Jing-nan, owner of a popular night market food stall, is framed for a string of high-profile murders—why does it seem like he's always the one left holding the skewer? The fourth entry to Ed Lin's Taipei mystery series.
This social backdrop provides fertile ground for character development ... in spite of the beat-by-beat narration, the book keeps its action moving. When not focused on clearing his name, Jing-nan tries to navigate the murky waters between his girlfriend and her estranged mother. As the book turns toward discovering and catching the actual murderer, the character work pays off, and the fun intensifies ... a mystery novel that balances growth and intrigue with an exploration of a busy city that sees everything.
Jing-nan takes readers on a tour of everyday Taipei, balancing exposure of sobering gender inequalities, marginalized aboriginals, and cowboy policing with irreverent wit.
More than action thrillers, Lin’s delightful Taipei Night Market novels are stories of character and place ... The resolution of Lin’s series fourth pushes the bounds of believability but has a rousing finale ... Once again, it’s hellzapoppin’ time in Taipei. If readers haven’t tried Lin’s stylish mysteries, here’s a good place to start.
