The Last Mandarin: A Novel

by Lousie Penny, Melissa Fung

Hardcover

Published June 2, 2026

Reviews

[Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

The world as we know it is on the brink of annihilation and a young Chinese- American woman and her mother must rush to help the American government prevent it. Not easy to figure out exactly what is going on, who is behind it and why. If that is your sort of thing, read it.

[Jenn · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars. Fascinating story and details, but couldn’t ever connect with the characters.

[Maryann (Mae) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The premise of this book should cause you great concern. I enjoyed the plotline and congratulate the authors on the telling of it.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not the type of book that I normally would pick up, a political thriller, save the co-author is Louise Penny. Lots of suspense and unknowns. Worth a read 🙂.

[Kathy MacDonald · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book started out ok but turned into an unbelievable story of breach of security in Chinese and American secret service intelligence. I did finish the book but it was a struggle.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dystopian suspense, slow in the beginning, rapid pace in the ending chapters.

[B.Yonder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, finished it. Enjoyed the fairly generous use of Mandarin.