Let's cut right to the chase here: there are few literary pleasures that even remotely approach the pleasure of cracking the binding of a new Jeffery Deaver novel. Notice I say "literary" (Clemenceau's famous bawdy observation about walking up the stairs remains unchallenged), but even at that, a newly commenced work by Deaver is an addictive experience that results in the reader focusing entirely on the printed page and a predictable response from those around him (along the lines of "Can't you put that book down for even a minute?!"). If you've read Deaver before, particularly his works involving the physically limited but mentally unfettered Lincoln Rhyme, you know what I mean. If you're just beginning your introduction to Deaver's world with THE STONE MONKEY, then be forewarned: clear the decks. You're not going anywhere or doing anything else for a while.
One of the more enjoyable aspects of THE STONE MONKEY, as with many of Deaver's novels, is his meticulous research into a particular area, which he then presents within the context of a gripping, suspenseful mystery. The backdrop of THE STONE MONKEY is the illegal immigration of political dissidents from Red China, interspersed with aspects of Chinese culture. This in and of itself is a daunting task. The Chinese culture is so rich, so complex, so fascinating, that the question of where --- how --- one stops their examination and begins the story at hand is enough to leave the ordinary writer quaking at the thought. Deaver meets the question head on and deftly wrestles it to the ground. He gives the reader enough of a fascinating glimpse to pique their interest and to set up, and supplement, his tale. One can, after finishing THE STONE MONKEY, seek out treatises on Chinese medicine, ancestor worship, or Taoism, which are only a few of the topics touched upon within.
Ah, but let's not forget the story! THE STONE MONKEY opens aboard The Fuzhou Dragon, which is carrying two dozen illegal immigrants to a hopeful new beginning in the United States. The villain of the piece is The Ghost, a shadowy, mysterious figure known as a "snakehead," or smuggler, of illegal immigrants, whom he regards derisively, contemptuously, as "piglets." As The Fuzhou Dragon is being pursued by the U.S. Coast Guard, The Ghost seals his human cargo below the deck and blows up the ship while he escapes. Miraculously, a handful of the illegal immigrants survive and make it into New York City, with The Ghost in pursuit. Lincoln Rhyme, feeling driven to capture the man responsible for the wanton deaths of so many, sends his partner Amelia Sachs out to do the physical work that he is unable to do --- work that, unbeknownst to either of them, is placing her in terrible danger. For The Ghost is literally, unbelievably (yet believably so) among them, in their very midst, and using their talents of detection and deduction to locate the immigrants for him. Deaver, along the way, uses sleight of hand and gentle misdirection to startle the reader at regular intervals. Never assume anything while reading a Deaver book. He always (well, almost always) plays fair while giving away nothing. The effect leaves the reader with a gluttonous appetite: one is full, satiated after reading THE STONE MONKEY; yet, one wants more. A new Deaver novel next week would not be too soon.
THE STONE MONKEY will be most welcome to Deaver's legion of veteran fans and will undoubtedly contribute to the wave of new readers that, with each new release, have contributed to the exponential swelling of his readership base. If THE STONE MONKEY is your first Deaver, make some room on the bookshelf. You'll be adding more.
--- Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub
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