The Firemaker cover art

The Firemaker

The China Thrillers, Book 1

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The Firemaker

By: Peter May
Narrated by: Peter Forbes
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About this listen

A burned corpse is a disturbing mystery for Beijing detective Li Yan until he enlists forensic pathologist Margaret Campbell. Having abandoned a broken life in Chicago for her work, she's as determined as Li to ask difficult questions about the man's death. But some questions have answers they'd rather not hear - facts that others are desperate to conceal.

The Firemaker is the first in the acclaimed China series from Peter May, author of Runaway, Entry Island and the internationally best-selling Lewis Trilogy.

©1999 Peter May (P)2015 WF Howes Crime Thrillers Detective Fiction International Mystery & Crime Mystery Police Procedural Suspense Thriller Thriller & Suspense Women Sleuths Women's Fiction China Crime Exciting

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Critic reviews

"Peter May is an author I'd follow to the ends of the earth." (New York Times)
All stars
Most relevant
The main plus in this book is the attempt to describe aspects of modern China. However, Peter May's series set in the Outer Hebrides was much better at such exposition.

The characterisation in this book is not strong, the development is too predictable, and the plotting not sufficient to compensate for its other failings.

Standard fare: good enough but no better

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Obviously a writer who is familiar with China May paints a convincing picture. The protagonists are both likeable always a good thing a
In any novel

Very enjoyable

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I really do like Peter May's writing, his characters are interesting and likeable, they also react in logical ways to various situations so I am not left thinking 'well he wouldn't say THAT!!'.

The story was well crafted and I found it really difficult to put down. Peter Forbes narrates really well and makes for very pleasant listening - I reckon I am now away to buy number 2 in the series!

Excellent

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good story, good narrator - I love Peter May's writing. I am downloading the rest of the series straight away

Just as good as the Scottish books

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great story it has a very real feel. Love the discriptive nature of the writing. very enjoyable.

gripping plot great characters

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