Shanghai Secrets by Sulari Gentill Poisoned Pen Press

 When wealthy Rowland Sinclair is asked by his brother to do business in China for the family's wool trade, he is rather hesitant. But his good friends Clyde, Milton and the beautiful Edna decide to  travel with him to Shanghai, making the trip more endurable. Shanghai in the 1930s is filled with shady characters and gangsters, however, not to mention Japanese spies everywhere! Rowland soon finds himself in trouble when he finds a Russian princess, who has been working as a taxi-girl, dead in his luxury suite. Rowland finds himself accused of her murder...

A complex murder story, likeable characters, an exotic setting and adventure make this an enjoyable novel. Rowland is a lovely character and a deep thinker who occasionally quotes poetry. It's fun to read about the 'high life' that these characters live - luxury hotels, ballgowns and servants are just part of the scenery for them! Sulari Gentill captures the exoticism, elegance and mix of cultures of old Shanghai with its undercurrent of menace. Some notes on her research would have made this novel even more interesting! 

I hope to read more Rowland Sinclair books.

I received this free ebook from NetGalley in return for an honest review.

EDITION	Paperback
ISBN	9781464213618
PRICE	$15.99 (USD)