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The Last Mandarin: A Novel
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A standalone thriller co-written by the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Gamache series and an award-winning journalist.
In a fast-paced, all-too-real thriller co-written by #1 New York Times bestselling author Louise Penny and award-winning journalist Mellissa Fung, global politics become personal for two unlikely heroines. Alice Li, a first-generation Chinese-American, is an erstwhile food blogger who has lived in the shadow of her mother, Vivien Li. A Chinese dissident who escaped China after Tiananmen Square, Vivien is now a globally recognized human rights activist and passionate advocate for a free and democratic China.
When security and fire alarms go off simultaneously all around the world, setting off a panic, the signal is traced back to China. As world leaders scramble to respond, Vivien and Alice are called to the White House in hopes Madame Li can decode the Chinese intentions.
While it makes some sense that the President would turn to Vivien, since she regularly advises world leaders on the actions of today’s Chinese government, what isn’t clear is why they’d want to talk to Alice.
After looking at the evidence, Vivien says that the only thing worse than the Chinese government being behind it, is if they are not. It would mean, she explains, that some clandestine element within China is calling the shots. That the President of China has lost control. And an unstable China cannot be good for anyone.
Or perhaps that’s exactly what the shrewd old politician wants everyone to think.
Caught up in the chaos, Vivien and Alice are uniquely placed to stop the next, cataclysmic attack. But there are forces deep within both the American and Chinese governments intent on stopping mother and daughter. The estranged pair, who excels at misunderstanding each other, must figure out how to work together.
The increasingly frantic search for answers takes the women from the Oval Office to an office building in Akron, Ohio, from the noodle shops of Hong Kong to the necropolis of the first emperor. Along the way they must decode an old legend, and an old language invented by women, for women.
The Last Mandarin is an electrifying study of absolute power and voracious greed, political terror and personal conviction. But it is also, as to be expected from the minds of Louise Penny, beloved author of the Gamache novels, and Mellissa Fung, an acclaimed international journalist, an intimate examination of choice, of sacrifice, of memory and myths, both cultural and personal. It is the story of a mother and daughter, as well as a compelling international thriller about the precarious balance of power across the world, and within a family. And what happens when both break down.
In a fast-paced, all-too-real thriller co-written by #1 New York Times bestselling author Louise Penny and award-winning journalist Mellissa Fung, global politics become personal for two unlikely heroines. Alice Li, a first-generation Chinese-American, is an erstwhile food blogger who has lived in the shadow of her mother, Vivien Li. A Chinese dissident who escaped China after Tiananmen Square, Vivien is now a globally recognized human rights activist and passionate advocate for a free and democratic China.
When security and fire alarms go off simultaneously all around the world, setting off a panic, the signal is traced back to China. As world leaders scramble to respond, Vivien and Alice are called to the White House in hopes Madame Li can decode the Chinese intentions.
While it makes some sense that the President would turn to Vivien, since she regularly advises world leaders on the actions of today’s Chinese government, what isn’t clear is why they’d want to talk to Alice.
After looking at the evidence, Vivien says that the only thing worse than the Chinese government being behind it, is if they are not. It would mean, she explains, that some clandestine element within China is calling the shots. That the President of China has lost control. And an unstable China cannot be good for anyone.
Or perhaps that’s exactly what the shrewd old politician wants everyone to think.
Caught up in the chaos, Vivien and Alice are uniquely placed to stop the next, cataclysmic attack. But there are forces deep within both the American and Chinese governments intent on stopping mother and daughter. The estranged pair, who excels at misunderstanding each other, must figure out how to work together.
The increasingly frantic search for answers takes the women from the Oval Office to an office building in Akron, Ohio, from the noodle shops of Hong Kong to the necropolis of the first emperor. Along the way they must decode an old legend, and an old language invented by women, for women.
The Last Mandarin is an electrifying study of absolute power and voracious greed, political terror and personal conviction. But it is also, as to be expected from the minds of Louise Penny, beloved author of the Gamache novels, and Mellissa Fung, an acclaimed international journalist, an intimate examination of choice, of sacrifice, of memory and myths, both cultural and personal. It is the story of a mother and daughter, as well as a compelling international thriller about the precarious balance of power across the world, and within a family. And what happens when both break down.
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First published May 12, 2026
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About the author
Louise Penny
79 books26.9k followersLOUISE PENNY is the author of the #1 New York Times and Globe and Mail bestselling series of Chief Inspector Armand Gamache novels. She has won numerous awards, including a CWA Dagger and the Agatha Award (seven times), and was a finalist for the Edgar Award for Best Novel. In 2017, she received the Order of Canada for her contributions to Canadian culture. Louise lives in a small village south of Montréal.
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Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Raiders of the Lost Last Mandarin.
"What happens when a nation is threatened? It pulls together. He wouldn't be the first leader to start a war to save himself."
If Chief Inspector Armand Gamache's recent cases haven't yet convinced you that Louise Penny can imagine terrifying terrorist plots and worldwide mayhem, The Last Mandarin - her collaboration with award-winning journalist and bestselling author Mellissa Fung - will certainly seal the deal.
So suspend your disbelief, brush up on your Mandarin, grab a few coconut buns, and enjoy the ride.
The story centers on Vivien Li, a former Tiananmen Square dissident who fled China decades ago and is now a globally recognized human-rights activist, and her daughter Alice, a Chinese-American food blogger who has long lived in her formidable mother's shadow. When a series of synchronized alarms triggers global panic and appears to originate in China, the two women are unexpectedly drawn into a rapidly escalating international crisis. What follows is a globe-trotting thriller involving political intrigue, a secret language invented by women, an international conspiracy, and even a long-forgotten city hidden inside a tomb - very much in the spirit of an Indiana Jones adventure.
Is it over the top? Absolutely.
Is it wildly entertaining? Also yes.
Despite its breakneck pacing and cinematic flair, the novel also tackles weightier themes: power, authoritarianism, human rights, cultural identity, and the lingering shadows of political history. Much of that grounding likely comes from Fung's decades-long experience as a journalist, which lends the story a welcome layer of geopolitical insight and emotional authenticity.
The mother-daughter relationship at the center of the book adds another compelling dimension. Vivien and Alice are both headstrong, complicated women, and watching them navigate both global stakes and personal tensions gives the story a refreshing twist on the traditional international-thriller formula.
The audiobook, expertly narrated by Eunice Wong, is an excellent companion to the novel. Wong handles the shifting tones - from political urgency to moments of humor and personal reflection - with skill and clarity, bringing both protagonists to life while maintaining the fast-paced momentum the story demands. I can highly recommend both formats.
Yes, The Last Mandarin requires a healthy dose of suspended disbelief. But in its portrayal of power, greed, and political instability, the story also feels unsettlingly plausible and timely.
Cinematic, ambitious, and undeniably entertaining, this feels like the kind of thriller that could easily make the leap from page to screen.
Many thanks to St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books and Macmillan Audio for providing me with copies of both the book and the audiobook via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
"The Last Mandarin" is slated to be released on May 12, 2026.
"What happens when a nation is threatened? It pulls together. He wouldn't be the first leader to start a war to save himself."
If Chief Inspector Armand Gamache's recent cases haven't yet convinced you that Louise Penny can imagine terrifying terrorist plots and worldwide mayhem, The Last Mandarin - her collaboration with award-winning journalist and bestselling author Mellissa Fung - will certainly seal the deal.
So suspend your disbelief, brush up on your Mandarin, grab a few coconut buns, and enjoy the ride.
The story centers on Vivien Li, a former Tiananmen Square dissident who fled China decades ago and is now a globally recognized human-rights activist, and her daughter Alice, a Chinese-American food blogger who has long lived in her formidable mother's shadow. When a series of synchronized alarms triggers global panic and appears to originate in China, the two women are unexpectedly drawn into a rapidly escalating international crisis. What follows is a globe-trotting thriller involving political intrigue, a secret language invented by women, an international conspiracy, and even a long-forgotten city hidden inside a tomb - very much in the spirit of an Indiana Jones adventure.
Is it over the top? Absolutely.
Is it wildly entertaining? Also yes.
Despite its breakneck pacing and cinematic flair, the novel also tackles weightier themes: power, authoritarianism, human rights, cultural identity, and the lingering shadows of political history. Much of that grounding likely comes from Fung's decades-long experience as a journalist, which lends the story a welcome layer of geopolitical insight and emotional authenticity.
The mother-daughter relationship at the center of the book adds another compelling dimension. Vivien and Alice are both headstrong, complicated women, and watching them navigate both global stakes and personal tensions gives the story a refreshing twist on the traditional international-thriller formula.
The audiobook, expertly narrated by Eunice Wong, is an excellent companion to the novel. Wong handles the shifting tones - from political urgency to moments of humor and personal reflection - with skill and clarity, bringing both protagonists to life while maintaining the fast-paced momentum the story demands. I can highly recommend both formats.
Yes, The Last Mandarin requires a healthy dose of suspended disbelief. But in its portrayal of power, greed, and political instability, the story also feels unsettlingly plausible and timely.
Cinematic, ambitious, and undeniably entertaining, this feels like the kind of thriller that could easily make the leap from page to screen.
Many thanks to St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books and Macmillan Audio for providing me with copies of both the book and the audiobook via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
"The Last Mandarin" is slated to be released on May 12, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Well, that was a disappointment.
I wanted to love this book. I've read and enjoyed other books by Louise Penny, and figured this collaboration would provide exactly the escapist adventure this oppressive winter needed.
Instead I got coconut buns. Ridiculous conspiracy on top of wild coincidence, on top of more conspiracy. I was following a maddening maze of "ARE YOU KIDDING ME?" unbelievable nonsense.
Honestly, I don't even know where to start. Alice is a food blogger not dating this guy she really likes from college. Next thing we know -- and this might be a bit of a spoiler, but the whole plot revolves around it so I think it's okay to reveal -- her entire extended family, including the non-boyfriend and countless relatives she's never met, are apparently involved in some kind of evil global plot against nations.
She never knew. But now, like in a Dan Brown novel, she's in so deep she's got to see this wild adventure through to the end. I'd feel gravely betrayed, but Alice is good with whatever it takes to find the truth. Me, I just wanted the book to end and I stopped caring if even the entire world imploded.
I wish I were kidding. I finished this, but lost interest (and never regained it) about a quarter of the way through. I don't think I've rolled my eyes as much in one novel before, and wish I hadn't experienced it here.
I wanted to love this book. I've read and enjoyed other books by Louise Penny, and figured this collaboration would provide exactly the escapist adventure this oppressive winter needed.
Instead I got coconut buns. Ridiculous conspiracy on top of wild coincidence, on top of more conspiracy. I was following a maddening maze of "ARE YOU KIDDING ME?" unbelievable nonsense.
Honestly, I don't even know where to start. Alice is a food blogger not dating this guy she really likes from college. Next thing we know -- and this might be a bit of a spoiler, but the whole plot revolves around it so I think it's okay to reveal -- her entire extended family, including the non-boyfriend and countless relatives she's never met, are apparently involved in some kind of evil global plot against nations.
She never knew. But now, like in a Dan Brown novel, she's in so deep she's got to see this wild adventure through to the end. I'd feel gravely betrayed, but Alice is good with whatever it takes to find the truth. Me, I just wanted the book to end and I stopped caring if even the entire world imploded.
I wish I were kidding. I finished this, but lost interest (and never regained it) about a quarter of the way through. I don't think I've rolled my eyes as much in one novel before, and wish I hadn't experienced it here.
Did Not Finish
March 21, 2026Less than 1%, then an f bomb.
May 8, 2026
*3.5 stars rounded up
An edge-of-y0ur-seat political thriller from Louise Penny and her friend, the veteran journalist, author and filmmaker, Mellisa Fung. But at its heart, the authors say they wanted to address a fraught mother-daughter relationship and they did that so well.
Food-blogger Alice and her mother Vivien Li, the famous Chinese dissident, are having brunch together at a luxury hotel in Washington DC, when suddenly every alarm in the place goes off. They learn later that occurred worldwide, the signal apparently coming from China.
The mother and daughter are brought to the White House where the president and his advisors are meeting to try to figure out who is behind this cyber attack and what its purpose was. They want Vivien's insight into the political machinations of China. But Alice is there because of her plans to meet a college friend named Liam, a fellow food blogger. She now learns Liam was secretly working for the US government and has died from drowning while on assignment in China. His last text to Alice included a selfie which is examined thoroughly. When the next attack occurs and is even more deadly, mother and daughter head to China to follow the clues Liam left Alice.
Vivien Li has always been a distant, disapproving mother but now Alice learns her mother has lied all these years and her entire family is somehow mixed up in this mess. Meanwhile the heads of government learn they are dealing with APAI--adaptive predictive artificial intelligence--but who in China is controlling it and how can they stop them before it brings on WWIII?
The exciting action bounces back and forth between all the different players in this deadly game so much that I found the switching points of view a bit confusing at times. The language was quite a bit coarser than we've come to expect from Ms Penny and all in all, I felt like I was reading a Dan Brown book. An escapist adventure tale for easy summer reading.
Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an arc via NetGalley.
An edge-of-y0ur-seat political thriller from Louise Penny and her friend, the veteran journalist, author and filmmaker, Mellisa Fung. But at its heart, the authors say they wanted to address a fraught mother-daughter relationship and they did that so well.
Food-blogger Alice and her mother Vivien Li, the famous Chinese dissident, are having brunch together at a luxury hotel in Washington DC, when suddenly every alarm in the place goes off. They learn later that occurred worldwide, the signal apparently coming from China.
The mother and daughter are brought to the White House where the president and his advisors are meeting to try to figure out who is behind this cyber attack and what its purpose was. They want Vivien's insight into the political machinations of China. But Alice is there because of her plans to meet a college friend named Liam, a fellow food blogger. She now learns Liam was secretly working for the US government and has died from drowning while on assignment in China. His last text to Alice included a selfie which is examined thoroughly. When the next attack occurs and is even more deadly, mother and daughter head to China to follow the clues Liam left Alice.
Vivien Li has always been a distant, disapproving mother but now Alice learns her mother has lied all these years and her entire family is somehow mixed up in this mess. Meanwhile the heads of government learn they are dealing with APAI--adaptive predictive artificial intelligence--but who in China is controlling it and how can they stop them before it brings on WWIII?
The exciting action bounces back and forth between all the different players in this deadly game so much that I found the switching points of view a bit confusing at times. The language was quite a bit coarser than we've come to expect from Ms Penny and all in all, I felt like I was reading a Dan Brown book. An escapist adventure tale for easy summer reading.
Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an arc via NetGalley.
May 12, 2026
Happy Publication Day for this 5 star ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐read! I couldn't put it down and I'm still thinking about the characters after. Go in with the expectation of a read that I would describe as Indiana Jones meets a political thriller, suspend disbelief, don't overthink and just enjoy the non-stop exciting ride!
We are quickly into the excitement when Alice meets her mother, Vivian (whom she keeps a healthy distance from) for brunch and while there, thinking her biggest problem is how much meeting with her Mother will annoy her, security and fire alarms around the world sound, is there a cyber attack, if so who is behind it? Luckily for Alice, her mother is a respected confidant of the American President and she is called to the White House to consult. This starts a whirlwind adventure where both Alice and Vivian fly across the globe to unravel who is behind the attacks and help to ensure that another isn't about to strike and ruin the world as we all know it.
I'm glad I didn't even read much of the description and went into this blind, it was so much fun and I enjoyed watching these female leads navigate an international threat. Will they be able to overcome their differences and be able to listen to and give weight to each other's perspectives and values? Will they be able to get where they needed to without getting killed? Go women!
I know many people who are Asian Canadian and struggle to find much out about their roots and beyond names and dates, also search wanting to know their ancestors' motivations and desires so I found it so enjoyable to follow Alice as a first generation Chinese American as she (unfortunately for her, with a bit too much urgency, immediacy and danger..) sets out on a high intensity trek into her family's past.
This is fun and addictive to read and the audiobook was fabulous! Eunice Wong drew me in and made me want to keep listening!
Why let Indiana Jones and Jason Borne have all the fun? Give this one a try and see if you can solve the trail of espionage along with the Last Mandarin 💴🥠🥮
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this sneak peak ARC, I loved it. Look for this to publish on May 12th, 2026
We are quickly into the excitement when Alice meets her mother, Vivian (whom she keeps a healthy distance from) for brunch and while there, thinking her biggest problem is how much meeting with her Mother will annoy her, security and fire alarms around the world sound, is there a cyber attack, if so who is behind it? Luckily for Alice, her mother is a respected confidant of the American President and she is called to the White House to consult. This starts a whirlwind adventure where both Alice and Vivian fly across the globe to unravel who is behind the attacks and help to ensure that another isn't about to strike and ruin the world as we all know it.
I'm glad I didn't even read much of the description and went into this blind, it was so much fun and I enjoyed watching these female leads navigate an international threat. Will they be able to overcome their differences and be able to listen to and give weight to each other's perspectives and values? Will they be able to get where they needed to without getting killed? Go women!
I know many people who are Asian Canadian and struggle to find much out about their roots and beyond names and dates, also search wanting to know their ancestors' motivations and desires so I found it so enjoyable to follow Alice as a first generation Chinese American as she (unfortunately for her, with a bit too much urgency, immediacy and danger..) sets out on a high intensity trek into her family's past.
This is fun and addictive to read and the audiobook was fabulous! Eunice Wong drew me in and made me want to keep listening!
Why let Indiana Jones and Jason Borne have all the fun? Give this one a try and see if you can solve the trail of espionage along with the Last Mandarin 💴🥠🥮
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this sneak peak ARC, I loved it. Look for this to publish on May 12th, 2026
April 26, 2026
I listened to the audiobook of The Last Mandarin, and unfortunately this one never worked for me.
From the beginning, I struggled with the family dynamics. The story centers on Alice Li, a food blogger, and her mother Vivien, a famous Chinese dissident and global human rights figure. Their relationship is supposed to be complex and emotionally layered, but it mostly comes across as exhausting. They seem to love and resent each other in equal measure, with constant tension rooted in the past and what happened to Alice’s father—her hero—who divorced Vivien and later died in a car crash. Add in a brother whose sexuality is somehow invisible to their supposedly hyper-perceptive activist mother, and the emotional foundation of the story never quite feels believable.
Alice herself is a difficult protagonist to connect with. She spends much of the book sounding uncertain, unhappy, and frankly a bit whiny. Yet somehow this same character becomes central to an international crisis.
The plot kicks off when synchronized alarms and system failures erupt around the world, apparently originating from China. In response, the President of the United States calls Vivien to the White House to interpret what’s happening. That part is at least somewhat plausible. What isn’t clear—and never really becomes convincing—is why Alice is also suddenly crucial to the investigation.
Intelligence agencies and world leaders somehow end up relying on the instincts of a relatively insecure food blogger to decode clues, unravel global conspiracies, and ultimately help save the world—all while discussing coconut buns at length.
Massive acts of sabotage—blackouts, fires, elevator failures, travel disruptions—seem to affect everyone except our heroes. The central group jets effortlessly between the U.S., mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taipei whenever the plot requires it, always one step ahead of their enemies. Characters routinely make huge logical leaps that just happen to be correct. We’re repeatedly told that no one can be trusted, yet the characters trust people constantly—and it always works out.
Meanwhile, the villains are portrayed as nearly flawless masterminds with ties to the highest levels of government. They never make mistakes—until suddenly they do, conveniently allowing Alice to locate them.
Scene after scene strains credibility, and eventually the story simply becomes tedious rather than thrilling. The final straw for me .
I kept waiting for the story to pull everything together into something compelling, but it never did. In the end, The Last Mandarin felt like an overstuffed international thriller built on shaky logic and characters I never fully believed in.
From the beginning, I struggled with the family dynamics. The story centers on Alice Li, a food blogger, and her mother Vivien, a famous Chinese dissident and global human rights figure. Their relationship is supposed to be complex and emotionally layered, but it mostly comes across as exhausting. They seem to love and resent each other in equal measure, with constant tension rooted in the past and what happened to Alice’s father—her hero—who divorced Vivien and later died in a car crash. Add in a brother whose sexuality is somehow invisible to their supposedly hyper-perceptive activist mother, and the emotional foundation of the story never quite feels believable.
Alice herself is a difficult protagonist to connect with. She spends much of the book sounding uncertain, unhappy, and frankly a bit whiny. Yet somehow this same character becomes central to an international crisis.
The plot kicks off when synchronized alarms and system failures erupt around the world, apparently originating from China. In response, the President of the United States calls Vivien to the White House to interpret what’s happening. That part is at least somewhat plausible. What isn’t clear—and never really becomes convincing—is why Alice is also suddenly crucial to the investigation.
Intelligence agencies and world leaders somehow end up relying on the instincts of a relatively insecure food blogger to decode clues, unravel global conspiracies, and ultimately help save the world—all while discussing coconut buns at length.
Massive acts of sabotage—blackouts, fires, elevator failures, travel disruptions—seem to affect everyone except our heroes. The central group jets effortlessly between the U.S., mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taipei whenever the plot requires it, always one step ahead of their enemies. Characters routinely make huge logical leaps that just happen to be correct. We’re repeatedly told that no one can be trusted, yet the characters trust people constantly—and it always works out.
Meanwhile, the villains are portrayed as nearly flawless masterminds with ties to the highest levels of government. They never make mistakes—until suddenly they do, conveniently allowing Alice to locate them.
Scene after scene strains credibility, and eventually the story simply becomes tedious rather than thrilling. The final straw for me .
I kept waiting for the story to pull everything together into something compelling, but it never did. In the end, The Last Mandarin felt like an overstuffed international thriller built on shaky logic and characters I never fully believed in.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I had to DNF this one at about 40%. It pained me to do it, but it pained me to read it, as well. I really couldn't believe the author who created the wonderful, complex, compelling characters in the Three Pines mysteries had a hand in this. I felt only apathy or antipathy for all of the characters in this book, which made it hard to go along with the hard-to-swallow plot. (And, as a side note, I am not one who is overly fussy regarding hard-to-swallow plots. I cheerfully went along with Penny in her last Three Pines novel regarding a conspiracy at the highest levels to engineer a war between the U.S. and Canada using -- wait for it -- forest fire smoke. I read and enjoy James Patterson novels, if that tells you anything.) But these characters were either boring or annoying, so I just couldn't make myself care about their predicaments.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
wow! One of the best political thrillers I have ever read.
March 24, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2 Stars
The Last Mandarin by Louise Penny and Melissa Fung. A sudden, coordinated wave of system alarms across the globe sparks fears of a massive cyberattack linked to China, pushing international tensions to the brink. As governments scramble to respond, Chinese dissident Vivien Li and her estranged daughter Alice are unexpectedly drawn into the center of the crisis. Reluctantly working together, they follow a trail of hidden messages, political intrigue, and a mysterious ancient women’s language that may hold the key to what’s really happening.
As the stakes rise, the story weaves together high-level geopolitical danger with the deeply personal story of a fractured mother–daughter relationship. Their journey across continents forces them to confront both global threats and their own past, exploring themes of power, loyalty, and the fragile connections that shape both families and nations.
Well written, fast paced, great characters and an overall very good story kept me very engaged.
The Last Mandarin by Louise Penny and Melissa Fung. A sudden, coordinated wave of system alarms across the globe sparks fears of a massive cyberattack linked to China, pushing international tensions to the brink. As governments scramble to respond, Chinese dissident Vivien Li and her estranged daughter Alice are unexpectedly drawn into the center of the crisis. Reluctantly working together, they follow a trail of hidden messages, political intrigue, and a mysterious ancient women’s language that may hold the key to what’s really happening.
As the stakes rise, the story weaves together high-level geopolitical danger with the deeply personal story of a fractured mother–daughter relationship. Their journey across continents forces them to confront both global threats and their own past, exploring themes of power, loyalty, and the fragile connections that shape both families and nations.
Well written, fast paced, great characters and an overall very good story kept me very engaged.
March 2, 2026
I am hedging my bets that this will be on many lists of top books of the year.
I’m not incredibly educated in politics/history and yet this held my attention. I didn’t want to have to pause listening.
It’s very fast moving as Alice and her mother, Vivian (and others) try to stop a world wide disaster from happening.
It stays interesting as they move around the world and discuss history and politics and even if you don’t know what happened at Tiananmen Square in 1989 they give you enough information to understand the story.
It doesn’t discuss politics that much per se but political leaders are part of the story line.
Also hearing so much mandarin had me pulling it up on Duolingo to try a few words lol
This felt like a great movie could come from The Last Mandarin. Political thriller meets Indiana jones/The Mummy.
Some said there are parts that are a bit far fetched or that you need to suspend belief at some points but it didn’t bother me. I loved it so much!
I find myself wanting to start it over to see what I might have missed or didn’t clue into along the way lol
I will definitely recommend it to anyone for a fun read/listen and hope it becomes a movie lol
I’m not incredibly educated in politics/history and yet this held my attention. I didn’t want to have to pause listening.
It’s very fast moving as Alice and her mother, Vivian (and others) try to stop a world wide disaster from happening.
It stays interesting as they move around the world and discuss history and politics and even if you don’t know what happened at Tiananmen Square in 1989 they give you enough information to understand the story.
It doesn’t discuss politics that much per se but political leaders are part of the story line.
Also hearing so much mandarin had me pulling it up on Duolingo to try a few words lol
This felt like a great movie could come from The Last Mandarin. Political thriller meets Indiana jones/The Mummy.
Some said there are parts that are a bit far fetched or that you need to suspend belief at some points but it didn’t bother me. I loved it so much!
I find myself wanting to start it over to see what I might have missed or didn’t clue into along the way lol
I will definitely recommend it to anyone for a fun read/listen and hope it becomes a movie lol
February 9, 2026
The Last Mandarin is a political thriller involving USA and China. The plot is a bit over the top but the story moves quickly. Terrorism and Chinese history play a prominent role, and much of the action takes place in China. The two presidents are given enough depth to their characters and are humanized by their thoughts and actions, although perhaps not very plausible. All in all, very entertaining.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
April 12, 2026
To clear up any confusion, this is not a Gamache or Three Pines story by Louise Penny. This is a fantastic political thriller that takes you into the top levels of the governments of China and the US. Will the United States take out China because of a clandestine force with spies embedded deep inside each President's cabinets? You have to read to find out. This review is not a summary, just my thoughts on this well-crafted, suspenseful story.
Vivien Li, a Chinese dissident, and her food blogger daughter, Alice, get wrapped up in this fast moving story and must use their family from both countries to unravel the mystery. Is the plot far fetched? Yes and no. The generational feelings between the two countries feel real, but the details of how they are pitted against each other by a secret enemy could be far fetched, but this is a fiction book after all. There is continual action taking place that kept me engaged and reading until the end. I was kept wondering who were the traitors and spies as well as how were Vivien, Alice, and the Presidents going to decipher the truth from the deception. Each chapter is from the different plot lines and jump to another character just as something important is happening or going to be revealed. You are invested as a reader on every page.
I enjoyed the family connections elements in the book. Vivien and Alice were estranged and had a cold relationship at the beginning. As the story unfolds, the two women learn more about each other and find ways to bridge the gap to develop a better connection. There are family surprises throughout the story as well, especially concerning Alice's father. The history of Alice's parents is fascinating because of who they were as young adults in China plus the inclusion of the Terracotta Warriors and their history was captivating.
For all the drama and tension, there are moments of levity that are entertaining. For example, the nicknames that each government calls the other President were funny and humanized the leaders.
I would recommend this book for fans of Louise Penny and her other thriller, State of Terror, fans of political thrillers in general, and readers who love an immersive story.
#TheLastMandarin #NetGalley
Thank you St. Martin's Press and Net Galley for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
Vivien Li, a Chinese dissident, and her food blogger daughter, Alice, get wrapped up in this fast moving story and must use their family from both countries to unravel the mystery. Is the plot far fetched? Yes and no. The generational feelings between the two countries feel real, but the details of how they are pitted against each other by a secret enemy could be far fetched, but this is a fiction book after all. There is continual action taking place that kept me engaged and reading until the end. I was kept wondering who were the traitors and spies as well as how were Vivien, Alice, and the Presidents going to decipher the truth from the deception. Each chapter is from the different plot lines and jump to another character just as something important is happening or going to be revealed. You are invested as a reader on every page.
I enjoyed the family connections elements in the book. Vivien and Alice were estranged and had a cold relationship at the beginning. As the story unfolds, the two women learn more about each other and find ways to bridge the gap to develop a better connection. There are family surprises throughout the story as well, especially concerning Alice's father. The history of Alice's parents is fascinating because of who they were as young adults in China plus the inclusion of the Terracotta Warriors and their history was captivating.
For all the drama and tension, there are moments of levity that are entertaining. For example, the nicknames that each government calls the other President were funny and humanized the leaders.
I would recommend this book for fans of Louise Penny and her other thriller, State of Terror, fans of political thrillers in general, and readers who love an immersive story.
#TheLastMandarin #NetGalley
Thank you St. Martin's Press and Net Galley for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
April 11, 2026
#theLastMandarin by @louisepennyauthor and @mellissaf was the last audiobook I listened to via NetGalley for review. I almost NEVER listen to a spy story, but this one read like a James Bond movie set in China (and all over the world). When a mass world-wide event happens simultaneously all around the world, Alice Li, an online food blogger, finds herself sucked into the espionage world of her mother Vivian Li. And the events keep happening, getting more and more foreboding, and the world goes to the brink of nuclear war. If you love adventure or spy stories, give this a listen! I really enjoyed this and trusted it bc I trust and enjoy Louise Penny stories, the audiobook is also fantastic as the narrator, @eunicewongnarration brings authenticity to the Chinese words and accents throughout the audio. I even learned how to say hello in Mandarin (Ni Hao).
Highly recommend for a story to keep you on the edge of your seat, and an unlikely mother-daughter duo who both learn a lot about themselves and each other along the way! Big thanks to @macmillan.audio for approving me to listen!!
Highly recommend for a story to keep you on the edge of your seat, and an unlikely mother-daughter duo who both learn a lot about themselves and each other along the way! Big thanks to @macmillan.audio for approving me to listen!!
May 12, 2026
The Last Mandarin starts slow, taking its time to set the stage, and I wasn’t fully hooked at first. But once it finds its footing, it shifts gears dramatically, turning into a high‑stakes, fast‑moving thriller. By the second half, it’s an action‑packed romp that’s hard to put down.
Read
May 13, 2026To be rated/reviewed
April 19, 2026
✨The Last Mandarin by Louise Penny and Mellissa Fung✨
First of all, I would like to thank St. Martin’s Press and Minotaur Books, Louise Penny, Mellissa Fung, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I recommend this book if you:
🔹enjoy fast paced political thrillers such as: “The Diplomat”, “Homeland”, “The Night Agent”, and “Quantico”. The high stakes, the fast paced action and drama, the political maneuvering, and corruption.
🔹enjoy reading about the pursuit of dangerous knowledge and the consequences of technological and scientific progress such as AI use in warfare.
🔹enjoy strong female characters. It was wonderful to see such a large cast of women in positions of power when that is not typical in literature.
I recently read “State of Terror” by Louise Penny and Hilary Clinton and I absolutely loved and devoured it, so I was excited to get my hands on this one. I definitely think it will work well for other readers, but there were aspects that just didn’t click for me. I found a few of the characters very unlikable and it made it difficult to get invested in the story.
I did enjoy the multiple POVs and the political maneuvering which was very reminiscent of what I enjoyed so much about “State of Terror”, which I assume is Penny’s style. I need to read more of her work. I also really enjoyed the exploration of the consequences of AI. Honestly the AI component was very compelling, because of its relevancy. It is alarming that the events of this novel aren’t that far fetched from reality.
First of all, I would like to thank St. Martin’s Press and Minotaur Books, Louise Penny, Mellissa Fung, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I recommend this book if you:
🔹enjoy fast paced political thrillers such as: “The Diplomat”, “Homeland”, “The Night Agent”, and “Quantico”. The high stakes, the fast paced action and drama, the political maneuvering, and corruption.
🔹enjoy reading about the pursuit of dangerous knowledge and the consequences of technological and scientific progress such as AI use in warfare.
🔹enjoy strong female characters. It was wonderful to see such a large cast of women in positions of power when that is not typical in literature.
I recently read “State of Terror” by Louise Penny and Hilary Clinton and I absolutely loved and devoured it, so I was excited to get my hands on this one. I definitely think it will work well for other readers, but there were aspects that just didn’t click for me. I found a few of the characters very unlikable and it made it difficult to get invested in the story.
I did enjoy the multiple POVs and the political maneuvering which was very reminiscent of what I enjoyed so much about “State of Terror”, which I assume is Penny’s style. I need to read more of her work. I also really enjoyed the exploration of the consequences of AI. Honestly the AI component was very compelling, because of its relevancy. It is alarming that the events of this novel aren’t that far fetched from reality.
February 5, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review "The Last Mandarin" by Louise Penny and Melissa Fung. After reading and loving Ms. Penny's previous co-write - with Hilary Clinton - I was eager to see what this book would bring. And boy, does it bring!
Part speculative fiction, part historical fiction; part adventure, this book has it all. And it's well crafted: you really cannot tell which author wrote which section (although I have a feeling I know, but I'll leave it up to other readers to figure it out).
Chinese dissident Vivien Li has been living in the United States ever since the days of Tiananmen Square. A political advisor now, she's a revered figure in the anti-Communist community. Her daughter, Alice, is a food blogger. A more unlikely pair you'll never meet. But they have to team up.
One day, every warning in the world goes off, every phone, every siren. And then they stop.
One day, every elevator in the world stops. Just stops. People are trapped. Then, they start again.
What next? Mass power failures?
Even though the same events occurred in China, the rest of the world knows, from evidence, that whatever is happening originates there. And politicians are unwilling or unable to stop whatever comes next.
Somehow, it is up to Vivien Li and Alice - following clues a la The DaVinci Code - to go back to China, back to the Square, back to everything that was left behind in order to stop the pending destruction.
High stakes is an understatement.
Highly recommended.
Part speculative fiction, part historical fiction; part adventure, this book has it all. And it's well crafted: you really cannot tell which author wrote which section (although I have a feeling I know, but I'll leave it up to other readers to figure it out).
Chinese dissident Vivien Li has been living in the United States ever since the days of Tiananmen Square. A political advisor now, she's a revered figure in the anti-Communist community. Her daughter, Alice, is a food blogger. A more unlikely pair you'll never meet. But they have to team up.
One day, every warning in the world goes off, every phone, every siren. And then they stop.
One day, every elevator in the world stops. Just stops. People are trapped. Then, they start again.
What next? Mass power failures?
Even though the same events occurred in China, the rest of the world knows, from evidence, that whatever is happening originates there. And politicians are unwilling or unable to stop whatever comes next.
Somehow, it is up to Vivien Li and Alice - following clues a la The DaVinci Code - to go back to China, back to the Square, back to everything that was left behind in order to stop the pending destruction.
High stakes is an understatement.
Highly recommended.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The last Mandarin, Louise Penny and Mellissa Fung, authors
I have read Louise Penny’s “Three Pines” novels and fallen in love with Inspector Gamache and all the other characters with their flaws and quirks. Absent her sometimes too left-wing political bias, I look forward to every one of them as they are published. I was not sure how I would feel about this book, but to coin a phrase, this book was “a great leap forward”.
This collaborative novel kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. However, the reader must suspend disbelief to relax and enjoy the ride. It might be necessary, also, to have some knowledge about China’s history and the protests in and around Tiananmen Square in Beijing, in 1989. There are many scenes that, while really exciting, actually seem to defy common sense and/or reality, but they still play well. The reader will surely wonder, now how did that just happen? Without a real explanation, the story simply seems to move on smoothly as the reader accepts the narrative, even when it is a bit illogical. It just seems to consistently move forward.
Alice Li was meeting her mother Vivien for brunch in Washington DC. Their relationship had never been warm and fuzzy. Alice always felt like a disappointment to her mother. When Wi-Fi, internet, and all forms of communication were interrupted, occurring concurrently as alarms suddenly went off in the restaurant and all over the world, Alice and Vivien were rescued, much to the surprise of Alice. Further, they were soon whisked to the White House. The President wanted to know about Alice’s last email from her friend, Liam Palmer, an account rep at a food distribution company. Alice was a food blogger. Alice was confused. How did they know about her email? What did it have to do with the “cyberverse” terror attack that just occurred setting alarms off everywhere, at the exact same moment? It caused mayhem, accidents and injuries. How could she or Liam be involved? Alice did not receive many answers to her questions, except for the fact that Liam knew her mother, was working for the CIA, and they think he was murdered because he had discovered some vital information in his recent travels.
Using the clues in her email and the clues she spotted in the painting on a Chinese souvenir, a “li bien ball”, an artistic achievement in which a very thin brush is inserted into a glass sphere and a painting is made from the inside, Alice and her mother proceed to try and help the government find out who was responsible for setting off the alarms. Then, all over the world, the elevators stopped, successively. Soon they all began to fall resulting in mass casualties and deaths. Were there spies within the American government behind this? When the investigation discovered the technology causing these events came from China, it became obvious that there were spies/traitors in China as well. However, no one knew who or why these people were creating havoc with terror attacks.
The latest research in technology was into Artificial Predictive Artificial Intelligence. Might some rogue country or group have achieved that goal? It was thought to be the ultimate weapon as it could research all historical data and determine all future behavior. It was soon suspected that a group called Pangu had risen again to cause the havoc, but how would they obtain the enormous funds necessary for such research?
There is a back story to this conundrum. Alice’s parents, Liu Tongzheng, Vivien Li and her brother Kai-wan were activists during the riots of 1989, in and around Tiananmen Square. Kai-Wen, the still unidentified “Tank Man”, had stood in front of the approaching tanks and temporarily stopped them; he had been captured and was believed to be dead. When their protests failed, the activists/rioters started a group called Pangu to peacefully bring about change to China, but as time passed, Pangu was supposedly destroyed by Vivien when she realized it was moving in a more violent direction. There were however, unintended consequences. Some members remained loyal and it now seemed that it might once again be active, but this time, “peacefully” was not the group’s intent.
So, who was the leader of Pangu now? They must find out! Could Alice’s father be behind it? She always hoped he was alive, but she was told he was dead. What if he wasn’t? Could he be a traitor? Alice’s mind gropes for answers. None were satisfying. Can two unprepared, untrained women, a mother and a daughter, who have a fraught relationship, help stop a terrorist organization from achieving its goal? Can they actually outwit espionage and artificial intelligence specialists? Well, dear reader, you will have to read it to find out. The story is really creative as it utilizes so many real historic facts and even delves into the world of future technology and science fiction. I believe that it will captivate the reader as it travels from Washington DC to Hong Kong, to China, to Xi’an, to Taiwan, and Fish Bowl Island. It will not be a merry chase, but it will be an exciting one. The reader will be introduced to some interesting history and folk lore. The reader will enter a magnificent archeological site, filled with terracotta soldiers and find out why they are there.
The thrills and even the appropriate use of wit, in the midst of all the violence, will entertain the reader. It is a very creative thriller. Sentences were crafted to make the reader rush hither and yon, in one direction or another, always guessing. Innuendos were planted to create confusion and conflict. It examines human nature, the effects of protests, and the threat of our burgeoning, uncontrolled developing technology on society, as well. In the end, were fortune cookies messages superior to all the technological advances society has made? Further, have we reached the point where no one and nothing can be trusted?
I have read Louise Penny’s “Three Pines” novels and fallen in love with Inspector Gamache and all the other characters with their flaws and quirks. Absent her sometimes too left-wing political bias, I look forward to every one of them as they are published. I was not sure how I would feel about this book, but to coin a phrase, this book was “a great leap forward”.
This collaborative novel kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. However, the reader must suspend disbelief to relax and enjoy the ride. It might be necessary, also, to have some knowledge about China’s history and the protests in and around Tiananmen Square in Beijing, in 1989. There are many scenes that, while really exciting, actually seem to defy common sense and/or reality, but they still play well. The reader will surely wonder, now how did that just happen? Without a real explanation, the story simply seems to move on smoothly as the reader accepts the narrative, even when it is a bit illogical. It just seems to consistently move forward.
Alice Li was meeting her mother Vivien for brunch in Washington DC. Their relationship had never been warm and fuzzy. Alice always felt like a disappointment to her mother. When Wi-Fi, internet, and all forms of communication were interrupted, occurring concurrently as alarms suddenly went off in the restaurant and all over the world, Alice and Vivien were rescued, much to the surprise of Alice. Further, they were soon whisked to the White House. The President wanted to know about Alice’s last email from her friend, Liam Palmer, an account rep at a food distribution company. Alice was a food blogger. Alice was confused. How did they know about her email? What did it have to do with the “cyberverse” terror attack that just occurred setting alarms off everywhere, at the exact same moment? It caused mayhem, accidents and injuries. How could she or Liam be involved? Alice did not receive many answers to her questions, except for the fact that Liam knew her mother, was working for the CIA, and they think he was murdered because he had discovered some vital information in his recent travels.
Using the clues in her email and the clues she spotted in the painting on a Chinese souvenir, a “li bien ball”, an artistic achievement in which a very thin brush is inserted into a glass sphere and a painting is made from the inside, Alice and her mother proceed to try and help the government find out who was responsible for setting off the alarms. Then, all over the world, the elevators stopped, successively. Soon they all began to fall resulting in mass casualties and deaths. Were there spies within the American government behind this? When the investigation discovered the technology causing these events came from China, it became obvious that there were spies/traitors in China as well. However, no one knew who or why these people were creating havoc with terror attacks.
The latest research in technology was into Artificial Predictive Artificial Intelligence. Might some rogue country or group have achieved that goal? It was thought to be the ultimate weapon as it could research all historical data and determine all future behavior. It was soon suspected that a group called Pangu had risen again to cause the havoc, but how would they obtain the enormous funds necessary for such research?
There is a back story to this conundrum. Alice’s parents, Liu Tongzheng, Vivien Li and her brother Kai-wan were activists during the riots of 1989, in and around Tiananmen Square. Kai-Wen, the still unidentified “Tank Man”, had stood in front of the approaching tanks and temporarily stopped them; he had been captured and was believed to be dead. When their protests failed, the activists/rioters started a group called Pangu to peacefully bring about change to China, but as time passed, Pangu was supposedly destroyed by Vivien when she realized it was moving in a more violent direction. There were however, unintended consequences. Some members remained loyal and it now seemed that it might once again be active, but this time, “peacefully” was not the group’s intent.
So, who was the leader of Pangu now? They must find out! Could Alice’s father be behind it? She always hoped he was alive, but she was told he was dead. What if he wasn’t? Could he be a traitor? Alice’s mind gropes for answers. None were satisfying. Can two unprepared, untrained women, a mother and a daughter, who have a fraught relationship, help stop a terrorist organization from achieving its goal? Can they actually outwit espionage and artificial intelligence specialists? Well, dear reader, you will have to read it to find out. The story is really creative as it utilizes so many real historic facts and even delves into the world of future technology and science fiction. I believe that it will captivate the reader as it travels from Washington DC to Hong Kong, to China, to Xi’an, to Taiwan, and Fish Bowl Island. It will not be a merry chase, but it will be an exciting one. The reader will be introduced to some interesting history and folk lore. The reader will enter a magnificent archeological site, filled with terracotta soldiers and find out why they are there.
The thrills and even the appropriate use of wit, in the midst of all the violence, will entertain the reader. It is a very creative thriller. Sentences were crafted to make the reader rush hither and yon, in one direction or another, always guessing. Innuendos were planted to create confusion and conflict. It examines human nature, the effects of protests, and the threat of our burgeoning, uncontrolled developing technology on society, as well. In the end, were fortune cookies messages superior to all the technological advances society has made? Further, have we reached the point where no one and nothing can be trusted?
March 5, 2026
A terrific, complex, of-the-moment thriller involving a food blogger and her mother, a Chinese-born dissident who fled the country after the Tiananmen Square protests. The blogger and her mother have a frosty relationship that accounts for much of the self-deprecating humor. The plot takes us from Washington DC to New York to Xian, Hong Kong, and Taiwan in search of the hacker group using Adaptive AI to wreak havoc on a global scale. It's also a family story at heart, where the past must be laid bare, and trust re-established. As a bonus, lots of great Chinese food is described throughout the novel. The narration is excellent.
My thanks to the authors, publisher, @MacmillanAudio, and #NetGalley for early access to the audiobook of #TheLastMandarin for review purposes. Publication date: 15 May 2026. Pre-order or reserve your copy now, as there is sure to be a long wait for this excellent book/audiobook.
My thanks to the authors, publisher, @MacmillanAudio, and #NetGalley for early access to the audiobook of #TheLastMandarin for review purposes. Publication date: 15 May 2026. Pre-order or reserve your copy now, as there is sure to be a long wait for this excellent book/audiobook.
March 16, 2026
Received an ARC for this book. I’m not usually a political thriller reader but this has me gripped from beginning to end. It was fast paced, had a little mystery, family dynamics that had me laughing out loud at times and some great twists and turns. Definitely one I will be recommending when it comes out in May!
May 12, 2026
It's been a minute since I've read such a fast-paced thriller and wow, it felt like indulging in a piece of rich flourless cake. It was so good and I consumed it way too fast!
Louise Penny's new novel, The Last Mandarin, is a co-authored project with Mellissa Fung, a Canadian journalist from Hong Kong. While it features a wide cast of characters, the main protagonist is Alice, a Chinese American food blogger and daughter of a famous Chinese dissident. In the opening chapters of the book the world is struck by a mysterious event -- all the sirens and alarms (car, security, phone, etc. if it can blare, it's blaring) go off all at once and remain on for about thirty seconds while the world collectively panics. Then silence. World leaders and various intelligence groups immediately set about searching for the source and trace it to a province in China, but the Chinese government was also taken off guard and swears they had nothing to do with the event. Alice and her mother, Vivian, find themselves suddenly recruited for information and sources they might have to gather more information and prevent another event from happening.
This was so fast paced that I don't think I really relaxed until the final pages! Alice and Vivian are scrambling to find answers and afraid to trust anyone while around them the stakes keep rising and the world keeps getting more chaotic and tense. There was so much intrigue and mystery and anxiety over who might be a double agent, I loved it! I trusted no one and had secondhand anxiety and I simply devoured the story, plot twist by plot twist.
This story was also delicious, literally. Alice is a food blogger and part of her investigation involves tracking down clues left by a fellow food blogger with some...suspicious connections. So mixed in with the spy craft and intrigue were discussions of coconut buns and Chinese dumplings, beef noodle soup and wontons. It left me with such a craving for my own favorite comfort foods from China, and it added an element of fun and relatability to the story.
I also loved that while much of the story takes place in Washington, D.C., and Beijing, as the American and Chinese presidents scramble to find out what's going on, there were several scenes set in Xi'an, my favorite city in China. Made famous for the Terracotta Army that was discovered buried there, there are scenes set in the caverns dedicated to housing the warriors while the story incorporates this chapter of Chinese history into the plot. I loved that in addition to getting a page-turning thriller, we were getting rich elements of Chinese history and culture woven in.
I was able to listen to the audiobook version, which I highly recommend. Many of the characters in the book speak Mandarin and hearing narrator Eunice Wong's beautiful narration and pronunciation of the various names, foods, and phrases in Mandarin made me feel even more immersed in the story than if I'd been left alone to my own devices and interpretations of the words.
This was a fantastic, clever and rich political thriller that had me on the edge of my seat. I definitely recommend for fans of the genre. But make sure you have snacks, this book will have you needing tasty treats!
*I received a copy of the audiobook from Macmillan Audio; this review is entirely my own.
Louise Penny's new novel, The Last Mandarin, is a co-authored project with Mellissa Fung, a Canadian journalist from Hong Kong. While it features a wide cast of characters, the main protagonist is Alice, a Chinese American food blogger and daughter of a famous Chinese dissident. In the opening chapters of the book the world is struck by a mysterious event -- all the sirens and alarms (car, security, phone, etc. if it can blare, it's blaring) go off all at once and remain on for about thirty seconds while the world collectively panics. Then silence. World leaders and various intelligence groups immediately set about searching for the source and trace it to a province in China, but the Chinese government was also taken off guard and swears they had nothing to do with the event. Alice and her mother, Vivian, find themselves suddenly recruited for information and sources they might have to gather more information and prevent another event from happening.
This was so fast paced that I don't think I really relaxed until the final pages! Alice and Vivian are scrambling to find answers and afraid to trust anyone while around them the stakes keep rising and the world keeps getting more chaotic and tense. There was so much intrigue and mystery and anxiety over who might be a double agent, I loved it! I trusted no one and had secondhand anxiety and I simply devoured the story, plot twist by plot twist.
This story was also delicious, literally. Alice is a food blogger and part of her investigation involves tracking down clues left by a fellow food blogger with some...suspicious connections. So mixed in with the spy craft and intrigue were discussions of coconut buns and Chinese dumplings, beef noodle soup and wontons. It left me with such a craving for my own favorite comfort foods from China, and it added an element of fun and relatability to the story.
I also loved that while much of the story takes place in Washington, D.C., and Beijing, as the American and Chinese presidents scramble to find out what's going on, there were several scenes set in Xi'an, my favorite city in China. Made famous for the Terracotta Army that was discovered buried there, there are scenes set in the caverns dedicated to housing the warriors while the story incorporates this chapter of Chinese history into the plot. I loved that in addition to getting a page-turning thriller, we were getting rich elements of Chinese history and culture woven in.
I was able to listen to the audiobook version, which I highly recommend. Many of the characters in the book speak Mandarin and hearing narrator Eunice Wong's beautiful narration and pronunciation of the various names, foods, and phrases in Mandarin made me feel even more immersed in the story than if I'd been left alone to my own devices and interpretations of the words.
This was a fantastic, clever and rich political thriller that had me on the edge of my seat. I definitely recommend for fans of the genre. But make sure you have snacks, this book will have you needing tasty treats!
*I received a copy of the audiobook from Macmillan Audio; this review is entirely my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Louise Penny, Mellissa Fung, St. Martin's Press, and Minotaur Books for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
When two formidable voices like Louise Penny and Melissa Fung come together, the expectation is high—thankfully, this collaboration doesn’t just meet it, it sharpens it into something tense, intelligent, and quietly unsettling. This standalone thriller is a tightly wound geopolitical chess match, brimming with urgency and anchored by a distinctly human core.
At the centre are Alice Li and her mother, Vivien—a renowned Chinese dissident whose past is forever marked by the fallout of the Tiananmen Square protests. Vivien’s global advocacy has made her a powerful voice on human rights, but it is Alice—long caught in that formidable shadow—who becomes the emotional and narrative linchpin. When a global crisis ignites suspicion toward China, the two are drawn into the highest levels of international response, where trust is scarce and motives are anything but transparent.
What follows is a slow-burn thriller that rewards patience. Penny and Fung resist the urge for cheap spectacle, instead layering tension through political nuance, cultural insight, and the ever-present threat of miscalculation. The suggestion that power may lie not with visible leadership but within a quieter, more insidious inner circle adds a chilling edge—one that lingers well beyond the final page.
The novel’s greatest strength lies in its duality: past and present, East and West, mother and daughter. The authors deftly explore how history informs modern geopolitics, particularly in a world still recalibrating after COVID-era distrust and shifting global alliances. There’s an undercurrent here that feels less like fiction and more like a plausible near-future scenario—uncomfortable, but compelling.
Characterisation is equally sharp. Alice and Vivien offer contrasting yet complementary perspectives, grounding the high-stakes narrative in personal conflict and emotional authenticity. Around them, a well-drawn international cast adds texture without overwhelming the story, reinforcing the sense that this is a global crisis with deeply individual consequences.
The plotting is deliberate and confident, weaving espionage, political maneuvering, and long-buried secrets into a cohesive and satisfying whole. Twists land with precision rather than shock value, and the pacing—though measured—never falters.
More than just a thriller, this novel reads as a warning shot: a meditation on power, perception, and the cost of underestimating a patient adversary. Penny and Fung have crafted a story that entertains, yes—but also challenges, provokes, and lingers.
Kudos, Madames Penny and Fung, for such a powerful piece of political thrills!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
When two formidable voices like Louise Penny and Melissa Fung come together, the expectation is high—thankfully, this collaboration doesn’t just meet it, it sharpens it into something tense, intelligent, and quietly unsettling. This standalone thriller is a tightly wound geopolitical chess match, brimming with urgency and anchored by a distinctly human core.
At the centre are Alice Li and her mother, Vivien—a renowned Chinese dissident whose past is forever marked by the fallout of the Tiananmen Square protests. Vivien’s global advocacy has made her a powerful voice on human rights, but it is Alice—long caught in that formidable shadow—who becomes the emotional and narrative linchpin. When a global crisis ignites suspicion toward China, the two are drawn into the highest levels of international response, where trust is scarce and motives are anything but transparent.
What follows is a slow-burn thriller that rewards patience. Penny and Fung resist the urge for cheap spectacle, instead layering tension through political nuance, cultural insight, and the ever-present threat of miscalculation. The suggestion that power may lie not with visible leadership but within a quieter, more insidious inner circle adds a chilling edge—one that lingers well beyond the final page.
The novel’s greatest strength lies in its duality: past and present, East and West, mother and daughter. The authors deftly explore how history informs modern geopolitics, particularly in a world still recalibrating after COVID-era distrust and shifting global alliances. There’s an undercurrent here that feels less like fiction and more like a plausible near-future scenario—uncomfortable, but compelling.
Characterisation is equally sharp. Alice and Vivien offer contrasting yet complementary perspectives, grounding the high-stakes narrative in personal conflict and emotional authenticity. Around them, a well-drawn international cast adds texture without overwhelming the story, reinforcing the sense that this is a global crisis with deeply individual consequences.
The plotting is deliberate and confident, weaving espionage, political maneuvering, and long-buried secrets into a cohesive and satisfying whole. Twists land with precision rather than shock value, and the pacing—though measured—never falters.
More than just a thriller, this novel reads as a warning shot: a meditation on power, perception, and the cost of underestimating a patient adversary. Penny and Fung have crafted a story that entertains, yes—but also challenges, provokes, and lingers.
Kudos, Madames Penny and Fung, for such a powerful piece of political thrills!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A DEEPLY COMPELLING INTERNATIONAL CYBERTERRORISM MYSTERY
SUMMARY
Alice Li, a first-generation Chinese American and food blogger, and her estranged but iconic mother, Vivien Li, a human rights activist, are having lunch in an upscale DC hotel. What happens next is pandemonium as alarms sound everywhere.
Alarms, not just in DC or the United States, but everywhere in the world. Every type of alarm sounded: from cell phones and fire alarms to security alarms and sirens. No one knew where to go or what to do; it was total pandemonium, and there was no safe place inside or out.
The White House and the President are scrambling to identify the source of the signal and determine who is responsible for this attack, and, more importantly, whether something bigger, something more deadly, is coming.
When it is discovered that Vivien and Alice may have vital information about a specific group of dissidents, they are called to the White House. Early assessments point to somewhere in China. Vivien heads to Hong Kong to get answers. Alice lost a friend in Hong Kong on the morning of the attack, and some officials think that her friend, Liam, may be connected to the attack. She soon follows her mother to Hong Kong.
REVIEW
THE LAST MANDARIN is deeply compelling and immediately grabs your attention when the alarms go off. The writing is riveting, focusing on cyberterrorism, geopolitics, and a complicated mother-daughter relationship. Alice and Vivien evade capture as they travel across China in search of the group that may be responsible for the cyberattack.
The characters are plentiful, including Alice and Vivian’s family and friends, as well as many government officials from both the US and China. At times it’s a little difficult to keep everyone straight, but I like how Vivian and Alice drive much of the narrative. I appreciate the courage, determination, and fortitude of these two strong but vulnerable women. While some parts of the story seemed far-fetched, I really appreciated its global scope and relevance to today's world full of artificial intelligence.
Author Louise Penny and Mellissa Fung have teamed up to write an intriguing and terrifying international thriller. Penny is best known for her beloved, bestselling Armand Gamache/Three Pines series, and Fung is an award-winning journalist and has written the bestseller Between Good and Evil: The Stolen Girls of Boko Haram (2023)
I listened to the audiobook of THE LAST MANDARIN, narrated by Eunice Wong, and thought the performance was solid. The listening experience could have been much easier with a multi-cast production, given the story's many diverse characters. I had to pay very close attention to keep up with the story, with barely a pause between scene changes at times.
Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for an advance copy of the audiobook. All opinions expressed here are my own.
Publisher Macmillan Audio
Published May 12, 2026
Narrated Eunice Wong
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com
SUMMARY
Alice Li, a first-generation Chinese American and food blogger, and her estranged but iconic mother, Vivien Li, a human rights activist, are having lunch in an upscale DC hotel. What happens next is pandemonium as alarms sound everywhere.
Alarms, not just in DC or the United States, but everywhere in the world. Every type of alarm sounded: from cell phones and fire alarms to security alarms and sirens. No one knew where to go or what to do; it was total pandemonium, and there was no safe place inside or out.
The White House and the President are scrambling to identify the source of the signal and determine who is responsible for this attack, and, more importantly, whether something bigger, something more deadly, is coming.
When it is discovered that Vivien and Alice may have vital information about a specific group of dissidents, they are called to the White House. Early assessments point to somewhere in China. Vivien heads to Hong Kong to get answers. Alice lost a friend in Hong Kong on the morning of the attack, and some officials think that her friend, Liam, may be connected to the attack. She soon follows her mother to Hong Kong.
REVIEW
THE LAST MANDARIN is deeply compelling and immediately grabs your attention when the alarms go off. The writing is riveting, focusing on cyberterrorism, geopolitics, and a complicated mother-daughter relationship. Alice and Vivien evade capture as they travel across China in search of the group that may be responsible for the cyberattack.
The characters are plentiful, including Alice and Vivian’s family and friends, as well as many government officials from both the US and China. At times it’s a little difficult to keep everyone straight, but I like how Vivian and Alice drive much of the narrative. I appreciate the courage, determination, and fortitude of these two strong but vulnerable women. While some parts of the story seemed far-fetched, I really appreciated its global scope and relevance to today's world full of artificial intelligence.
Author Louise Penny and Mellissa Fung have teamed up to write an intriguing and terrifying international thriller. Penny is best known for her beloved, bestselling Armand Gamache/Three Pines series, and Fung is an award-winning journalist and has written the bestseller Between Good and Evil: The Stolen Girls of Boko Haram (2023)
I listened to the audiobook of THE LAST MANDARIN, narrated by Eunice Wong, and thought the performance was solid. The listening experience could have been much easier with a multi-cast production, given the story's many diverse characters. I had to pay very close attention to keep up with the story, with barely a pause between scene changes at times.
Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for an advance copy of the audiobook. All opinions expressed here are my own.
Publisher Macmillan Audio
Published May 12, 2026
Narrated Eunice Wong
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.5 out of 5 stars. rounded up
With a huge fan base for her Chief Inspector Gamache mysteries, Louise Penny will always draw in readers. Add to that the success of her 2021 joint effort with Hillary Clinton, a stand-alone political thriller centered on a Secretary of State, and readers should be willing to try Penny’s second joint effort even if unsure of her new coauthor. Then learning that Mellissa Fung is a prize-winning international journalist based in Canada as well as author to two successful non-fiction books including Under an Afghan Sky about her experiences as captive while on assignment in Kabul, and readers should be delighted Penny persuaded her good friend to work with her on The Last Mandarin, a captivating political thriller focused on U.S.-Chinese relations, international traitors, and impending worldwide devastation.
Sirens simultaneously sound around the world, setting off blind panic. Then they stop. While everyone might feel relieved, worry spreads. How could such sirens sound worldwide? Who has the power to set them off? Were they a warning? Were they designed to spread fear? What might come next?
Pardington calls in Vivien Li, a former Tiananmen Square protestor, now a well-known political activist in the U.S., along with her daughter Alice, a former journalism major and current food blogger. What could Alice possibly have to contribute? Alice’s university friend Liam, a fellow food blogger working in the international food distribution business has just been found dead in in the waters near Hong Kong, his last email and photo sent to Alice shortly before his murder. Could his message and photo contain clues?
When a second event causes unimaginable worldwide deaths, fear intensifies. Signals are traced to China. U. S. President Pardington and his staff, as well as other world leaders, are convinced China’s President Chen must be responsible. Oddly, however, China has also been affected by the two terrifying events. Chen denies all allegations.
Vivien vanishes, with Alice soon following as she realizes her mother has gone to China without telling anyone. Could Vivien somehow be involved with the threats coming from China? If the Chinese leader isn’t involved, might there be a renewed plot to overthrow the Communist regime? What does the first Chinese emperor from two thousand years ago—the one who ordered the construction of thousands of terracotta soldiers to protect his tomb in Xi’an-- have to do with this somewhat futuristic international threat?
Strained relations between cold Vivien and daughter Alice play a role throughout the book. Long-held secrets are gradually revealed. Red herring after red herring cause readers to turn their thoughts from one potential suspect to another.
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advance reader egalley of this nail-biting political thriller sure to be a best-seller from beloved novelist Louise Penny and international journalist Mellisa Fung.
With a huge fan base for her Chief Inspector Gamache mysteries, Louise Penny will always draw in readers. Add to that the success of her 2021 joint effort with Hillary Clinton, a stand-alone political thriller centered on a Secretary of State, and readers should be willing to try Penny’s second joint effort even if unsure of her new coauthor. Then learning that Mellissa Fung is a prize-winning international journalist based in Canada as well as author to two successful non-fiction books including Under an Afghan Sky about her experiences as captive while on assignment in Kabul, and readers should be delighted Penny persuaded her good friend to work with her on The Last Mandarin, a captivating political thriller focused on U.S.-Chinese relations, international traitors, and impending worldwide devastation.
Sirens simultaneously sound around the world, setting off blind panic. Then they stop. While everyone might feel relieved, worry spreads. How could such sirens sound worldwide? Who has the power to set them off? Were they a warning? Were they designed to spread fear? What might come next?
Pardington calls in Vivien Li, a former Tiananmen Square protestor, now a well-known political activist in the U.S., along with her daughter Alice, a former journalism major and current food blogger. What could Alice possibly have to contribute? Alice’s university friend Liam, a fellow food blogger working in the international food distribution business has just been found dead in in the waters near Hong Kong, his last email and photo sent to Alice shortly before his murder. Could his message and photo contain clues?
When a second event causes unimaginable worldwide deaths, fear intensifies. Signals are traced to China. U. S. President Pardington and his staff, as well as other world leaders, are convinced China’s President Chen must be responsible. Oddly, however, China has also been affected by the two terrifying events. Chen denies all allegations.
Vivien vanishes, with Alice soon following as she realizes her mother has gone to China without telling anyone. Could Vivien somehow be involved with the threats coming from China? If the Chinese leader isn’t involved, might there be a renewed plot to overthrow the Communist regime? What does the first Chinese emperor from two thousand years ago—the one who ordered the construction of thousands of terracotta soldiers to protect his tomb in Xi’an-- have to do with this somewhat futuristic international threat?
Strained relations between cold Vivien and daughter Alice play a role throughout the book. Long-held secrets are gradually revealed. Red herring after red herring cause readers to turn their thoughts from one potential suspect to another.
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advance reader egalley of this nail-biting political thriller sure to be a best-seller from beloved novelist Louise Penny and international journalist Mellisa Fung.
May 12, 2026
Two women take on a global threat!
The Last Mandarin grabs your attention from the first page and shakes up what you think you know. Alarms start ringing around the world, and everyone suspects China is the culprit. In America, you meet two women: Madame Vivien Li, a famous Chinese dissident, and her daughter, Alice. Alice’s fellow food blogger and friend, Liam, sends her a message from Hong Kong and then turns up dead. Another worldwide catastrophic event occurs, and the race is on by every country on earth to discover who is responsible.
I love this book. It is complex, interesting and a wonderful thriller. It is fast-paced, and although it starts in the United States, the death threats are worldwide. Most of the action happens in Hong Kong, China, and Taipei. The threat involves adaptive predictive AI, which, if you are paying attention, should be thoroughly frightening. Louise and Mellissa, instead of just talking about how scary it can be, actually illustrate how scary it could be.
The underlying heart of the book is about women, their relationships and what they do to survive. The two main characters are strong women. Alice and her mother, Vivien, have a strained relationship. They must learn to trust in each other and rely on their individual strengths. I love how woven into the story, Mellissa Fung has included so much about the culture, language, and history of China.
As usual, after reading one of Louise Penny's books, I close the book and think, “Wow, that was so good!” Mellissa and Louise have done a masterful job. It's just really well written. It makes you think about relationships. It makes you think about the world and how people can be misled. I love that they break down the leaders of countries into not these gigantic infallible people, but that they are people who put their pants on one leg at a time, and have flaws. As well as being open to being deceived and open to making mistakes. And perhaps the best leaders are those who learn from those mistakes. It is written with such warmth. You get to know the characters. They're human, they have flaws, and they have great qualities.
But you come to know them, and you really are rooting for them. And it's a surprising contrast to the fact that it's a thriller and a political thriller at that! And that it's so fast-paced, but you still gain that sense of warmth and depth of the characters. I know that I loved a book when I get that glowy feeling at the end, where I'm just so happy with the ending. It was a very satisfying read. Highly recommend it to lovers of political thrillers with strong female leads.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books and NetGalley for access to an advanced reader copy.
The Last Mandarin grabs your attention from the first page and shakes up what you think you know. Alarms start ringing around the world, and everyone suspects China is the culprit. In America, you meet two women: Madame Vivien Li, a famous Chinese dissident, and her daughter, Alice. Alice’s fellow food blogger and friend, Liam, sends her a message from Hong Kong and then turns up dead. Another worldwide catastrophic event occurs, and the race is on by every country on earth to discover who is responsible.
I love this book. It is complex, interesting and a wonderful thriller. It is fast-paced, and although it starts in the United States, the death threats are worldwide. Most of the action happens in Hong Kong, China, and Taipei. The threat involves adaptive predictive AI, which, if you are paying attention, should be thoroughly frightening. Louise and Mellissa, instead of just talking about how scary it can be, actually illustrate how scary it could be.
The underlying heart of the book is about women, their relationships and what they do to survive. The two main characters are strong women. Alice and her mother, Vivien, have a strained relationship. They must learn to trust in each other and rely on their individual strengths. I love how woven into the story, Mellissa Fung has included so much about the culture, language, and history of China.
As usual, after reading one of Louise Penny's books, I close the book and think, “Wow, that was so good!” Mellissa and Louise have done a masterful job. It's just really well written. It makes you think about relationships. It makes you think about the world and how people can be misled. I love that they break down the leaders of countries into not these gigantic infallible people, but that they are people who put their pants on one leg at a time, and have flaws. As well as being open to being deceived and open to making mistakes. And perhaps the best leaders are those who learn from those mistakes. It is written with such warmth. You get to know the characters. They're human, they have flaws, and they have great qualities.
But you come to know them, and you really are rooting for them. And it's a surprising contrast to the fact that it's a thriller and a political thriller at that! And that it's so fast-paced, but you still gain that sense of warmth and depth of the characters. I know that I loved a book when I get that glowy feeling at the end, where I'm just so happy with the ending. It was a very satisfying read. Highly recommend it to lovers of political thrillers with strong female leads.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books and NetGalley for access to an advanced reader copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Last Mandarin by Louise Penny (the bestselling Canadian author) and Mellissa Fung (an award-winning journalist and nonfiction writer) is an ambitious political thriller that blends global stakes with a deeply personal story about mothers and daughters. The novel is a standalone collaboration and not part of Penny’s well-known Inspector Gamache Series.
The story centers on Vivien Li, a former dissident who fled China after the Tiananmen Square protests and is now a prominent human-rights activist, and her daughter Alice, a Chinese-American food blogger who has long lived in her mother’s shadow.
When security and fire alarms around the world suddenly trigger at the same time, causing global panic, investigators trace the signal back to China. World leaders bring Vivien to the White House to help interpret what might be happening—but unexpectedly, Alice is asked to join the investigation as well. As the mystery deepens, they begin to suspect something even more alarming: if China isn’t responsible for the attack, it could mean that a hidden faction within the country has seized control.
Forced to work together despite their strained relationship, mother and daughter travel across multiple locations in an effort to stop another catastrophic event.
Although it’s a fast-paced thriller, the novel also explores themes of power, human rights and authoritarianism, political control, cultural identity, and memory.
What makes this collaboration interesting is the balance between the authors’ strengths. Penny brings the storytelling craft and emotional nuance readers know from her work, while Fung brings real-world geopolitical and human-rights insight from her journalism career that adds a sense of realism to the story. The result is a thriller that isn’t only about preventing a global crisis, but also about understanding the histories and relationships that shape the present.
At times the novel reads almost like a high-stakes political thriller on screen — with global tension, decisions made under impossible pressure, and the fate of millions depending on solving the mystery before time runs out. The complicated mother-daughter relationship at the center of the story adds emotional weight to what could otherwise be a purely plot-driven narrative.
If you enjoy thrillers with strong female characters and emotional layers that combine espionage, global politics, and character-driven drama, The Last Mandarin offers an intriguing blend of all three.
The story centers on Vivien Li, a former dissident who fled China after the Tiananmen Square protests and is now a prominent human-rights activist, and her daughter Alice, a Chinese-American food blogger who has long lived in her mother’s shadow.
When security and fire alarms around the world suddenly trigger at the same time, causing global panic, investigators trace the signal back to China. World leaders bring Vivien to the White House to help interpret what might be happening—but unexpectedly, Alice is asked to join the investigation as well. As the mystery deepens, they begin to suspect something even more alarming: if China isn’t responsible for the attack, it could mean that a hidden faction within the country has seized control.
Forced to work together despite their strained relationship, mother and daughter travel across multiple locations in an effort to stop another catastrophic event.
Although it’s a fast-paced thriller, the novel also explores themes of power, human rights and authoritarianism, political control, cultural identity, and memory.
What makes this collaboration interesting is the balance between the authors’ strengths. Penny brings the storytelling craft and emotional nuance readers know from her work, while Fung brings real-world geopolitical and human-rights insight from her journalism career that adds a sense of realism to the story. The result is a thriller that isn’t only about preventing a global crisis, but also about understanding the histories and relationships that shape the present.
At times the novel reads almost like a high-stakes political thriller on screen — with global tension, decisions made under impossible pressure, and the fate of millions depending on solving the mystery before time runs out. The complicated mother-daughter relationship at the center of the story adds emotional weight to what could otherwise be a purely plot-driven narrative.
If you enjoy thrillers with strong female characters and emotional layers that combine espionage, global politics, and character-driven drama, The Last Mandarin offers an intriguing blend of all three.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for this eARC in audiobook format, The Last Mandarin by Louise Penny; Mellissa Fung
Narrated by Eunice Wong
A semi estranged mother and daughter, Alice and Vivien, must join forces to attempt to stop the end of the world in this exciting international thriller.
The Last Mandarin is an intriguing blend of political tension, cultural reflection, and intimate character study. Co-authored by Louise Penny and Melissa Fung, the novel carries a quiet intensity rather than relying on dramatic spectacle. It unfolds with a deliberate pace, drawing readers into a world where personal choices are inseparable from historical forces.
This story explores identity, history, trust and faith - how it is shaped, fractured, and sometimes reclaimed under pressure. The authors skillfully weave together themes of power, exile, and moral compromise, presenting characters who are deeply human in their uncertainty. No one exists as purely heroic or villainous; instead, motivations are layered, often contradictory, and shaped by circumstance. This complexity is where this novel shines most.
The setting plays a crucial role, functioning almost like another character. There’s a strong sense of atmosphere—political structures loom in the background, influencing even the most private moments. The narrative doesn’t rush to explain everything, which can feel disorienting at first, but ultimately rewards patient readers with a richer understanding of the unimaginable stakes involved.
As an audiobook, the experience is elevated by Eunice Wong’s narration. She brings a measured, thoughtful tone that aligns well with the book’s introspective style. Her voice work adds emotional nuance without overpowering the text, especially in scenes where tension simmers beneath restrained dialogue. The pacing of her delivery mirrors the novel’s slow burn, making it particularly immersive for listeners who appreciate subtle storytelling.
Readers expecting fast-moving plot twists or clear-cut resolutions might find it too understated. Its strength lies in mood, character, and thematic depth rather than action.
The Last Mandarin is a thoughtful, quietly powerful novel that lingers after it ends. It’s best suited for readers who enjoy reflective fiction with moral ambiguity and a strong sense of place. The collaboration between Penny and Fung results in a work that feels intimate yet expansive—less about what happens, and more about what it means.
An exciting , thrilling, and tour de force of a novel that would make a blockbuster movie!
Narrated by Eunice Wong
A semi estranged mother and daughter, Alice and Vivien, must join forces to attempt to stop the end of the world in this exciting international thriller.
The Last Mandarin is an intriguing blend of political tension, cultural reflection, and intimate character study. Co-authored by Louise Penny and Melissa Fung, the novel carries a quiet intensity rather than relying on dramatic spectacle. It unfolds with a deliberate pace, drawing readers into a world where personal choices are inseparable from historical forces.
This story explores identity, history, trust and faith - how it is shaped, fractured, and sometimes reclaimed under pressure. The authors skillfully weave together themes of power, exile, and moral compromise, presenting characters who are deeply human in their uncertainty. No one exists as purely heroic or villainous; instead, motivations are layered, often contradictory, and shaped by circumstance. This complexity is where this novel shines most.
The setting plays a crucial role, functioning almost like another character. There’s a strong sense of atmosphere—political structures loom in the background, influencing even the most private moments. The narrative doesn’t rush to explain everything, which can feel disorienting at first, but ultimately rewards patient readers with a richer understanding of the unimaginable stakes involved.
As an audiobook, the experience is elevated by Eunice Wong’s narration. She brings a measured, thoughtful tone that aligns well with the book’s introspective style. Her voice work adds emotional nuance without overpowering the text, especially in scenes where tension simmers beneath restrained dialogue. The pacing of her delivery mirrors the novel’s slow burn, making it particularly immersive for listeners who appreciate subtle storytelling.
Readers expecting fast-moving plot twists or clear-cut resolutions might find it too understated. Its strength lies in mood, character, and thematic depth rather than action.
The Last Mandarin is a thoughtful, quietly powerful novel that lingers after it ends. It’s best suited for readers who enjoy reflective fiction with moral ambiguity and a strong sense of place. The collaboration between Penny and Fung results in a work that feels intimate yet expansive—less about what happens, and more about what it means.
An exciting , thrilling, and tour de force of a novel that would make a blockbuster movie!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
As a long-time fan of Louise Penny’s Inspector Gamache novels, I anticipated the latest Penny book with much excitement. Now, I knew that Penny wrote The Last Mandarin with Mellissa Fung, and that it is a standalone thriller. I still believed that Penny’s superior writing skills would shine through regardless of changing up the usual setting and adding a co-author. I was disappointed.
The Last Mandarin concerns a Chinese-American mother, who is a political advisor to the White House and a Chinese dissident, joining her daughter on an international quest to stop a global crisis. Vivien and Alice, who have been fighting their entire lives, must travel to China after simultaneous alarms trigger worldwide panic. Then elevators around the world drop simultaneously! Vivien and Alice must figure out a way to get along so that they can prevent the next attack.
The novel felt like a combination Dan Brown/Indiana Jones book and political thriller – with an overabundance of coincidence and conspiracy. I did like the mother/daughter dynamic with Vivien and Alice, though it felt simplistic that Alice, the daughter, was a food blogger and suddenly uncovering an historical conspiracy while the leadership of the US and China waited for the duo to solve the enormous problem. Was there no one else competent who could have helped with this issue?!
Usually, Penny’s books are character-driven and focused on morality and relationships in the village of Three Pines or at least pertaining to that village. This fast paced, action heavy thriller surprised me in that plot was first and foremost while characterizations were minimal. We know that usually Penny’s books are not primarily focused on crime, but rather the mystery of human nature. In The Last Mandarin, Penny has written an entirely different type of novel.
Had I not read Penny’s other novels and loved them so, I would not have been disappointed in a rather run-of-the-mill action thriller which requires much suspension of disbelief. At times I could see Penny’s prose, especially in the formation of the mother/daughter relationship. But mostly this novel is a complete departure from the usual Louise Penny book. It is worth the read, but certainly change your expectations if you are a fan of Penny’s Gamache series.
My rating: 3 of 5
This ARC title was provided by Netgalley.com at no cost, and I am providing an unbiased review.
The Last Mandarin will be published on May 12, 2026.
The Last Mandarin concerns a Chinese-American mother, who is a political advisor to the White House and a Chinese dissident, joining her daughter on an international quest to stop a global crisis. Vivien and Alice, who have been fighting their entire lives, must travel to China after simultaneous alarms trigger worldwide panic. Then elevators around the world drop simultaneously! Vivien and Alice must figure out a way to get along so that they can prevent the next attack.
The novel felt like a combination Dan Brown/Indiana Jones book and political thriller – with an overabundance of coincidence and conspiracy. I did like the mother/daughter dynamic with Vivien and Alice, though it felt simplistic that Alice, the daughter, was a food blogger and suddenly uncovering an historical conspiracy while the leadership of the US and China waited for the duo to solve the enormous problem. Was there no one else competent who could have helped with this issue?!
Usually, Penny’s books are character-driven and focused on morality and relationships in the village of Three Pines or at least pertaining to that village. This fast paced, action heavy thriller surprised me in that plot was first and foremost while characterizations were minimal. We know that usually Penny’s books are not primarily focused on crime, but rather the mystery of human nature. In The Last Mandarin, Penny has written an entirely different type of novel.
Had I not read Penny’s other novels and loved them so, I would not have been disappointed in a rather run-of-the-mill action thriller which requires much suspension of disbelief. At times I could see Penny’s prose, especially in the formation of the mother/daughter relationship. But mostly this novel is a complete departure from the usual Louise Penny book. It is worth the read, but certainly change your expectations if you are a fan of Penny’s Gamache series.
My rating: 3 of 5
This ARC title was provided by Netgalley.com at no cost, and I am providing an unbiased review.
The Last Mandarin will be published on May 12, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Last Mandarin - Advance Reader Copy, Publication date: May 12, 2026
Vivian Lee was once a rebel in China. She was a part of the Tiananmen Square uprising and is now a human rights activists. She is now a Chinese America.
Daughter Alice attended Columbia University and is a food blogger. When every alarm and siren in the world went off at the same second the US suspects the Chinese as the original signal can be traced there; yet, some think China's President was unaware. Vivian believes it was a rogue element in the Chinese Government but that the president can’t admit that he’s lost control of his own people. Alice's friend from college, Liam (also a Chinese American food blogger), is dead and is suspected of being a spy. The US president and his advisors want to know what Alice knows - very little that will be of help to him or the country. Alice is shocked to realize that her mother knows the US President and apparently has insider information regarding ongoing issues in China.
Vivian has always kept who and what she knows, including her personal history, very close to the vest and has told her children very little about her past or about China. Her secretiveness has led Alice to believe of her mother as cold and uncaring. The two will have to heal their rift in order to come together to solve the question of who murdered Liam and why and to determine the source of the other threats that the world is facing which also originate from China.
The Last Mandarin is an international thriller. It is a political story about freedom and power and greed. This is the only Lousie Penny book that I have read, outside her Gamache series, which I love! I have read that she had been feeling a desire to leave Three Pines and explore other aspects of her writing and I can totally understand that. This book is good and, like Three Pines has some great history woven into it. In terms of the excitement and suspense, as well as the writing in The Last Mandarin, I give it 4 stars. Special thanks to NetGalley, LouisePenny MellissaFung @MacmillanAudio Instagram @MacmillanAudio Facebook ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#EmptyNestReader #TheLastMandarin #InternationalThriller #LouisPenny #MellissaFung #netgalley #bookreviews #readalittlelearnalittlelivealittle #MarchReads #audiobooks #ebooks #bookstagrammer #bookstagramalabama #bookstagrammichigan #bookrecommendations #emptynestreaderaudiobooks🎧 #bookreviewer
Vivian Lee was once a rebel in China. She was a part of the Tiananmen Square uprising and is now a human rights activists. She is now a Chinese America.
Daughter Alice attended Columbia University and is a food blogger. When every alarm and siren in the world went off at the same second the US suspects the Chinese as the original signal can be traced there; yet, some think China's President was unaware. Vivian believes it was a rogue element in the Chinese Government but that the president can’t admit that he’s lost control of his own people. Alice's friend from college, Liam (also a Chinese American food blogger), is dead and is suspected of being a spy. The US president and his advisors want to know what Alice knows - very little that will be of help to him or the country. Alice is shocked to realize that her mother knows the US President and apparently has insider information regarding ongoing issues in China.
Vivian has always kept who and what she knows, including her personal history, very close to the vest and has told her children very little about her past or about China. Her secretiveness has led Alice to believe of her mother as cold and uncaring. The two will have to heal their rift in order to come together to solve the question of who murdered Liam and why and to determine the source of the other threats that the world is facing which also originate from China.
The Last Mandarin is an international thriller. It is a political story about freedom and power and greed. This is the only Lousie Penny book that I have read, outside her Gamache series, which I love! I have read that she had been feeling a desire to leave Three Pines and explore other aspects of her writing and I can totally understand that. This book is good and, like Three Pines has some great history woven into it. In terms of the excitement and suspense, as well as the writing in The Last Mandarin, I give it 4 stars. Special thanks to NetGalley, LouisePenny MellissaFung @MacmillanAudio Instagram @MacmillanAudio Facebook ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#EmptyNestReader #TheLastMandarin #InternationalThriller #LouisPenny #MellissaFung #netgalley #bookreviews #readalittlelearnalittlelivealittle #MarchReads #audiobooks #ebooks #bookstagrammer #bookstagramalabama #bookstagrammichigan #bookrecommendations #emptynestreaderaudiobooks🎧 #bookreviewer
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
My thanks to NetGalley and MInotaur Books/St. Martin's Publishing for the ARC of "The Last Mandarin" in exchange for honest review.
A global thriller that pits superpowers against each other as a third unknown entity threatens to end the world? Oh yes, please.....sign me up.
And on top of all that.....a global thriller that takes an utterly bonkers, thrill-a=minute detour into Indiana Jones territory? Complete with a wondrous archeological cave=scape overloaded with deadly booby traps? Light that torch and count me in......
Granted, all of the above elements thrown into the pot by authors Louise Penny and Melissa Fung don't blend together easily. But the pace never lags, the mother-daughter lead characters are fascinating in their generational and culture clashes, and that 'Art-of-War' backstabbing between the Chinese and American power brokers has that breathless Tom Clancy feel to it
Either a rogue terrorist group or an actual superpower nation have come up with with technology to inflict sudden, worldwide catastrophes capable of killing millions within minutes. Blaming China, the U.S. President turns to internationally celebrated Chinese dissident Vivian Li, a Tiananmen survivor with deep roots in her original homeland. And Li's estranged, raised-in=America daughter Alice has come along for the ride, since the mysterious death of Alice's dear friend relates to the calamitous events now befalling the world.
While the powers-that-be in Beijing and Washington (some of whom may not be what they appear) struggle to avert World War 3, Vivian and Alice are off and running to pierce the very heart of this unknown cabal of conspirators. Though these terrorists wield unlimited high tech, they didn't count on Alice, of all people, becoming a cross between Nancy Drew and Indy you-know-who.
I found very little of this even remotely plausible, but that didn't stop me from happily wallowing in all the high stakes diplomacy and thrill ride moments packed into the book. And even amid the constant life-threatening derring-do, authors Penny and Fung take the time to expertly insert ancient and recent Chinese history into their story and into the fierce passions of their characters.
For anyone (like me) who simply cannot resist a countdown-to-world's-end, day-the-hotline-got-hot nailbiter, here's your steeping cup of tea waiting for you..
(My other reviews can be found at www.thesandyquill.blogspot.com)
A global thriller that pits superpowers against each other as a third unknown entity threatens to end the world? Oh yes, please.....sign me up.
And on top of all that.....a global thriller that takes an utterly bonkers, thrill-a=minute detour into Indiana Jones territory? Complete with a wondrous archeological cave=scape overloaded with deadly booby traps? Light that torch and count me in......
Granted, all of the above elements thrown into the pot by authors Louise Penny and Melissa Fung don't blend together easily. But the pace never lags, the mother-daughter lead characters are fascinating in their generational and culture clashes, and that 'Art-of-War' backstabbing between the Chinese and American power brokers has that breathless Tom Clancy feel to it
Either a rogue terrorist group or an actual superpower nation have come up with with technology to inflict sudden, worldwide catastrophes capable of killing millions within minutes. Blaming China, the U.S. President turns to internationally celebrated Chinese dissident Vivian Li, a Tiananmen survivor with deep roots in her original homeland. And Li's estranged, raised-in=America daughter Alice has come along for the ride, since the mysterious death of Alice's dear friend relates to the calamitous events now befalling the world.
While the powers-that-be in Beijing and Washington (some of whom may not be what they appear) struggle to avert World War 3, Vivian and Alice are off and running to pierce the very heart of this unknown cabal of conspirators. Though these terrorists wield unlimited high tech, they didn't count on Alice, of all people, becoming a cross between Nancy Drew and Indy you-know-who.
I found very little of this even remotely plausible, but that didn't stop me from happily wallowing in all the high stakes diplomacy and thrill ride moments packed into the book. And even amid the constant life-threatening derring-do, authors Penny and Fung take the time to expertly insert ancient and recent Chinese history into their story and into the fierce passions of their characters.
For anyone (like me) who simply cannot resist a countdown-to-world's-end, day-the-hotline-got-hot nailbiter, here's your steeping cup of tea waiting for you..
(My other reviews can be found at www.thesandyquill.blogspot.com)
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