NOBLE HOUSE

In this three-volume set, the Cold War provides a splendid backdrop for corporate chicanery. Early on we learn that "life isn't fair. Death isn't fair. War isn't fair. Big business is war." And the war in this epic Clavell work is a chess game played on the board of 1963 Hong Kong. Every moment shivers with intrigue. The taipan of Noble House faces a hostile takeover. The market is in flux. Smugglers abound, as well as murder, natural disasters, and espionage plots. John Lee performs a series of loathsome, as well as engaging, characters with wickedly accurate accents. Their motives lurk in his nuances. His women characters have dignity (when they deserve it), and, happily, none is given to simpering. A massively entertaining read. S.J.H. (c) AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/MAY 02]