I must say I was pleasantly surprised when I received an advanced copy of Peter May's sixth mystery set in China, Chinese Whispers. I'm just sorry that I hadn't found this series before now. Peter May left journalism when his first novel was published when he was only twenty-six. After that he began writing fiction in earnest, but put his efforts into writing for BBC television, creating The Standard and Squadron, both of which were huge hits in the UK. He even added his touch to the number one Scottish television series Take the High Road, and he created and produced an epic serial called Machair. During this time, May published four novels, but it was only in the late 90s that he turned full-time to writing thrillers. That was when his Chinese mystery series was born with The Firemaker. It was evident from the popularity of that first book that May had a handle on something unique.

The Firemaker first introduced the reading world to Beijing police officer Li Yan and Margaret Campbell, a pathologist from Chicago who came to China for a lecture tour. As they solve a crime together, they soon become romantically involved. By the sixth book, Chinese Whispers, Li Yan and Margaret Campbell are living together and have a one-year old child. Margaret is faced with the confinement of being a full-time mother and not practicing her craft, while Li Yan becomes embroiled in the investigation of a serial killer who seems to be recreating the murders of Jack the Ripper. As Li Yan deals with the ever gruesome details of each new murder and a string of hideous clues, he begins to wonder if he is being played by the killer. When the killer suddenly begins to threaten him and his family, Li Yan knows he must stop him at all costs.

Chinese Whispers, first printed in 2004 in the UK, is being released in hardcover in the US by Poisoned Pen Press this October. It is a compelling read, full of the richness of detail of modern China, including the country's struggle with Mao's ideals and a burgeoning capitalism whose urban renovations come sometimes at the cost of tradition. Yet, tradition still is alive and well and with it social constraints, especially for women. Peter May is able to bring not only the details of a very intricate mystery thriller to the page, but also a sense of place (or lack thereof) for women, especially foreigners.

Needless to say, I was captivated by the mystery and the portrait of life inside modern China. Chinese Whispers opened an intriguing door for me and has made me want to dip into those five earlier Peter May mysteries with these characters. Very highly recommended.