The Firemaker cover art

The Firemaker

The China Thrillers, Book 1

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The Firemaker

By: Peter May
Narrated by: Peter Forbes
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About this listen

A burned corpse is a disturbing mystery for Beijing detective Li Yan until he enlists forensic pathologist Margaret Campbell. Having abandoned a broken life in Chicago for her work, she's as determined as Li to ask difficult questions about the man's death. But some questions have answers they'd rather not hear - facts that others are desperate to conceal.

The Firemaker is the first in the acclaimed China series from Peter May, author of Runaway, Entry Island and the internationally best-selling Lewis Trilogy.

©1999 Peter May (P)2015 WF Howes Crime Thrillers Detective Fiction International Mystery & Crime Mystery Police Procedural Suspense Thriller Thriller & Suspense Women Sleuths Women's Fiction China Crime Exciting

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Critic reviews

"Peter May is an author I'd follow to the ends of the earth." (New York Times)
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This is the second book in the China series that I've read although it's the first one published. It's an excellent beginning to the series and beautifully narrated by Peter Forbes who manages the Chinese names without a stumble! The story was well plotted and really evoked the atmosphere of life in China. The only negative for me was Margaret. One of the main characters. Sadly I found her to be irritating and abrasive. I wanted to either shake her or kick her backside. I know from a later book that she improves, let's hope it's by book two.

Excellent start to the series.

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Wonderfully constructed story, wide and convincing knowledge of China, brilliant narration. Not to be missed!

Absolutely briiliant!

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I’m a fan of May’s work and I prefer the audio versions read by Peter Forbes who gives May’s beautiful language a melodic voice. His books are usually set In Scotland and the Hebridean Isles but these stories centre on an American woman in China and I wasn’t sure if I liked it at first. I soon changed my mind.

The story unfolds and the detective element is balanced nicely with a hint of romance but not enough to put the book in the romance genre. Margaret is a strong female lead but she has very little power in China where, the moment she opens her mouth, every conceivable faux pas pops out resulting in loss of face for anyone nearby.

Li’s reluctance to get involved with Margaret is palpable but when they’re thrown together, he slowly begins to warm to her. Li’s innate innocence is endearing but his current case takes a turn for the personal.

May’s beautiful description and eye for the aesthetics in life still shines through even though the difference between his portrayal of China and that of Scotland are worlds apart and that is what makes his books so addictive.

Addictive

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sensitive characterisation, realistic plot
very topical themes set within China old and new - recommended read

thriller with relevance

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This is my first Peter May book. I would say quite good. I will try another of his books.

Just OK.

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Very GOOD and gripping. We couldn't stop listening! Will be getting the next one! Can't wait!

BRILLIANT

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Half of this book is not about the criminal and investigative procedures (SPOILER ALERT) but about the annoying romantic angst between the two main characters. Not to mention this book makes you cringe the way male writers often do when they describe a woman. Several references to seeing through shirts how a woman isn't wearing a bra.

I would have given it 2* if it wasn't for the quality of Peter Forbes narration.

Not enough thriller, too much romantic angst

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Love the way he tells a great story as well as educating the reader about the various locations. Looking forward now to holidaying in China and, from previous books, the Isle of Lewis. Good thing is I've still only read 3 of his books and there are plenty more in his back catalogue.

Another Great Peter May book

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Bought this as a BOGOF and I'm glad I did. I wanted to like it and I did but I didn't like Margaret (one of the main characters) I could have given her a good shake. The novel is peppered with info regarding China's past and present which I found interesting.

The who dun it itself was a bit weak as were the twists and turns and it did turn into a wee bit like a Mills and Boon at one point but not enough to discourage me from buying the next instalment. I'm hoping number two has a stronger storyline and more of a mystery to solve.

Narration was excellent.

The Firemaker.

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My husband encouraged me to start listening to this series and I’m glad he did (he also did the same with his mother and she’s listened to them all)! This is the second time that I have listened to this book because I had recently downloaded the next one and I wanted to remind myself of the characters before diving into the rest of the series. I’m glad that I did. Even though it was the second time (I had listened to it a while ago) it kept my interest and now I feel ready to proceed with the rest. The characters are described in a rich and interesting way so I was able to see them in my mind’s eye. The story had some twists and turns which kept it interesting. I can’t wait to start the next one today and listen to it on my long journey home.

A great introduction to this series.

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