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The China Thrillers #7
The Ghost Marriage: A compact return to the thrilling crime series (A China Thriller Novella)
LI YAN AND MARGARET CAMPBELL RETURN IN A NEW SHORT STORY, YEARS AFTER THE DRAMATIC CONCLUSION OF CHINESE WHISPERS.
'I saw your missing girl at a ghost wedding last week. She was the bride.'
It has been a whirlwind few years for Li Yan and Margaret Campbell. Nowadays, both are busy juggling their huge professional workloads - Li as the newly promoted chief of Beijing's serious crime squad, and Campbell as lecturer at the University of Public Security - with the day-to-day raising of their young son, Li Jon.
When a desperate mother appeals to Campbell's own maternal instincts, Li agrees to look into the disappearance of a 17-year-old Beijing girl, Jiang Meilin.
Yet Li's investigation soon turns from a favour into a full-scale murder enquiry. And when he receives an anonymous note he learns Jiang Meilin's death is tied to a dangerous underground trade, and a dark marital rite from China's past.
47 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2010
203 people are currently reading
789 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
March 13, 2025
Although I have several of his books (like most of us here, I buy books way faster than I can read them), this is the first time I’ve read Peter May. As my rating indicates, I really enjoyed it.
It takes place in current-day Beijing and involves the investigation into the disappearance of a teenage girl. The title of the book is a bit of a spoiler regarding what happened to the girl (Ghost Marriages/Weddings are a real thing), but the story leading us through the investigation was interesting.
It’s a 40-50 page short story and was quite a page turner. I read it in less than an hour over 3 sittings. That’s a bit faster than my normal reading speed (I think).
I’m a fan of short stories as they can be a great introduction to a new author. If done well, they also - as they’re short - cut to the chase and trim a lot of excess fat that many writers fall victim to in their longer offerings.
In any event, if you’re interested in getting into Peter May this is a good book to start with as you can burn through it quickly either way. Even though it is listed as Book 7 of a series, there weren’t any major spoilers about previous entries in the series, so you’d be safe in that regard if you read this book first.
It takes place in current-day Beijing and involves the investigation into the disappearance of a teenage girl. The title of the book is a bit of a spoiler regarding what happened to the girl (Ghost Marriages/Weddings are a real thing), but the story leading us through the investigation was interesting.
It’s a 40-50 page short story and was quite a page turner. I read it in less than an hour over 3 sittings. That’s a bit faster than my normal reading speed (I think).
I’m a fan of short stories as they can be a great introduction to a new author. If done well, they also - as they’re short - cut to the chase and trim a lot of excess fat that many writers fall victim to in their longer offerings.
In any event, if you’re interested in getting into Peter May this is a good book to start with as you can burn through it quickly either way. Even though it is listed as Book 7 of a series, there weren’t any major spoilers about previous entries in the series, so you’d be safe in that regard if you read this book first.
May 24, 2017
Take this woman...
This short novella is a new follow-up to Peter May's China Thrillers. This was the series that originally turned me into a May fan, long before the Lewis Trilogy made him a major star in the firmament of crime fiction. So it was a pleasure to revisit Margaret, the American forensic pathologist, and her Chinese partner, Li Yan of the Beijing police.
Margaret and Li Yan are still living together, now with the addition of their young son, when Margaret is approached by an elderly woman who tells her that her granddaughter has gone missing, and begs Margaret to use her influence with Li Yan to get him to investigate. As Li Yan gradually finds out what happened to the girl, the story takes us into a mysterious and macabre aspect of Chinese tradition, and into the secrets and lies that can exist in families.
Because the story is so short, I won't say any more about the plot for fear of spoiling it. What has always attracted me most to May's writing is that he chooses interesting settings for his crimes and his impeccable research allows him to create a great sense of place. This was always particularly true of the China Thrillers, especially since he began the series way back when the idea of visiting China still seemed like an exotic dream for most of us. The length of this one doesn't allow for much description of Beijing itself, but the plot gives an insight into some of the strange superstitions and rituals that still exist in the country, while also touching on some of the issues thrown up by China's long-standing but now abandoned one-child policy.
With Margaret being a pathologist, the China Thrillers also contained some rather gruesome autopsy scenes, and that tradition continues in this one. There isn't room for a huge amount of detection – really we just see the story unfold along with Li Yan as he gradually uncovers the truth. I enjoyed it as a way to catch up with two characters who feel like old friends, but I think it would work equally well as a brief introduction to the style of the series for people who haven't tried it yet. There was never much doubt that Margaret and Li Yan would stay together as a couple so although this takes place after the other books, it's otherwise spoiler free.
I listened to the Audible audiobook version, narrated by Peter Forbes who, I believe, has been the narrator for May's books for a long time now. I thought his narration was very good – I have no way of knowing whether his pronunciations of Chinese words and names is accurate, but I certainly found them convincing. The decision to give the Chinese characters Chinese accents didn't really work for me, I admit – I feel that if characters are supposed to be speaking their own language, then they shouldn't be made to sound 'foreign'. I listened to a Maigret novel immediately following this, where the narrator gave all the French characters English accents appropriate to their class and position in society, and I must say that felt much more natural and authentic. However, it's a debatable point, and some people may prefer the 'foreign'-sounding accents.
Overall, a short but enjoyable return to the world of Beijing. I'm now wondering whether this is a kind of coda to the series, or whether it's to whet our appetites for a future new novel? I hope it's the latter...
NB This audiobook was provided for review by Audible UK via MidasPR.
www.fictionfanblog.wordpress.com
This short novella is a new follow-up to Peter May's China Thrillers. This was the series that originally turned me into a May fan, long before the Lewis Trilogy made him a major star in the firmament of crime fiction. So it was a pleasure to revisit Margaret, the American forensic pathologist, and her Chinese partner, Li Yan of the Beijing police.
Margaret and Li Yan are still living together, now with the addition of their young son, when Margaret is approached by an elderly woman who tells her that her granddaughter has gone missing, and begs Margaret to use her influence with Li Yan to get him to investigate. As Li Yan gradually finds out what happened to the girl, the story takes us into a mysterious and macabre aspect of Chinese tradition, and into the secrets and lies that can exist in families.
Because the story is so short, I won't say any more about the plot for fear of spoiling it. What has always attracted me most to May's writing is that he chooses interesting settings for his crimes and his impeccable research allows him to create a great sense of place. This was always particularly true of the China Thrillers, especially since he began the series way back when the idea of visiting China still seemed like an exotic dream for most of us. The length of this one doesn't allow for much description of Beijing itself, but the plot gives an insight into some of the strange superstitions and rituals that still exist in the country, while also touching on some of the issues thrown up by China's long-standing but now abandoned one-child policy.
With Margaret being a pathologist, the China Thrillers also contained some rather gruesome autopsy scenes, and that tradition continues in this one. There isn't room for a huge amount of detection – really we just see the story unfold along with Li Yan as he gradually uncovers the truth. I enjoyed it as a way to catch up with two characters who feel like old friends, but I think it would work equally well as a brief introduction to the style of the series for people who haven't tried it yet. There was never much doubt that Margaret and Li Yan would stay together as a couple so although this takes place after the other books, it's otherwise spoiler free.
I listened to the Audible audiobook version, narrated by Peter Forbes who, I believe, has been the narrator for May's books for a long time now. I thought his narration was very good – I have no way of knowing whether his pronunciations of Chinese words and names is accurate, but I certainly found them convincing. The decision to give the Chinese characters Chinese accents didn't really work for me, I admit – I feel that if characters are supposed to be speaking their own language, then they shouldn't be made to sound 'foreign'. I listened to a Maigret novel immediately following this, where the narrator gave all the French characters English accents appropriate to their class and position in society, and I must say that felt much more natural and authentic. However, it's a debatable point, and some people may prefer the 'foreign'-sounding accents.
Overall, a short but enjoyable return to the world of Beijing. I'm now wondering whether this is a kind of coda to the series, or whether it's to whet our appetites for a future new novel? I hope it's the latter...
NB This audiobook was provided for review by Audible UK via MidasPR.
www.fictionfanblog.wordpress.com
September 20, 2017
This short novel is the 7th book in the China Thrillers series which I had previously read and enjoyed.
I have previously stated that I am not a big fan of short stories but due to the fact I had read the previous books in the series felt duty bound to read it.
I found this series in general very good and like the way it educates the reader as well telling good thriller stories. In this short story Chief inspector Li Yan and American pathologist Margaret Campbell unravel the mystery of a young girls disappearance in Peking. The mystery is connected to a strange marital rite from China's past, the Minghun, or Ghost Marriage.
I have previously stated that I am not a big fan of short stories but due to the fact I had read the previous books in the series felt duty bound to read it.
I found this series in general very good and like the way it educates the reader as well telling good thriller stories. In this short story Chief inspector Li Yan and American pathologist Margaret Campbell unravel the mystery of a young girls disappearance in Peking. The mystery is connected to a strange marital rite from China's past, the Minghun, or Ghost Marriage.
January 18, 2020
A short story with Li Yan and Margaret Campbell from The China Thrillers as they investigate the disappearance of a teenage girl in Beijing.
July 3, 2024
An excellent little short story, but having spent so much time with these characters over 6 full length novels, it is hard not wanting more. And I'm coming in right off the previous novel; I can only imagine how those who returned to these characters after six presumably long years felt.
June 9, 2025
My first read of this series and I am very intrigued. Will be looking for others. I've loved his others and the modern China culture setting was a nice change.
June 28, 2021
nastavovaná kaše:( 40 stránek
January 24, 2025
Hezka, svizna novela na zaver. Jsem spokojena.
June 9, 2013
A really short story, too short but it was nice to know that Li & Margaret were still together in China. It's a shame that we didn't find out how that came about after the last book which finished far too abruptly. I'll miss these two, its a real shame there's no more in the series as I would like to know where they end up. I guess it's best for a series to leave you wanting more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 10, 2024
The Ghost Marriage is a short story in Peter May’s China Thrillers, to be read after the sixth book in the series. After the abrupt ending of book six and the questions I had, I was eager to dive into this short story to see what came next.
While this story confirms things were sorted after the ending of the last book, I still feel like I was cheated out of answers. Instead, this story felt like a way to nicely tie the personal elements together to say things ended up okay. For the story itself, it was interesting. However, it did not have any of the depth of the other stories. I blame this on the fact it was a short story, and I am extremely hard to please when it comes to short stories.
All in all, a nice bonus for fans of the series. It is nice to see where things went, but if you want all the answers, this is missing some of the important details.
While this story confirms things were sorted after the ending of the last book, I still feel like I was cheated out of answers. Instead, this story felt like a way to nicely tie the personal elements together to say things ended up okay. For the story itself, it was interesting. However, it did not have any of the depth of the other stories. I blame this on the fact it was a short story, and I am extremely hard to please when it comes to short stories.
All in all, a nice bonus for fans of the series. It is nice to see where things went, but if you want all the answers, this is missing some of the important details.
January 23, 2023
Oprostím-li se od svých nenaplněných očekávání po doposlouchání předchozího dílu a zhodnotím Svatbu duchů jako samostatně stojící povídku, jedná se o jeden z nejlepších příspěvků v sérii. Vezmeme-li v úvahu nakolik omezený má rozsah, je až neuvěřitelné, jak plný a barvitý příběh dokázal Peter May na těch pár stránkách rozehrát. Jde o první dílo kratšího rozsahu, se kterým jsem se od autora setkala a možná má na kratší útvary větší talent, než plnohodnotné knihy. Autor si také vybral velice zajímavé kulturní téma a je škoda, že se mu vzhledem k rozsahu nemohl věnovat více. Obávám se však, že ti, kteří čekají uzavření série a zodpovězení všech zásadních otázek z předchozího dílu, budou zklamaní.
March 26, 2018
After the six (almost-)masterpieces constituting this series, this book was a frustratingly short read; no space for anything elaborate. And if this very short story was only a way for the author to finish off the whole set, it is nonetheless disappointing: you only know what happens to two characters. So many more people one got to know and like throughout the series...
I must say you get to learn amazing facts about Chinese customs, I'll say no more !
These 50 or so pages were a surprise, an addition in my edition of "Chinese whispers"; I am not sure it is fair it should be published - and sold - separately, which is the case...
I must say you get to learn amazing facts about Chinese customs, I'll say no more !
These 50 or so pages were a surprise, an addition in my edition of "Chinese whispers"; I am not sure it is fair it should be published - and sold - separately, which is the case...
July 5, 2019
Peter May’s the Ghost Marriage is the seventh book in the China Thrillers series. Heads up, this is categized as a novella and is such a quick read, you’ll have finished before you know that you’ve started.
It’s Margaret and Li Yan in Beijing and this time they are both embroiled in a case regarding the disappearance of a young girl that leads them to the Chinese practice of Ghost Marriages. Because the story is so short, I won’t provide any other details otherwise there will be nothing for you to read.
One note, if you have the collection version of the books, The Ghost Marriage appears at the end of Chinese Whispers.
TD is neutral.
It’s Margaret and Li Yan in Beijing and this time they are both embroiled in a case regarding the disappearance of a young girl that leads them to the Chinese practice of Ghost Marriages. Because the story is so short, I won’t provide any other details otherwise there will be nothing for you to read.
One note, if you have the collection version of the books, The Ghost Marriage appears at the end of Chinese Whispers.
TD is neutral.
July 21, 2020
Pěkné pokračování “Čínských thrillerů”. Ač je to tedy opravdu krátká povídka, v první řadě jde především o kriminální vyšetřování. Kdyby takto psal autor jen zcela na bázi krimi, nebyly by jeho předešlé knížky tak rozsáhlé a nečetly by se tak dobře.
V předešlých knihách autor sází na svůj skvělý popis prostředí, ve kterém se dějová linka odehrává; k tomu jsou více v popředí vztahy mezi hlavními postavami.
Oproti ostatním předešlým titulům, zde v knize Svatba duchů, se zdá být děj osekaný a jedná se opravdu o vyšetřování vraždy, bez dalších zvratů. Hlavní postavy se bohužel nikam dál nehnou, a tak není možné z knihy vydedukovat, zda by bylo další pokračování.
9/10
V předešlých knihách autor sází na svůj skvělý popis prostředí, ve kterém se dějová linka odehrává; k tomu jsou více v popředí vztahy mezi hlavními postavami.
Oproti ostatním předešlým titulům, zde v knize Svatba duchů, se zdá být děj osekaný a jedná se opravdu o vyšetřování vraždy, bez dalších zvratů. Hlavní postavy se bohužel nikam dál nehnou, a tak není možné z knihy vydedukovat, zda by bylo další pokračování.
9/10
October 24, 2020
The China Thrillers by Peter May have hell me spellbound for the last few weeks. Margaret, an American crime pathologist, and Li Yan, the Chinese Section Chief of the Beijing Serious Crime Squad. All of the novels are compulsive, frustrating (you find yourself shouting at officials and the powers that be), and satisfying.
The Ghost Marriage is, in fairness, advertised as a novella. Perhaps I expected more. There was a distinct lack of plot, a lack of character development and, no sooner than you've begun, Li Yang states "I know who did it". And that's it. No clues, no good old-fashioned whodunnit, and a huge feeling of disappointment. Why on earth did Peter May write this?
The Ghost Marriage is, in fairness, advertised as a novella. Perhaps I expected more. There was a distinct lack of plot, a lack of character development and, no sooner than you've begun, Li Yang states "I know who did it". And that's it. No clues, no good old-fashioned whodunnit, and a huge feeling of disappointment. Why on earth did Peter May write this?
February 27, 2024
A nice short story to round off this series. I’m going to miss these characters, even though it’s not my favourite Peter May crime series. But I’m guessing he can’t write any more books in this series because it would mean going to China again. He’d have to find new contacts from the ones he made in the late 90s/early 00’s, when he was the first Westerner to be given access to the Beijing police force. That alone should be enough to recommend this series to anyone who likes well written crime and/or China. You will not be disappointed.
July 9, 2017
Spooky enthralling.
A story set in modern China showing how the ancient customs of the past are still practised. Chinese detective Li and his American wife track a lost girl and find tragedy. The combination of modern and ancient is fascinating. The dialogue is crisp, the plotting intelligent, the win d ow into another d society intriguing. This short story taster makes me want to read more in this series. Highly recommended.
A story set in modern China showing how the ancient customs of the past are still practised. Chinese detective Li and his American wife track a lost girl and find tragedy. The combination of modern and ancient is fascinating. The dialogue is crisp, the plotting intelligent, the win d ow into another d society intriguing. This short story taster makes me want to read more in this series. Highly recommended.
June 27, 2020
Taková jednohubka k odpolednímu kafe. Bylo skvělé se znovu vrátit do Pekingu a setkat se se známými postavami Margaret a Lim a dalšími. I když tato krátká povídka nema takovou tu hloubku předchozích dílů, i tak se autorovi opět podařilo navodit tu starou známou atmosféru Číny, kombinace moderního života a tradic je fascinující. A i v tak krátké povídce samozřejmě nechyběla pitva, jako vždycky u Maye podrobně popsána. Jen na palčinky jian bing tentokrát nedošlo.
January 21, 2024
3,5* Poslední díl ze série čínské thrillery, který je takovou jednohubkou na závěr. Je to vlastně povídka, která ale zahrnuje vše co autor dal i do předchozích dílů. Já jsem byla spokojená, protože to velmi rychle odsýpalo a to já mám ráda :-) Povídka mě obohatila o další zajímavost z čínského prostředí, kterou jsem netušila (i když tady není provedena příkladně) a pomyslně jsem se rozloučila s Margaret a Li Jenem. K poslechu (četla jsem opět ušima, jako celou tuto sérii) můžu určitě doporučit.
February 3, 2018
This was the first short story that I have read by Peter May. It was a follow on to Chinese Whispers and used the same characters from this series. The shortened story was well written and held my attention throughout. He again gave me a feel for the culture and social background to life in modern China . A good short read.
November 11, 2019
Having read this authors China Thrillers some years ago, I thought I would finish the series by reading this, which I only just found. A very short story and I was surprised that this Ghost Marriage ritual did actually exist, and does happen.
March 6, 2020
A nice little story that I had only learned about fairly recently. So it was good to get hold of a copy and read this in an hour.
I just wish the author would come along with a new novel in the series
I just wish the author would come along with a new novel in the series
November 10, 2020
Taková fajn detektivní jednohubka. Sotva se nadechnete, už to skončí. Námět je podle mě zajímavý, určitě to šlo rozepsat jako plnohodnotný román, takhle to na mě působilo trochu odfláknutě. Ale celkově se mi to líbilo.
January 13, 2024
After reading the Beijing series which was very well written and captivating both in character and plot development as well as a feel for the capital city and its people, the novella was sort of a disappointment because one wondered what the point was, ending such a great series in this manner?
August 4, 2024
Although short, I found the book compelling, interesting in the rituals happening in China, as well as issues regarding the one child policy, and daughters not being seen as tge same as sons in their culture
October 7, 2017
A bit short, but gives a wee sense of closure to the end of the series.
January 25, 2018
A good and interesting novella.
January 26, 2018
Very very short with no depth or subtlety. Quick catch up on the
Li and Margaret. Not a patch on the previous 6, but nice to sum up their life.
Li and Margaret. Not a patch on the previous 6, but nice to sum up their life.
March 2, 2018
Short and sweet
Well crafted and kept your attention.
More a short story than a novella.
Like Peter May's work; always worth reading.
Well crafted and kept your attention.
More a short story than a novella.
Like Peter May's work; always worth reading.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews