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Jade Rooster: An Asiatic Fleet Thriller
R.L. Crossland
Reviewed by: Philip Zozzaro, The US Review of Books
“This time ‘rooster’ was linked to “jade” and it disturbed him.”
Sabatelli has his work cut out for him with his latest case involving the whereabouts of a sailing vessel christened Jade Rooster. Sabatelli works as a shipping agent and hopes to be able to locate the ship and its cargo, but the future appears bleak when news is relayed about the ship being hijacked by hostile parties. The bad news is compounded by the discovery of four decapitated heads belonging to the crew and passengers of the longboat. Sabatelli needs the assistance of a veteran sailor, and he is soon assigned to a Navy quartermaster named Hobson. As Sabatelli and Hobson inquire into the missing ship, Sabatelli is irked by Hobson’s extensive knowledge of these ships, boats, and the open seas. However, the pair learn interesting information with each witness they question, including the possibility of weapons being shipped and the vessel being seized by Chinese pirates.
As this high-seas mystery commences, Japan is on the verge of becoming a formidable world power. Their victory over the Russians in 1905 shocked the world while bolstering the pride of the Japanese people. Sabatelli and Hobson observe the growing power of the Japanese Navy along with their militaristic bent. The dialogue and scenes foreshadow the future conflict between the United States and Japan in the coming years. The evolution of the world continues, but certain stubborn attributes remain, as racial insensitivity is highlighted in the presence of minstrel shows along with the discrimination shown by the Japanese towards the Korean people. The recent exclusionary laws passed by the United States limiting Japanese immigration betray American prejudices towards their Far Eastern allies. While being reflective of a less enlightened time, Hobson serves as a contrast in his understanding of other cultures and his willingness to stand up for crew members who are bullied because of their skin color.
Sabatelli is the first character introduced, but Hobson emerges as the central character in this sharp mystery. While often mistaken for a more renowned figure, Hobson distinguishes himself for his multi-lingual abilities and charisma. Hobson believes there is more to both the theft of the boat and the decapitated heads. Hobson’s past hints at something dark and tragic, the recovery of the Jade Rooster proffering redemption. Sabatelli is a stranger in an unfamiliar environment. His journey there is brought about by career and character flaws. Despite any initial friction, Sabatelli and Hobson function well as an investigative team searching for answers about a lost ship.
The narrative unfolds as a slow-burn detective story, with both Hobson and Sabatelli discovering pieces at a time. The story’s appeal revolves around the travail Hobson and Sabatelli face in locating the boat and the culprits involved. The author’s knowledge of naval and nautical terminology is indicative throughout the book and impressive, as well as his appreciation for Asian history and culture. The book’s ingenuity lies in making readers guess plausible motives for the boat’s disappearance until the denouement and leaving them still feeling fulfilled after the revelation. This is a well-crafted book that can be appreciated by those who enjoy non-fiction books such as The Wager by David Grann.
