Midnight in Peking

How the Murder of a Young Englishwoman Haunted the Last Days of Old China

By: Paul French

Narrated by: Erik Singer

Length: 8 hrs and 14 mins

Publisher's summary

In the last days of old Peking, where anything goes, can a murderer escape justice?

Peking in 1937 is a heady mix of privilege and scandal, opulence and opium dens, rumors and superstition. The Japanese are encircling the city, and the discovery of Pamela Werner's body sends a shiver through already nervous Peking. Is it the work of a madman? One of the ruthless Japanese soldiers now surrounding the city? Or perhaps the dreaded fox spirits?

With the suspect list growing and clues sparse, two detectives - one British and one Chinese - race against the clock to solve the crime before the Japanese invade and Peking as they know it is gone forever. Can they find the killer in time, before the Japanese invade?

Historian and China expert Paul French at last uncovers the truth behind this notorious murder, and offers a rare glimpse of the last days of colonial Peking.

©2012 Paul French (P)2012 Penguin Audio

Atmospheric, Compelling and Engaging

I read this book because my wife suggested it. She was right to do so. The book provides a murder mystery and, more importantly, a view of Peking in 1937 when the world was crumbling about the city as the Japanese invader moved increasingly closer and more influential. It is also a story of corruption, government interference (but not the Chinese government), and of relentless pursuit of information by a relative of the victim. Is the murder mystery solved? That is up the reader to decide. What makes this book most compelling is that is based on an actual set of events in 1937. The reader is very good and the story is skillfully told.

Fascinating, a total winner

What did you love best about Midnight in Peking?

A fascinating blend of history, murder and the dogged determination of one man to find his daughter's killers. Told against the backdrop of the fall of Peking to the Japanese and replete with British diplomats, white Russians, drug dealers and brothels.

Wonderful read

Fascinating tail of the final days of old Peking; both for the Chinese and the foreigners that called it home. Highly recommend

A Time Forgotton

What made the experience of listening to Midnight in Peking the most enjoyable?

Detailed knowledge of the life and experience living in Peking at that time.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

Disappointment. Not neatly wrapped up for reader at the end. But this was true life. Life is not neat.

Which character – as performed by Erik Singer – was your favorite?

Not really attracted to any of the characters. More of an "arms length" experience. Watching from afar.

What’s the most interesting tidbit you’ve picked up from this book?

The continued dread of Japanese invasion which held over Peking at the time. And the timid or cowardly actions of the historical figures, Chaing Kai Shiek and Mao Te Sung. Essentially out of sight, out of mind while Peking suffered.

Any additional comments?

Book reminded me very much of "Devil in the White City". Details in this book were at times graphic and gruesome. But the historical detail was excellent and made the experience enjoyable.

Amazing story bringing me back to the 1930s of China

I was born raised in Beijing, educated and lives in the US. hearing the vivid description, the suspense amid the backdrop of significant societal transitions, enlightened me. I’m actually grateful for the author to write a book like this. Highly recommend.

great snapshot of the time, well performed

a well written story set in late thirties China, a time and place of innumerable pressures and changes. Nicely but not exhaustively researched and reconstructed, with individuals brought to life in realistic fashion to tell the tale of the unsolved murder of a young woman. the story moves along nicely partly as the result of the clean and direct style of the author, as well as the clear and engaging delivery of the narrator who enlivens the tale but never becomes intrusive

Fascinating account of odd people at an odd time.

I finished listening to this book a couple of months ago, and it has remained in my mind more than any other book I've read recently. I'm not sure why it has stuck in my mind so much, but then, uncertainty is part of the experience of this book. Don't read this book expecting an exploration of sweeping themes or great historical events. It is a very small scale history, concentrating on the members of the small expatriate (chiefly British) community in Peking/Beijing and their interaction with the Chinese in the years before the war and then communism changed everything,

The centerpiece of the book is a gruesome murder, and various types of vice do come in for discussion, but don't expect lurid sensationalism. The writing is detailed and meticulous, and the reader is matter-of-fact. I was tempted to say that the book is more true crime than history, but these days true crime implies a degree of sensationalism that is absent here.

I found Midnight in Peking fascinating, and would recommend it highly to the right sort of reader.

Note that pictures of many of the participants and of the relevant locations can be found online.

Fascinating

I enjoyed how the book was broken up into two main parts and the follow up.

The Beijing of the 1930s comes to life

An incredible story impeccably researched. Connects the events of China’s history to the the foibles and longings of the human heart.

Well written!

I heard this story on a podcast but it only scrapped the surface. This book tells more details on the murder and investigation, and I felt I was in Peking trying to solve the crime. Well done Paul French!