Sign of the Dragon" by Neil Low

Set in 1940s Seattle, Sign of the Dragon is a gripping espionage thriller that transports readers to the tense days leading up to the United States' entry into World War II. The second novel in the Alan Stewart/Vera Deward murder mystery series, it immerses readers in a city plagued by political unrest and global conflict.

Amid rising tensions between Japan and the U.S., Seattle's bustling ports become a critical supply line for both Allied and Axis powers. Vital resources like scrap metal and brass are shipped to Japan, helping fuel the war machine threatening Asia and the Pacific. This trade forms the backdrop for an action-packed mystery as Alan Stewart, a former military man turned investigator, is pulled into a dangerous web of espionage and betrayal.

Stewart is partnered with Tiger Lee, a fierce and enigmatic American operative, as they seek to dismantle a covert spy network led by the elusive White Dragon, a dangerous Japanese samurai. As they dig deeper, they uncover a labyrinth of lies and murder that could change the course of the war. What begins as a mission for justice soon turns into a race against time, where loyalties are tested, alliances shift, and the line between patriotism and treason becomes blurred.

Low's vivid portrayal of 1940s Seattle-from its foggy streets to its hidden catacombs-grounds the reader in both time and place. The tension is high, the stakes personal, and the twists relentless. Tiger Lee, with her complexity and strength, emerges as a standout character, alongside the morally grounded Vera Deward, making this story not just about espionage but the personal sacrifices made in the face of war.

Sign of the Dragon is a high-stakes thriller, perfect for fans of historical fiction, mystery, and espionage. With its rich characters, intricate plot, and relentless suspense, this novel is a must-read for anyone following the saga of Alan Stewart and Vera Deward.