Midnight in Peking summary

The Setting and the Crime

In Midnight in Peking by Paul French, the author takes us back in time to 1937 Peking, a city teetering on the brink of war. The story begins with the brutal murder of Pamela Werner, a 19-year-old girl from an affluent British family. Her body, horrifically mutilated, is discovered at the base of the Fox Tower, a landmark with a grim reputation for being the haunt of fox spirits.

The crime scene is gruesome, and the police, under pressure from the British embassy, are eager to solve the case quickly. However, they are hampered by the chaotic political situation and the pervasive corruption in the city. Pamela's father, E.T.C. Werner, a former British consul and a sinologist, is devastated by his daughter's murder and launches his own investigation.

The Investigation and Its Challenges

Werner's relentless pursuit of the truth leads him to uncover shocking details about his daughter's life. He learns of her involvement with a seedy underworld of nightclubs and opium dens, and her relationships with a diverse group of individuals, including a French doctor, a White Russian, and a Chinese man. These discoveries complicate the investigation and point to the possibility of a much deeper conspiracy.

Meanwhile, French detective Chief Inspector Dennis and his Chinese colleague, Detective Han, take charge of the official investigation. Their efforts are thwarted at every turn by the local police, who seem more interested in covering up the crime than solving it. The detectives, too, encounter numerous obstacles, from bureaucratic obstructions to the dangerous political climate of pre-war Peking.

The Unraveling of the Mystery

As the story unfolds, Midnight in Peking paints a vivid picture of the city's expatriate community, its opulence, and its sordid underbelly. The narrative skillfully intertwines Pamela's murder with the larger backdrop of Peking's descent into chaos. The Japanese invasion looms large, and the city is rife with espionage, political intrigue, and social upheaval.

Ultimately, Werner, the grieving father, and the dedicated detectives uncover a web of deceit and corruption that reaches the highest levels of Peking society. They expose a shocking conspiracy, implicating members of the police force, the medical community, and even the diplomatic corps. The truth they unearth is both tragic and horrifying, shedding light on the dark realities of life in pre-war Peking.

The Aftermath and Legacy

In the aftermath of the investigation, the case of Pamela Werner's murder remains officially unsolved. However, the revelations brought to light by Werner and the detectives force a reckoning with the city's moral decay and the complicity of its elite. Midnight in Peking ends on a somber note, with Peking falling to the Japanese, and the key players in the murder case dispersing, their lives forever changed.

In conclusion, Midnight in Peking is a gripping true crime narrative that offers a compelling blend of history, mystery, and social commentary. It immerses us in the tumultuous world of pre-war China, while unraveling a shocking murder mystery. It's a haunting reminder of the darkness that lurks beneath the surface of seemingly civilized societies.