Dear Steve,
I just finished your novel, Hong Kong, and enjoyed it. I like to learn about China and its culture (also, for a while I was married with a lady from the mainland).
Re: your note on Pinyin (p. 379) Compare e.g.: in the English words chimera, chimney and chic, the ch is pronounced in 3 different ways. You might find it interesting, how I met the American bombers who bombed me in 1945.
Best regards and keep up the good work,
Paul Hartal, AUgust 18, 2009
I found your book Hong Kong very fascinating, having been there twice, in 1990 & 1992.-These times were before the Crown Colony reverted back to China in 1997.-I taught English in China & Taiwan, writing a novel based on my experiences, entitled "Letters From A Chinese Angel."--So much has happened in that part of the world since those times!-Someone once said,"Just when you think you have China figured out, it changes!"[Right?]-
Charles Wooten July 26, 2009
Hi Steve, just re-read Hong Kong and get a kick out of your use of Moline. Having lived there for 4 years we do understand the reference to this area and the people. Been going though all the books in order, or semi-order with Intruder series, and always enjoy the stories. Waiting to read The Assassin in a few weeks. Thanks again for all the good stories and it was a real pleasure to meet you last year at Paine Field.
John Dalke July 16, 2008
Just wanted to let you know I finished Hong Kong. WOW !! I can not believe that was not made into a movie!! I had a very hard time putting the book down - thanks for a lot of nights with only a few hours sleep!! Those York units - I could see them clear as day! Loved it!! I am one of your biggest fans from NH -
Thanks again for hours of entertainment.
Bob Salter July 14, 2008
I was delighted to find you were writing the sort of books I like - at 73 I've read most of the books of my favourite authors.
Just a tiny niggle - the crowd outside the Orient Bank in "Hong Kong" Chapter 2 could not possibly have been "disbursed" though it could have been "dispersed"!
Tony Hill August 24, 2007
Hi Stephen, I just finished reading Hong Kong in two days. It was exciting enough that I could not put it down. It must have been the good efforts of your wife that made it so readable (ha) I have two copies of Cannibal Queen on my shelf- one to keep and one to loan. I am also a private pilot and keep hoping that you will fly the Queen to Wichita Falls, Texas and give me a ride. If you should ever come to Texas, I would enjoy meeting you. Again, congratulations on a fine novel." -- Jerry Woods February 3, 2006 Dear Mr. Coonts, This is the first time I have ever written to an author but I wanted to take the time to thank you. I have been a proud member of the U.S. Air Force for over 16 years now and somehow seem to be drawn toward your books during times of crisis. During Desert Shield/Storm I picked up a copy of Flight of the Intruder from the book exchange. Being a huge fan of Naval aviation, in particular carrier ops (don't ask why I joined the AF) I thought it would be a good read. I wasn't disappointed, from the opening chapter I was hooked. After reading "Flight" I quickly followed up with Intruders and Final Flight with Intruders being my favorite. Being the type of person who enjoys taking things apart (much to my dear wife's dismay) just to see how they work, your in-depth descriptions of carrier ops, in particular the launch and recovery systems was like candy to me. I am currently pulling a one year remote in Iceland and once again separated from my family during a time of crisis. When I reach critical mass on all the horror, tragedy and sorrow of recent events it is Jake Grafton to the rescue. My wife sent me a copy of Hong Kong last month not knowing that I was fan. As luck would have it (good or bad I don't know) it seems your excellent writing and captivating storyline will help me through this difficult time. I can forget about the real world as I become engrossed in Admiral Grafton's exploits, and for that I cannot thank you enough.
Sincerely, Thomas Woodfield
"I just completed HONG KONG. One word, sir: FANTASTIC! I really had difficulty putting that one down. To be honest, it was better than AMERICA. I am VERY tempted to just by Liberty at full price. Being a book collector, I wouldn't even bat an eye but my wife happens to handle the money in our family! *chuckle* So, I guess I will have to wait until it goes on sale again at B&N or it's released in paperback. To be honest, you are a better writer than Clive Cussler and I have read each of his novels. Keep up the great stories, I will continue to buy your books and recommend to others. Would be a real treat to see one or more of your recent novels on the big screen, like Ian Fleming's James Bond. Thanks again for another great work!"--Jesse Helmick, August 31, 2003
"Dear Sir, Not being a great fan of reading, when I stumbled across your book Hong Kong and was able to complete it in a week-end (a book this size would normally take a month), I was hooked on your writing. It has been a month since purchasing Hong Kong, and I have also purchased and completed Cuba. Currently I am working on America, and expect to be done it within the week. Congratulations on the excellent work and I look forward to reading the old and new novels that you write."
"Mr. Coonts, I have been an avid reader/fan since FLIGHT OF THE INTRUDER. I look forward to each Jake Grafton novel. Thank you for making such an enjoyable and respected character. To tell the truth he was part of the reason we named our second son Jake. The most inspiring part, for me, of Jake Grafton's make up is his imperfections, but he is perfectly himself. He is always trying to do what is right. These traits are in short supply today and it is refreshing to see these ideals, even if they are only in print. I am sure you have based his character on yourself or people you have known. Please keep up the great work and I look forward to the next novel." --Mike Kalette April 8, 2001
"(Thanks) for the hours upon hours of enjoyment. After I devoured Mr. Clancy's works extant some years ago, I searched long and hard for another author who could carry me away as he could and found only you. So I bought and read all your fiction and continue to buy and read your work as you publish. I continue to faithfully plow through Mr. Clancy's work, but know in the reading of it that he has lost sight of something....I think he loves his words too much.... Sorry...this wasn't intended to turn into a critique of another author save to say that I don't feel you've done that. You are an outstanding author. Keep your eye on the ball and I and many others will continue to buy and read your work. Anyway... thanks very much." --Trent , March 21, 2001
"Mr. Coonts, I have enjoyed reading every one of your novels that had Jake Grafton as the main character. Most of the novels I find difficult to put down in order to go to work or eat. I have served in the Navy for over 34 years and can appreciate the accuracy and professionalism that you project in your novels. Your first novel, "Flight of the Intruder" was one of my all time favorites with its subsequent sequel. So thanks very much for the pleasure you have given all of your readers over the years. In the novel that I'm presently reading, HONG KONG, in the dedication, you mention that your wife dreams up literary tangles, I might mention that my wife tells me of the novels she is reading that has always such convoluted plots, that I wonder how in the world can any one solve them." --Don Ellwood, March 22, 2001
"Dear Mr. Coonts, I spent 20 years in Hong Kong serving as a grade school teacher in a Chinese school, editor and layout artist for an Asian Catholic News Service, and as a social worker of sorts in the Vietnamese detention centers. I left Hong Kong in late 1994 to work here at our Center in Ossining, NY.
"Last week, while browsing our library, I came across your book HONG KONG, on tape. Once I began listening, I could not stop. Not only did it make me home sick for Hong Kong, but the story you weave is very compelling. Your also paint a fascinating picture of a somewhat backward China juxtaposed
with a modern, techno smart Hong Kong. I like your characters, some of whom I might have known (or known of) myself in Hong Kong. Thank you for an entertaining weekend and for taking me back to a place I love and miss very much. Also, a place for which I have much concern since the Chinese take
over in 1997." --Sister Martha January 29, 2001
"Dear Mr. Coonts, I absolutely loved HONG KONG. I have to tell you though, I'm really ready for your next Jake Grafton Novel. It seems to me that there are several places in history between the Viet Nam conflict and the present that Mr. Grafton could find himself at the stick saving the day. I am anxious to read about them. I really admire your work. Always have and thank you for the 'memories'." --Mike Casey, January 14, 2001
"Just finished HONG KONG. Enjoyed it as much as the others. One advantage of being retired is being able to stay up half the night to finish a good book. Looking forward to the next one." --Mellissa Brown, January 13, 2001
"Dear Stephen, I've read all of your works since FLIGHT OF THE INTRUDER came out, and love 'em all. I work in the computer industry (about all I could do with the spook background I acquired in the Army Security Agency in Viet Nam) and am reasonably well versed in artificial intelligence and robotics. Hence I was intrigued by the Sergeant York robo-soldiers in HONG KONG... Sergeant York may not be with us yet, but it looks like "mechanized infantry" is about to take on a whole new meaning!" --Terry Shannon, January 12, 2001
"Hello how you doin? I'm another one of these mad people who's read almost everything you've ever written. well everything that I've found anyway and id like to say how much I enjoy reading your work, its really good reading. When reading the opening pages of FLIGHT OF THE INTRUDER I can almost smell the fear in the cockpit and I automatically apply GLOC during the dogfights and such and that carries on right through the whole series, it really is a pleasure to read. So what is Jake doing next and is the Toad man going for the ride? I hope to find out soon. HONG KONG was great by the way." --Father David Blinman, January 13, 2001
"G'day Steve, Just received a copy of your newest book HONG KONG as a Christmas present from my 7 year old daughter, Jacqui. Couldn't put it down. Fortunately, I was blessed with a hot 'do-nothing' day (36 degrees Celsius), and no in-laws, and so was able to enjoy the story in one long read. A rarity in my family! I will certainly be reading it again. Thank You." --Matt Robinson, Brisbane, Australia. December 26, 2000
"Hi! Just wanted to let you know I enjoyed your HONG KONG. At the end of September I was in Sam's with my sister; saw your book, told her she could buy it for me for my birthday. She did and I read it. I don't usually enjoy blood & guts adventure, but this one is a winner. You flew for the Navy during Vietnam, and I was sitting in the U.S. Consulate (in the CIA offices) at the time. I remember those parties at the Hilton when the navy guys would hire the ballroom for a cocktail party. Those were also the days of the walla-wallas which operated after the Star Ferry closed. I subsequently left the CIA. after a two-year tour in HK and married the chief-sub at the China Mail (the afternoon paper of the South China Morning Post which was owned by the Brits -- although there were always lots of Australian journalists on both papers and, in fact, some who had worked for Murdock)... I never wanted to "go back" to Honkers." --Ann Williams October 28, 2000
"Dear Mr. Coonts: Having just finished Hong Kong I can tell you that I have rarely enjoyed a book more. I have devoured all that you have written and look forward to your next book with great anticipation. I spent many years in Asia with Hong Kong as my "base of operations." The Regent hotel being ground zero for me. You captured the flavor and spirit of what was, and is for me, a vibrant and exciting and very mysterious part of the world. Thank you for taking me back to my second favorite city in the world and giving me a glimpse of how it is since the turn over." --Stuart Leopold, October 5, 2000
"Bought HONG KONG this afternoon; just finished it. Loved it. It doesn't have the same global feel that Cuba did even though the subject is headed toward something much more vast; it's much more personal with Callie so deeply involved in the action. I think it's the interplay of the several small stories that give your novel such an intimate feel. I also detect the touch of a woman in some of the telling. But then you did acknowledge your wife Deborah's collaboration. Your vivid description of Hong Kong brought back fond memories of the place from a little visit on R & R during my service to the same master you served, the U.S. Navy at about the same time you did, and definitely in the same place. I might have even being doing plane guard for you. Thanks again for Hong Kong; keep up the great work." --Phil Reed September, 13, 2000
