Midnight in Peking
How the Murder of a Young Englishwoman Haunted the Last Days of Old China
by Paul French
Mem. Ed. $17.99
Pub. Ed. $26.00
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Midnight in Peking
Pamela Werner was just 20 years old when she was brutally murdered on the eve of war in colonial Peking. Her body was slit open, her internal organs removed and her face horribly mutilated. For 75 years the case remained a mystery...until now.
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, a city of privilege and scandal, opulence and opium dens, rumors and superstition. Is it the work of a madman? A rogue Japanese soldier? With war looming, 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.
Hardcover Book : 272 pages
Publisher: Penguin Group USA ( May 01, 2012 )
Item #: 13-546984
ISBN: 9780143121008
Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 8.25 x 0.61inches
Product Weight: 11.0 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
Tops in True Crime Novels 
November 28, 2012
They don't come any better than this. An intriguing story that will remain with me for a long time to come.
Reviewer: Leon
One of the Best Books EVER!!! 
September 06, 2012
Midnight in Peking is one of the best book I have read in along time, that is besides ANY of Ann Rules.
This book was AWESOME!!!!!
I hope that Paul French continues to write more True Crime books he is a wonderful writer!!!
It was well written, well researched and the old photos helped put a face to the many names.
I also liked the fact that the chapters were short and to the point not full of fluff!!!
I hate authors that repeat the facts over and over and fill their books with useless fluff!!!!
Reviewer: Paula B
Piqued My Intrest In Old China
July 16, 2012
It seems evident that Paul French is one of those that he labeled in his book; an old China hand. He knows his stuff and more, he can relate that knowledge where we, the uninitiated can understand it, can feel it.
French took me back in time and he allowed me to see and feel that China of pre WWII. He allowed me to experience the stiff upper lip attitude of the British at that time. He allowed me to see and be horrified by the cruelty that existed, where men took what they wanted and discarded the used humans as so much trash, then laughed at those who tried to show them for what they were. This book also shows that in spite of what we're told as children, the truth will not always out and sometimes [SPOILER ALERT] the guilty go unpunished.
I am going to hunt down other stories of China of that era. I want to know what brought down the Qing Dynasty and the political turmoil of that time.
Reviewer: Michael
Riveting book
June 27, 2012
This book was riveting. Lush details with period atmosphere. As this was a real crime, the photos in the book along with maps, helped to set the stage of the horrific crime. Heart-breaking for the father who only sought justice for his child. Exceptionally well written by Paul French. He should do more mysteries.
Reviewer: Marjorie
enjoyable reading
June 03, 2012
i enjoyed this book very much..the author gave u such a glimpse of the old china that u felt like u were actually seeing the rickshaws going and coming ; it was like a slow motion pic..u could actually picture what was going on..it was a good read
Reviewer: bj
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