Midnight In Peking : How The Murder Of A Young Englishwoman Haunted The Last Days Of Old China by Paul French

Winner of both the Edgar Award for Best Fact Crime and the CWA Non-Fiction Dagger comes a remarkable tale chronicling an unsolved murder. Midnight in Peking delves into the aftermath of a brutal killing that took place in January 1937. The victim, a British schoolgirl named Pamela Werner, was discovered mutilated at the base of Fox Tower. Local belief held that the tower was inhabited by malicious fox spirits, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the case.

As the investigation unfolds, with both British detective Dennis and Chinese detective Han on the case, the mystery deepens. Set in a city teetering on the brink of invasion, whispers of rumor and superstition saturate the air. Author and China expert Paul French spent an impressive seven years conducting meticulous research to bring this true-crime thriller to life. Through his work, readers are treated to a rare and extraordinary glimpse into the final days of colonial Peking.

Book Review: Midnight in Peking: A Dark and Unsolved Murder Mystery in 1930s China

In this article, I will be sharing a book review of “Midnight in Peking” by Paul French. The book is a non-fiction account that delves into a captivating true crime story set in 1937 China. The narrative revolves around the mysterious murder of Pamela Warner, a British woman whose body is found in front of the Fox Tower.

The investigation into Pamela’s murder becomes a joint effort between the Chinese and British police forces, shedding light on the complexities and tensions of the time. As the story unfolds, readers are exposed to the historical backdrop of China in the 1930s, including the impending invasion by the Japanese.

The book provides a detailed exploration of Pamela’s murder, with Chinese mythology playing a role in the theories surrounding her death. As the investigation progresses, it becomes apparent that corruption within the police force obstructs any progress in finding the culprit. Pamela’s father, a knowledgeable British man, takes matters into his own hands and uncovers the truth through his relentless pursuit of justice.

Paul French’s extensive research is evident throughout the book, particularly in the chapter where he reconstructs the night of Pamela’s murder. This attention to detail creates a deeply sad and poignant read, as the events described closely mirror historical records. The book also offers a follow-up on the characters involved, providing closure on their lives after the case.

While I enjoyed “Midnight in Peking,” I found certain parts to be slower than expected. The abundance of Chinese names and the numerous characters made it slightly challenging to keep track of everyone. Nevertheless, the murder mystery aspect of the book was engrossing, and the resolution, which I won’t spoil here, was satisfying.

Overall, “Midnight in Peking” is a compelling mix of mystery and history. It offers a gripping insight into a true crime story set against the backdrop of politically fraught 1930s China. However, readers should be aware that the book contains graphic descriptions of violence. I give it a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

For those interested in reading “Midnight in Peking,” the book will be available in bookstores from April 24th. Thank you for reading this review, and feel free to explore our other content on Goodreads and follow us on Twitter.