Now out: Shanghai

Shanghai, the setting for this historical thriller, had a place in WWII history of which many may not be aware. It became a place to which many Jewish people fled when they were trying to escape the horrors in Europe. This was because of the relative ease in entering the country. In the hands of capable author Joseph Kanon the city and its inhabitants come to life in this rather twisty tale.

Readers meet Daniel Lohr who is seeking safety by traveling from Germany to China. On his way there he meets Leah with whom he connects. They are two of the many characters in this story that brings Shanghai and its varied lements, including the criminal, to life.

Publishers Weekly gives this one a starred review noting the atmosphere, suspense, dialogue and more. I do agree with this while noting that some readers may find it a bit challenging to keep all of the characters and plot straight. I think that those who like historical thrillers and those who have read other books by Kanon will want to give this one a look.

Many thanks to Scribner and NetGalley for this title. All opinions are my own.

Four stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Joseph Kanon’s novels of wartime crime and espionage inhabit a perfectly evoked intersection between noir and Greeneland. . . . [his] cabaret is always a pleasure.” —The Times (UK)

“Fascinating and tautly suspenseful . . . Joseph Kanon is known for his elegantly written, impressively immersive World War II thrillers, and Shanghai is no exception. . . . [he] transports readers to 1939 Shanghai, conjur[ing] the city’s veneer of glamour, and the danger and desperation festering beneath, with his trademark skill and verve. Shanghai artfully balances violence, romance, and edgy suspense in a layered and compelling tale of an extraordinary place and time in human history.” —BookPage (starred review)

“Joseph Kanon makes Shanghai a Casablanca-worthy setting for World War II-era intrigue. . . . Start casting the movie version now.” —Parade

“Jewish refugees fleeing Nazi Europe settle in Shanghai in Kanon’s latest novel, a deeply engrossing tale of corruption, violence, and doomed love. . . . Kanon always situates his political clashes and spy games in a fully realized human drama. Shanghai proves one of his most powerful stories to date.” —CrimeReads

“As in his spy novels, Kanon demonstrates a mastery of closed-in drama. Such is the jabbing understatement of the dialogue—what’s withheld matters more than what’s said—that it holds you in suspense as much as any action scene. The contrast between his impeccable control and the nightmarish chaos of this time and place gives things a powerful edge. Kanon goes to China with stirring results.” —Kirkus (starred review)

A fast-paced thriller featuring vice, corruption and espionage in Shanghai before the start of World War II when Jewish people fled persecution in Germany.” —AARP

“[A] superbly written WWII espionage thriller. . . . From the opening paragraph, it’s clear readers are in expert hands: Kanon writes with a master’s touch, flexing his gift for atmosphere and crafting characters who seem capable of walking off the page and taking a seat next to the reader. With pulse pounding suspense, top-shelf dialogue, and a palpable evocation of its period setting, this is as good as crime fiction gets.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“Edgar–winning Kanon plays global and personal intrigues to perfection here. Fans of historical thrillers will appreciate Kanon’s ability to cloak betrayals with the period’s looming uncertainty and evoke Shanghai’s particular vitality.” —Booklist (starred review)