The Red Heart of Jade (Dirk & Steele Series #3)

( 73 )

Overview

Beneath passion and purifying fire is . . . The Red Heart of Jade

Dean Campbell can see and sense things that others cannot—an extraordinary ability that drew the ex-cop to the Dirk & Steele Detective Agency, a global association of more-than-human men and women. Dean and his peers—shapeshifters, psychics, and other paranormals—are dedicated to protecting life. But there are those who live for destruction.

Now Dean's investigation into a ...

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The Red Heart of Jade (Dirk & Steele Series #3)

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More About This Book

Overview

Beneath passion and purifying fire is . . . The Red Heart of Jade

Dean Campbell can see and sense things that others cannot—an extraordinary ability that drew the ex-cop to the Dirk & Steele Detective Agency, a global association of more-than-human men and women. Dean and his peers—shapeshifters, psychics, and other paranormals—are dedicated to protecting life. But there are those who live for destruction.

Now Dean's investigation into a series of unthinkable killings is calling him to Taipei, where a pattern is emerging that is more deadly than anything he could have foreseen. At the center is a power that could change the world . . . and the woman who can truly complete him: Mirabelle Lee, the girl Dean loved in his youth, the childhood sweetheart he once believed dead. Now that his heart has been reawakened, he will not lose her again—even as the forces of an immortal evil gather to destroy them and everything they love.

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Editorial Reviews

From Barnes & Noble
The Barnes & Noble Review
Marjorie Liu delivers another stellar paranormal with this third action-packed installment in her Dirk & Steele series. Using the Dirk & Steele detective agency, staffed by shapeshifters and others with different magic abilities, enables Liu to showcase a different gifted misfit hero each time. This time it's clairvoyant Dean Campbell, set on the trail of a nonhuman criminal in Taipei who is flagrantly setting people on fire. Also in Taiwan is anthropologist Mirabelle "Miri" Lee, who makes a rare discovery at an archaeological site: a 4,000-year-old piece of red jade, embedded in the body of a mummy. When Dean and Miri meet up, it's a shock: Twenty years ago, they were best friends -- beginning to be teenage lovers -- when an accident killed Miri. Or so Dean thought. Now someone is being paid to kidnap Miri and steal the jade. On the way to finding the murderer, Dean discovers an old love, an older magic, and the beginnings of a new future.

Liu goes all out from page one, packing Red Heart of Jade with lots of action, a powerful and tender love story, an intricate plot, and a fabulous setting. Ginger Curwen
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Product Details

  • ISBN-13: 9780062019882
  • Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
  • Publication date: 2/22/2011
  • Series: Dirk & Steele Series , #3
  • Format: Mass Market Paperback
  • Pages: 384
  • Sales rank: 494,875
  • Product dimensions: 4.10 (w) x 6.70 (h) x 1.10 (d)

Read an Excerpt



The Red Heart of Jade


By Marjorie M. Liu


Dorchester Publishing


Copyright © 2006
Marjorie M. Liu

All right reserved.

ISBN: 0-505-52631-X


Chapter One


In the moments before Dean Campbell opened his eyes to the
fire burning him alive, he found himself lost within a dream
of stone and light, where bones crunched underfoot and a chain
pressed hard around his ankle, binding him tight within the
center of a raggedy sand circle. A deep dream, an old dream,
the kind he rarely had anymore, and it was only the scent of
roasting meat that pulled him from the mystery of shadows
inside him mind. Pulled him free and floating, consciousness
returning with a hard peeling light that became, after a
moment's confusion, an inferno, a sheet of pure heat washing
over his naked body.

Fire. He was on fire.

Dean screamed. He screamed until his eyes bulged, but he made
no sound. His throat was hostage. And like his voice, his body
refused him. He could not move. Paralyzed, or maybe he was
already dead and this was hell: forced to watch himself burn
to ash, his life given up like a paper doll to a matchstick,
some human sacrifice to the white-hot beast licking his eyes,
melting his mouth, pushing deep inside his ears to roar like
thunder; a sound to ride his terror upon as he silently
screamed, screamed and screamed until something broke inside
his head and shattered.

He felt hands on his body. Real hands, the kind he had not
felt in years. Small and female, delicate. Moving against his
chest, sinking into his splitting flesh. Scratching. Cutting.
Carving an incision above his heart. He felt no pain, no - nerve
endings melting, sloughing away like old skin - but he
sensed those fingers - oh God, oh God - slide into his body
past bone to wrap tight around his hammering heart, and he
thought, This is it, I'm gonna die, I'm already dead, what a
loser, what a goddamn way to end it. But as the hand squeezed
inside his chest, fingers unforgiving, another voice intruded
on Dean's mind, a voice loud and clear and unfamiliar, and he
heard a man say, No, not yet, not again.

And just like that, the fire boomed, puffed, the pressure
eased. The world collapsed into darkness.

Screams. Dean heard terrible screams. He thought someone else
must be hurt, dying - get up, get up, get your gun and fight
- but after a moment of dazed horrified wonder he realized
that it was him - his voice, finally working - and what a
beautiful awful sound. He could not shut his mouth. He could
not stop his body from writhing as the paralysis eased. Yet
still, blindness; a darkness absolute ... until Dean raised a
shaking hand and touched his face

He opened his eyes. The world came into soft-lit focus: a
white ceiling, creamy walls, a darkened window covered in
ivory sheers. Hotel finery at its best. Clean and perfect and
not on fire.

Not on fire.

He sucked in his breath and closed his eyes. Gripped the
rumpled sheets between his fists to steady himself before
slowly, carefully, touching his body. He was naked, covered in
sweat, but his skin was smooth and he felt no pain. He was
whole. Intact. Still had a penis and all the other bits that
went with it. No bad smells, like meat or smoke. Just the
light sweet scent of orchids.

So. Just a dream, then. A goddamn dream.

Dean sat up. Cold metal spilled from the hollow of his throat;
a woman's locket, hanging from a thin chain around his neck.
He gripped the necklace hard, savoring the rounded edge that
cut into his palm. Gulped down long cold breaths that did
nothing to slow his heart. He felt woozy, nauseated. Tried to
imagine the fire as a dream and could not. The heat was still
too real.

His knuckles brushed against his chest, the skin above his
heart. He felt a scar, but that was familiar, old news.
Except, just below it he touched something else, a ridge that
should not be, and Dean opened his eyes.

There was a mark. A red curving line, like a welt or bloody
tattoo, the afterthought of a sharp knife. Dean pressed his
fingers against it, tracing the edges. He felt pain. The first
pain since opening his eyes to the fire, the dream.

Or maybe not a dream at all. Dean remembered those small
hands, the sensation of fingers pushing, pushing so damn hard
into his chest, wrapping around his heart. Squeezing. He
remembered that voice in his head. He remembered fire.

All of it, so real. Real enough to kill. Real enough to almost
make sense, considering what he had been chasing for the past
three days. Which, given his luck, meant one thing only.

He was in some very deep shit.

(Continues...)




Excerpted from The Red Heart of Jade
by Marjorie M. Liu
Copyright © 2006 by Marjorie M. Liu.
Excerpted by permission.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.
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Customer Reviews

Average Rating 4
( 73 )
Rating Distribution

5 Star

(35)

4 Star

(21)

3 Star

(14)

2 Star

(0)

1 Star

(3)

Your Rating:

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See All Sort by: Showing 1 – 20 of 73 Customer Reviews

  • Posted September 23, 2011

    #3 Awesome #4 not available in Nook

    This book was a great read - Marjorie's an inventive author that gives you interesting characters and plots. I like how she interweaves the main/supporting characters while at the same time introducing new ones in each book. This series needs to be read in order and don't skip any of them. I wanted to post this review to let readers know #4 is an anthology and only available in hard copy but don't skip it because it's a building block in the series you don't want to miss - it's a great short story. I'm currently on #9 and still enjoying the books and have already pre-ordered the last one she has out in it becuase I know I'll want be ready to read it as soon as it's available

    4 out of 5 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted March 9, 2012

    Not as good as previous in series.

    To much going on in this book. I like a little mystery, but this it was a little confusing at times

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted June 13, 2012

    Great Series

    Once you pick it up you can't put it down.

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  • Posted March 8, 2012

    Great series

    Evey book just keeps getting better

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  • Anonymous

    Posted February 19, 2012

    Great fast-moving book - 280-some pgs on the Nook

    Like the first 2 books I read, this one is just as exciting but like book #2, is a little gruesome. The story is fast paced and just when you get your heart rate down, it jumps into the next turn of events. Very talented writer with imagination beyond mine. A mix of paranormal, ancient legends, magic, and love.

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  • Posted December 29, 2011

    great book-series

    Great series-read the first one and decided I had to have the rest of the series. They continued to be great.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted November 27, 2011

    Good fantasy/adventure/mystery read

    I recently started reading the Dirk and Steele series and so far have enjoyed the three I have read. To anonymous who posted the fourth book is an anthology - can any provided more information such as the title...I would very much like to read these books in order. For those you are new to the series the first book was a little over the top in the romance department in that the writing was a somewhat of a cliche...however book two was much better. What appears to be direction these books are heading is that each book allows the author to focus on one of the members of the Dirk and Steele Agency.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted November 23, 2011

    Anyone know where to get #4?

    Cant seem to find it in the nook store just wondering if it is avalaible as an ebook on any other website.

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  • Posted November 21, 2011

    One of the best

    Except for the ending (!) that is. Definitely worth the read, though.

    0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted September 24, 2011

    Good read if you can accept ending.

    Very, very good love story and heros easy to love and identify with. Althought too many twists and turns, good writing that kept one reading on. The ending was weak. No resolution or explanation to what the real problem was, just "power". Would I read it a second time - NO, but good enough for a one-time read. Would want to read more of her books after reading this one despite its problems.

    Definitely recommended for a book club discussion. The ending alone would produce hours of discussion.

    Bunny

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  • Anonymous

    Posted July 17, 2006

    Fantastic and fantastical

    Ms. Liu has written another delicious romantic adventure that pulls together action worthy of an Indiana Jones movie and a love that has endured past death. Readers will root for Miri and Dean as they encounter shape- shifting dragons, a man who cannot be killed, spells, archeological remains, and their destiny that has entwined them since their birth. I was yanked into this story by the end of the first page. Give yourself a treat and read this book. Then give yourself a really big treat and read all the rest of her Dirk & Steele series.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted June 13, 2006

    Fire, Love and Intrigue

    If you have read either of the first 2 books in this series by ms. liu you'll know that Dean Campbell is an irreverent bad boy, who's always pushing everyone's buttons and panting after the women. Or at least, that's the impression you've gotten with the first 2 books. Some times, things aren't always what they seem. And that's never been truer, then with this new story by Ms. Liu The Red Heart Of Jade Dean is in Taipei, trying to find, and stop, a pyrotechnic serial killer, when things start spiraling out of control. Not only are his powers not able to locate the pyrotechnic, but he's seeing dead people. Specifically, the only women he's ever loved, and who died in his arms 20 years earlier. Mirabelle Lee, professor, archaeologist, anthropologist, and her mentor have made an exciting discovery. Mummified bodies that seem to be over 4 thousand years old. What is even stranger, is that one of the bodies, seems to have a large piece of red jade, embedded in it's chest. Embedded, as in the skin has actually grown over the edges of the jade. To make things even more interesting, there seems to be 2 different groups of people, who do not want the discovery, well, discovered, and want her dead. When the only man she ever loved, arose from the dead to save her from being kidnapped, she knows that her life has changed forever. An exciting story, that once I started reading, couldn't put down, where bad guys aren't always the worse guys, and good guys are definitely not friends. Where true love has actually with stood the sands of time, and sometimes, trust and faith are all you can base your decisions on.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted June 15, 2006

    Murder, Mystery, and Magic

    Dean Campbell the bad boy of the Dirk & Steele Agency is sent to investigate murders in Taipei. While investigating the case he finds a photo of someone from his past that was very special to him. Could she really be alive? This story keeps the reader in suspense from start to finish. What really happened 20 years ago to bring Dean and Mari to this point? Definitely as story not to be missed. As with the previous two books 'Tiger's Eye' and 'Shadow Touch', Ms Liu has written a story that sucks the reader in from page and doesn't let go until the end.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted June 14, 2006

    A KEEPER

    The third installment of Marjorie M. Liu's Dirk & Steel Romance, The Red Heart of Jade, will keep you reading nonstop till you've finished it! I seriously thought that Shadow Touch, the second in the series, was intriguing but I do believe Ms. Liu has outdone herself yet again when it comes to the intrigue in TRHOJ. I actually read it straight thru because I NEEDED to know what was going to happen. She transports you with her words of vivid descriptions to the exotic lands of Taipei and Hong Kong. You feel as if you could inhale the smells, see the sights, and hear the sounds of all the sceneries and characters she is describing at the moment. The story is about Dean Campbell and ex-cop who is clairvoyant working a case for Dirk & Steele involving a killer who murders his victims with fire. They alone burn up although nothing around them does. The murders/murderer leads Dean to Mirabelle Lee, an archaeologist and Deans long lost love. A love, he thought was dead and buried. Someone is after Mirabelle because they believe she has something her partner, Dr. Owen, uncovered in one of the female mummies they were studying. Something, embedded in the chest of the mummified woman. A red jade stone. Dean comes to Mirabelle's rescue just in time but discovers from her kidnapper that there are more sinister and evil things going on then they both realize and that it involves both Dean and Mirabelle. Also, there is a good chance the killer is on to Dean and his partners. He knows who and what they are and that is very dangerous for Dean and the agency. Here the nonstop action an intrigue begin as both Dean and Mirabelle try to figure out who is pulling all the strings and why. What makes things even harder is that neither Dean or Mirabelle have forgotten each other and they both have to come to terms with the fact that one, they are both alive, two, there is someone out to get them and three, they still have feelings for each other. You won't be disappointed so put this one on your list and let your friends know about it. The Red Heart of Jade by Marjorie M. Liu. A KEEPER!

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  • Anonymous

    Posted June 14, 2006

    Magic, Fire, Death, Murder!

    This book has it all and more.. Dean Campbell works for the Dirk & Steele Detective Agency. With his abilities he is the perfect man to investigate several murders in Taipei. While searching for a murderer Dean finds the photo of his Childhood sweetheart. A Childhood sweetheart who is dead or is she really? What happens next? What happened so many years ago? To find out the answers you need to read the book! When reading The Red Heart of Jade you have hit the jackpot, the third book in the series has romance, suspense and so much more and true to form Marjorie is magnificent, the plots is ingenious, fresh, spellbinding and the characters are well developed. I could not put the book down as it has everything I wanted. I rate this book 5 out of 5

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  • Anonymous

    Posted June 13, 2006

    TRHOJ is on FIRE!

    Dirk & Steel Agent: Dean Campbell, clairvoyant bad boy. Professor Miribelle (Miri) Lee: Archaeologist. They both presumed the other was dead, after an incident in their teens. Dean is after a sadistic sick serial killer who does unspeakable things to his victims and then burns them. While investigating one of the crime scenes he finds a picture with an address...the odd thing is that the picture is of Miri...but Miri is dead...this can't be her, can it? Meanwhile: Miri's Mentor/Colleague Owen has discovered a piece of red jade in the chest of a mummy. Miri goes back to her hotel to get some rest and get ready to meet Owen and a friend for dinner and to discuss the jade. She wakes up late and is getting ready when a man breaks in to her room and tries to kidnap her. While fighting with him Dean busts into the room to help her. Oh my God, that's Dean...it can't be, he's dead...or is he? Okay, their now back with each other running for their lives...where do they go from here??? Read the book, you won't be disappointed. TRHOJ kept my heart on double time for the most of the way through it! Marjorie has a way with a tale...there's no doubt! When did you say the next one in this series is coming out? LOL

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  • Anonymous

    Posted June 8, 2006

    Outstanding

    I had the pleasure of reading an ARC of The Red Heart of Jade. One word - Outstanding! As the third book from Ms. Liu's Dirk & Steele series, it filled with lots of mystery, intrigue, suspense, and love between the two main characters, Dean & Miri. The premise of the Dirk & Steele series is that there is a detective agency whose agents all have some sort of psychic ability ... shapeshifting (so for we've tigers, dragons, crows, & even a dolphin), telekinesis, clairvoyance, telepaths, etc. It's a fast-paced romantic thriller with lots of non-stop action! I give this book five stars!! Don't miss out on this exceptional series by Marjorie Liu. It is money well spent!

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  • Anonymous

    Posted June 2, 2006

    Excellent paranormal romantic mystery

    In Taipei, Dirk and Steele Detective Agency psychic agent Dean Campbell does not look forward to the job of stopping a serial killer who murders using fire as his M.O. When Dean suffers a horrible nightmare in which he is on fire, he realizes the adversary is a shape shifter who can become a dragon. He also begins to find a pattern to the madness, which leads to archeologist Dr. Mirabelle Lee. --- Dean goes to meet Mirabelle, whom he pledges to protect, but is shocked as he knows her. Two decades ago, they were teens who were attracted to one another, but both thought the other died. Now someone is pulling strings using dark magic to bring them together for what purpose neither knows, but the dragon is obviously part of the machinations. --- This Dirk and Steele paranormal romantic mystery, THE RED HEART OF JADE, is a fabulous thriller that readers will devour in one euphoric sitting. The fast-paced story line is loaded with action as the hero realizes his deadly adversary knows him and his skills quite intimately. Dean and Mirabelle are a dynamic duo trying to bring to ground a lethal murdering machine. As with SHADOW TOUCH, Marjorie M. Liu writes a gripping supernatural thriller. --- Harriet Klausner

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  • Anonymous

    Posted June 15, 2006

    not typical

    Ever want to read a romance that doesn't seem to be overcome with your typical hero saves girl then girl is obsessed with hero? This book will never be considered typical. Starting out as more of a murder/action book, Dean our hero, who if your familiar with Marjorie M. Liu book will know him, finds his long lost friend/love. Although I do love a good mushy romance I really enjoyed this real, well as real as you get when the characters have mystical powers, romance. They started out as friends and then became more and wasn't all about the 'intimate' sceans we find over taking plot in many romance books today. So action, adventure, magic and of course the romance make this a great book. I do recommend reading Miu's other two Dirk & Steele romance books first, since this book was not my favorite of the three. But as far as talent to keep you reading, I loved it. Pick it up, you won¿t regret it.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted June 25, 2006

    Great book!

    Marjorie Liu¿s latest book, The Red Heart Of Jade, takes you into a world where anything can happen. Once I started it I could not put it down. The action starts and then keeps going. Along the way you meet childhood sweethearts that thought each other died 20 years ago, shape shifters, dragons, more-than-human people and a Jade mystery that is thousands of years old. This is a romance that reads more like a thriller. The characters seem so real. This book builds on the Dirk & Steel world as well as making you want to know more about it. This book can be read alone but if you have read the other books in the series you get more out of it. I can not wait until the next book in the series comes out.

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