BKMT READING GUIDES
Stealing the Dragon: A Cape Weathers Investigation
by Tim Maleeny
Paperback : 365 pages
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2 members have read this book
The Chinese Triads suspect one of their own, a female assassin named Sally known to have a complex relationship with a San Francisco ...
Introduction
Soon after an ancient talisman is smuggled out of Hong Kong, a container ship filled with Chinese refugees runs aground on Alcatraz, the crew murdered.
The Chinese Triads suspect one of their own, a female assassin named Sally known to have a complex relationship with a San Francisco detective named Cape Weathers. But when Sally goes missing, Cape becomes the focus of the Triads' attention, and soon the police and FBI have him on their radar. Cape quickly realizes he's screwed if he doesn't find out what really happened on board the ship.
He seeks the aid of two neurotic cops, a drug lord, an autistic computer genius, a mayoral candidate, and a reporter with sentient hair.
From there it all goes to Hell.
STEALING THE DRAGON will be the first novel in an ongoing series from Midnight Ink featuring private investigator Cape Weathers and his deadly companion Sally. The second novel in the series, Beating The Babushka, will be released October 2007.
“Tough, original, compelling – a perfect debut thriller.” --- Lee Child, author of BAD LUCK AND TROUBLE
“San Francisco comes alive in Tim Maleeny’s engaging and confident thriller.” --- David J. Montgomery, Mystery Ink
Excerpt
Cape Weathers just wanted to know what time it was before he died.It wasn't much of a prayer, but it was all he could manage on short notice.
Cape was on his back, looking up at the clock tower as the Russian tried to strangle him. He could feel his larynx start to collapse as the gangster shifted his weight and tightened his grip, all three hundred pounds of him crushing the air from Cape's lungs. ...
view entire excerpt...
Discussion Questions
From the author:2. 1. A number of the characters in Stealing The Dragon have their own strict moral code but operate outside the law, including Cape, Sally and Xan. Is it OK to break the law or commit a crime in order to do the right thing? Did any of these characters cross a line you would (or would not) cross if thrown into a similar situation?
3. The bond between Cape and Sally is incredibly strong, each willing to risk their life for the other, yet their relationship isn’t a romantic one. How would you describe their relationship?
4. Sally grew up in a world defined by betrayal, yet she learns to discern truth from lies. How did you feel about her relationship with her caretaker Li Mei? And Xan?
5. Cape often uses humor to deflect deeper emotions or disarm people he is investigating. Was the humor unexpected in a mystery, and how did it enhance or diffuse the tension of a dramatic or violent scene?
6. Cape seeks the help of a number of unusual characters such as Linda the reporter, the Sloth, and the two cops, Vinnie and Beau. Are these characters you want to learn more about?
Weblinks
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Author Tim Maleeny's web site
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Article about the book's striking cover
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Tim Maleeny's backstory
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Tour Dates
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Notes From the Author to the Bookclub
A note from Tim to BookMovement members: As a voracious reader, I wanted to write a book that I would enjoy reading, a story that combined the best elements of crime fiction into one thrilling story. For me that meant writing a classic private eye mystery, but it had to have the pacing of a thriller. Maybe some martial arts, ancient legends and political intrigue thrown in for good measure. And why not add some humor along the way? One reviewer said the story took the classic PI novel and “turned it on its head.” That’s probably why readers and booksellers have responded the way they have. The Poisoned Pen Bookstore describes STEALING THE DRAGON as “an irresistible blend of Jackie Chan and Dashiell Hammett laced with Lee Child.” And David J. Montgomery, newspaper critic and reviewer for Mystery Ink calls it “an entertaining story that combines a gumshoe mystery in the tradition of Dashiell Hammett with the exotic action of Trevanian.” It was a fun book to write, so I’m thrilled people have said it was a blast to read. I certainly hope you enjoy it. I’d love to hear your reaction, so please send me your thoughts at [email protected]Book Club Recommendations
Recommended to book clubs by 1 of 1 members.
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