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Snow Thief
When a little boy is found with his neck broken, Lhasa detective Shan Lia leaves her broken past behind and throws herself into the investigation. He is the fifth child to die the same way in as many weeks.
But Lia’s superiors don’t want her looking for a serial killer. They don’t want panic and hysteria rolling across the country. They threaten Lia, giving her no choice but to turn her back on bringing the killer to justice. Until another boy is murdered. Then another.
Risking her life, Lia pursues the killer. With spies in the monasteries of Tibet and shadowy figures trying to thwart her hunt for justice, Lia faces the edge of the abyss to reveal the Snow Thief – but at what terrifying price?
The Snow Thief is a gripping novel set in Tibet. Through the eyes of a Chinese police officer the book poses the question of what might happen after the death of the Dalai Lama.
But Lia’s superiors don’t want her looking for a serial killer. They don’t want panic and hysteria rolling across the country. They threaten Lia, giving her no choice but to turn her back on bringing the killer to justice. Until another boy is murdered. Then another.
Risking her life, Lia pursues the killer. With spies in the monasteries of Tibet and shadowy figures trying to thwart her hunt for justice, Lia faces the edge of the abyss to reveal the Snow Thief – but at what terrifying price?
The Snow Thief is a gripping novel set in Tibet. Through the eyes of a Chinese police officer the book poses the question of what might happen after the death of the Dalai Lama.
400 pages, Paperback
First published March 12, 2020
11 people are currently reading
56 people want to read
About the author
C.J. Carver
20 books128 followersCJ Carver is a half-English, half-Kiwi author living just outside Bath. Her books have been published in the UK, USA and translated throughout Europe. Her first novel Blood Junction, won the CWA Debut Dagger Award, the USA Barry Award, and was also voted as one of the best mystery books of the year by Publishers Weekly. Spare Me the Truth, the first book in the Dan Forrester series and The Snow Thief have both been shortlisted for the Ngaio Marsh Award for Best Crime Novel. CJ lived in Australia for 10 years before taking up long distance rally driving – she has driven London to Saigon, London to Cape Town and covered 14,000 miles on the Inca Trail.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
December 6, 2021
THE SNOW THIEF is set in Tibet, with a Chinese Detective as it's central character, fighting her bosses for permission to look into the mysterious deaths of multiple little boys. It's a story of murder, a serial killer, stalking the entire country, obviously killing to a pattern, but it's also the story of the tensions between Tibet and China and the way that every step could be your last if you offend the wrong people.
Told with what feels like great authority, Carver has created central characters in this novel that draw you into the story, and the place deeply and completely. She declares, in the acknowledgements, that THE SNOW THIEF is a labour of love stemming from a childhood visit, bolstered by numerous returns as an adult. It's a story that's as much about a country under severe external pressure, a people who are desperately trying to hold onto their own identity in the face of overwhelming pressure from a mighty power, as it is the individual stories of Chinese Detective Shan Lia and those around her. Exiled to Tibet after a fall from grace and the death of her beloved husband, stuck in a very strange place, with only her husband's elderly relative, Fang Dongmei for company, there's much to her personal story that's tragic, and very moving.
As is the story, in the opening chapter, of six-year-old twin boys. One of whom, after an important visit to the local monastery, is found dead, from a broken neck, obviously murdered. Shocking enough, but when Shan Lia discovers he is the fifth boy to die of a broken neck in five weeks, she's shattered when rebuffed by her bosses who seem to be desperate to downplay the possibility of a serial killer in the countryside. Only one man, her immediate superior, seems willing to allow an investigation, but even that comes with potential personal cost to Shan Lia, although there's twists and turns, and official interference even there.
Readers with some knowledge of the tension between Tibet and China, the background to the exile of the Dalai Lama, and a bit about the structure of Tibetan Buddhism might be able to work out what the pattern of killings means, and therefore get some idea of the why, how and who. In some ways that's less important than the fact that it's happening, the impact the killings are having on families and communities at the time they are happening, but the chilling bit is more to do with the long-term outlook, the impact that these killings will have for years to come. It's murder with a long, cruel, manipulative viewpoint and all the more sobering because of that.
In particular, the backstory of Shan Lia's marriage is very moving, and the tentative forming of a relationship between the two women, exiled to Tibet through no fault of their own, each with their own grieving to be done, is beautifully done. Atmospheric and gripping THE SNOW THIEF casts light on the political situation between China and Tibet, reflected elegantly in the way that personal relationships work when there are power imbalances as well.
https://www.austcrimefiction.org/revi...
Told with what feels like great authority, Carver has created central characters in this novel that draw you into the story, and the place deeply and completely. She declares, in the acknowledgements, that THE SNOW THIEF is a labour of love stemming from a childhood visit, bolstered by numerous returns as an adult. It's a story that's as much about a country under severe external pressure, a people who are desperately trying to hold onto their own identity in the face of overwhelming pressure from a mighty power, as it is the individual stories of Chinese Detective Shan Lia and those around her. Exiled to Tibet after a fall from grace and the death of her beloved husband, stuck in a very strange place, with only her husband's elderly relative, Fang Dongmei for company, there's much to her personal story that's tragic, and very moving.
As is the story, in the opening chapter, of six-year-old twin boys. One of whom, after an important visit to the local monastery, is found dead, from a broken neck, obviously murdered. Shocking enough, but when Shan Lia discovers he is the fifth boy to die of a broken neck in five weeks, she's shattered when rebuffed by her bosses who seem to be desperate to downplay the possibility of a serial killer in the countryside. Only one man, her immediate superior, seems willing to allow an investigation, but even that comes with potential personal cost to Shan Lia, although there's twists and turns, and official interference even there.
Readers with some knowledge of the tension between Tibet and China, the background to the exile of the Dalai Lama, and a bit about the structure of Tibetan Buddhism might be able to work out what the pattern of killings means, and therefore get some idea of the why, how and who. In some ways that's less important than the fact that it's happening, the impact the killings are having on families and communities at the time they are happening, but the chilling bit is more to do with the long-term outlook, the impact that these killings will have for years to come. It's murder with a long, cruel, manipulative viewpoint and all the more sobering because of that.
In particular, the backstory of Shan Lia's marriage is very moving, and the tentative forming of a relationship between the two women, exiled to Tibet through no fault of their own, each with their own grieving to be done, is beautifully done. Atmospheric and gripping THE SNOW THIEF casts light on the political situation between China and Tibet, reflected elegantly in the way that personal relationships work when there are power imbalances as well.
https://www.austcrimefiction.org/revi...
July 22, 2020
In the first chapter we meet six-year-old twins Tashi and Pemba. Tashi is small with an intelligent face and bright black eyes, Pemba is broad and strong. Despite their differences in appearance they are the best of friends and the closest of brothers. The village has been preparing the monastery for an important visit and now the visitors are here with the High Abbott and Lama Sonam. Seeking his brother Tashi slips into the tent and there is Pemba sitting with visitors who are asking him questions. Later Pemba tells Tashi, ‘I think they were pleased with me’. But when Tashi awoke the next day, Pemba was gone. His body was later discovered with a broken neck.
Lhasa detective Shan Lia Third Class has been transferred to Tibet following her fall from grace. Previously Police Supervisor First Class in Shenzhen, she finds her present position a nightmare. Away from her chic apartment, cut off from her family and disgraced, she feels almost dead. Her old life is over and her future holds nothing. The news that Pemba is the fifth boy to die of a broken neck in five weeks stirs Shan. She demands the autopsies of the other four dead boys but is told, ‘They are not connected’.
As Shan attempts to investigate the five deaths, she is told that her superiors do not want her looking for a possible serial killer as it will only spread panic. If they didn’t want it investigated why did Commissioner Zhi instruct that the body be autopsied?
Called before the elite committee of the MPS (Ministry of Public Security) and the PSB (Public Security Bureau). She denies their assertion that she has said that she thinks there is a serial killer on the loose. She is told Tibetan kids die all the time. They live in shit, eat shit, and breathe shit. Despite the waves of hostility coming at her from the six members of the committee Shan perseveres but the outcome is made clear by Tan Dao, head of the PSB – there is no serial killer. Do you hear me? We are not in Shenzhen. We are in Tibet.
As the story progresses, we learn of the pain of the loss of her husband Jian and of their life together. We meet also the indomitable Fang Dongmei to whom Shan is related by marriage, and with whom she now shares an apartment. And Fang Dongmei while not being openly hostile is not friendly either. But then another young boy is murdered, and Shan can’t let it go, but in continuing to investigate she puts her life at risk. There are spies everywhere, even in the monasteries, Who can she trust?
Since working with a Tibetan in the early 1970’s I have always been aware of the fraught political situation between China and Tibet, reading his book brought its politically chilling and cruel aspects sharply into focus. But it’s not all gloom for it’s also a beautiful love story. Atmospheric, brilliant, eye-opening, and utterly gripping, this is a fantastic book. I urge you not to miss it. Highly recommended.
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Reviewer: Lizzie Sirett
Lhasa detective Shan Lia Third Class has been transferred to Tibet following her fall from grace. Previously Police Supervisor First Class in Shenzhen, she finds her present position a nightmare. Away from her chic apartment, cut off from her family and disgraced, she feels almost dead. Her old life is over and her future holds nothing. The news that Pemba is the fifth boy to die of a broken neck in five weeks stirs Shan. She demands the autopsies of the other four dead boys but is told, ‘They are not connected’.
As Shan attempts to investigate the five deaths, she is told that her superiors do not want her looking for a possible serial killer as it will only spread panic. If they didn’t want it investigated why did Commissioner Zhi instruct that the body be autopsied?
Called before the elite committee of the MPS (Ministry of Public Security) and the PSB (Public Security Bureau). She denies their assertion that she has said that she thinks there is a serial killer on the loose. She is told Tibetan kids die all the time. They live in shit, eat shit, and breathe shit. Despite the waves of hostility coming at her from the six members of the committee Shan perseveres but the outcome is made clear by Tan Dao, head of the PSB – there is no serial killer. Do you hear me? We are not in Shenzhen. We are in Tibet.
As the story progresses, we learn of the pain of the loss of her husband Jian and of their life together. We meet also the indomitable Fang Dongmei to whom Shan is related by marriage, and with whom she now shares an apartment. And Fang Dongmei while not being openly hostile is not friendly either. But then another young boy is murdered, and Shan can’t let it go, but in continuing to investigate she puts her life at risk. There are spies everywhere, even in the monasteries, Who can she trust?
Since working with a Tibetan in the early 1970’s I have always been aware of the fraught political situation between China and Tibet, reading his book brought its politically chilling and cruel aspects sharply into focus. But it’s not all gloom for it’s also a beautiful love story. Atmospheric, brilliant, eye-opening, and utterly gripping, this is a fantastic book. I urge you not to miss it. Highly recommended.
------
Reviewer: Lizzie Sirett
December 3, 2023
"The Snow Thief" by CJ Carver was an incredibly interesting and gripping thriller from start to finish. Detective Shan Lia, who was demoted from Supervisor First Class to Third Class and transferred from Shenzhen to Lhasa, is obviously facing a serial killer, who has already killed five young boys by breaking their necks. Lia calls him "The Snow Thief". Legend has it that The Snow Thief is the soul of a child who suffocated in the snow after arguing with its parents. Ever since that time, if a child misbehaves, The Snow Thief would come and lure that child from their parents' home, never to be seen again.
But Lia soon finds out that these cruel murders seem to be connected to a group of Tibetan monks that travel through the country. Forbidden by her superiors to follow that lead, Lia decides to take matters in her own hands. When she finally manages to track down the monks, she finds out about the real motive for killing all those children. And it might already be too late to stop the killers' "mission"...
CJ Carver has not only written an edge-of-the-seat thriller, but she also provides a lot of insight into the Tibetan history, culture, tradition and religion and how they are all on the brink of being erased by the Chinese. The author also succeeds in describing the isolation and harsh beauty of the Tibetan landscape so vividly that as a reader you really get a feel for the place! I also cared deeply for all the characters, they really came alive on the pages. It was a joy to accompany them through the story and I can't wait to read more from this author.
For me, The Snow Thief was an absolutely mesmerising read and I want to highly recommend it to all those who would love to read a gripping thriller combined with lots of interesting facts about Tibet.
But Lia soon finds out that these cruel murders seem to be connected to a group of Tibetan monks that travel through the country. Forbidden by her superiors to follow that lead, Lia decides to take matters in her own hands. When she finally manages to track down the monks, she finds out about the real motive for killing all those children. And it might already be too late to stop the killers' "mission"...
CJ Carver has not only written an edge-of-the-seat thriller, but she also provides a lot of insight into the Tibetan history, culture, tradition and religion and how they are all on the brink of being erased by the Chinese. The author also succeeds in describing the isolation and harsh beauty of the Tibetan landscape so vividly that as a reader you really get a feel for the place! I also cared deeply for all the characters, they really came alive on the pages. It was a joy to accompany them through the story and I can't wait to read more from this author.
For me, The Snow Thief was an absolutely mesmerising read and I want to highly recommend it to all those who would love to read a gripping thriller combined with lots of interesting facts about Tibet.
May 6, 2020
The author makes it clear in her acknowledgements that this is very much a labour of love, with its roots in an initial childhood visit and bolstered by subsequent extensive travel throughout Tibet. I knew very little about the country going into this. I could have named the capital, knew a little about its uneasy relationship (classic understatement, it turns out) with China. I knew of the Dalai Lama but had never heard of others, such as the Panchen Lama. I imagined it was underdeveloped, extremely cold, even desolate in places. I now know so much more because CJ Carver has managed in this novel to weave a convincing picture of what life is like in Tibet for the average citizen on a day-to-day basis, of the vastness of the sweeping landscape and of the recent history of this oppressed corner of the world.
The story itself concerns the mysterious death of a number of six-year-old boys. The authorities are reluctant to allow any investigation to link these deaths for fear that it may cause panic and upheaval in an always uncertain political climate. Supervisor Shan Lia however refuses to back away from the obvious conclusion that a serial killer is at work here and her dogged pursuit of the truth sees her hounded on all sides by self-serving colleagues and shadowy figures who have strong reasons to discourage her. In a world of rogue monks, sleeper spies and unprincipled superiors, she has to navigate a safe passage through to the truth in an adventure that will shock and surprise her at every turn.
I really enjoyed this. CJ Carver is rapidly becoming one of my go-to novelists.
The story itself concerns the mysterious death of a number of six-year-old boys. The authorities are reluctant to allow any investigation to link these deaths for fear that it may cause panic and upheaval in an always uncertain political climate. Supervisor Shan Lia however refuses to back away from the obvious conclusion that a serial killer is at work here and her dogged pursuit of the truth sees her hounded on all sides by self-serving colleagues and shadowy figures who have strong reasons to discourage her. In a world of rogue monks, sleeper spies and unprincipled superiors, she has to navigate a safe passage through to the truth in an adventure that will shock and surprise her at every turn.
I really enjoyed this. CJ Carver is rapidly becoming one of my go-to novelists.
August 31, 2020
💫 𝔹𝕆𝕆𝕂 ℝ𝔼𝕍𝕀𝔼𝕎... 💫
The snow thief - CJ Carver @carver.cj @enlightened_spaniel
A little boy is found dead with a broken neck, Detective Lia investigates as this is now the fifth boy found with a broken neck.
Detective Lia believes there is a serial killer but her colleagues and superiors do not want her trying to find a serial killer.
Lia risks her life to try and get to the bottom of this case.
REVIEW;
Thank you to CJ Carver for gifting a copy to me and Nicola in exchange for a honest review.
Buddy read with @booksinthebath_reviews41
The book was an easy read with short chapters so I was able to read it quickly. I got through about half of the book on my journey to Devon as it was a long drive.
The book isn't my usual style I would read but I enjoyed it. I struggled to remember which character was which.
The book picked up with the storyline about half way through and kept me interested.
The snow thief - CJ Carver @carver.cj @enlightened_spaniel
A little boy is found dead with a broken neck, Detective Lia investigates as this is now the fifth boy found with a broken neck.
Detective Lia believes there is a serial killer but her colleagues and superiors do not want her trying to find a serial killer.
Lia risks her life to try and get to the bottom of this case.
REVIEW;
Thank you to CJ Carver for gifting a copy to me and Nicola in exchange for a honest review.
Buddy read with @booksinthebath_reviews41
The book was an easy read with short chapters so I was able to read it quickly. I got through about half of the book on my journey to Devon as it was a long drive.
The book isn't my usual style I would read but I enjoyed it. I struggled to remember which character was which.
The book picked up with the storyline about half way through and kept me interested.
May 7, 2020
Another fabulous book from CJ Carver. I found it gripping and very atmospheric. Although I haven’t been to Tibet, it felt very real. CJ has captured that tension between the old Tibet and the ‘modernising' Chinese. I loved the cast of characters, especially the grandmother. Being an optimist, I’d like to think that beneath the harsh exterior of people like Tan, there lies a soft heart. Not sure if it’s realistic, but the beauty of a thriller is that you can make your characters fairly dynamic and us readers are willing to suspend disbelief. And it worked brilliantly for the plot. Great to read a book where the characters' motivations are nuanced. And I always love a smart female detective.
July 31, 2021
The Snow Thief, set in Tibet is a great read. Not only did I 'meet' Shan Lia, (Lhasa detective, Police Supervisor, 3rd class) but my knowledge and understanding of Tibet and the fraught relationship with China has grown.
Shan Lia is convinced the 'accidental' deaths of several young boys are in fact, murder cases. However, despite being thwarted from her investigation at every turn, Lia perseveres. Not only does she have the extreme weather of Tibet to contend with, but she also has to navigate the minefield of officialdom, plus an overzealous superior who seems to desire her, much to her displeasure.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and look forward to meeting Lia another time.
Shan Lia is convinced the 'accidental' deaths of several young boys are in fact, murder cases. However, despite being thwarted from her investigation at every turn, Lia perseveres. Not only does she have the extreme weather of Tibet to contend with, but she also has to navigate the minefield of officialdom, plus an overzealous superior who seems to desire her, much to her displeasure.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and look forward to meeting Lia another time.
June 21, 2020
This is a brilliant well paced book of suspense & intrigue. The tale is put together with skill making it a compelling & atmospheric read. We get a feel for the tensions & contrasts within Tibet. We engage with the main character seeing the human conflicts & political tightrope walking required by someone of integrity trying to police fairly within a repressive regime where ulterior motives may overshadowed every encounter.
March 15, 2021
This is a good story which is well written and also enlightening . Descriptive writing enables the reader to visualise the scenes , I swear that I could almost feel the cold ! There is a varied cast of interesting characters and although fictional I feel that the fiction relating to the occupation of Tibet during this period doesn't stray to far from the truth .
May 11, 2020
Again CJ Carver has written a book with wonderful pace and strong female characters. I tore through it keen to learn what happens next. The Snow Thief has a nice touch of political intrigue and cleverly weaves her characters history and emotions into the story. Mairead
February 21, 2022
This was probably the best book by CJ Carver that I’ve read, but if I’m honest, some of the male characters just come off as one dimensional and creepy. Still enjoyable to read, with mystery and a good plot.
December 31, 2020
A decent storyline set somewhere that had always fascinated me. Sadly it confirms that since Chinese rule it is no longer the place I longed to visit. Very enjoyable with good twists.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews