The Fourth Sacrifice

In Beijing, China, the police are investigating a series of heinous murders. Four men have died in what appears to be ritual sacrifices. Margaret Campbell is a forensic pathologist and wants to return to the Unites States. Her plans are put on hold when she is asked to help the police with the murder of Yuan Toa. She agrees to help, only because she wants to prevent another murder. Margaret learns she is to team up with detective Li Yan and she isn't happy about the prospect of working with him. They met during a previous investigation and began a relationship with each other that was cut short by Li Yan. Margaret is unaware of the reason behind Li Yan's termination of their relationship. When Margaret meets an American archaeologist, Li Yan becomes jealous of the budding relationship. The tension between Margaret and Li Yan builds as they follow the clues and the truth of the murders. Peter May's novels are always exciting and The Fourth Sacrifice is no exception. His characters are richly drawn, the plot sizzles and the tension between Margaret and Li Yan is delicious. From the beginning, the reader is propelled into the action and when the book reaches its conclusion, it is a letdown because you just don't want the story to end. Armchair Interviews says: The Fourth Sacrifice is a must read, and you'll want to check out his previous novels. You won't be disappointed.

In Beijing, the police are baffled by the serial killing with the fourth beheading having just occurred. Forensic pathologist Margaret Campbell is tired of China especially her hotel room so she asks the American Ambassador to help her leave immediately. Her plans to go home to the states change when the American Embassy asks her to help the cops with the latest murder, an employee, Yuan Tao. Reluctantly she agrees as she knows her skills might help prevent another beheading. To her dismay, Margaret is teamed up with Chinese police detective Li Yan. They met during an investigation into a murder in nearby Ritan Park and fell in love, but he ended their relationship abruptly. She is unaware why he did that as he has not told her that his superiors warned him to do so or face termination of his career. Angering Li is that renowned archeologist Michael Zimmerman, whom Margaret met at a party in his honor, seems to want her as he shows her the exciting terra-cotta figures found at nearby Xi'an. A jealous Li and upset Margaret argue over Michael's attention even as they begin to find clues that prove THE FOURTH SACRIFICE was done by a different person than the previous three and the tie between the four is the death of the last victim's father during the Cultural Revolution. Michael proposes while he, Margaret and Li rendezvous in a hidden chamber where death waits for them from a friendly source. This is an excellent Chinese police procedural starring a strong American protagonist and a powerful support cast. The story line is fast-paced yet enables the reader to understand the emotions especially of the heroine and the cop, who return from the terrific FIREMAKER tale. However, the star of this exciting thriller is China as Peter May brings to life the rich heritage and present of a wide awake giant. Harriet Klausner