True Beijing Murder Mystery Wins Top US Prize

The riveting true-story of a 1930s murder of a young British expat in Beijing has walked away with America’s most prestigious literary award for mystery writing.

Midnight in Peking, penned by Shanghai-based author Paul French, was awarded the 2013 Edgar Award for non-fiction crime on Thursday. The award, named after Edgar Allen Poe, is chosen by the Mystery Writers of America, an organization for mystery and crime writers and professionals allied to the crime writing field.

The book is French’s retelling of the scandalous murder of Pamela Werner, the 19-year-old daughter of a former British consul. The gruesome details behind Pamela’s case unveil a 1930s Beijing full of glamour and debauchery, privilege and political tension.

French often gives tours of the scenes of the crime in the area around Beijing’s former Legation Quarter, much of which remains preserved despite the city’s breakneck development. Keep an eye on our Events for future tour announcements.

In the meantime, get yourself a copy of French’s book – usually in stock at The Bookworm and also available for the Kindle here. It’s also on Amazon.cn for local same-day C.O.D. delivery here.