“Lisa See begins to do for Beijing what Sir Arthur Conan Doyle did for turn-of-the-century London or Dashiell Hammett did for 1920s San Francisco: She discerns the hidden city lurking beneath the public facade.”–The Washington Post Book WorldIn the depths of a Beijing winter, during the waning days of Deng Xiaoping’s reign, the U.S. ambassador’s son is found dead–his body entombed in a frozen … entombed in a frozen lake. Around the same time, aboard a ship adrift off the coast of Southern California, Assistant U.S. Attorney David Stark makes a startling discovery: the corpse of a Red Prince, a scion of China’s political elite.
The Chinese and American governments suspect that the deaths are connected and, in an unprecedented move, they join forces to see justice done. In Beijing, David teams up with the unorthodox police detective Liu Hulan. In an investigation that brings them to every corner of China and sparks an intense attraction between the two, David and Hulan discover a web linking human trafficking to the drug trade to governmental treachery–a web reaching from the Forbidden City to the heart of Los Angeles and, like the wide flower net used by Chinese fishermen, threatening to ensnare all within its reach.
“A graceful rendering of two different and complex cultures, within a highly intricate plot . . . The starkly beautiful landscapes of Beijing and its surrounding countryside are depicted with a lyrical precision.”
–Los Angeles Times Book Review
“Murder and intrigue splash across the canvas of modern Chinese life. . . . A vivid portrait of a vast Communist nation in the painful throes of a sea change.”
–People
“Fascinating . . . that rare thriller that enlightens as well as it entertains.”
–San Diego Union-Tribune
A Finalist for the Edgar Award for Best First Mystery
A NEW YORK TIMES NOTABLE BOOK
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The author invites readers to experience China in depth—the local color, the cultural complexity, and the effects of history, politics and policy on daily life. The plot is unique and original, with the exception of the obligatory confrontation-and-confession scene found in many mysteries, and even that scene is handled in a manner that makes it plausible. The nature of the crimes is realistically disturbing, providing insight into the characters of those behind them. I grew attached to some of the secondary characters, especially Investigator Peter Sun and the official neighborhood busybody who keeps an eye on Hulan. Of the two lead characters. Liu Hulan is the more fully realized and consistent as well as more complicated, with her family history. Her American colleague David Stark starts out clearly portrayed as an attorney with a sense of justice and a willingness to take chances, but he had a strange scene toward the end with conventional tough-guy behavior that felt out of character. The relationship between the two leads is drawn with sensitivity. At times in the middle of the book, when the pace of the action is intense, the point of view becomes unclear, with the narration insufficiently anchored in any character’s perspective and feelings. When it’s anchored, though, the story is compelling. Overall, I found the book fascinating and would consider following this series to spend more time with Inspector Liu Hulan. I should add, I like long books, and this book is satisfyingly long.
The first I believe in her detective thrillers. Again – read them all – she is a brilliant writer.
I really enjoy her detective stories!
Lisa See’s books are always very informative about the setting/country, the culture and the characters/people. Her characters have great depth.
I enjoyed reading this–it was the first of the series, and the author does an intersting job of laying out the very different lives and dynamics of citizens of the People’s Republic of China. Part of the book’s interest lies in this very different venue, and, although China experts may have some exceptions to make regarding how believable the characters or plot is, the average reader (myself included) will be enchanted. A very worthwhile read…
So much has to be explained that sometimes the prose is a little clunky, but the characters are likable and that story has interesting twists. Not as good as Dragon Bones.
Not her best type of story. The plot was so unbelievable and unconvincing. I was surprised because I really enjoyed her prior books. This is not a good format for her writing style.
I adore Lisa Lee’s novels.
Loved this book. Lisa See is one of my favorite writers. I’ve now read all her books and am now on the second book of her three series. Great history and knowledge of China.
Well written – a bit slow in the beginning as characters were developed but picked up quite well towards the middle.
Lots of information about China history and culture. I was not aware of bear gall harvesting prior to reading this book
Excellent narrative of the Chinese culture told in a contemporary environment. Story builds plot and characters as it unfolds, with a surprising twist at the end that I didn’t see coming.
Loved it!
Clash of cultures is realistic, though painful. Always learn so much from Lisa See. Ending could have been more sharply drawn.
Interesting facts about China
I enjoyed seeing a “behind the scenes” look at China.
Great look into Chinese culture. Her red princess is a character you can identify with. Subplots are as good as the plot. Leaves you guessing until the very end. Second book I have read and will read more.