What do you think?
Rate this book
The China Thrillers #6
Chinese Whispers
He calls himself the Beijing Ripper. His victims are young, beautiful and viciously mutilated. Li Yan, the head of Beijing's serious crime squad, has been put in the spotlight. His bosses, the media, and the terror-stricken public are demanding a fast result. When American pathologist Margaret Campbell is invited to perform the autopsy on one of the victims, her results send shockwaves through the investigation. Then Li begins receiving personal letters from the killer, and his life and career start falling apart. The need to uncover the Ripper's identity becomes paramount if he is to save himself and his family from ruin.
402 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2004
213 people are currently reading
1023 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 179 reviews
September 18, 2016
The 6th and final book in the 'Chinese Thriller' series by author Peter May. I enjoyed the series and found it very interesting with the insights into Chinese culture and laws but sadly by the end of the series I thought it had run its course.
In this book there is a serial killer is on the loose who appears to be basing his crimes on Jack the Ripper. He calls himself the Beijing Ripper. His victims are young, beautiful and viciously mutilated. Li Yan, the head of Beijing's serious crime squad is leading the case and he is being watched closely by his superiors. His bosses, the media, and the terror-stricken public are demanding a fast result. Li Yan's lover American pathologist Margaret Campbell is invited to perform the autopsy on one of the victims and her findings create shockwaves that turns the investigation into a frenzy. When Li Yan starts receiving personal letters from the killer, his life and career start falling apart. The need to uncover the Ripper's identity becomes paramount if he is to save himself and his family from ruin.
Another good read but not a great one, I have enjoyed it but thought the crime plots themselves let the excellent character development down. I continue to enjoy author Peter May's work but unfortunately I am quickly running out of books.
In this book there is a serial killer is on the loose who appears to be basing his crimes on Jack the Ripper. He calls himself the Beijing Ripper. His victims are young, beautiful and viciously mutilated. Li Yan, the head of Beijing's serious crime squad is leading the case and he is being watched closely by his superiors. His bosses, the media, and the terror-stricken public are demanding a fast result. Li Yan's lover American pathologist Margaret Campbell is invited to perform the autopsy on one of the victims and her findings create shockwaves that turns the investigation into a frenzy. When Li Yan starts receiving personal letters from the killer, his life and career start falling apart. The need to uncover the Ripper's identity becomes paramount if he is to save himself and his family from ruin.
Another good read but not a great one, I have enjoyed it but thought the crime plots themselves let the excellent character development down. I continue to enjoy author Peter May's work but unfortunately I am quickly running out of books.
April 29, 2019
This would have definitely been a five star read, if it weren't for the ending! I want to know what happened next; there's still several loose-ends that haven't been tied up, and being the last book in the series I was hoping they would be.
August 30, 2017
Good book, but not as good as May's Lewis Trilogy, which was absolutely amazing.
April 16, 2020
Pekingský rozparovač měl být již závěrečný díl série čínských thrillerů z pera či spíše klávesnice Petera Maye. Ale v angličtině je již venku další díl jménem The Ghost Marriage.
Osobně sice mám na prvním místě trilogii z ostrova Lewis ale čínské thrillery mám také rád. Je pravda, že zejména čtvrtý díl Hadohlavec mne dost zklamal, další díl Běžkyně znamenal mírné zlepšení a Rozparovač je ještě o něco lepší ale stejně mě už nebavil tolik jako první díly.
— V tomto díle je Margaret Campbell v Číně víceméně načerno a víceméně jen pečuje o svého syna. Li dále slouží u čínské policie a má před sebou největší výzvu své kariéry: sériového vraha, který velice bizarním způsobem vraždí mladé prostitutky. Navíc se zdá, že někdo hodně vysoko postavený mu hází klacky pod nohy.
— Pokud jste četli všechny předchozí díly, tak asi ví, co může od Petera Maye čekat. Opět je to o malinko lepší ale to kouzlo úplně prvních dílů je už pryč. Ale to možná není tak o kvalitě psaní ale prostě už jsme si na to zvykli a navíc ta první jiskření mezi Margaret a Lim už není tak nové a neokoukané.
— Takže není moc co řešit. Pokud tuto sérii čtete, tak si přečtete i Rozparovače a nejspíše budete mít stejný pocit jako já. Pokud tuto sérii neznáte, tak vám knihu sice doporučím ale hodně doporučuji číst tuto sérii od první série, protože je zde vztah mezi dvěma hlavními postavami dost důležitý a vine se celou sérií jako červená nit.
Osobně sice mám na prvním místě trilogii z ostrova Lewis ale čínské thrillery mám také rád. Je pravda, že zejména čtvrtý díl Hadohlavec mne dost zklamal, další díl Běžkyně znamenal mírné zlepšení a Rozparovač je ještě o něco lepší ale stejně mě už nebavil tolik jako první díly.
— V tomto díle je Margaret Campbell v Číně víceméně načerno a víceméně jen pečuje o svého syna. Li dále slouží u čínské policie a má před sebou největší výzvu své kariéry: sériového vraha, který velice bizarním způsobem vraždí mladé prostitutky. Navíc se zdá, že někdo hodně vysoko postavený mu hází klacky pod nohy.
— Pokud jste četli všechny předchozí díly, tak asi ví, co může od Petera Maye čekat. Opět je to o malinko lepší ale to kouzlo úplně prvních dílů je už pryč. Ale to možná není tak o kvalitě psaní ale prostě už jsme si na to zvykli a navíc ta první jiskření mezi Margaret a Lim už není tak nové a neokoukané.
— Takže není moc co řešit. Pokud tuto sérii čtete, tak si přečtete i Rozparovače a nejspíše budete mít stejný pocit jako já. Pokud tuto sérii neznáte, tak vám knihu sice doporučím ale hodně doporučuji číst tuto sérii od první série, protože je zde vztah mezi dvěma hlavními postavami dost důležitý a vine se celou sérií jako červená nit.
March 10, 2024
Peter May’s Lewis Trilogy is one of my favourite crime series, and it guaranteed I would be reading more of the author’s work. Over the years, I have read almost all the author’s work. While I enjoy some more than others – a lot more, in some cases – they continue to leave me wanting more. Although I would not name the China Thrillers my favourite, they certainly fit the box of keeping me wanting more.
I will be honest and say that I found Chinese Whispers a little too easy. I expected more twists and turns from this story, but I did enjoy watching the pieces come together. While there were some points where I felt like things dragged, and a part of me did consider rounding my rating down for this reason, I enjoyed the overall way the elements came together. In fact, the side elements of the story – the personal, rather than the crime elements – had me hugely engaged. My biggest problem was how abruptly everything ends. There were so many things left open, and I felt a bit cheated by the way no answers were given about how everything was resolved outside of the sudden conclusion of the crime.
All in all, while not my favourite in the series, it was another addictive read.
I will be honest and say that I found Chinese Whispers a little too easy. I expected more twists and turns from this story, but I did enjoy watching the pieces come together. While there were some points where I felt like things dragged, and a part of me did consider rounding my rating down for this reason, I enjoyed the overall way the elements came together. In fact, the side elements of the story – the personal, rather than the crime elements – had me hugely engaged. My biggest problem was how abruptly everything ends. There were so many things left open, and I felt a bit cheated by the way no answers were given about how everything was resolved outside of the sudden conclusion of the crime.
All in all, while not my favourite in the series, it was another addictive read.
March 20, 2023
The mystery in Chinese Whispers is intriguing, a string of murders occur in Beijing and it is soon clear the killer is replicating the Jack the Ripper murders down to the finest detail. It also becomes apparent the murderer has a grudge against Li Yan which leaves him scrambling for the connection.
What I have enjoyed about this series is diving into the cultural landscape of China, Peter May has incorporated Chinese history into the background of previous novels. That was not the case here which leaves us with an interesting police investigation which goes off the rails and the fractured relationship of Li and Dr. Margaret Campbell (who still has not learned to speak Mandarin after living in China for six years). My annoyance grows.
Chinese Whispers is the final novel in this series and it was probably past time to wrap it up. Except May didn't. The book just ended. As will my review because I am salty. 2.5 stars
What I have enjoyed about this series is diving into the cultural landscape of China, Peter May has incorporated Chinese history into the background of previous novels. That was not the case here which leaves us with an interesting police investigation which goes off the rails and the fractured relationship of Li and Dr. Margaret Campbell (who still has not learned to speak Mandarin after living in China for six years). My annoyance grows.
Chinese Whispers is the final novel in this series and it was probably past time to wrap it up. Except May didn't. The book just ended. As will my review because I am salty. 2.5 stars
March 23, 2021
Tentokrát se mi to líbilo víc než předchozí dva díly, opět starý dobrý Peking a jeho zvláštnosti, Margaret už s dítětem a Li se spoustou potíží. Ve městě řádí sériový vrah, který napodobuje Jacka Rozparovače, provokuje policii, hlavně se zaměřuje (překvapivě) na Liho.
Ok, já ovšem postupně všechny díly včetně tohoto dočetla vlastně hlavně proto, že mě zajímalo, jak skončí příběh dvou hlavních hrdinů, který se odvíjí už od prvního dílu čínské série. Jak teda dopadnou, vezmou se, nějak "stabilizují" svůj pobyt v zemi nebo nakonec přeci jen odjedou?
No a přesně tohle se čtenář jaksi vůbec nedozví. Autor si asi chtěl nechat prostor zase na další díl, protože příběh končí klasickým vyvrcholením, kdy se za dramatických okolností odhalí vrah a pozadí jeho činů. O Lim a Margaret se nedozvíme ani písmenko... tak nic no.
Ok, já ovšem postupně všechny díly včetně tohoto dočetla vlastně hlavně proto, že mě zajímalo, jak skončí příběh dvou hlavních hrdinů, který se odvíjí už od prvního dílu čínské série. Jak teda dopadnou, vezmou se, nějak "stabilizují" svůj pobyt v zemi nebo nakonec přeci jen odjedou?
No a přesně tohle se čtenář jaksi vůbec nedozví. Autor si asi chtěl nechat prostor zase na další díl, protože příběh končí klasickým vyvrcholením, kdy se za dramatických okolností odhalí vrah a pozadí jeho činů. O Lim a Margaret se nedozvíme ani písmenko... tak nic no.
April 23, 2020
Chinese Whispers is a fun detective thriller that takes place in China. I’m already on board because procedurals are entertaining, but on top of that I get to see another culture entirely? Yes.
Plus it was a story revolving around Jack the Ripper, which is always an intriguing mystery. I was happily involved through the book and the final reveal of our baddie was fantastic. It was sufficiently convoluted to keep me guessing but also not so convoluted that I couldn’t follow along.
Plus it was a story revolving around Jack the Ripper, which is always an intriguing mystery. I was happily involved through the book and the final reveal of our baddie was fantastic. It was sufficiently convoluted to keep me guessing but also not so convoluted that I couldn’t follow along.
September 17, 2025
A story set in Beijing about a detective trying to catch a serial killer.
Throughout the story, about five people are killed in very brutal ways, and let’s just say that if our detective had been at least semi-competent, only one of them actually needed to die. Why, you may ask? Well, that’s quite simple, most of the plot twists could be seen from miles away, and it was only the ignorance of our main protagonist that stretched the whole story about 200 pages longer than necessary.
Also, give some room to the female characters. It was painful to watch Margaret forced into being an involuntary housewife while the other women served only as comparsists or murder victims.
Otherwise, it was alright.
3/5, Bechdel would not approve.
Throughout the story, about five people are killed in very brutal ways, and let’s just say that if our detective had been at least semi-competent, only one of them actually needed to die. Why, you may ask? Well, that’s quite simple, most of the plot twists could be seen from miles away, and it was only the ignorance of our main protagonist that stretched the whole story about 200 pages longer than necessary.
Also, give some room to the female characters. It was painful to watch Margaret forced into being an involuntary housewife while the other women served only as comparsists or murder victims.
Otherwise, it was alright.
3/5, Bechdel would not approve.
January 10, 2023
This is another good plot as Li Yan and Dr. Margaret Campbell try to solve the murders of young women in Beijing that recreate the killings of London's Jack the Ripper. It is the last novel in the China Thrillers - only a short story follows this one. It has a complex plot and is pretty interesting; however, it has so many anomalies that at times they detracted from the story. I thought Peter May lost his focus in this one and just wanted to get it done. We learn that Margaret and Li after their adventures in "The Runner" have been allowed to live together with everyone turning a blind eye, although they are not married. Margaret has stayed home to raise their son. Li is back heading Serious Crimes when the murders start.
***SPOILER ALERT***
In this book I found both Margaret and Li to be more stupid or oblivious to what's happening right in front of them. Li spends the afternoon with his superiors being charmed by an expert Pan in MERMER, a highly evolved type of polygraph. After they take part in a demonstration of the system, Li notices how worried Pan looks at the end as she rushes away. When she is found murdered the next day, Li never relates this about-face in her demeanor to what happens to her mere hours later. Moreover, Li blithely discusses the case with any police officers he encounters even though he knows there is a mole and that it could be dangerous. In the same way, he involved Hart in figuring out what Pan knew - took him most of the book to get to this point - but never considers that Hart could be in danger. Also, May must have never had children or been around any babies! Li Jon is supposed to be 11 months, yet Margaret is still getting up at 5 a.m. to give him a bottle. Only once did he eat or drink anything else and that was something pureed. Li Jon spend the entire book in a crib, stroller or in Margaret's arms, eating or sleeping. No one ever changed a diaper. At 11 months he should have been crawling and walking/running everywhere and never content to sit still.
When Hart is killed, Qian volunteers to stay with Margaret and Li Jon at their apartment while Li pursues the killer. Then suddenly Li takes his family to the Hart's apt. and leaves them there. What happened to Qian? Why wouldn't he go to safeguard them there??
Also, Margaret knew Pan was lured out of her apartment by a phone call purporting to be Li, yet when she gets a similar call at the Hart's apartment, supposedly from Li's older friend Dai regarding Li's father, she rushes out to help. There was no way they could have known where she was staying or the phone no. Yet only when she is nearing Dai's house in a taxi does she think about all the ways the phone call may have been false. Instead of immediately returning to the apartment where her son is with their friend and her daughter and Li's niece, she continues on! Of course the call was false and by the time she returns to the apt., she finds her friend slaughtered and children held hostage by the Beijing Ripper. Doh, Margaret does get much of the story out of the Ripper before his wife slits his throat and kills herself but the story ends abruptly after that. Although May always likes a sort of cliff-hanger at the end of each book so you have to get the next book to know about the continuing saga of Margaret's and Li's relationship, this story had just too many loose ends. It would have been nice to know what Li's superior Zhu's reaction to the Ripper's identity was, what happened to the Hart's daughter now orphaned, Li's suspension, Li's father - what did he do, Margaret's visa issue and would she have to leave her son behind in China, and who is the Section leak?? Too many unanswered questions.
***SPOILER ALERT***
In this book I found both Margaret and Li to be more stupid or oblivious to what's happening right in front of them. Li spends the afternoon with his superiors being charmed by an expert Pan in MERMER, a highly evolved type of polygraph. After they take part in a demonstration of the system, Li notices how worried Pan looks at the end as she rushes away. When she is found murdered the next day, Li never relates this about-face in her demeanor to what happens to her mere hours later. Moreover, Li blithely discusses the case with any police officers he encounters even though he knows there is a mole and that it could be dangerous. In the same way, he involved Hart in figuring out what Pan knew - took him most of the book to get to this point - but never considers that Hart could be in danger. Also, May must have never had children or been around any babies! Li Jon is supposed to be 11 months, yet Margaret is still getting up at 5 a.m. to give him a bottle. Only once did he eat or drink anything else and that was something pureed. Li Jon spend the entire book in a crib, stroller or in Margaret's arms, eating or sleeping. No one ever changed a diaper. At 11 months he should have been crawling and walking/running everywhere and never content to sit still.
When Hart is killed, Qian volunteers to stay with Margaret and Li Jon at their apartment while Li pursues the killer. Then suddenly Li takes his family to the Hart's apt. and leaves them there. What happened to Qian? Why wouldn't he go to safeguard them there??
Also, Margaret knew Pan was lured out of her apartment by a phone call purporting to be Li, yet when she gets a similar call at the Hart's apartment, supposedly from Li's older friend Dai regarding Li's father, she rushes out to help. There was no way they could have known where she was staying or the phone no. Yet only when she is nearing Dai's house in a taxi does she think about all the ways the phone call may have been false. Instead of immediately returning to the apartment where her son is with their friend and her daughter and Li's niece, she continues on! Of course the call was false and by the time she returns to the apt., she finds her friend slaughtered and children held hostage by the Beijing Ripper. Doh, Margaret does get much of the story out of the Ripper before his wife slits his throat and kills herself but the story ends abruptly after that. Although May always likes a sort of cliff-hanger at the end of each book so you have to get the next book to know about the continuing saga of Margaret's and Li's relationship, this story had just too many loose ends. It would have been nice to know what Li's superior Zhu's reaction to the Ripper's identity was, what happened to the Hart's daughter now orphaned, Li's suspension, Li's father - what did he do, Margaret's visa issue and would she have to leave her son behind in China, and who is the Section leak?? Too many unanswered questions.
June 2, 2022
‘a word whispered in the ear can be heard for miles’
This piece of ancient wisdom spoken by one of the ever present old men is at the heart of this story- where Li Yan cannot work out who to trust and who is sharing information. Focussing on the replication of Jack the Ripper’s crimes , Li is up against higher authority and is struggling with his entire life closing down around him. As the consummate detective he retains his integrity and gets the job done in spite of the odds being stacked so highly against him.
Peter May , for the last of his wonderful China thrillers continues his genius for describing so perfectly the settings and people in his plot. I am fascinated by the growing westernisation of Beijing contrasted so sharply with the traditions of the working people all around. I love the ancient philosophy spilling off the pages and its truth and the tales of the ordinary struggles are remarkable. I have never enjoyed a series of novels quite so much and feel richer and wiser as a result of these ..
This piece of ancient wisdom spoken by one of the ever present old men is at the heart of this story- where Li Yan cannot work out who to trust and who is sharing information. Focussing on the replication of Jack the Ripper’s crimes , Li is up against higher authority and is struggling with his entire life closing down around him. As the consummate detective he retains his integrity and gets the job done in spite of the odds being stacked so highly against him.
Peter May , for the last of his wonderful China thrillers continues his genius for describing so perfectly the settings and people in his plot. I am fascinated by the growing westernisation of Beijing contrasted so sharply with the traditions of the working people all around. I love the ancient philosophy spilling off the pages and its truth and the tales of the ordinary struggles are remarkable. I have never enjoyed a series of novels quite so much and feel richer and wiser as a result of these ..
July 15, 2016
This book is the final of the China Thrillers. I feel as though I am in mourning and am finding it difficult to sink myself into something else. Li Yan and Margaret Campbell's escapades will wrench your core. Your Adrenalin will soar along with theirs. Your emotions will run the gamut. The characters are amazing, you can't help but feel your part of the story. These thrillers are unique, well written and extremely informative. Peter May brings you to China and teaches you so much of it's history. Despite this or perhaps because of this you can only become totally immersed.
Often my heart was pounding, I'm sure, visibly. My body so tense at times my muscles ached. No complaints though. I am amazed at what incredible stories May delivered. Thank You Peter May, 5 stars from me on the whole series. The only negative is, that Li Yan, Margaret Campbell, their friends, colleagues, family and investigations will be missing. I hope by some chance they will return.
Often my heart was pounding, I'm sure, visibly. My body so tense at times my muscles ached. No complaints though. I am amazed at what incredible stories May delivered. Thank You Peter May, 5 stars from me on the whole series. The only negative is, that Li Yan, Margaret Campbell, their friends, colleagues, family and investigations will be missing. I hope by some chance they will return.
October 26, 2023
I've read or listened to all the previous China series books and really enjoyed them, so I was looking forward to listening to this audiobook, which is the final book in the series. But I couldn't get past the first few chapters and skipped to the last 2 chapters to see how it ended.
Like the previous books, this is based in Beijing with the same main characters of American phorensic pathologist Margaret Campbell and Head of Serious Crime, Li Yan. In Chinese Whispers a serial killer is targeting prostitutes but the detail of the crimes is so gratuitously graphic, followed by in-depth details of the autopsies. I just couldn't take it!
I'm so disappointed that the author chose to end the series in such a nasty way. I'll try and read Chinese Whispers, instead of listening, then I can skip the gory bits!
Like the previous books, this is based in Beijing with the same main characters of American phorensic pathologist Margaret Campbell and Head of Serious Crime, Li Yan. In Chinese Whispers a serial killer is targeting prostitutes but the detail of the crimes is so gratuitously graphic, followed by in-depth details of the autopsies. I just couldn't take it!
I'm so disappointed that the author chose to end the series in such a nasty way. I'll try and read Chinese Whispers, instead of listening, then I can skip the gory bits!
February 17, 2020
Hvězdička dolů za otevřený konec. Když už se všude píše, že se jedná o poslední díl, tak jsem si myslela, že se celý příběh pěkně uzavře.
October 21, 2008
Selon moi, l'un des meilleurs de la série chinoise de Peter May. On se doute assez tôt de la profession du tueur, mais on ne le découvre qu'à la fin. L'intrigue est bien ficelée et avance rapidement. J'espère qu'il y aura bientôt un autre chapitre de la saga de Li Yan et Margaret.
January 24, 2025
No.. Spis nez knizka je to hra "Kdo prezije Petera Maye" a moc vyhercu teda neni. Tentokrat opet hodne nechutne tema, ale zas moc dobre napsany. Bala jsem se, bylo to napinavy. Mozna bych cekala trochu uzavrenejsi konec, jestli uz neni dalsi dil? Nebo treba nejaky epilog po roce, jak to bylo dal..
December 23, 2019
Beijing Ripper
Gripping from beginning to the end. Another excellent China series book. Li and Margaret are quite a formidable team when they work together
Gripping from beginning to the end. Another excellent China series book. Li and Margaret are quite a formidable team when they work together
September 5, 2021
Once again, May blends a perfect plot that sees Li and Margaret against a Ripper copycat murderer. And of course, the struggle against Chinese rules and bureaucracy resonate through the book. Still a good read.
May 24, 2018
Fabulous rip roarer of a story. Great to the last page. Added suspense for the main protagonists to have to tackle the complicated visa and bureaucratic laws. Loved the close look at how the police department works as well. Have to read more in this series.
February 28, 2018
It's the first book of this author that I have read. I enjoyed the plot, the characters and the depiction of the attitude of Chinese towards foreigners and personal relations with westerners. I will have to read more of Peter May's books.
ditched
November 9, 2020 I have enjoyed a lot of Peter May's books and I have even read this series to date.
I am not a fan of gratuitous violence and, if I had read the synopsis of this one, I may have thought twice about it. There have been some gruesome happenings in previous books and I suppose a book that features a killer copying in detail the murders of Jack the Ripper was always going to be bad .
Too much detail for me, I am afraid. I am more an Enzo Macloed sort of person.
I am not a fan of gratuitous violence and, if I had read the synopsis of this one, I may have thought twice about it. There have been some gruesome happenings in previous books and I suppose a book that features a killer copying in detail the murders of Jack the Ripper was always going to be bad .
Too much detail for me, I am afraid. I am more an Enzo Macloed sort of person.
February 18, 2018
I've enjoyed May's China books despite the gory murders in this last of the series. Feel I know the characters well, but at times I was convinced I'd read it before (I hadn't) because parts of the plot seemed very familiar. So perhaps it is time for Peter May to wrap it up.
February 8, 2013
**edited 11/28/13
This is one of those books that I really should have judged by its cover--or, more specifically, its title.
The story centers around Li Yan, a detective in Beijing in the serious crimes squad. His almost impossibly good case rate is broken when he is faced with a serial killer who is preying on prostitutes in the city. When something about the terrible atrocities performed triggers his memory, he realizes that the killer is mimicking the murders of Jack the Ripper. Li is determined that this Ripper will not be allowed to remain anonymous. As the murder count begins to mount up, Li realizes that his problems are even bigger as a conspiracy within the police department threatens his reputation, his job, and even his family.
...And that's all I'm going to post here.
The rest of my (rather verbose) review is posted over here at Booklikes.
Why?
Because I strongly disapprove of GoodReads' new policy of censorship.
(The link brings you to a summary of The Story So Far, which has facts and links so you can make up your own mind about the GR débâcle.)
This is one of those books that I really should have judged by its cover--or, more specifically, its title.
The story centers around Li Yan, a detective in Beijing in the serious crimes squad. His almost impossibly good case rate is broken when he is faced with a serial killer who is preying on prostitutes in the city. When something about the terrible atrocities performed triggers his memory, he realizes that the killer is mimicking the murders of Jack the Ripper. Li is determined that this Ripper will not be allowed to remain anonymous. As the murder count begins to mount up, Li realizes that his problems are even bigger as a conspiracy within the police department threatens his reputation, his job, and even his family.
...And that's all I'm going to post here.
The rest of my (rather verbose) review is posted over here at Booklikes.
Why?
Because I strongly disapprove of GoodReads' new policy of censorship.
(The link brings you to a summary of The Story So Far, which has facts and links so you can make up your own mind about the GR débâcle.)
July 19, 2021
I gave this 3 stars because the solution to the crime is ALWAYS unexpected although there are clues to the background of the murderer but not quite enough to figure it out until much later in the book. I found #1 extremely interesting, particularly the descriptions of Beijing; Li and Margaret are well defined, compelling characters. BUT ultimately by book #3 I got impatient with the voluminous descriptions of Beijing and each character, as well as Margaret's temper, her mood changes, her drinking, pouting and anger, Li's guilt and shame, perfect body (for a "Chinaman"), and their difficulties. I will now read the novella. I figure the only way these two can solve their issues will be for May to kill them off...seems to be no other solution.
October 23, 2019
Tak tohle že je konec? No tak to jsem teda čekala trochu jiný zakončení celé série - asi jako hodně jiných čtenářů, možná proto Peter May dopsal ještě krátkou poslední povídku. No, asi si ji budu muset přečíst a doufat, že se dočkám nějakého toho dořešení vztahu mezi Margaret a Lim. Kromě ne moc uspokojivého vyřešení milostné linky se jinak Pekingský rozparovač opět četl dobře. Trochu víc krvák než předchozí případy a kdo je rozparovačem jsem tušila dost brzo, ale vcelku jsem se bavila. Čínské thrillery jsem si užila hlavně kvůli skvělým Mayovým popisům prostředí a umění navodit atmosféru. Z tohoto ohledu mi rozhodně budou chybět. Určitě se pustím i do dalších autorových sérií.
February 3, 2018
This was the first of Peter May's Chinese novels that I have read. I have enjoyed a number of his other novels and I was not sure to expect with this one. I need not have worried, Chinese Whispers was an excellent story written in the recognisable style of Peter May, but in a refreshing way. I liked the background, characters, culture and politics all from Beijing.His research as always was impeccable. I will read another from this series .
August 9, 2017
Another good Peter May thriller. Li Yan and Margaret solve the Beijing Ripper mystery. Prostitutes are being killed exactly the same as jack the Ripper killed women in the late 1800s. It seems the killer is always one step ahead of the police and Li Yan surmises that he is privy to their detailed information and hence associated with the police.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 15, 2021
Another rip-roaring thriller in Peter May’s China series. I love the background detail on locations in Beijing, the cultural history and the insights into life in China. The story zooms along at a fast pace from one peril to another for the key characters, leaving the reader always wanting to know what happens next. The only disappointment is the abrupt and somewhat unsatisfying ending.
December 12, 2022
HODNOCENÍ AUDIOKNIHY:
Óóóóó ano, mé thrillerové srdce lačnící po brutálních (audio)knižních vraždách se právě tetelí blahem. Je to sotva pár minut, kdy jsem tuto audioknihu doposlouchala a jsem ještě plná dojmů z krvavé spouště, kterou nám autor Peter May dopřál.
Pekingský rozparovač je prvním příběhem, který jsem od autora okusila, i když je to již 6. díl knižní série Čínské thrillery. Dobré je, že mi ani nepřišlo, že jsem neslyšela či nečetla předchozí díly. Očividně na sebe příběhy nenavazují, i když je možné, že soukromá linka hlavních hrdinů vznikla nejspíše již v prvním díle. Ale nevím to jistě, skutečně jen tipuji.
Ale teď k samotnému příběhu – pokud vás fascinuje čínská kultura a milujete čínské nudle, pak vás audiokniha doslova nadchne. Příběh je zasazen do Pekingu a autor nám realitu všedních dní předkládá tak věrohodně, že to budete vy, kdo se ocitne na pekingských ulicích před policejní stanici. Okusíte čínskou mentalitu v jejím přirozeném prostředí. A věřte mi, že právě v době, kdy Pekingem otřásají naprosto šílené a brutální vraždy po vzoru známého londýnského rozparovače, zkrátka být nechcete. Buďme rádi, že si tento příběh můžeme poslechnout v bezpečí našeho domova či jiném bezpečném prostředí. I když…. bezpečí je prý jen iluze…se říká.
Celou audioknihou, která trvala 13:44 h, nás provázela Jana Plodková a Martin Myšička. Jejich hlasy byly na poslech velmi příjemné a musím smeknout klobouček, protože to, jak vyslovovali názvy čínských ulic, chrámů a jmen bych já rozhodně nezvládla. I to, jak se paní Plodková pokoušela mluvit s čínským akcentem bylo příjemné a lehce úsměvné. Když porovnám interpretaci Jany Plodkové a Martina Myšičky, musím uznat, že se mi asi o chlup více líbil přednes paní Plodkové. Přišlo mi, že umí lépe pracovat s barvou hlasu. Ale společně s panem Myšičkou tvořili opravdu povedený a sehraný tým.
Zpočátku mi přišlo tempo příběhu takové táhlé. Vrah vraždil a měla jsem dojem, že policie spí a je neschopná. Ale jak příběh postupoval, tím více se tempo a napětí zvyšovalo a na konci jsem už byla napnutá jako kšandy!
Musím však napsat, že můj vztah k hlavním hrdinům je rozporuplný. Hlavní vyšetřovatel mi přišel “ťumpachový” a jeho přítelkyně zase taková… nemasná neslaná. Ani mi moc k sobě nepasovali a ani jsem z příběhu necítila, že by se nějak vroucně milovali. Jejich vztahový osud nám však zůstane utajený, protože tuto oblast příběhu nechal autor otevřenou a kniha je, bohužel, závěrečným dílem knižní série. Za tohle ubírám knize jeden plusový bodík.
Sečteno a podtrženo – Pekingský rozparovač byla moc fajn kniha. I přes drobné nedostatky – jako byl například soustavný zmatek v postavách kvůli jejich jménům – mohu tuto audioknihu opravdu doporučit všem milovníkům thrillerů. Myslím, že by se vám opravdu mohla líbit.
Óóóóó ano, mé thrillerové srdce lačnící po brutálních (audio)knižních vraždách se právě tetelí blahem. Je to sotva pár minut, kdy jsem tuto audioknihu doposlouchala a jsem ještě plná dojmů z krvavé spouště, kterou nám autor Peter May dopřál.
Pekingský rozparovač je prvním příběhem, který jsem od autora okusila, i když je to již 6. díl knižní série Čínské thrillery. Dobré je, že mi ani nepřišlo, že jsem neslyšela či nečetla předchozí díly. Očividně na sebe příběhy nenavazují, i když je možné, že soukromá linka hlavních hrdinů vznikla nejspíše již v prvním díle. Ale nevím to jistě, skutečně jen tipuji.
Ale teď k samotnému příběhu – pokud vás fascinuje čínská kultura a milujete čínské nudle, pak vás audiokniha doslova nadchne. Příběh je zasazen do Pekingu a autor nám realitu všedních dní předkládá tak věrohodně, že to budete vy, kdo se ocitne na pekingských ulicích před policejní stanici. Okusíte čínskou mentalitu v jejím přirozeném prostředí. A věřte mi, že právě v době, kdy Pekingem otřásají naprosto šílené a brutální vraždy po vzoru známého londýnského rozparovače, zkrátka být nechcete. Buďme rádi, že si tento příběh můžeme poslechnout v bezpečí našeho domova či jiném bezpečném prostředí. I když…. bezpečí je prý jen iluze…se říká.
Celou audioknihou, která trvala 13:44 h, nás provázela Jana Plodková a Martin Myšička. Jejich hlasy byly na poslech velmi příjemné a musím smeknout klobouček, protože to, jak vyslovovali názvy čínských ulic, chrámů a jmen bych já rozhodně nezvládla. I to, jak se paní Plodková pokoušela mluvit s čínským akcentem bylo příjemné a lehce úsměvné. Když porovnám interpretaci Jany Plodkové a Martina Myšičky, musím uznat, že se mi asi o chlup více líbil přednes paní Plodkové. Přišlo mi, že umí lépe pracovat s barvou hlasu. Ale společně s panem Myšičkou tvořili opravdu povedený a sehraný tým.
Zpočátku mi přišlo tempo příběhu takové táhlé. Vrah vraždil a měla jsem dojem, že policie spí a je neschopná. Ale jak příběh postupoval, tím více se tempo a napětí zvyšovalo a na konci jsem už byla napnutá jako kšandy!
Musím však napsat, že můj vztah k hlavním hrdinům je rozporuplný. Hlavní vyšetřovatel mi přišel “ťumpachový” a jeho přítelkyně zase taková… nemasná neslaná. Ani mi moc k sobě nepasovali a ani jsem z příběhu necítila, že by se nějak vroucně milovali. Jejich vztahový osud nám však zůstane utajený, protože tuto oblast příběhu nechal autor otevřenou a kniha je, bohužel, závěrečným dílem knižní série. Za tohle ubírám knize jeden plusový bodík.
Sečteno a podtrženo – Pekingský rozparovač byla moc fajn kniha. I přes drobné nedostatky – jako byl například soustavný zmatek v postavách kvůli jejich jménům – mohu tuto audioknihu opravdu doporučit všem milovníkům thrillerů. Myslím, že by se vám opravdu mohla líbit.
March 9, 2018
Op het achterplat van dit heerlijk leesbare boek staat vermeld dat dit het laatste verhaal is dat Peter May over Li Yan en Margaret Campbell schrijft. Jammer! De boeken over dit zo onwaarschijnlijk lijkende paar zijn origineel en spannend en geven de lezer het gevoel werkelijk in Beijing rond te lopen. En ja: Beijing, eindelijk heeft die stad ook in dit boek de correcte naam gekregen.
Deze keer wordt Li Yan met een akelige serie moorden geconfronteerd. Het begint met de moord op een jonge vrouw. Al snel blijkt dat zij een prostituee was en dat zij vermoord is op exact dezelfde manier als beschreven staat in een van de vele boeken over Jack the Ripper. Het is pas sinds kort dat dit soort boeken in China in vertaling verkrijgbaar is, en Li Yan staat dan ook voor een raadsel als hij briefjes krijgt, klaarblijkelijk afkomstig van de moordenaar, met teksten waaruit blijkt dat deze het boek zowat uit zijn hoofd geleerd heeft. Niet alleen de moorden worden op dezelfde manier gepleegd, ook de briefjes zijn letterlijk overgeschreven.
Li Yan heeft het al niet gemakkelijk. Hij wordt dan wel beloond met een hoge onderscheiding vanwege het feit dat hij zo'n goede politieman is, maar tegelijkertijd haalt hij de woede op zijn hals van zijn superieuren door met Margaret en hun zoon ongehuwd samen te wonen. Margaret is ook al niet gelukkig want sinds de geboorte van hun zoon heeft ze haar beroep van patholoog niet meer kunnen uitoefenen. Als er echter iemand vermoord wordt die banden heeft met zowel Amerika als China, weten ze haar te vinden en zo werken Margaret en Li Yan weer samen.
Peter May heeft een goed onderwerp gekozen voor dit laatste boek over Li Yan en Margaret: de tegenstellingen en overeenkomsten tussen de Jack the Ripper zaken uit 1881 en de Beijing-zaken uit de 21e eeuw, de tegenstellingen en overeenkomsten tussen Amerikaans en Chinees wetenschappelijk onderzoek om de leugendetector beter te gebruiken, en tenslotte de tegenstellingen en overeenkomsten tussen de mensen die het politiewerk uitvoeren. Peter May heeft het weer vlot, spannend en boeiend neergezet. Bovendien, en dat is niet onbelangrijk, is de vertaling van De seriemoordenaar gelukkig een stuk beter dan die van de eerdere delen die ik las.
Deze keer wordt Li Yan met een akelige serie moorden geconfronteerd. Het begint met de moord op een jonge vrouw. Al snel blijkt dat zij een prostituee was en dat zij vermoord is op exact dezelfde manier als beschreven staat in een van de vele boeken over Jack the Ripper. Het is pas sinds kort dat dit soort boeken in China in vertaling verkrijgbaar is, en Li Yan staat dan ook voor een raadsel als hij briefjes krijgt, klaarblijkelijk afkomstig van de moordenaar, met teksten waaruit blijkt dat deze het boek zowat uit zijn hoofd geleerd heeft. Niet alleen de moorden worden op dezelfde manier gepleegd, ook de briefjes zijn letterlijk overgeschreven.
Li Yan heeft het al niet gemakkelijk. Hij wordt dan wel beloond met een hoge onderscheiding vanwege het feit dat hij zo'n goede politieman is, maar tegelijkertijd haalt hij de woede op zijn hals van zijn superieuren door met Margaret en hun zoon ongehuwd samen te wonen. Margaret is ook al niet gelukkig want sinds de geboorte van hun zoon heeft ze haar beroep van patholoog niet meer kunnen uitoefenen. Als er echter iemand vermoord wordt die banden heeft met zowel Amerika als China, weten ze haar te vinden en zo werken Margaret en Li Yan weer samen.
Peter May heeft een goed onderwerp gekozen voor dit laatste boek over Li Yan en Margaret: de tegenstellingen en overeenkomsten tussen de Jack the Ripper zaken uit 1881 en de Beijing-zaken uit de 21e eeuw, de tegenstellingen en overeenkomsten tussen Amerikaans en Chinees wetenschappelijk onderzoek om de leugendetector beter te gebruiken, en tenslotte de tegenstellingen en overeenkomsten tussen de mensen die het politiewerk uitvoeren. Peter May heeft het weer vlot, spannend en boeiend neergezet. Bovendien, en dat is niet onbelangrijk, is de vertaling van De seriemoordenaar gelukkig een stuk beter dan die van de eerdere delen die ik las.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 179 reviews