A review of ‘The Shanghai Circle’ by a member of the Online Book Club on the 10th of May 2024

5 out of 5 stars

So, I just finished diving into Tony Henderson’s The Shanghai Circle, and let me tell you, it’s like stepping back in time to the gritty streets of pre-World War II Shanghai. From the get-go, I was hooked on the web of characters and their lives tangled up in this city on the edge.

Irina’s struggle against the triads had me biting my nails, and Joseph’s journey through the underworld was a wild ride. Henderson really knows how to spin a tale that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

The way Henderson paints the picture of Shanghai in the 1930s is just incredible. Every detail, from the bustling streets to the shadowy corners, feels so vivid and real. It’s like you’re right there with the characters, navigating the dangers of the city alongside them.

And let me tell you, this book doesn’t shy away from the tough stuff. It tackles some heavy themes, like betrayal and violence, head-on, but it does so with honesty and sincerity. It really makes you think about the moral dilemmas of a world falling apart.

Plus, the historical backdrop adds another layer of depth to the story. Henderson seamlessly weaves in real events like the Japanese invasion, giving the whole thing an extra dose of authenticity.

And can we talk about the writing itself? Flawless. I didn’t spot a single typo or grammatical hiccup that pulled me out of the story. It’s clear Henderson put a ton of care into crafting every sentence.

Honestly, I couldn’t find a single thing to nitpick about this book. It’s a solid rating of 5 out of 5 stars from me, no question. If you’re into gripping crime dramas with a side of moral complexity, “The Shanghai Circle” is an absolute must-read.

Just a heads up, though; this one’s definitely for mature readers. There’s some explicit stuff in there, so maybe steer clear if that’s not your cup of tea. But if you’re cool with that, dive right in and get lost in the streets of Shanghai. You won’t regret it.