Written by: Dean Barrett
Submitted By: Dean Barrett
Review submitted by book's author:
"Setting is more than a backdrop in this fast-paced adventure story of mid-nineteenth-century British colonial Hong Kong. Characters, plot, and numerous subplots reflect the clash of cultures and class -- both within and between the Chinese and foreign communities. A riveting, action-packed narrative tracks the adventures and misadventures of central character Andrew Adams, a bar manager, gambler, weapons smuggler, and American with friends and enemies in both the European and Chinese communities.
In a period of just a few days following New Year's Eve, 1857, Adams finds himself investigating the beheading of Europeans on a mail steamer from Canton, doing battle with coolie slave traders, accused of murdering an English tea merchant, and eventually defending Hong Kong against attack by pirates. Chinese scholar, linguist, and author of two previous books, Barrett draws on his vast knowledge of southern China during a time of enormous chage and conflict, providing richly fascinating detail of the customs, fashions, ships, and weapons of the times. -- American Library Association, Booklist
"Former army linguist Dean Barrett chronicles Sino-British tensions in 1857 Hong Kong in Hangman's Point, the tale of American smuggler Andrew Adams, who narrowly dodges hanging and a prison sentence by chasing down a band of deadly Chinese pirates." -- Publishers Weekly
"Hangman's Point is a wonderful book. Buy it. You'll love it!" -- Marcia Littlejohn, News Director, WWCI TV10
