Step into the thrilling world of Ava Lee, where high-stakes financial intrigue meets pulse-pounding action! The Ava Lee series, penned by Canadian author Ian Hamilton, follows a Chinese-Canadian forensic accountant who’s as skilled with her fists as she is with numbers. With her sharp intellect and martial arts prowess, Ava chases massive debts across the globe, unraveling complex conspiracies in a shadowy world of international crime.
This electrifying crime-thriller series blends meticulous financial detective work with heart-racing adventure, offering readers a fresh take on the genre. Whether you’re a fan of gritty mysteries or globe-trotting escapades, Ava’s journey is a must-read rollercoaster!
How Ava Lee Began
Ian Hamilton, a former journalist and civil servant, kicked off the Ava Lee series in 2011 with The Water Rat of Wanchai. Inspired by his travels in Southeast Asia and a desire to create a unique protagonist, Hamilton crafted Ava—a tough, stylish, and fiercely intelligent woman who defies stereotypes. After a health scare prompted him to pursue fiction, Hamilton wrote the first book in a burst of creativity, unaware it would spark a 16-book saga beloved by fans worldwide.
Hamilton’s vision was to avoid formulaic crime fiction, letting Ava evolve with each novel. His diverse career and global experiences shaped the series’ vivid settings and intricate plots, earning praise for their authenticity and energy.
The Heart of Ava Lee
The series kicks off with The Water Rat of Wanchai, where Ava tracks $5 million owed by a seafood company, navigating from Seattle to Guyana. She faces Captain Robbins, a godfather-like figure, in a tense battle of wits and negotiation. In The Disciple of Las Vegas, Ava hunts $50 million swindled from a Filipino billionaire, diving into the world of online gambling and Las Vegas casinos. The Wild Beasts of Wuhan sees her tackling art fraud, tracing forged paintings across Europe and Asia, while The Fury of Beijing, the final book, pits Ava against the Chinese government over a controversial film.
Ava’s adventures blend financial sleuthing with action, set against exotic backdrops like Hong Kong, Bangkok, and Borneo. Themes of loyalty, family, and organized crime—especially the Chinese Triad—run deep, enriched by Ava’s Chinese-Canadian heritage and lesbian identity. Hamilton’s fast-paced prose and meticulous detail create a cinematic feel, making each book a gripping escape.
The series stands out for its strong female lead, who’s both methodical and ruthless, navigating corruption with a moral code. Fans love the cultural insights and Ava’s evolution, from a hard-edged debt collector to a protector of her loved ones, ensuring the series never feels repetitive.
Why Ava Lee Resonates
The Ava Lee series has carved a niche in crime fiction, celebrated for its diverse protagonist and global scope. It’s won the Arthur Ellis Award and garnered nominations for Barry and Lambda Awards, resonating with Chinese-Canadian and LGBTQ+ readers for its authentic representation. The books’ cinematic potential has sparked TV and film adaptation talks, reflecting their vivid storytelling.
Ava’s appeal lies in her complexity—she’s a stylish, Starbucks-sipping accountant who can take down criminals with a single kick. Her adventures offer escapism while exploring real-world issues like corruption and cultural identity, keeping readers hooked across 16 books.
- First Book: The Water Rat of Wanchai (2011)
- Total Books: 16, ending with The Fury of Beijing (2024)
- Awards: Arthur Ellis Award for Best First Crime Novel
- Settings: Hong Kong, Las Vegas, Borneo, and more
Grab The Water Rat of Wanchai and dive into Ava Lee’s thrilling world of crime and cunning today!