“ fascinating thriller/true-crime story…There’s an unexpected pleasure that comes from knowing that after all these years, the truth has finally come to light.” - O, The Oprah Magazine Set in Peking during the decline of empires, both the western legations and China, with Japan on the doorstep, the author gives us the historical context needed to understand the murder and the subsequent investigation. 'An engrossing true tale of true crime and history. 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. Can they find the killer in time, before the Japanese invade? 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. The Japanese are encircling the city, and the discovery of Pamela Werner's body sends a shiver through already nervous Peking.

Peking in 1937 is a heady mix of privilege and scandal, opulence and opium dens, rumors and superstition. Jacket flap.In the last days of old Peking, where anything goes, can a murderer escape justice?

Front-page news around the world when the story was first reported, Midnight in Peking at last uncovers the truth behind this notorious murder, and offers a rare glimpse of the last days of colonial Peking. Historian Paul French spent seven years researching this dramatic true story in Archives in both China and the United Kingdom.

Is it the work of a madman? One of the ruthless Japanese soldiers now surrounding the city? Or perhaps the dreaded fox spirits? Was it a case of mistaken identity? Two detectives, British detective Dennis and Chinese detective Han, team up to solve the case, battling time and the meddling of their respective bureaucracies. The Japanese are encircling the city, and the discovery of Pamela Werner's body sends a shiver through an already nervous Peking. Who could commit such a crime? Peking in 1937 is a heady mix of privilege and scandal, opulence and opium dens, rumor and superstition. On a frigid morning in January 1937, the mutilated body of a British schoolgirl is discovered at the base of the Fox Tower.

Midnight in peking by paul french