The Firemaker cover art

The Firemaker

The China Thrillers, Book 1

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The Firemaker

By: Peter May
Narrated by: Peter Forbes
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About this listen

A burned corpse is a disturbing mystery for Beijing detective Li Yan until he enlists forensic pathologist Margaret Campbell. Having abandoned a broken life in Chicago for her work, she's as determined as Li to ask difficult questions about the man's death. But some questions have answers they'd rather not hear - facts that others are desperate to conceal.

The Firemaker is the first in the acclaimed China series from Peter May, author of Runaway, Entry Island and the internationally best-selling Lewis Trilogy.

©1999 Peter May (P)2015 WF Howes
Crime Thrillers Detective Fiction International Mystery & Crime Mystery Police Procedural Suspense Thriller Women Sleuths Women's Fiction

Critic Reviews

"Peter May is an author I'd follow to the ends of the earth." (New York Times)

What listeners say about The Firemaker

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Happy Listerner

Once again Peter May has enthralled with a brilliant story his plots and characters are always effortless to listen to and with Peter Forbes telling the stories it's a winner.

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WOW! Very different!! But most intriguing.

Really enjoyed going off on a different tangent. I felt it was well researched with a good plot.

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2 people found this helpful

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Great Listen

Has it all! Unique in setting and characterisation, a story with mystery, humour, romance, unexpected plot twists and great narration. Well worth it.

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firecracker of a story

From beginning to end the story kept me enthralled. Had to stop eating during the autopsy it was so descriptive. The narrator is excellent and was downloading Book 2 before I reached the end of this one. A must read if you are interested in Chinese culture and murder mysteries.

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A promising start to a series

I really enjoy Peter May and Peter Forbes (I think Peter Forbes made the books come alive). The China series is different from the Enzo Series or Lewis Trilogy, Peter is writing about an environment totally different from his own background. I think he did a pretty good job with some good observations about the cultural differences.
Lewis Trilogy is still the best but I just like his books and how Peter Forbes read them.
I have not found a book by him I did not like just some more than the others.

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great narration.

Another great story by Peter. loved the different storyline to other of his books. plenty going on to keep you listening and enjoying. The narration was really great. Peter Forbes has to one of the best narrator's

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    3 out of 5 stars
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Love story spoils an excellent crime story

Peter May disappointed me with the boring and predictable love story between the two main characters taking time away from an excellent plot.

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Dubious but satisfied

my first experience of the author's writing in an Asian setting. was dubious at first but got drawn into the plot and characters fairly soon.
even though the motivation behind the murders was obvious to me early on, I enjoyed watching the characters slowly catch on. already looking forward to the next book.

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Brilliant and Frightening Concept

A fast paced, wild ride that is frightening in the close association to reality. A compelling read!

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Descriptions take you to China

Beautifully written. Story line wonderful. So very well researched. The narrator’s voice is super. Another great Peter May novel.

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