So good to be back with private investigator Letty Valdez and her friends. This story is an intriguing mix of history, mystery, romance, and contemporary adventure. It weaves between the present, in which Letty is trying to solve a murder in a library (how classic is that!) and the past, set out in a memoir about a Chinese immigrant in the 1890s. Just like the first Letty Valdez mystery, "Desert Jade", the charm is in the believable, complex characters, and the evocative Arizona setting. And while the story deals unflinchingly with some harsh realities such as racism and corruption, it never becomes cynical or cruel. Letty is such a likable character, tough and loyal, but with a sense of humour. Even though she's been through some pretty hard times, she never feels any self pity. Oh! And there's a new dog! Teddy, a goofy Labrador who dropped out of tracker school only to become part of Letty's family. Which is a good thing, because Letty needs all the help she can get, canine and human. Masha du Toit, author of the Linked Worlds sci-fi series and The Real, shortlisted for the 2018 Nommo Award for Best Speculative Fiction Novel by an African.

Local history and multicultural elements interweave and clash in Dragon's Revenge. The reader is transported from present day Tucson to the late 1800s and back again as investigator Letty Valdez tries to solve a murder. We are privy to sprinklings of Chinese, Spanish, O'odham and Italian as we travel to Chinese gardens, St. Augustine Church, A Mountain and the O'odham reservation.

The characters are credible, Will even more so this story. The character of Drago is especially appealing--his strong sense of self, inner strength, and his reading of poetry to win Rosa's attention. Romance lovely and not overdone. Perhaps Letty will allow herself some romance, too. It's easy to understand how Jessica and Letty are best friends although in many ways we see them as opposites. Vivid setting descriptions, although the initial library description is a bit long.

With Pete Arianos' memoir, Dragon's Revenge becomes a story within a story that spans decades and generations. And who doesn't appreciate a memoir--especially when it's interwoven with mystery and the clue is hidden within. Pete's voice as a kid is credible especially when he and pal José often sneak to spy on Drago. Thoroughly enjoyable. At times it's like watching a movie. Valerina Quintana, author Recalling Home--A Poetry of Remembrance