LIZARD'S TALE

A boy gets caught up in a deadly game of espionage.

Singapore, 1940: Lizard’s White British father is dead, and his Cantonese mother left him with his paternal Uncle Archie—who disappeared a few years later. Lizard has been surviving in Chinatown through petty thievery and doing odd jobs for Boss Man Beng, a small-time gangster. One day, he decides he’ll take one last big gig from Boss Man Beng. But the teak box he’s been asked to steal doesn’t contain just any trinket: It’s an item that could determine the fate of a country on the brink of war, something people will kill for. As Lizard tries to decipher how the box’s contents; his best friend, Lili; and his Uncle Archie are connected, he finds himself entangled in a dangerous web of deceit, espionage, and murder. In addition to its strong pacing, intriguing mystery, and humorous elements, Chan’s debut is packed with underlying themes of belonging, prejudice, and empowerment. An outsider because of his mixed heritage, Lizard is trying to find his place in the world. Chan also highlights the ruling British colonists’ snobbery for their colonial subjects, a sense of entitlement that trickles all the way down to the youngest citizens. As a bonus, Lili, who is Chinese and investigates with Lizard, is a kick-butt heroine who picks locks like a pro and snap-kicks grown men to the ground.

An action-packed adventure with wide appeal.