The Runner by
Peter May
pbk out May 03
(NEL)
at £6.99
The latest in May's China novels, this book, 'the runner' as the title appears on the
dustjacket, will, without doubt, deservedly receive the general extravagant praise
which has greeted those published previously.
The background, Bejing in winter, has been conjured up by the author with a masterly
pen; the snow and ice, the buildings of modern Bejing juxtaposed with the ancient,
street stalls selling steaming food to frozen workers, hundreds of bicycles, cars
jammed up because of the weather, people in their padded jackets hurrying home after
a day's work.
The story begins with the apparent suicide of a top Chinese swimmer on the eve of an
international event in which he was expected to compete successfully against the
American team. Mysterious deaths of several other top athletes follow. And
Detective Li Yan is assigned to the case.
Li Yan, senior police officer and Margaret Campell, American pathologist, are in a
serious relationship. Margaret is pregnant and they intend to marry. But there are
problems with the authorities as their mixed race relationship is frowned upon.
The investigation, led by Li, moves along at a pace, suspense and dread build up as
both he and Margaret find themselves in danger.
This is a tense and atmospheric thriller with a heart-stopping ending.
The Runner by
Peter May
