First Sentence: "Mississippi?"
New York City
native, with a traditional Chinese mother, PI Lydia Chin is surprised when she learns
she has relatives in Mississippi, including a cousin, Jefferson Tam, who has
been arrested, and Captain Pete Tam who is asking for help. It's up to Lydia, with her partner Bill
Smith, to prevent her cousin from being tried for murder.
One just can't
beat a great opening with a touch of humor, especially when it's done so well. That's what keeps one reading.
For those who have
followed this series, it is wonderful to have a new entry. For new readers, welcome and never fear. Starting here, at the 12th book, isn't a
problem as Rozen smoothly brings one into the fold.
Rozan does an
excellent job of using Lydia's family history to inform one of American
history. Learning the history of Lydia's
parents adds dimension to the character and establishes the theme. She also
presents a very timely observation—"there's always somebody hatin' on
everybody." … "Don't everybody always think their hate is different?"
Rozan paints a clear
picture of life in small-town Mississippi.
What is particularly interesting is learning the history of Chinese
groceries in black towns which built an economy of its own. The immigration path of Mississippi is
fascinating.
The characters are
well-developed and interesting. It's fun
to see urban Lydia so far out of her comfort zone, and Bill take advantage of his somewhat Southern roots. Lydia and Bill balance
one another perfectly in every way. They
are yin and yang not only in race, but in size, Luddite vs technology, and
food choices. This makes them real and
appealing. Each of the other characters holds
their own, as well. There is one
character toward the end that is a particular treat.
The plot is very
well done with just the right level of suspense. The plot does get a bit twisty, but not so much
that one can't follow it, and it takes one on a fascinating journey of places
and people.
"Paper Son" is an excellent, traditional mystery which includes delightful characters, just enough humor and a wonderful ending.
PAPER SON (PI-Lydia
Chin/Bill Smith-Mississippi-Contemp) - Ex
Rozen, S.J. – 12th in series
Pegasus
Books, July 2019
Posts
I do like this series. I think both of the main characters are well-developed, especially as the series goes on. And you're right about the wit; there's enough to add some richness to the story without overdoing it. I hadn't thought about it, but you have a point, too, about the way Rozan gives information and shares background without it seeming like a 'history lesson.' Glad you enjoyed this.
ReplyDeleteMegan Hand, whose mom is from Mississippi and Chinese, and whose grandfather had a grocery store in the Mississippi Delta, shared this link with me. It fits perfectly with the book.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NMrqGHr5zE&fbclid=IwAR2DK1RRUC8Nv5I6qm471rjbarFwSwccyYPn1UCoFziFWV-aAmEjQtHY7v4
12 books in the series! Wow. Sounds pretty good!
ReplyDelete