The Dragon and The Ghost by Mark Dawson finds Beatrix Rose in Hong Kong after the horrific murder of her husband and kidnapping of her 4 yr. old daughter by an out-of-control "Control" (the leader) of Group 15 where prior to this action Beatrix was Number One. She escaped and now resides in Hong Kong.
The Triads saturate Hong Kong, wielding power and ownership of most everything. When at a local bar she frequents, she is approached by a man she has no interest in by the name of Chau. However, as he's trying to be friendly, he's acosted by members of the Triad who say he owes their leader a Mr. Ying an apology which he's already given, but they say Chau owes him a finger. Beatrix intervenes and Chau ends up killing the three men.
Beatrix has paid private investigators a lot of money to keep searching for her daughter Isabella, but they've had little success. She needs more money. Convoluted circumstances require her to use the skills she employed as Number One for of all people: Mr. Ying. He's labeled her "the ghost" because he has never seen her, and that's fine with both of them. She kills for money and Chau cleans up the messes if necessary. Between the two of them they make a lot of money for a time, but then when a young girl who lives across the hall from her dreary abode is captured by the Triad, Beatrix is bound to seek a way to rescue her.
One thing you've come to learn about Beatrix Rose, tragedy follows her around like a dark cloud. Hardship and betrayals continue to thwart any hope or contentment. When opium takes her prisoner, she can't see her way to anywhere. Fortunately, her skills have given her value to the "Dragon Head" who chooses to offer her a job that will prove a mutual benefit.
It's hard to imagine the sad stories involved in the Beatrix Rose novels actually warranting continued reading, but Mark's authentic depictions of places around the world while describing the mindset of a fractured woman who's mastered the "art" of killing keeps each story revealing another layer of pain and determination in spite of wanting to give up. Beatrix is a unique character who lives a suffered existence with few options to escape and resolve. I do recommend the series, but be prepared for sorrow upon sorrow.
(Some profanity.)
Father, thank you for the amazing talent you've given Mark. Please continue to bless his storytelling. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.