A novel by Ralph Levy

Fragrant Harbor, a new book by Ralph Levy, is adult fiction at its best! A must read for those interested in a fast moving story of love, hate, murder and sex.

The novel seeks to render a multifaceted depiction of mystery, intrigue, and human drama through a portrayal of a man, haunted by his wartime experiences, who must balance issues of personal ambition, morality, corruption and love through his involvement in the exploitation of others.

In the early chapters, a beautiful Chinese detective who is investigating the white slavery and drug trade in New York City's Chinese community is murdered. Barney Baker, a war hero, is the prime suspect. He flees to Hong Kong and starts a new life. His partner is a high-class call girl who was trained in the craft of spying and the art of lovemaking by the Chinese equivalent of the CIA.

The story chronicles the lives of the partners as they meet with success in the financial and business world of Hong Kong until the past catches up with Barney. The book is an unusual mixture of attitudes and feelings that are conveyed largely through the thought processes and experiences of the main characters as their lives unfold, and their sexual and emotional encounters begin to impact on their lives and the choices that they make.

Fragrant Harbor is tense and engaging. It is an easy read that captures the reader's attention right off the bat, and holds it until the very last words.