A great, mystery novel can thrust the reader into a world of intrigue and suspense. It’s a page, turning thriller where danger lurks at every corner. International Best Selling Author, Henning Mankell, weaves a riveting, mystery novel in The Man From Beijing.

The story unfolds in the cold, wintry hamlet of Hesjovallen, Sweden. Hesjovallen is inhabited by a retired community and appears to be a place of solace and peace. Enchanted by the frosty scenery, a photographer raises his lens to capture its beauty...but he soon discovers a grisly crime scene. Police unearth a heinous massacre where nineteen people were murdered. The only clues left behind are a sharpened sword and a small, red ribbon. Thus, begins the chase to find the suspect and his motive.

Central to an exhilarating suspense novel, is the harrowing adventure of an unsuspecting character. In this novel, Birgitta Roslin, plays a novice gumshoe whose curiosity leads her into enormous danger. Roslin’s interest grows when she discovers her mother was adopted by a couple murdered in the Hesjovallen attacks. She surmised, the murders, were not carried out by a cold blooded or psychopathic killer. She also draws a connection between the victim’s surnames. She also believes, perhaps, the murderer committed the crimes out of revenge.

The novel mimics a chase scene in a movie as Roslin delves into the world of criminal intent. Several clues trace her back to China where she attempts to find a mysterious man amidst a sea of unknown faces. But in her pursuit of the killer, she is unaware of the eyes that are following her. Thus, their paths cross in one chilling face-off.

A simultaneous narrative is juxtaposed between the mysterious killings at Hesjovallen. This story spans over 130 years and chronicles the life of a poor, Chinese peasant fleeing a life of brutality. To escape the horrors of cruel landowners, he embarks on a journey to America. But the life of promise and freedom is a smokescreen for the horrors of servitude he experiences on the transcontinental railroad. Moreover, the story serves as a link in unlocking the mysterious murders.

China becomes the epicenter of the novel as modern technology and economic prowess transforms the country into a world power. Yet, the cries of the poor are still present in the discourse of politics. The words of former Chinese leader Mao Zedong echoed the dangers of a dissenting working class: “The current upswing of the peasants’ revolt is of enormous significance.” The plot develops a sinister and troubling solution to the Chinese working class with imperialist interests in Africa. On the surface, the novel is a heart-pounding thriller but beneath the layers, it examines the role of exploitation both past and present.

The Man From Beijing is an exciting, mystery novel with a stunning and harrowing chase on three continents. Though the novel draws the reader into an exhilarating story, it also serves as a commentary on history and politics. Best known for his Kurt Wallender crime novels, Henning Mankell writes another captivating tale, perfect for that weekend getaway or summer read.