The Shanghai Murders

by David Rotenberg

Book Overview

The first in the series of mysteries featuring Shanghai Detective Inspector Zhong Fong, Fong must solve the bizarre and puzzling murders of a New Orleans police officer and an African diplomat in modern-day Shanghai.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1552782662
• ISBN13: 9781552782668
• Release Date: October 2004
• Publisher: McArthur & Company
• Length: 316 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.3" x 7.0"

Customer Reviews

Fascinating and compelling

Although there are times when the menace of Shanghai's social setup makes for uncomfortable reading, I found this book to be utterly enthralling. I would rate it right up there with Andrea Camerelli's work as not only a good mystery, but a satisfying window into another culture.

Fascinating view of modern Shanghai, memorable work

This is a richly-textured mystery novel with great local and historical depth. The first in a series of four (so far), it made me think about the connections between writing (creating characters) and acting.

A gem of a murder mystery

A librarian friend recommended this to me and with good reason. It has all the ingredients I look for: exotic setting; intriguing characters; gory deaths; smooth, tight writing style; interesting tidbits of information; heartbreak; and a healthy dose of humor. A perfect reading experience.

Gritty Murder in an Exotic locale.

Rotenburg's setting is dead-on. He takes you there, puts you into the dirty streets of Shanghai. You can smell the rotting cabbage and feel the taxis whiz by. His characters are intriguing, brooding, haunted. It was an extremely enjoyable read. His language is clear and concise. I gobbled it up in one read! Heard he's planning a sequel with the same detective. Can't wait to read it.