is the first book in the Sueno and Bascom series featuring two sergeants in the United Army’s Criminal Investigation Division. The stories are set in South Korea in the 1970s. Why there? Mr. Limon served three tours of duty in that country in the ’70s. Writers generally write about things they know. In his talk, Mr. Limon said that he tries to bring to light the Korean culture and language in his stories. He is successful in that endeavor.
In book one, Sgts. Sueno and Bascom investigate the murder of a Korean woman who was engaged to an American Army private. During their investigation, Sueno and Bascom encounter a variety of characters including their immediate boss, an unsavory major general, other U.S. and Korean military types, a Korean crime lord and his henchmen and numerous other Korean personnel including police officers and “good time ladies.” Sueno and Bascom drink a lot of alcohol, seemingly party nightly, but are also very good at their job.
The story is easy to read. It is full of suspense and action. If you like military fiction/mystery, history or learning about foreign societies this book/series is for you.
GO! BUY! READ!
–Jim Harris, retired book sales rep
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