What do you think?
Rate this book
Inspector Danilov #4
The Killing Time
As tensions simmer in Shanghai, children go missing…
Shanghai 1932: Inspector Danilov hasn't recovered from the death of his child... but across a Shanghai riven with communal tensions, children are going missing.
Missing, and then murdered. Who is responsible? Why have the children's bodies been exhibited for all to see?
Just as Danilov thinks the stakes couldn't be higher there is a new dimension, Japan, a rising power flexing its muscles. In fractious Shanghai, an explosion is long overdue. With the clock ticking can Danilov and his assistant Strachan solve the case? The fate of Shanghai may be at stake. So is Danilov’s job... And his sanity.
The latest instalment of the Inspector Danilov mysteries will leave you breathless. Perfect for fans of Philip Kerr or Rory Clements.
Inspector Danilov Crime Thriller Series Death in Shanghai City of Shadows The Murder Game The Killing Time302 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 23, 2018
38 people are currently reading
91 people want to read
About the author
M.J. Lee
46 books446 followersMartin has spent most of his adult life writing in one form or another.
He has spent 25 years of his life working outside the North of England. In London, Hong Kong, Taipei, Singapore, Bangkok and Shanghai.
He writes three series; the Danilov books set in 1930s Shanghai. The genealogical mysteries of Jayne Sinclair and the contemporary crime cases of DI Ridpath set in Manchester.
When he's not writing, he splits his time between the UK and Asia, taking pleasure in playing with his daughter, practicing downhill ironing, single-handedly solving the problem of the French wine lake and wishing he were George Clooney.
He has spent 25 years of his life working outside the North of England. In London, Hong Kong, Taipei, Singapore, Bangkok and Shanghai.
He writes three series; the Danilov books set in 1930s Shanghai. The genealogical mysteries of Jayne Sinclair and the contemporary crime cases of DI Ridpath set in Manchester.
When he's not writing, he splits his time between the UK and Asia, taking pleasure in playing with his daughter, practicing downhill ironing, single-handedly solving the problem of the French wine lake and wishing he were George Clooney.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
June 6, 2018
This is the 4th in this historical series set in the turbulent times of 1930s Shanghai featuring the Russian detective, Inspector Pyotr Danilov, and DS David Strachan, of mixed Chinese and Scottish heritage, of the Shanghai Municipal Police. Whilst there are many references to what has occurred previously, I still found it fine to read as a standalone. It is 1932, there are tensions in the city with Japanese warships in the harbour. China is the sick man of Asia, bought low and weak, by factors such as corruption, warlords, factions, poverty and Japanese militarism. Japan has annexed Manchuria, which has led to an influx of refugees into Shanghai. There is open conflict on the streets between the Chinese and the Japanese, with the Chinese doing everything they can to enforce a trade boycott of Japanese goods, including violence. Into this politically volatile climate, children are being abducted and murdered, with their bodies displayed publicly on the streets.
Danilov's 14 year old son, Ivan, was killed in an explosion linked to a case the Inspector was working on. The repercussions on his family are still being felt intensely two years on, with Maria, his wife, wrecked by grief and showing little sign of her former self. For Danilov, it is an open and festering wound that he cannot escape, worsened considerably with the killing of innocent children. It is a strange case, with no ransom notes, and where the motive is not immediately clear. The impact of the murders ratchet up the tensions as the Chinese blame the Japanese, with many people choosing to leave the city as they become refugees. Shanghai is a city divided, with the French section, Jews living around the Ohel Moshe Synagogue, with the British and Americans living in another quarter. There is a striking difference with the Japanese sector, with its cleanliness, lack of poverty and beggars from the rest of Shanghai. Danilov eventually begins to discern the possibility of a political motive, but this theory is thrown up in the air when the child of a high ranking Japanese Colonel is abducted, threatening harrowing vengeance on Shanghai and its residents.
The author creates an atmospheric picture of the region with the rich descriptions of Shanghai at a time of extreme tensions, the incendiary political divisions takes its toll on Danilov and the investigation. He is forced to deal with the political fallout when all he wants to do is deal with crime. He is a cerebral man, quick and intuitive, and ably assisted by the growing confidence and capabilities of Strachan, a man involved in a relationship with Danilov's daughter, Elina. This is a fascinating period of history in this part of the world and Shanghai is beautifully depicted. A brilliant read that I found compelling and gripping. Many thanks to Canelo for an ARC.
Danilov's 14 year old son, Ivan, was killed in an explosion linked to a case the Inspector was working on. The repercussions on his family are still being felt intensely two years on, with Maria, his wife, wrecked by grief and showing little sign of her former self. For Danilov, it is an open and festering wound that he cannot escape, worsened considerably with the killing of innocent children. It is a strange case, with no ransom notes, and where the motive is not immediately clear. The impact of the murders ratchet up the tensions as the Chinese blame the Japanese, with many people choosing to leave the city as they become refugees. Shanghai is a city divided, with the French section, Jews living around the Ohel Moshe Synagogue, with the British and Americans living in another quarter. There is a striking difference with the Japanese sector, with its cleanliness, lack of poverty and beggars from the rest of Shanghai. Danilov eventually begins to discern the possibility of a political motive, but this theory is thrown up in the air when the child of a high ranking Japanese Colonel is abducted, threatening harrowing vengeance on Shanghai and its residents.
The author creates an atmospheric picture of the region with the rich descriptions of Shanghai at a time of extreme tensions, the incendiary political divisions takes its toll on Danilov and the investigation. He is forced to deal with the political fallout when all he wants to do is deal with crime. He is a cerebral man, quick and intuitive, and ably assisted by the growing confidence and capabilities of Strachan, a man involved in a relationship with Danilov's daughter, Elina. This is a fascinating period of history in this part of the world and Shanghai is beautifully depicted. A brilliant read that I found compelling and gripping. Many thanks to Canelo for an ARC.
June 2, 2018
A gripping thriller set in the city of Shanghai in 1932, with children being kidnapped and murdered. Their mutilated bodies, slashed across the face, are left around the city for everyone to see.
The situation is made worse by conflict between the Chinese and Japanese with the latter's recent invasion of Manchuria still fresh in the minds of all living in this teeming metropolis.
Still grieving from the death of his own child in an explosion 2 years previously, Inspector Danilov, a refugee from the Soviet Union, and his Eurasian,partner, Sergeant Strachan (half Chinese, half Scottish!) of the Shanghai Municipal Police set out to find the killers.
As Danilov & Strachan work night and day, almost to the point of exhaustion, their investigation is continually interrupted by the escalating conflict involving a trade boycott of Japanese goods and Japanese businesses. Rival gangs of Chinese and Japanese fight openly in the streets.
Many police officers have been seconded to the Volunteer Force, brought in to prevent violent clashes and looting. The future of Shanghai may be at stake, as Danilov is pressured by his immediate superior, Chief Inspector Rock, to solve the case. He also faces political pressure from various influential sources in Shanghai as Japanese marines on board warships in Shanghai harbour are used to protect their country's interests in a show of force.
There seems to be a connection between the parents of the murdered children, but Danilov can't be certain that is the reason for the murders. The atmosphere of a packed city, riven with various nationalist tensions and allied to colourful descriptions of a huge city and its people is marvellously conveyed by the author. The dialogue between Danilov and Strachan is a delight and a wealth of minor characters add colour to this fascinating tale.
This is the 4th instalment of the Inspector Danilov mysteries, but it's the first one I've read. It can easily be read as a stand-alone as the author doesn't leave the reader wondering about previous events in Danilov's life. I'm definitely going to check out the previous books in this series. Highly recommended.
My thanks go to the publisher Canelo and Netgalley for the chance to read this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
The situation is made worse by conflict between the Chinese and Japanese with the latter's recent invasion of Manchuria still fresh in the minds of all living in this teeming metropolis.
Still grieving from the death of his own child in an explosion 2 years previously, Inspector Danilov, a refugee from the Soviet Union, and his Eurasian,partner, Sergeant Strachan (half Chinese, half Scottish!) of the Shanghai Municipal Police set out to find the killers.
As Danilov & Strachan work night and day, almost to the point of exhaustion, their investigation is continually interrupted by the escalating conflict involving a trade boycott of Japanese goods and Japanese businesses. Rival gangs of Chinese and Japanese fight openly in the streets.
Many police officers have been seconded to the Volunteer Force, brought in to prevent violent clashes and looting. The future of Shanghai may be at stake, as Danilov is pressured by his immediate superior, Chief Inspector Rock, to solve the case. He also faces political pressure from various influential sources in Shanghai as Japanese marines on board warships in Shanghai harbour are used to protect their country's interests in a show of force.
There seems to be a connection between the parents of the murdered children, but Danilov can't be certain that is the reason for the murders. The atmosphere of a packed city, riven with various nationalist tensions and allied to colourful descriptions of a huge city and its people is marvellously conveyed by the author. The dialogue between Danilov and Strachan is a delight and a wealth of minor characters add colour to this fascinating tale.
This is the 4th instalment of the Inspector Danilov mysteries, but it's the first one I've read. It can easily be read as a stand-alone as the author doesn't leave the reader wondering about previous events in Danilov's life. I'm definitely going to check out the previous books in this series. Highly recommended.
My thanks go to the publisher Canelo and Netgalley for the chance to read this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
June 4, 2018
This is fourth book in the series and this time Inspector Danilov has even more weight on his shoulders. The children of wealthy Shanghai families are disappearing. They are being kidnapped by three Chinese men. But what is the strangest thing, no one is looking for them. No parent is going to police to report the missing child. What are they afraid of? Who they are afraid of?
But when the bodies of the missing children start to appear one by one, it is the most devastating case for the team of Inspector Danilov and his assistant Strachan. The death of a child is devastating itself, but a torched child, that is horrible.
In the very same time, Inspector Danilov has to mourn the death of his own son. If in the previous books he was looking for his long lost family from Russia, this time they are there with him, except the little boy. His son has died as a revenge for Danilov himself. And he can’t forgive himself.
It’s Shanghai 1932. Political tensions are raising. The city is mix of many cultures, the best and the worst of them. The author captured the image of the city in the most vivid way. It’s like living in Shanghai in that time. Inspector Danilov is getting more and more emotional this time, considering the loss of his son. We can see this great detective suffering in the most stoic way he can. Like a soldier, like a man.
I enjoyed reading this historical mystery. For me, it was the most emotional of all previous books in the series. I noticed that the Russian last names were right this time. It is good to know when the authors listen their reviewer’s critics. So, if you are in the search of good historical novel, if you love to solve crimes in the old fashioned way, if you want to see Shanghai in the previous century, this is a book for you. I had a great time reading it, I hope you will, too.
But when the bodies of the missing children start to appear one by one, it is the most devastating case for the team of Inspector Danilov and his assistant Strachan. The death of a child is devastating itself, but a torched child, that is horrible.
In the very same time, Inspector Danilov has to mourn the death of his own son. If in the previous books he was looking for his long lost family from Russia, this time they are there with him, except the little boy. His son has died as a revenge for Danilov himself. And he can’t forgive himself.
It’s Shanghai 1932. Political tensions are raising. The city is mix of many cultures, the best and the worst of them. The author captured the image of the city in the most vivid way. It’s like living in Shanghai in that time. Inspector Danilov is getting more and more emotional this time, considering the loss of his son. We can see this great detective suffering in the most stoic way he can. Like a soldier, like a man.
I enjoyed reading this historical mystery. For me, it was the most emotional of all previous books in the series. I noticed that the Russian last names were right this time. It is good to know when the authors listen their reviewer’s critics. So, if you are in the search of good historical novel, if you love to solve crimes in the old fashioned way, if you want to see Shanghai in the previous century, this is a book for you. I had a great time reading it, I hope you will, too.
May 22, 2018
I would like to thank Netgalley and Canelo for a review copy of The Killing Time, the fourth novel to feature Inspector Danilov of the Shanghai police.
It's 1932 and Japan has just invaded Manchuria so Shanghai is alight with anti-Japanese feeling and many police officers have been seconded to the Volunteer Force. Thus Inspector Danilov inherits Inspector Sheehan's murder case whereby a young Chinese boy has been found on a building site. Faced with Sheehan's sloppy investigation Danilov starts again and uncovers hints of Japanese involvement. As more children go missing Danilov races against time and political pressure to solve the case.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Killing Time which is another fine addition to a gripping series. The plot has plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader engrossed and an unusual and atmospheric setting which adds a certain something to the read.
The plot bowls along at a fast pace with plenty of, I hesitate to say action when it involves the death of children, events. Danilov and his sidekick, Sergeant Strachan, are puzzled by these events and the strange course they take but they just do what they do best until inspiration strikes - Danilov ponders and Strachan does the donkey work. Mr Lee has created a very addictive scenario where the reader gets sucked into the conundrum and wants to know the solution.
It is difficult to judge, knowing nothing of the period or location, how accurate the setting is but it certainly feels authentic. What comes across loud and clear is the colonial mindset and the idea that the Chinese are very much second, if not third, class citizens in their own country. The tension with the Japanese adds an extra frisson to an already bubbling melting pot. The novel is also full of small details which are informative about the way of life at the time.
Danilov is the archetypal outsider in Shanghai. As a Russian he has no allegiance to any of the factions and just wants to investigate crime. His independence allows Mr Lee to better illustrate the world and the self interest that surround him. His sergeant, Strachan, is another outsider but in a wholly different way. As a Eurasian he has a foot in both camps but is never wholly accepted by either. These two outsiders have forged a strong bond and there is warmth and humour in their exchanges.
The Killing Time is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
It's 1932 and Japan has just invaded Manchuria so Shanghai is alight with anti-Japanese feeling and many police officers have been seconded to the Volunteer Force. Thus Inspector Danilov inherits Inspector Sheehan's murder case whereby a young Chinese boy has been found on a building site. Faced with Sheehan's sloppy investigation Danilov starts again and uncovers hints of Japanese involvement. As more children go missing Danilov races against time and political pressure to solve the case.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Killing Time which is another fine addition to a gripping series. The plot has plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader engrossed and an unusual and atmospheric setting which adds a certain something to the read.
The plot bowls along at a fast pace with plenty of, I hesitate to say action when it involves the death of children, events. Danilov and his sidekick, Sergeant Strachan, are puzzled by these events and the strange course they take but they just do what they do best until inspiration strikes - Danilov ponders and Strachan does the donkey work. Mr Lee has created a very addictive scenario where the reader gets sucked into the conundrum and wants to know the solution.
It is difficult to judge, knowing nothing of the period or location, how accurate the setting is but it certainly feels authentic. What comes across loud and clear is the colonial mindset and the idea that the Chinese are very much second, if not third, class citizens in their own country. The tension with the Japanese adds an extra frisson to an already bubbling melting pot. The novel is also full of small details which are informative about the way of life at the time.
Danilov is the archetypal outsider in Shanghai. As a Russian he has no allegiance to any of the factions and just wants to investigate crime. His independence allows Mr Lee to better illustrate the world and the self interest that surround him. His sergeant, Strachan, is another outsider but in a wholly different way. As a Eurasian he has a foot in both camps but is never wholly accepted by either. These two outsiders have forged a strong bond and there is warmth and humour in their exchanges.
The Killing Time is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
July 23, 2018
Shanghai, January 1932. China is faced with the threat of a Japanese invasion/annexation of Manchuria. The atmosphere in the International compound (mainly British)is very tense as it is is surrounded by a Japanese concession, a French one,a Russian one....and of course a lot of Chinese inhabitants. There is a boycott of Japanese shops and products and there are several riots. Amidst all these tensions,the body of young ,Chinese boy is found,horrible mutilated. Inspector Danilov(of Russian origin)and his inspector Strachan(with a wonderful Chinese/Scottish background) start their investigation in a rainy,damp and foggy Shangai. Very soon two other Chinese children disappear which bring the tension in the Settlement to a boiling point. When the bodies of the two children are found(mutilated,as the first child) the Chinese population (of Shanghai)take their revenge and attack some Japanese monks. Needless to say this,and the fact that more Japanese warships found their way into Shangai harbour,does not exactly improve the precarious situation. But then a Japanese boy disappears and Danilov has to reconsider his theories about these brutal murders.
Of course, the storyline is good,the horrible murder mystery keeps your attention but what is do remarkable about this book,is the atmosphere it creates. One is practically present at this amazing setting that is Shangai in 1932. You can feel the chill of the fog,hear the street hawkers selling their goods,smell the street food,inhale the coal smoke....And although it is perhaps not always particularly pleasant it definitely is full of life!
www.booksdogsandcats.wordpress.com
Of course, the storyline is good,the horrible murder mystery keeps your attention but what is do remarkable about this book,is the atmosphere it creates. One is practically present at this amazing setting that is Shangai in 1932. You can feel the chill of the fog,hear the street hawkers selling their goods,smell the street food,inhale the coal smoke....And although it is perhaps not always particularly pleasant it definitely is full of life!
www.booksdogsandcats.wordpress.com
June 6, 2018
Shanghai in the 1930's was a tinderbox, and this story captures this ethos perfectly. Japan's annexation of Manchuria created additional tension between the Chinese and Japanese populations within Shanghai, and it's against this setting the fourth Inspector Danilov tale takes place.
Dark and tragic crimes are the central theme of this story, and the child murders are difficult to read. Trying to solve them forces Inspector Danilov to confront his demons and personal tragedies. As this is the fourth book in the series, undoubtedly the reader has already learnt a great deal about Danilov and his colleagues and family in the previous books.
Authentic Danilov's idiosyncrasies make him easy to like, he is the typical smart, driven detective, whose career is his life often to the detriment of his family and health. The plot has twists, and the pacing varies with the action. A little slow in the first few chapters, it gains motivation as the plot becomes convoluted.
As a standalone, read it is good, but it would be even better if you'd read the previous books in the series. This disturbing story has an evocative setting, enigmatic detective and exciting political theme, making it an absorbing read.
I received a copy of this book from Canelo via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
July 8, 2018
This one was the weakest in the series so far, but still a nice read. The pace was somewhat off, and the suspense wasn't that great, but I still enjoyed the development of Danilov's character and the depiction of how he deals with his family tragedy. I also enjoyed learning about Shanghai of the time, while it is being threatened by a Japanese invasion. The author is great at bringing the sounds, smells and flavors of the city to life for the reader, and is clearly very knowledgeable about its history and culture.
September 26, 2018
What a great book
I am a huge fan of this series and I think this story is exceptional. The depiction of 1930's Shanghai is particularly vivid. One feels totally immersed in the sights, sounds and smells of the city. The characters are truly three dimensional and very believable. The dialogue is crisp and the plot hums along with a few well done plot twists. Tensions over Japanese imperialism adds to the drama. Read it as a historical novel and a good police procedural. Hopefully, the series continues.
I am a huge fan of this series and I think this story is exceptional. The depiction of 1930's Shanghai is particularly vivid. One feels totally immersed in the sights, sounds and smells of the city. The characters are truly three dimensional and very believable. The dialogue is crisp and the plot hums along with a few well done plot twists. Tensions over Japanese imperialism adds to the drama. Read it as a historical novel and a good police procedural. Hopefully, the series continues.
July 16, 2018
Good characters. Good history. Grim times.
Good characters. Good history. Grim times. Danilov is a great Detective caught in Shanghai as the Japanese are taking over. He mentors a young Chinese/British Detecive as they deal with murders, politics, organised crime. Non stop action, page turner. Couldn’t put it down. Looking forward to the sequel.
Good characters. Good history. Grim times. Danilov is a great Detective caught in Shanghai as the Japanese are taking over. He mentors a young Chinese/British Detecive as they deal with murders, politics, organised crime. Non stop action, page turner. Couldn’t put it down. Looking forward to the sequel.
October 4, 2018
Another Danilov mystery—well-plotted, nicely developed cast of characters, and a rich portrait of Shanghai in the mid-thirties with the Japanese army about to pounce. Deliciously atmospheric, a very convincing portrait of a city on the edge of catastrophic change.
August 10, 2018
Wonderful series
What can I say. These four book took you into a place and time that was foreign to me, but the author made it so real and the characters so beguiling. I hope more books are on the way as I'm not ready to stop visiting this family.
What can I say. These four book took you into a place and time that was foreign to me, but the author made it so real and the characters so beguiling. I hope more books are on the way as I'm not ready to stop visiting this family.
September 13, 2018
Like two courses of a very good, three course meal.
This is the fourth time I have read an Inspector Danilov book and the fourth time I have come away with a bigger mystery then what was in the book. Why do I always feel slightly disappointed?
First off, I think Danilov is a great character. I love Shanghai as the setting.
The storylines are good and keep you interested. The writing keeps you turning the pages; everything you want in a book is there and yet I always come away feeling that the whole is less than the parts.
"The Killing Time" is all of the above and more and yet I finished it and again felt as though I had only been served, two courses of a promised, very good, three course meal.
The book is a good read and if you like a fast paced crime novel then I can recommend it. I only hope you come away, like most reviewers, fully satisfied and not like myself, still feeling a little hungry.
This is the fourth time I have read an Inspector Danilov book and the fourth time I have come away with a bigger mystery then what was in the book. Why do I always feel slightly disappointed?
First off, I think Danilov is a great character. I love Shanghai as the setting.
The storylines are good and keep you interested. The writing keeps you turning the pages; everything you want in a book is there and yet I always come away feeling that the whole is less than the parts.
"The Killing Time" is all of the above and more and yet I finished it and again felt as though I had only been served, two courses of a promised, very good, three course meal.
The book is a good read and if you like a fast paced crime novel then I can recommend it. I only hope you come away, like most reviewers, fully satisfied and not like myself, still feeling a little hungry.
July 28, 2018
Gripping
Another gripping read. I've enjoyed every one of the Inspector Danilov books. The stories have been engrossing and well written. I hope there will be more.
Another gripping read. I've enjoyed every one of the Inspector Danilov books. The stories have been engrossing and well written. I hope there will be more.
June 5, 2018
I haven't read a book like The Killing Time in a long while! Let me first say it is the fourth in a series, which I didn't know before picking it up. I honestly don't think it made me like the book any less. The author gave enough background for a new reader to understand what was going on and what big events had previously happened. Although, it did make me want to know more detail about what was alluded to, so I probably should go back and read the ones that came before this.
Anyway, straight to the review. This book transported me to a different world. Shanghai. 1932. I knew virtually nothing about that time period before picking up this book. Now I feel like I've learned quite a bit about it. I enjoyed the setting of the book. Reading this made me feel transported to a different world and also taught me a lot, giving me insights into the world of Shanghai in 1932. I enjoyed the characters, as they were flawed yet smart, and also believable.
Finally, the actual story was dark and twisted, but with an ending that was fairly satisfying. I wouldn't say this is one of those life-changing books (which are few and far between anyway), but it's a good book for when you're in the mood to think, "What is WRONG with people?" and to really contemplate the evil in the world.
Honestly, if I had to compare the book to anything, it probably reminded me a bit of Sherlock Holmes. It was a twisty memory with a moody detective who needed to be alone to think. The detective has some issues, definitely. But, he is a good detective. Far better than I would be, that's for sure. I had all of the clues and didn't get anywhere close to figuring it out!
Thanks to NetGalley for providing a free copy of the book for an honest review!
Check out more reviews at Amy Reads It!
Anyway, straight to the review. This book transported me to a different world. Shanghai. 1932. I knew virtually nothing about that time period before picking up this book. Now I feel like I've learned quite a bit about it. I enjoyed the setting of the book. Reading this made me feel transported to a different world and also taught me a lot, giving me insights into the world of Shanghai in 1932. I enjoyed the characters, as they were flawed yet smart, and also believable.
Finally, the actual story was dark and twisted, but with an ending that was fairly satisfying. I wouldn't say this is one of those life-changing books (which are few and far between anyway), but it's a good book for when you're in the mood to think, "What is WRONG with people?" and to really contemplate the evil in the world.
Honestly, if I had to compare the book to anything, it probably reminded me a bit of Sherlock Holmes. It was a twisty memory with a moody detective who needed to be alone to think. The detective has some issues, definitely. But, he is a good detective. Far better than I would be, that's for sure. I had all of the clues and didn't get anywhere close to figuring it out!
Thanks to NetGalley for providing a free copy of the book for an honest review!
Check out more reviews at Amy Reads It!
May 24, 2018
The Killing Time is a dark, disturbing mystery set against the turbulent backdrop of 1930s Shanghai, a city divided by race and nation, teetering on the brink of open conflict. Inspector Danilov, haunted by his son’s death and alienated from his wife, focuses on his job to keep the ghosts at bay. His newest case is deeply troubling. Children are being kidnapped and murdered, their bodies left in prominent locations. The families are reluctant to help, as kidnap and ransom is a common Chinese business practice - but Danilov is convinced this is something very different.
The Killing Time portrays a turbulent time in Shanghai’s history. M J Lee is a skilled writer, but the content will be too disturbing for some. Ultimately it is Inspector Danilov and his Seargent Strachan who bring more of a human aspect to the story. If you like well done historical mysteries, M J Lee’s novels may be exactly what you are looking for. Be advised, these are gritty police procedurals.
4 / 5
I received a copy of The Killing Time from the publisher and Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
— Crittermom
The Killing Time portrays a turbulent time in Shanghai’s history. M J Lee is a skilled writer, but the content will be too disturbing for some. Ultimately it is Inspector Danilov and his Seargent Strachan who bring more of a human aspect to the story. If you like well done historical mysteries, M J Lee’s novels may be exactly what you are looking for. Be advised, these are gritty police procedurals.
4 / 5
I received a copy of The Killing Time from the publisher and Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
— Crittermom
January 8, 2026
The Killing Time is a dark, atmospheric historical thriller by MJ Lee, author of one of my favourite series, DI Ridpath. Having read all the Ridpath series I decided to try this one. Set in 1932 Shanghai, a city simmering with political tension, cultural conflict and barely contained violence. The main character of this series is Danilov, a man broken by personal tragedy and still reeling from the death of his child. Children across Shanghai begin to disappear, and are later found brutally murdered. Danilov is drawn into a case that feels both unbearably intimate and horrifyingly public. The deliberate exhibition of the children’s bodies raises disturbing questions, who is responsible, and what message are they trying to send?
I enjoyed the fact that the novel is set in Shanghai, which for me added another layer to this series. Danilov in partnership with his assistant, Strachan, investigate the case and make a formidable pair, and I look forward to reading more of.
A gripping mystery that delves into the unsettling realities of grief, the prevalence of violence, and the shadow of political instability.
I enjoyed the fact that the novel is set in Shanghai, which for me added another layer to this series. Danilov in partnership with his assistant, Strachan, investigate the case and make a formidable pair, and I look forward to reading more of.
A gripping mystery that delves into the unsettling realities of grief, the prevalence of violence, and the shadow of political instability.
January 22, 2020
Not a bad read
I have enjoyed this book as much as it’s predecessors as I don’t mind the characters of Danilov and Strachan. The stories are not straight forward, the result not open and obvious. Yet they are not so convoluted as to not be able to follow, nor so full of innumerable characters that the reader can’t keep track of the plot.
As I have said about the immediately previous book,the story could benefit from a proof reader.....or maybe it is just my niggling eye for detail. At the commencement of chapter 72, Danilov and Strachan are travelling in a Ford that they borrowed from Fairbairn, but by the end of the chapter some two pages later they are driving the Buick which they had incidentally left on the bridge with the Lieutenant from the Worcester regiment. They are still driving the Buick when the park it at the beginning of chapter 73. Continuity should be checked to correct jarring inconsistencies.
I have enjoyed this book as much as it’s predecessors as I don’t mind the characters of Danilov and Strachan. The stories are not straight forward, the result not open and obvious. Yet they are not so convoluted as to not be able to follow, nor so full of innumerable characters that the reader can’t keep track of the plot.
As I have said about the immediately previous book,the story could benefit from a proof reader.....or maybe it is just my niggling eye for detail. At the commencement of chapter 72, Danilov and Strachan are travelling in a Ford that they borrowed from Fairbairn, but by the end of the chapter some two pages later they are driving the Buick which they had incidentally left on the bridge with the Lieutenant from the Worcester regiment. They are still driving the Buick when the park it at the beginning of chapter 73. Continuity should be checked to correct jarring inconsistencies.
May 31, 2018
Visit the locations in the novel
I find crime novels set in Shanghai particularly interesting given the exotic location ( to the West at least) and the different police structure etc. Th every fact that the city is so chaotic that the very idea of solving anything or finding anyone is something which fascinates me.
This is a very good series. Very historically authentic (at least to me) and gripping. Due to the political situation with the Japanese invasion of Manchuria, this brings a new insight and angle to a crime story. It’s the backstory but also the setting which comes to the fore and infiltrates each and every page.
There’s some difficult parts given that there are cases of missing children involved but overall, the Danilov and Strachan partnership is strong and I look forward to my next visit to Shanghai.
February 27, 2019
Having lived in Shanghai, Lee knows the city, and with his keen interest in history, revives a complex international society of competing interests in the 1930s.
The Japanese have seized Manchuria and have designs on China itself.
Tensions run high, complicated by the kidnapping and murder of children.
The denouement was somewhat predictable, but the pieces fit nicely together,
The Japanese have seized Manchuria and have designs on China itself.
Tensions run high, complicated by the kidnapping and murder of children.
The denouement was somewhat predictable, but the pieces fit nicely together,
June 6, 2018
4.5* A terrific book.
Read full review: https://lovebooksreadbooks.wordpress....
With thanks to Ellie at Canelo for this book in return for an honest opinion.
Read full review: https://lovebooksreadbooks.wordpress....
With thanks to Ellie at Canelo for this book in return for an honest opinion.
June 16, 2018
I have enjoyed this series so far. Set in Shanghai in 1932 during what seems a very turbulent time in China. The historical times, characters and plot are all done very well and looking forward to more by this author.
August 8, 2018
Too formulaic
This series has become a bit painting by numbers. Take for example the dialogues in the morgue, they are virtually interchangeable in each book. Also the plot is getting weaker.
This series has become a bit painting by numbers. Take for example the dialogues in the morgue, they are virtually interchangeable in each book. Also the plot is getting weaker.
October 15, 2019
Another page turner
Another compelling example of MJ Lee. The attention to detail and the little bits mentioned that become the clues to the mystery.
Another compelling example of MJ Lee. The attention to detail and the little bits mentioned that become the clues to the mystery.
Read
October 21, 2022Fantastic book
Well written, nice plot, great characters, Danilov the new Sherlock Holmes, and the pace is right. The book is not to heavy, good bedtime reading.
Well written, nice plot, great characters, Danilov the new Sherlock Holmes, and the pace is right. The book is not to heavy, good bedtime reading.
October 25, 2023
Good read
April 26, 2024
Excellent. I could.not stop reading it.
I hope Inspector Danilov continues
I hope Inspector Danilov continues
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews