A review of ‘The Shanghai Circle’ by a member of the Online Book Club on the 1st of April 2024

5out of 5 stars

The Shanghai Circle by Tony Henderson is an interesting work of historical fiction that transports one through the turbulent, vice-ridden world of pre-World War II Shanghai. From the moment I turned the first page, the intricate weave of characters hooked me, as did their tangled lives against the backdrop of a city teetering on the brink of collapse. The author wields his storytelling powers like a true seasoned writer.

The author portrays the plight of Irina, a stunning yet stateless young woman forced into the triads’ clutches by overwhelming debt and desperation. In such harrowing strokes, I was on the edge of my seat, wondering what fate awaited her next in the dangerous underworld. Intriguing is the rise of Joseph, heir apparent to the powerful Sung Society triad. The author’s depiction of Joseph’s bloody initiation into this world of vice and violence feels authentic. It’s like getting a VIP pass into the most depraved corners of a sweeping mafia saga. Through his writing style, the author portrays the murky depths of loyalty and vengeance and the haunting lengths to which men are driven to settle scores.

The author’s narrative prowess is also spellbinding. With each page turned, I plunged deeper into the suspense-filled narrative.
I rate this book five out of five stars for the following reasons: The author’s ability to interweave fictional characters and historic events. His harrowing rendering of the Japanese invasion of Shanghai and the unspeakable atrocities they unleashed can also help readers learn from the negative effects of this dark part of the world’s history and prevent such from reoccurring.

The careful editing and polished presentation are also worthy of high praise. I did not encounter any errors that disrupted my full immersion in the author’s fictional narrative. I also did not notice any negatives in this book. I got engrossed in the book’s characters’ treacheries and triumphs from start to finish. I recommend this book to fans of crime narratives infused with moral complexity. This book is a memorable read that every reader will enjoy.