If You Don't Go — A Thriller by Diana Hongcha | Global Book Award Silver Medal Winner | Amazon Bestseller

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A Fast-paced and Rewarding Read — Reader

The finished novel is even stronger: set mainly in China, it provides a propulsive narrative of a missing-person case with high stakes. Alice Zhu offers a striking perspective on events as they unfold, both super-accurate and wryly bemused. This initial novel in the Alice Zhu series is a fast-paced and rewarding read. It's also a great vacation read (I finished the book in Florence), one that would be fun to read anywhere.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Suspenseful thriller — Andrea C

I enjoyed reading this suspenseful thriller about Alice Zhu's journey, from her fear of flying, to her complicated history with China, to her sense of obligation to Deckard, the story balances really well her internal struggles with the external mystery of Deckard's disappearance. I also liked how the setting of the book transitioned from Shanghai to some of the quieter and more remote regions of China.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A page turner full of suspense, heart, history, and unpredictable twists! — Lemma

Once I started, I could not put this book down! It builds up the adventure and suspense through multiple perspectives and time periods. The book has suspense, adventure, heart, history, and unpredictable twists, especially the surprise ending!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Threads Across a Vanishing Landscape — Jenny S.

This blends suspense with sharp observation, following a lawyer drawn into the search for a vanished childhood connection across contemporary China. Memory and identity play key roles as the narrative moves between past and present. The setting feels textured and lived in, offering insight into everyday life beyond headlines.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Fun twist in plot, cool combination of history, technology, philosophy with immigrant experience — Z. Liu

I grew up in China in roughly the same era as the main character Alice in this book. I also came to U.S. and became a lawyer. I found the experience described very authentic as well as thought-provoking. The book also masterfully combined history, technology, philosophy together with a fast-paced mystery. I eagerly wait for the next book.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ A slow burn mystery — Joe

Traveling alongside Alice felt personal. The mystery kept moving, but what stuck with me were the quiet moments, the cultural friction, and the emotional weight of going back to a place you left behind. Thoughtful and tense without needing constant action.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Historically and culturally intriguing — Keith

I like the historical fiction aspect of the book; the locations and timelines are detailed and believable. It was both interesting from a human relationship standpoint and thrilling with the lost bitcoin, discovery, and chase elements.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Past secrets chase present danger — EricG

Alice Zhu felt deeply human to me, especially her reluctance to return to China and the way fear and memory constantly tug at her decisions. I really liked Duan Lili, sharp and unpredictable, bringing energy and friction into every scene she is in. By the end, Alice's confrontation with her history felt just as important as uncovering what really happened to Deckard... and that balance worked beautifully.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great ending! — ACM

The author paints a really vivid picture of contemporary China, from the bustle of Shanghai to rural Sichuan. The dual timeline adds a lot of emotional depth. The search for the missing CEO, Deckard Shen, is full of twists and turns involving corporate secrets and lost Bitcoin. Super satisfying ending!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A Gripping Journey Through Memory, Mystery, and Modern China — Seth Harwood

This literary thriller delivers everything you want: complex characters, high stakes, and a richly layered mystery spanning continents and decades. Alice Zhu is a phenomenal protagonist—sharp, flawed, and deeply human. If you love smart thrillers with genuine emotional depth and complex female protagonists, this book deserves a spot at the top of your reading list.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A non-put-able down-able bitcoin mystery — Amy Schottenfels

If You Don't Go is a blast to read with real depth. For readers from China, it's a homecoming—authentic, intimate, and true. For everyone else, it's a class about a time in Chinese history and the people who lived it. A mystery that moves, a thriller that teaches. A must-read.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A futuristic thriller deeply rooted in the past — Jenn Waldrop

Fantastically textured characters and a shifting setting made for an interesting thriller! The unique perspectives on modern and historical China were relatable and accessible in a new way. An educational and thought-provoking story that brings to life the fascinating people behind the curated stories and National identities.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Page Turner + — Karen Rigdon

It's a wonderful read! It drew me in, in an unexpected way. I quickly realized it was a page turner, but felt I walked away knowing something solid about life in China in the 1980s and early years of this century.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great read!! Looking forward to more! — Alfred Hou

I loved the evolution of setting for this book...mirroring the political development of China to the current technological age. Fast paced yet meticulously constructed. A wonderful thought-provoking read, perfect for a long plane ride.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Dual Point-of-view mystery novel is a real page turner! — Eileen Long

This is one of those books that you're excited to open up each time you go back to reading so you can see what will happen next. Written from the point of view of two of the main characters, alternating their stories as the action progresses. I definitely recommend this mystery novel with a mid life crisis element!!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Impressive debut novel!! — Adventuregram

A first rate mystery set in China with compelling characters, vivid descriptions, history, culture, emotional depth and surprising twists making it a fun read! If You Don't Go is an impressive debut novel and a promising start to an intriguing new mystery series. I look forward to the next Alice Zhu adventure!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Fun, easy read with some intrigue — Shopper

This was a fun read with interesting plot twists. Short chapters, quick pace, unique settings. Tone is light even though it touches on some heavy topics. Makes you think but doesn't leave you exhausted. Recommend if you're looking for a fun, easy read with some intrigue.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great read — Lisa S.

I loved this book. Very engaging characters and an interesting perspective. Hope she writes another one soon.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Atmospheric and twisty read — Sarah Davis

I fell into this story faster than I expected. Hongcha does a great job weaving that tension into every scene. The emotional stakes and the constant sense of "something's not adding up" kept me hooked. By the end, it felt like I'd been pulled through a maze of secrets right alongside the protagonist. It's twisty and surprisingly personal.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Intriguing International Mystery — Richard Papen

I was along for the ride with Alice as she returned to China for the first time in decades. It was fascinating to have an insider's view of the country and to hear different takes on topics like censorship, modernity, and family. You'll have to read this book to find out, and there are several twists along the way!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Fast-Paced and Fun — David Pape

A thrilling novel set against a backdrop of multiple locations across China, this one will keep you turning the page. The main character, Alice Zhu, is an attorney looking for a lost friend and the journey takes her and the reader across a lot of suspenseful twists and turns. Great read if you're looking for action!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Interesting read — Ben Chuba

Very interesting novel and reflective of some my own experiences as someone who left home, traveled abroad and went back home because of unfinished business or to settle a score. Alice is a strong and daring woman and holds me spellbound to the pages every time I turn them. Love the twists and turns.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A Thrilling Mix of Mystery and Culture — Bruce K. Grant

Just finished this gripping novel! The author successfully combines thriller elements with cultural commentary and well-developed characters. Recommended for readers seeking intelligent suspense fiction.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Interesting Find — The Collective

In a suspense thriller that spans over a decade, this is a modern thriller involving high-tech, Bitcoin, and the rise of China in the technology world. A well-crafted story that, once you start, will be hard to put down until the very last pages. Bravo!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Fantastic writing — Diana Kimak

I couldn't put this one down. IF YOU DON'T GO is a brilliantly written book that jumps back and forth through time with authentic descriptions. The author does an outstanding job of blending mystery with a technological advancement in China. I highly recommend this story!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Alice in the Wonderland of the China Tech Boom Years — sophie081

The novel is an interesting and intricate weave of a missing-person thriller / detective story, tech/crypto sub-plot, cultural commentary, and reflections on memory, identity, and China's bracing transformation over the past few decades. Those who have had experience working in tech in China during the boom years of the 2000's and 2010's will get a special kick out of the references and schemes.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ What an enjoyable book! — Joan

My husband ordered the book, and when it arrived, I thought I'd just read a chapter or two before giving it to him. I couldn't put the book down! It was great writing and an intriguing plot. The author kept us guessing as Alice, the main character, searched through China for her old childhood friend. What a great book!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent Read — S T M

Wow! As someone who has been fascinated by China for over two decades I can honestly say this book gave me a powerful and unexpected gift. I was blown away by how vividly it captures the essence of a nation in flux. An absolute must-read!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Beautifully written mystery — Dasha Beardsley

Thrilled to see Diana's book out in the world! A beautifully written mystery with heart and depth.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Loved it! — E-rock

A suspenseful story with surprising depth. The complex plot weaves together many different themes: money/crypto, tech, Chinese culture and history, work/life balance, mental health, gender dynamics, and immigration/diaspora experience. It's a very compelling Asian American mystery that's both fun to read and feels personal.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Hard to put it down! — Read Like Putra

A captivating mystery that weaves culture, time, technology, and personality into a page flipping read. There's a little bit of everything in here to get caught up on history, sci-fi, crypto, travel, business. The title sums it up well, If You Don't Go. Take the leap and get going with this early fall reading.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Can't wait for the next Alice Zhu adventure! — S Z

I really enjoyed this novel as a whole - Diana Hongcha deftly takes us on a gripping and mysterious ride through China's past and present with her main characters, Alice Zhu and Deckard Shen. Mystery, Adventure, History, Politics, Tech, Family, Emotion!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A Journey Home, a Search for Truth, and the Cost of Leaving — Robert

This award-winning novel is a quietly powerful exploration of identity, memory, and the complicated meaning of home. Thoughtful and emotionally layered, the book captures the immigrant experience with nuance and honesty, asking what we lose and what we risk when we leave home behind for too long.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Emotionally layered — Bella

The mystery unfolds across modern China with rich detail, blending corporate intrigue, buried memories, and real stakes. The dual timelines add depth, and the suspense never lets up. A compelling, character driven thriller that lingers long after the final page.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ A must read thriller — Samuel Blake

If you want to know how life was in China in the 1980s, you must go for this. It's a suspense thriller and really interesting. The curiosity and connection are amazing, nothing short of a thriller movie. It is not filled with violence, and the tone is soft and engaging.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ solid and enjoyable read — Olha

An unexpectedly twisted plot, with much of the story unfolding between China and the U.S. I really enjoyed the vivid descriptions, well-developed characters, and natural dialogue. If you're a fan of contemporary thrillers with an international setting, this is a very solid and enjoyable read.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Recommend the book — Naomi Butler

Set in contemporary China, If You Do not Go is an engrossing and convoluted literary thriller that intertwines themes of buried memories and lost bitcoins. A gripping story that examines the difficulties of identification and trust in a society that is changing quickly.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ A gripping thriller — Sylwia Sztukowska

A gripping thriller that transports me to the setting of Shanghai. I especially enjoyed the portrayal of China as presented in the protagonist's memories from the 1980s, when she was a teenager. It's a gripping story with many turning points and will undoubtedly appeal to many readers.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very Interesting — Azeba

Very interesting; I don't usually read thrillers, but this was definitely something. It offered a unique perspective of how immigrants see their new home versus their homeland, which I hadn't really considered before. The characters were quite well written and blended intrigue, personal history, and intense mystery really well.