Really unique story, timely and scary given real world story lines and implications .With all going on the world with AI and dependence on Asia this felt like perfect timing.

An interesting crime novel that reads like it could have been a non-fiction book instead. There's a bit more style and flavour to the prose than the average airport thriller, but I wasn't hooked by the structure of it. Some parts of it felt overwritten.

Fast-paced and interesting. The technology was well-researched. Anthony was a great character. You root for him to survive the dangerous world he's entered. It's a man who knew too much type set-up and expertly done.

It was good and quite interesting. So three stars

Many thanks to netgalley and publisher for providing me with this ARC.

Fed up with his lack of offers as a screenwriter, Anthony Wilson ditches Hollywood for the not so glamorous but decidedly murky island of Macau. Approached by Cash Cheang, a casino operator with grand plans, Anthony finds himself writing Cash’s story and being amply rewarded for his efforts. But there’s no such thing as a free lunch and Anthony finds that lunch in Macau can be a trying experience in and of itself.

Anthony soon finds himself at the pointy end of a learning curve as to how the Chinese do business. And as if that isn’t challenging enough, Macau has its own rules and Cheang expects Anthony to be a quick study. But to add to the mix, Anthony’s twin brother wants his help. And to say that there are strings attached is putting it lightly. The narrative is enthralling and a very tight cast keeps you hanging on every little twist and turn, of which there are many. The Chinese mindset, especially around gambling and business is utterly fascinating and The Dead Chip Syndicate is a masterclass in schooling you on the way that things are done in this part of Asia. Not just an eye opening book and an utterly absorbing insight into Chinese culture but a commanding thriller and one that does not put a foot wrong.