What’s your favorite book that nobody else has heard of? You know, not Little Women or Huckleberry Finn, not the latest best-seller . . . whether they’ve read them or not, everybody “knows” those books. I’m talking about the best book that, when you tell people that you love it, they go, “Huh? Never heard of it?”
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I have read mysteries for years and some I remember 10 or 20 years later, but others are lost in my vague memory! S. J. Rozan remains a favorite. Others who read mysteries probably recognize S. J. Rozan (she has won many awards for her books), but people who do not read the genre may not. She has written an eight book mystery series featuring two characters–Lydia Chin and Bill Smith. She hasn’t written a book in this series since about 2003, but says on her website she will.
The mysteries are excellent, the setting exciting, and I like the 
two main characters in this series. Lydia is an Asian-American PI, lives with her mother (who only speaks Chinese) in New York City’s Chinatown. Bill Smith is a tough experienced 40-something PI. The friendship between the two characters and their interaction is a joy to read. I love the way Rozan paints New York City–especially Chinatown. I have only visited New York City a few times–but it is an exciting place–and I feel I know it a little better after reading Rozan’s books. The other unique aspect is that the books trade the focus between the two main characters. A Bitter Feast, for example, is Bill Smith’s book with Lydia Chin a supporting character. Mandarin Plaid, on the other hand, focuses on Lydia Chin.
I haven’t read these books for a few years, but writing about them makes me want to read them all over again! What a good idea.
Does anyone else read Rozan?
I haven’t even heard of her! I will check her out!
“Huh?”
She’s not known to me either, but then the joy of this topic is that we ought all to be meeting new writers.
I enjoy mysteries but haven’t read hers. You can be sure she is going on my list, though. Thanks for the heads up
I haven’t heard of her either, but I will check her out!
Never heard of this author or the book. Is the title of the book is “China Trade”? The info you given us, sound interesting and I want to check it out. I might even get a copy.
Happy BTT! Have a good Thursday and good weekend ahead!
Julia – Yen
Actually there are eight books in the Lydia Chin/Bill Smith series. In order of publication: China Trade, Concourse, Mandarin Plaid, No Colder Place, A Bitter Feast, Stone Quarry, Reflecting the Sky, and Winter and Night. They are all really good and fun to read.
I love mysteries, so I will be looking into Rozan’s books for sure. Thanks for the recommendation!
I read one, but didn’t take to it, sadly. I hear good things about her, so it must have been a fluke.