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It’s clear that the Kirk McGarvey series by David Hagberg is a popular one; DANCE WITH THE DRAGON is book number ten in said series. However, the measure of a true craftsman is enabling a new reader to step into any book of the series and have it be a whole story unto itself. Hagberg had nearly fulfilled that requirement until he reached the end of this thriller. At that point, he sold out his entire book for a hook into the next one. And that, to say the least, is extremely disappointing for any reader. What Hagberg is able to do is command a reader’s interest with a story and keep them turning the pages to the end. However, the reader makes a bargain with the writer that the ending will be satisfying, and complete the story presented. In the case of DANCE WITH THE DRAGON, Hagberg leaves his reader on the cliff, awaiting the next book. This reader cries “foul.” The story begins with heightened chatter raising the internal CIA alert status. Everyone at headquarters is getting nervous, but there’s no clue as to what may be on the horizon. Then, unexpectedly, a CIA agent stationed in Mexico turns up dead, clearly the victim of assassination (although set up to look like a drug hit). When his own station chief cannot explain why the dead agent had been tapping into the communications coming out of the Chinese Embassy, it’s time for someone on the outside to have a look. Former CIA Director Kirk McGarvey is tapped to interview an Iranian exotic dancer who’s been working for a Chinese general in Mexico. Does she have the answers, or is she planting a trap for the CIA? McGarvey comes out of retirement to help solve this mystery. Along the way, he discovers that the CIA station in Mexico has been compromised, and suddenly a US Congressman is declaring that he brokered a deal with Mexico and China for further oil exploration. Everybody appears to be on the take, and the Chinese general seems to be running the show. His nightclubbing and house parties have become legendary, and the Iranian dancer who has “come in from the cold” seems to be working both sides. Not only was she working for the Chinese general, she was also the mistress of the dead CIA agent. The story is full of plot twists and turns, double agents, and misdirected interests – all of which make for a page-turning hit. However, just as the reader gets close to the secret of just what is going on down in Mexico, the rug is pulled out from under. Stay tuned. Although this may work for a television series, in DANCE WITH THE DRAGON, it feels more like getting shortchanged. Read at your own risk.
Reviewed by Christine Zibas, November 2007
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Contact: Yvonne Klein (ymk@reviewingtheevidence.com)
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