Two Order of Canada recipients combine their formidable forces to bring us The Last Mandarin, a fast-paced thriller that centers on an estranged mother-daughter duo who suddenly become the focus of world events.
Human rights activist Vivien Li escaped China after Tiananmen Square and is known worldwide for her advocay for a democratic China.
Her daughter, Alice, is a first generation Chinese-American, who has lived in her mother’s shadow and turned to food blogging to escape the political process.
When Alice receives a photo from a friend who is found murdered, she becomes caught up in an international scheme of coordinated attacks.
Because of growing up with her mother, Alice understands more than the average person about the cybeattacks. And soon Vivien and Alice are brought to the attention of the White House when ties to China are exposed and a sense of urgency takes over.
Blending in Chinese history adds to the depth of the usual political thriller, as does the tension between mother and daughter, who become a globe-trotting duo. Tight characterizations add to the depth of their relationship.
A different but intriguing offering from two talented women.
Auntiemwrites Crime-Mystery Author M K Graff 