Reviewed by Melanie Kennedy for Readers' Favorite

A Chinese Remedy: Mercenaries in Suits Book 1 by Shawe Ruckus introduces us to two eccentric and somewhat reluctant investigators. Chance Yang is flown to London to investigate a suicide in Holborn. What seems cut and dry is anything but, and Chance’s aloof, wise-cracking boss Felipe Kazama is testing his patience. As a mergers and acquisitions consultant, Chance’s skills are put to the test when he’s contracted to play bodyguard to Catherine Roxborough. At first reluctant to accept the need for a bodyguard, Catherine grows fond of Chance, so much so that his inevitable departure creates a space in her house and her heart. But Chance is a professional through and through. From London to Shanghai, Chance is willing to stop at nothing and use his meticulous skills to solve the mysterious case and bring closure to all involved.

The story is fast-paced and quick-witted. Felipe is the wise sage to Chance’s often stoic character. His seemingly quirky stories and parables belie his wisdom and the fact that he knows more than he is letting on. I also enjoyed Chance and Catherine’s romance. They found each other at just the right time, while busy overcoming their pain and mourning. Shawe Ruckus does a magnificent job of detailing picturesque London and its various attractions. By switching character viewpoints, Ruckus creates the illusion that we are part of the case and we are figuring it out along with the characters. However, A Chinese Remedy is filled with mystery through and through and although some mysteries are solved, many more are introduced, hopefully to be solved in the next installment.