This wasn’t my favorite of this authors books. It just wasn’t as exciting as it could have been. And the obsession with rats seemed a little disjointed and confusing instead of being a deeper symbolism as I think it was intended to be…

This book had some interesting twists, but the middle dragged a bit for me. The story follows an American ER doctor who goes on vacation in Vietnam. When her boyfriend goes missing, she becomes involved in a dangerous mystery that follows her back to the states. Bohjalian's writing is always interesting (this is my fourth read by him), and I like that he writes about such widely varying topics (flight attendants, Salem witches, etc.). There were several characters I was rooting for (and a few that I was definitely not). But it got a bit confusing switching between POVs. The ending was super intriguing, which increased this to a four-star read for me. Bohjalian remains a must-read author for me.

Disclaimer that I am a huge Chris Bohjalian fan. I typically enjoy all of his books. The Red Lotus did not disappoint and I thought the story was fascinating. The author tends to have social issues as an underlying theme of his novels and this one had to do with labs and rats and illnesses being spread. It was super timely considering the book was published during the height of the covid pandemic. Coincidence?

The characters in The Red Lotus were well developed and Mr. Bohjalian is very good at writing female characters. As a bonus, he writes well. The book flows, makes you think, and there are no unintended loose ends.

My bookclub overwhelmingly liked this book and I'll continue to recommend Bohjalian titles.

4.5 stars

I read this book at the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic and the realities of the world in fiction and real life were a lot to digest. As always, Chris Bohjalian writes a compelling novel with great characters and a twisty plot.

This book follows Alexis and Austin on a bike trip through Vietnam. But one fateful day, Austin doesn’t return from a solo bike ride. The only evidence is of his disappearance is an energy gel found on the road. Alexis, an ER doctor, spends the next several months dealing with the FBI and trying to find out what happened to Austin.

This book was thrilling, fun, and a little scary at the same time.

After really enjoying The Flight Attendant a few years ago, I was excited to get my hands on the author's newest. I was a bit disappointed to say the least. Though there were plenty of twists and turns to keep things interesting, I sadly struggled to stay focused or engage with this one. It was definitely a slow burn that just didn't do it for me. I didn't and couldn't connect to the characters and really just wanted to finish (skimming to the end occurred several times) and move on to a more engaging novel. Unfortunately, this was a tough read for me but I know many patrons will enjoy it.

Red Lotus was a great read! Frighteningly current and plausible. Alexis is flawed and vulnerable, But, by necessity, becomes stronger and determined as she seeks answers to the situation in which she finds herself. Her new boyfriend has become someone she doesn't really know. In a fight for the truth, she'll uncover a deadly secret. Page turning!

Thanks to the author, Doubleday and Netgalley for this opportunity to read and review.

I had imagined this book was something different. Great concept, bad execution. The characters were not likeable to me. It just fell flat.

I really enjoyed following the mystery throughout! Alexis’s boyfriend Austin disappears on a cyclist trip in Vietnam and from there stuff hits the fan! I felt that this was a fast paced read and I found myself reading it late at night and in the early hours of the morning. This was my first Chris Bohjalian book, but it will not be my last!

This story was riveting. All I wanted to do while on vacation was get back to my book! The twists and turns were mostly unexpected and interesting, although the two at the end were perhaps a bit much and not necessary. I felt bad for the doctor who was so hoodwinked. Clearly, her boyfriend was a GOOD actor, although I do also think he genuinely cared for her and did not intend bad consequences for her. Very well done.

ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley.

The Red Lotus is about rats -- figuratively and literally. Chris Bohjlian can write some very interesting characters, but this particular storyline was a miss for me. The first 15% and the last 15% were interesting and action-packed. The rest of the book dragged for me.

The premise of the story sounded very interesting. However, I could not follow the plot because of the multiple perspectives of different characters. Thus, this made the novel to be very confusing. I do think that this novel is very well written, and I also love the setting. Still, I recommend this for fans of S. J. Watson, Paula Hawkins, and Caroline Mitchell.

I'm currently clearing out all of the books that were published in 2019-20 from my title feedback view!

The timing of this book is pretty wild. While reading their prediction that the next pandemic would be started by bicycle handlebars DURING a pandemic was a little eerie. However, this was extremely entertaining. Tons of twists and turns kept me wanting more. I seriously enjoyed this book!

I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

I wanted to pick this up and get completely absorbed in it like I did The Flight Attendant (also by this author), but I was not able to. It was more of a finish because I have to due to my OCD. The characters and plot just didn't really pull me in and it was a push to get myself to finish this book.

Totally not what I was expecting this book to be about. That is why I love going into books blindly!!! Although, it is a little creepy that this book came our right before the pandemic happened. I always get so into the book when the mystery has to be solved alongside the main character. This was another great title by Chris Bohjalian!

I love Chris Bohjalian's books. This was no exception, but I had a bit of trouble with it due to our current world issues. I think had I read this not during a pandemic, I would have enjoyed it a lot more. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case. Had I read this at a different time, I'm sure I would have given it 5 stars. The twists and turns were great and they kept me wondering. An ER doctor travels to Vietnam for a bike tour with her boyfriend, to find herself entrenched in a desperate search for her boyfriend when he does not return from a day ride he took on his own. Her life spins out of control as she learns more and more about the boyfriend she really didn't know all that well. 4 stars. Thank you, NetGalley for the eARC.

Oh dear. This was a no go for me. Sadly.
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The thing is.... I think I could really enjoy this title. Unfortunately, my personal experiences got in the way. It seems like it is a very smart, quick novel. Sadly, I had to put it down. I do not think I will pick it back up. I will absolutely try this author again as I have said before.... this is me.... not The Red Lotus.

Strong female protagonist, yes. So many rats, also yes. Oh so much science, yes. This is a tricky one for me to rate. I have loved Chris' other novels. This one was like a roller coaster. I was all in, then I was bored, then I was back in, then ugh, So that makes it hard to rate for me.

What I loved besides Alexis, was the setting. Vietnam is not a usual setting in any of the books I read. I felt like I was learning so many things about a country I have never visited. To me it was an education that I very much enjoyed. What I didn't love was that my mind kept going elsewhere during my read. I just couldn't stay with the story. I called it a roller coaster and so that is exactly my feeling.

It is 3.5 stars for me.

This book was very obviously written by someone who knew a whole lot about the cycling world. it was a slow start but then began to pick up. the overly detailed writing is not my favorite but I was interested enough in the story that it got me through the book. it was very different from anything Id read and have enjoyed reading this author before. I look forward to his next read

Unfortunately, this was a book I had to put down and DNF. The Red Lotus was overly dramatic and not thrilling in a compulsively readable way. I can see the appeal, but this wasn't for me.