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John Dolan
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Land of Red Mist Kindle Edition

by John Dolan (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 42 ratings
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What is loyalty? What drives a person to treachery? And what do we really mean when we say we love someone?

Seeking to escape the stifling atmosphere of post-war England, the callow Edward Braddock voyages to South-East Asia to work on his uncle’s rubber plantation. But it soon becomes clear that beneath the tropical sky dangers await; and most especially in the depths of the human heart.

Set in the strife-torn Malaya of the 1950s during the end days of British rule, Land of Red Mist is a tale of yearning, folly and transformation.
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  1. Print length
    375 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  4. Publication date
    October 17, 2022
  5. File size
    1733 KB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
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  8. Enhanced typesetting
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0BFL34MRR
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Tention Publishing Limited (October 17, 2022)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 17, 2022
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1733 KB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 375 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 42 ratings

About the author

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John Dolan

John Dolan

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"Makes a living by travelling, talking a lot and sometimes writing stuff down. Galericulate author, polymath and occasional smarty-pants."

John Dolan hails from a small town in the North-East of England. Before turning to writing, his career encompassed law and finance. He has run businesses in Europe, South and Central America, Africa and Asia. He and his wife Fiona currently divide their time between Thailand and the UK.

He is the author of the 'Time, Blood and Karma' mystery series and the 'Children of Karma' mystery trilogy.

Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
4.8 out of 5
42 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Enrico Grafitti
5.0 out of 5 stars A magical adventure through an exotic land and time. Chapeau!
Reviewed in the United States on January 9, 2023
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Immersion, yes! That simple word describes the effect on readers of any of John Dolan’s Karma novels, whether set in Thailand, as are almost all, or elsewhere. Dolan’s magic manipulation of our minds provides stimuli for all the senses, or at least that is how it feels, as he conjures up the trials and tribulations of his anti-hero David Braddock in the convoluted goings-on in Bangkok and elsewhere in the Land of Smiles. It is evident to anyone who has read even a couple of the Braddock books, that there are unanswered questions lurking in the background. True, we were given an explanation for his leaving England for those exotic shores, yet, why there; why not, say, South Africa, Australia, even South America. No, there is something missing; a facet of his history, barely glimpsed through his adventures. Now to follow the thread, another, more complex and, dare-I-say, exotic word needs to be introduced. Epigenetics! [Don’t worry, a lecture in biology is not going to follow].

Everyone knows that biological parents pass their genes onto their offspring. Yet, we are not all cloned copies of our immediate ancestors because a whole host of factors are responsible for turning each gene either on or off. These factors, collectively called epigenetics, include parental life experiences, amongst many others. So what has this got to do with a new John Dolan book, you would be excused for asking at this point?

Author Dolan’s protagonist is very much at home in his far-flung Asian destination. He may have English blood running through his veins, yet he ‘fits’ in the ever-so-distinct sociology and psychology of his adopted home. As a fan of this author’s work, I have occasionally found myself musing on this very point: what in the Braddock family history makes David like he is? Well, now, after reading ‘Land of Red Mist’, I have, at least in part, my answer.

It is a fictional memoir, an imaginary autobiography, written by David Braddock’s father, Edward, relating his desire to follow the lead of his uncle Sebastian, something of a familiar black sheep, instead of that of his stern, formal father. Uncle Seb manages a large rubber plantation in Malaya during the years prefixing its independence. Once again, immersion is the word – yet with subtle differences, this being Malaya in post WWII until the early sixties, where the Malayan communist party tried to overthrow the post-war British colonial administration violently. The times were tumultuous; the people, both native and foreigners, larger than life; daily events either conditioned by the hard work on the plantations or the false bonhomie adopted by the colonists, yet sprinkled with spies and insurgents, double-dealing, deceit and murderous intent. Yes, magician Dolan has not just transported the reader on a strange and wonderful adventure in enigmatic domains, he has also taken us back to a time most will not recall, fewer will have experienced, and many will be completely unaware of, as we take a front row seat during an epic and fateful moment in Braddock family history. An amazing and highly fulfilling read. ‘Chapeau!’ I say to our galericulate author, John Dolan.
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Robert A. Cohen
5.0 out of 5 stars A Robust and Compelling Journey.
Reviewed in the United States on November 11, 2022
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At different times in John Dolan’s epic seven novel account of David Braddock’s adventures, David’s father Edward, although a character who infrequently appears, has an outsize influence on his son. At his death, Edward has left his memoirs for David. David and Edward had a rocky, nettlesome relationship, and David has refused to read the memoirs, although he never actually destroys them. The reader has been teased for several years as to what is contained in these confessions. Now we know. Land of Red Mist is those collected memoirs.

Not only is this an exciting adventure story, but also the reader gets a history of Malaya, where the narrative takes place, and it is a particularly interesting period in the chronicles of Southeast Asia (the 1950’s). Edward is a very smart young man, full of the desire to do the right thing, who speaks his mind even at great risk. The characters wax philosophical on topics such as war, loyalty, patriotism, treachery, and family obligation. We are simultaneously entertained and enlightened.

Land of Red Mist is a bit of a style change for Mr. Dolan. David Braddock is a character full of snarky humor and cynical pop philosophizing, and this comes through in Mr. Dolan’s effervescent writing. But this is not David’s story, it’s Edward’s story, and Edward is serious and bright with vast reserves of integrity and grit. He is more inclined to meet life head-on rather than distancing himself using humor. The prose effectively reflects this.

Edward is the center of this drama, but Uncle Seb, Elizabeth, Yu Yan, Declan, Harris, Fred, Brigadier Powell, and Anderson are characters that come vividly to life in Mr. Dolan’s deftly written novel.

I have followed David Braddock since the very first installment, Everyone Burns, and he is one of my very favorite fictional characters. Through the tragedy in the epic memoir of Edward’s life, I have come to understand David better. David has become, for me, a deeper, sadder, and more colorful character. Land of Red Mist is Edward’s story. It is robust and compelling, and stands on its own. But you would be remiss if you did not undertake David’s journey as well.
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Diane
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Read
Reviewed in the United States on July 24, 2023
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Having never read the David Braddock series, I'm not familiar with the background of him and his father. The novel revolves around Edward Braddock, David's father. He is young, in his twenties. The story follows Edward's journey as he deals with the challenges of running a plantation and navigating Malaya's dangerous and complex politics. As a historical fiction novel, this was extremely intriguing for me. It was well written and compelling. The dynamic between the characters was captivating, and the plot was full of unexpected twists and turns. The David Braddock series will be on my reading list shortly. It'll be interesting to see the relationship between David and Edward. Another excellent book by John Dolan. Anyone looking for a compelling read should read this book.
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Top reviews from other countries

HM Holten
5.0 out of 5 stars Love, Loyalty, Treachery, and Philosophy
Reviewed in Germany on March 19, 2023
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I can’t imagine a John Dolan that doesn’t make you think. I have yet to read all of the Time, Blood, and Karma series, but that is just an accident. I’m looking forward to devouring those I haven’t read.

The protagonist, Edward Braddock certainly does that. A young man, unwilling to settle and work on his father’s estate, goes to Malaya during the turbulent years after WWII and until the country is finally free of colonial rule.

He must grow up quickly to answer the challenges of his work for his uncle, Seb.

Many questions emerge as the political climate includes racial divisions, insurgence, and the end of British rule.

Add to this the exotic scenery the enigmatic Malayan beauties, the uprising in another country, and you have a full-flavoured John Dolan novel. His writing is superb, the research accurate, and the plot captivating. Books that force you to think are the best.
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OlgaNM
5.0 out of 5 stars Historical and colonial fiction set in Malaya and a father’s letter to his son
Reviewed in Spain on November 6, 2022
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I have been checking, and I think I’ve read and reviewed most of the books John Dolan has published so far (I haven’t had a chance to catch up with his Baking Bad, supposedly a collection of notes from his diary, but I’m sure I’ll get round to it soon), and have enjoyed everything: his adventures into mythology, his peculiar and irreverent dictionary, and most of all, his two related mystery series, Time, Blood and Karma, and Children of Karma. Therefore, it is always with trepidation that I receive the news of the publication of another one of his books. I have never been disappointed yet. And I wasn’t this time either.
For those who don’t have much time, here is a summary of my review: A great historical novel set in Malaya in the final years before its independence, about a character who encompasses both, the best and the worse of British colonialism, and a good opportunity to get a taste of Dolan’s writing for those who haven’t read his two mystery series. The action of this book takes place before those, so it can function as a peculiar kind of prequel to both, although it also closes the circle and provides some answers for those that, like me, have read them all.
Those who have read Dolan’s two previous mystery series, set mostly in Thailand, will remember that in the last book of Children of Karma, Everyone Dies, David Braddock, the protagonist, is given his father’s diary upon the man’s passing. And he hesitates a great deal before reading it because their relationship was never the best. Eventually, he reads it. Well, this is that book. And, tagged at the end, we also get to read the letter Edward Braddock wrote to accompany the diary. This is a diary written a posteriori, not something Edward wrote when things were happening, and although it is written in the first-person, as it befits a diary, it is clear that some things are glossed over and some are discussed in more detail, in order to compose the narrative he wishes to pass on. It is written in chronological order, however, it does not cover the whole of Edward’s life, but rather centres around the years he spent in Malaya, with some brief mention of his childhood (to do mostly with the time when he met his uncle Seb, who plays a big part in the novel later). Edward is fascinated by his uncle and by life in the exotic colonies, compared to the boring life his father leads, always buried in formality, bureaucracy, and convention. One of his goals throughout most of the novel is to keep away from the UK, and he goes to some extremes to try to ensure that is the case, even when he knows the end of British rule is near, and the political situation in Malaya is likely to change drastically.
This is a story of a young man who is intelligent and eager to pick up the skills necessary to make a living in Malaya, always under the wing of his uncle, and he seems to pay little attention to the risks of the situation, to the life of others around him, or to the concerns his own family might have. He is a good worker (but, then, he works in a supervisory position from the beginning and takes many things for granted), but his main concern is for himself, and for trying to be in his father’s good books without having to do exactly what his father wants from him. He is confronted with issues of loyalty from the very beginning (he is supposed to spy on his uncle and make sure he doesn’t get too cozy with the guerilla fighters, as he fought during WWII with some of them against the Japanese); and he somehow manages to keep himself afloat without upsetting the status quo. He shares characteristics of both, his father and his uncle, and overall, he is more conventional than his uncle, although he loves to think of himself as an adventurous individual, and an independent thinker.
This novel has some characteristics of a coming-of-age story, as Edward learns plenty throughout the book, about himself, his feelings, and what really matters. It is also a confession and a posthumous attempt to make things right with his son. And, although late, I must admit that especially the letter, is a very touching piece of writing.
I have talked about Edward at length, and I must confess that although I was fascinated by his life, I didn’t particularly warm to him. His is a mostly utilitarian point of view, and he had to be challenged to try and see things from anybody else’s perspective. He makes some disparaging comments about his father, but sometimes he acts in the same way, and he takes many things as a given and as a right, just because he is who he is. I won’t go into a lot of detail about what happens to him later, but let’s just say his life does not remain charmed forever, and his reaction is... complicated but understandable. Seb is a fabulous character, and I kept wondering how a novel about him would be (Hint, hint!). Although we don’t learn much about Jeanne, Edward’s sister, who also decides to try life in the colonies, I became very intrigued by her. (Yes, I wouldn’t mind learning more about her either). And Yu Yan. And Elizabeth. I’d love to get her own version of the story. Because there is a marriage, but romance... Not so much. There are plenty of other characters, all seen from Edward’s perspective, some heroic, some standard, some mysterious, and some truly horrid. And, perhaps the most important character of all is Malaya. The historical background, the international political situation, the fights, the changes the world was undergoing at the time, and the turmoil, all make for a compelling story, and this is a great way to learn about that historical period and gain a good perspective of what life must have been like in the area, especially for the Europeans living in the colonies. (There are only passing glances at what life was like for the natives).
Loyalty to the family, to your friends, and to your country (what and who really deserves your loyalty) are questioned, as are family relationships, betrayal, love, and respect, colonialism and independence, romance and love, fatherhood, blame, grief, revenge...
The book flows well and the writing style suits perfectly what we imagine would be the diary of a well-educated and travelled Englishman of the period, somebody well-informed in politics (he learns about it as he grows older), convinced of his own opinions although with some moments of hesitation and self-doubt, a good observer but not given to lengthy descriptions, rather preferring to write about the impression something makes on him. He can be witty at times, although he is not as given to philosophising or turning things on their heads as his son David is. The story is told at a good pace, it flows easily, and there are enough adventures to keep us turning the pages. Towards the end, the rhythm increases, and it is harder to keep up. Although the book is not explicit in its violence (and there is no graphic sex either), there are scary moments and some violence we are direct witnesses to (and some that are narrated second-hand), so people who prefer to avoid such subjects, should stay away.
I have mentioned the letter that accompanies the novel, and it went a long way to make me make my peace with the main character, a man who lacked self-awareness but had to face some extreme and painful events in his life, and whose final words to his son are not a self-justification, but something much more beautiful.
Having said all that, I recommend this book to anybody keen on historical fiction set in Malaya post-WWII towards the end of the British home rule, to any fans of John Dolan, and to those who would like to discover a talented writer with a flair for combining great locations, with unforgettable characters, and complex plots that will keep them thinking.
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Yorkshire lass
5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant follow-up to the Braddock family saga!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 2, 2022
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This book will more than satisfy fans of the author’s Time, Blood and Karma series that covers the life of its inimitable protagonist, David Braddock. A welcome follow-up to this gripping series, Land of Red Mist is penned with a different stroke, John Dolan adopting a more serious tone that’s in keeping with the historical events of the time.

The setting for this fascinating story is Malaya, during the turbulent twelve years between 1948 and 1960 when there was an uprising to free Malaysia from colonial rule.
Against this backdrop of insurgency and political unrest, we follow the life of David’s father, Edward Braddock, and learn the reasons behind their difficult relationship which the previous series only hinted at and never fully explored.

Eager to join his uncle Seb and assist in the running of the family’s rubber plantation, Edward grows to love Malaysia, despite the political climate with its racial divisions and ever present dangers. He forges a warm friendship with his uncle and we are introduced to a wide range of interesting characters: Alfie Dougal, a down-to-earth Scotsman and Seb’s right-hand man on the plantation, Yu Yan, Seb’s amah, the Head of Special Branch, and not least Elizabeth Whitton who has her own story to tell. Their intertwining lives add spice to an atmosphere of uncertainty and dread as the tensions mount. To say more would take away the surprises and there is no shortage of those!

The well executed historical events obviously involved some meticulous research. Aside from the exciting story itself, I learned a lot from this detailed account of the Malayan conflict, giving me a deeper understanding of how it must feel to live amidst such turmoil. To take an engaging story and weave all the threads into a situation such as this requires a great deal of skill. John Dolan has pulled this off with consummate ease in Land of Red Mist which clearly demonstrates his versatility as a writer.

A final note that will resonate with his followers: my enjoyment of the Braddock family saga is tinged with sadness now that the series has come to an end. When I reached the conclusion, however, I felt there was room for more on Edward Braddock’s life and I cannot help but wonder if Mr Dolan is planning to surprise us all in the future. I sincerely hope so! 5*
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Pat McDonald
5.0 out of 5 stars The wonderful Prequel to Time, Blood and Karma and Children of Karma series
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 5, 2022
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'Land of Red Mist is the prequel to John Dolan’s David Braddock private detective Time, Blood and Karma and Children of Karma series (seven books in all). It is set in Malaya in the 1950s during the end days of British rule and tells the story of David’s father, Edward Braddock and his mother Elizabeth, and their life on a rubber plantation against a dangerous backdrop of brutal communist revolt. It is written as a journal of his life which he records to leave for his son together with a final letter, both of which we have already seen have been untouched by David Braddock. It is exceptionally well written and like all John Dolan’s books are incredibly well researched. Without exception they take you to lands you may know nothing about. I particularly enjoyed the way he has written it in language commensurate with the times.
I have patiently awaited this book having read the two series about David Braddock which leaves you with hints that there were secrets within his familial past that he was unaware of. All the books are an unique vision of different cultures and in this one of times and histories that are explained throughout. I found myself left with tears in eyes and a lump in my throat but couldn’t say whether that was because of his father’s final letter or that I had come to the end of the story. Maybe both. (Pat McDonald, British crime author)
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Mat
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautifully woven story
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 20, 2022
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This is another Dolan classic.

It is quite different in pace to his other work but still incredibly hard to put down.

Here we meet Edward Braddock, David's father who has been on national service in Malaya.

We learn that Edward has 2 uncles, one seemingly a bit of a wastrel for whom their father seems to have little time: Thomas who owns a plantation in the Caribbean and the other, Seb, who owns a rubber plantation in Malaya.

Edward immediately takes to Seb and ends up working for him. This is where all the adventure starts.

Seb is a war hero in Malaya after helping rid the country of the Japanese but this leaves him close to a member of the Communist Terror group as one of his former brothers in arms ends up being a member of this group. This puts Seb at odds with the British rule.

I won't spoil the plot but in this book, we _begin_ to learn why David's relationship with Edward is the way it is and how it is the ultimate tragedy that has pushed their relationship into pretty much non-existence.

I really hope that John writes a part 2 for this as there is so much more to learn about Edward's past.

Thank you JD for another fabulous book that I ended up reading in 2 sittings!
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