I'm new to Henning Mankell, and I have to say that I *loved* this book! The story is very original. The action is tense. I really attached to the main character - I felt her confusion, mistrust, and paranoia. I'm definitely starting his Wallander series next.

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I just finished reading this book. Mankell is one of my favorite authors, so I was thrilled when I won this book on GLUE. As a thriller, it is not a mystery to the end, rather you know the who pretty early on in the book. It is more the why, based in history and political context that is the basis for the mystery. I loved reading the very interesting fictional view of today's China and what they might be up to. Reminding me of the history of China and American relations in the context of a good mystery was much more interesting than my history teacher ever was. Was it my favorite Mankell mystery? No it wasn't. But it was still an enjoyable read for anyone that likes historically based fiction with political intrigue.

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One of his very best - as good or better than any of the Wallender books. Mass Murder in rural Sweden complicated by Chinese clues and the investigators haven't a clue! Action in Sweden, China and London...and motive...found in 1850s USA transcontinental railroad construction crews treated almost as slaves. Complex, clever, subtle at times and Most Excellent!

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Outstanding book. Very well put together. My only (small) reservation is that, as in many of the Scandinavian books, the translation is at times a little awkward.

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This is the first Henning Mankel book I've read. I've rated it just OK. It started out very fast paced and had me hooked. However after that things got really bogged down. The story skipped around,first to China and the American west of 100yrs ago then to modern day China. It was more historical fiction than mystery and very slow going. The ending picked up the pace again but it wasn't really satisfying.

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Once again Mankell draws you in right away. There is a lot of interesting information about China and capitalism and how the evolution affects the characters in the story. The tale starts with a viscious mass-murder in Sweden, travels to the past, and to present day China. Well worth a read.

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I think this is the best book Henning Mankell has written. It has an excellent opening, that is shocking enough to keep you reading, and the story becomes a very interesting historical novel coinciding with the mystery he is so good at spinning. I was completely fascinated in this story and I sent copies of this book to friends who are mystery enthusiasts like me.

I highly recommend this book.

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