The brand new House of Anansi crime fiction imprint, SPIDERLINE, has launched! The first book published under the Spiderline imprint, The Water Rat of Wanchai, is hitting stores now.

Ava Lee is a young Chinese-Canadian forensic accountant who specializes in recovering massive debts. Ava works for an elderly Hong Kong-based “Uncle,” who may or may not have ties to the Triads. At 5’3″ and 115 lbs., she hardly seems a threat. But her razor-sharp intelligence and unorthodox rules of engagement allow her to succeed where traditional methods have failed.

In The Water Rat of Wanchai Ava is persuaded by an old friend of Uncle’s to help his nephew who is owed $5 million from a seafood company. The nephew’s Hong Kong business financed purchase orders for a company that was producing cooked shrimp for a major U.S. retailer. The deal went sideways. The money disappeared.

On a journey that takes her from Toronto to Seattle to Hong Kong, Bangkok, Guyana, and the British Virgin Islands, Ava encounters everything from the Thai katoey culture to corrupt but helpful law enforcers. But it’s in Guyana where she meets her match: Captain Robbins, a huge hulk of a man and godfather-like figure who controls the police, politicians, and criminals alike. In exchange for his help, he decides he wants of piece of Ava’s $5 million action and will do whatever it takes to get his fair share . . .

In the first of what promises to be a massively successful series, Ian Hamilton introduces the reader to one of crime fiction’s most unique and compelling heroines, and uncovers the dark machinations of the global shadow economy.

The first blog reviews for The Water Rat of Wanchai are in:

Janet from Reading for the Joy of It says: “The Water Rat of Wanchai has introduced me to an intelligent, feisty and impeccably polite woman who is sure to have my attention with each subsequent adventure in the Ava Lee series. […] It is sure to become a beloved blockbuster.”

Vicki from Bookgaga thinks: “The Water Rat of Wanchai is a brisk, entertaining read. […] The action is explosive . . . [Ava Lee] quickly captivates the reader. […] [Ian] Hamilton leaves the reader wanting more . . .”

Marci from Serendipitous Readings says: “I absolutely could not put this book down. […] I am anxiously awaiting the next two in the series.”

>> Join the Ava Lee Facebook page

>> Visit the Ian Hamilton Books YouTube channel for an exclusive interview with Ian Hamilton

Are you a crime fiction fan? To enter to win a copy of The Water Rat of Wanchai, tell us what your favourite crime fiction book is in the comments section!

(Canadian residents only please, excluding Quebec. Contest closes Monday, February 14 at 12:00 p.m. EST.)