James Thayer

Every once in a while, you encounter a book that totally transforms the way you look at things. For me, that was this book. I've been working on building craft skills for the last several months. One of the things I needed to desperately work on was Show vs Tell. (I could recognize it in writing, but wasn't sure how to do it.)

I picked up this book because it was short and focused solely on this subject. I admit my expectations were low given how many craft books have explained the concept to show more me, but the information never clicked in my head. This time it did. I think it was because the author kept the explanations simple and followed them up with exercises. If you've been struggling with this concept, then I cannot recommend this book enough. It seriously changed how I look at my writing. show less

The House of Eight Orchids by James Thayer was delightful reading. This story actually begins in 1912 when William and his brother are kidnapped off the streets of Chunking by Eunuch Chang, a mastermind criminal. Fast forward to 1938 ….John and his brother are now con-men, master forgers, assassins, whatever is needed by the Eunuch. The eunuch, who carries around his severed parts in a golden urn is aided and abetted by Madame Tuon; a footbound, razors for fingernails sadist. All is well show more until the Eunuch kidnaps Tsingtao Lily , a beautiful young actress who bats her eyes at the boys and pleads for them to rescue her.

Thayer paints a detailed picture of the Chinese countryside and enlivens the story with Chinese legends. Contained within are feats of daring and acts of grace. Like most legends, some parts are bigger than life.
One of the most interesting parts of the book for me was the bombing of Chunking by the Japanese. They had already occupied Manchuria and were moving inland down the Yangtze. Several times Nationalist soldiers and are involved ever so slightly in the story and General Chiang Kai-Shek is mentioned half a dozen times.

Thayer’s writing is efficient and borders on graceful—pages fly by as the action moves along throughout the book. This is a historical fiction thriller that worked extremely well for me. 281 pages 5 stars show less

In this book, the Russians have placed their new cruise missile bombers in Havana. In response, the CIA recruits William Maurice and other veterans of it's Bay of Pigs fiasco to try and stop them. Maurice has an old Cuban friend, Eduardo Mederos, who is a Fidel Castro lookalike. Mederos is willing to risk his life because of an intense hatred for Castro for events that happened during the Bay of Pigs operation. He also has his own agenda that may put the whole mission in jeopardy.

Yes, the show more plot seems completely unbelievable but the author managed to make it work in this particular case. There was a great deal of buildup prior to the exchange, where various well written characters were introduced and told what their part of the plot would entail. Thayer is a very talented writer and his knowledge of Cuba and it's history was apparent. I learned a lot about the country and the Revolution. I was able to get this book for free and while it wasn't the best book I've read all year, it was surprisingly well done and has introduced me to a new author that I will definitely read again. show less

***This book was reviewed for the San Francisco Book Review***

Thayer’s House of 8 Orchids was engaging straight from the beginning, with swift pacing and very detailed description that made it feel like being there. I was hooked from the start.

Orchids follows the story of John Yellow Hair, and his brother William. At very young ages, they were kidnapped in China, and raised by Eunuch Chang to serve in criminal enterprises. John grows to become one of Chang’s most valued show more assassins/enforcers, while his brother is a master forger.

All that changes when John is forced to choose between loyalty to his brother or loyalty to his kidnapper. John chooses blood over bond and attempts to help his brother escape, after William tries to flee with a young lady sold into slavery, and is subsequently caught and punished.. On the same day John and William flee, Chungking is attacked by the Japanese, creating chaos, and separating the two brothers.

William and Lily, the girl he was trying to aid, are captured by another criminal, and sold along the Yangtze. John coerces the help of some unusual people (and a creepy gigantic hound) and sets off to find William, and get revenge, all the while trying to avoid those Chang sends after him.

This is a historical thriller, set in late 1930s China. I cannot vouch for full historical accuracy, but there were things I recognised as being so, and there is certainly a feel of authenticity. The bombing aftermath brought the feeling of numbed terror alive. This part was my favourite, in terms of vivid description. Another thing that stuck out to me was Madame Tuon and her feet. I do know footbinding was a custom once practised in China. I cannot at all imagine having my feet bound like that, and needing the assistance of others to walk. I'm now interested in learning more of this odd, archaic custom, how it evolved, and better yet, *why*.

If you enjoy a good thriller, especially of the historic variety, be sure to check out House of 8 Orchids by James Thayer. This book will keep you reading til the midnight hours! show less