Dimensions
154 x 233 x 19mm
Mei Wang is a modern, independent Chinese woman. She runs her own private investigation business in Beijing; she owns a car; she even has that most modern of commodities, a male secretary. When a famous young Chinese pop star goes missing in mysterious circumstances, Mei is called in to find out what has happened.
Unsure whether it's a case of kidnapping, or something more sinister, Mei delves into the girl's life – from the club scene of new Beijing, to the slums of the old city – and uncovers a story of fast fame, faster money and disgruntled boyfriends. She also finds a love letter containing a rare paper butterfly: a token given as a symbol of mourning at a funeral...
But what is the connection? And can Mei find the pop star before it's too late?
Paper Butterfly is both a riveting work of crime fiction and a fascinating glimpse of city life in modern China. Diane Wei Liang captures Beijing's bustle and noise, from seedy gambling dens and cheap noodle bars, to the splendour of the Forbidden City, and offers us a unique perspective on the one of the world's most mysterious cities.
