An actress's fate is linked to Chinatown's in this gripping historical thriller.
During the golden age of film, Lulu Wong was a Chinese actress on the rise, until her body was found dumped in Chinatown. Two sisters, Gemma and May, frustrated by the police's lack of action, take it upon themselves to investigate. But the closer they get to the glitter of Hollywood, the harder it is to decipher friends from enemies.
This book takes on prejudice head-on as it shows the impact on Gemma and May's life, from not being allowed to sell their flowers certain places to top Chinese film roles going to white actresses who taped their eyelids. It also shows how conflicted even so-called good people can be in the face of the prevailing culture.
The mystery was engaging, with lots of great twists and turns. I didn't see the final villain coming, so that was fun! It also has a great fake-dating side plot between May and Walter, the Chinese boy picked by her parents. All of these elements combine to make an unforgettable read.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance review copy of this book.
During the golden age of film, Lulu Wong was a Chinese actress on the rise, until her body was found dumped in Chinatown. Two sisters, Gemma and May, frustrated by the police's lack of action, take it upon themselves to investigate. But the closer they get to the glitter of Hollywood, the harder it is to decipher friends from enemies.
This book takes on prejudice head-on as it shows the impact on Gemma and May's life, from not being allowed to sell their flowers certain places to top Chinese film roles going to white actresses who taped their eyelids. It also shows how conflicted even so-called good people can be in the face of the prevailing culture.
The mystery was engaging, with lots of great twists and turns. I didn't see the final villain coming, so that was fun! It also has a great fake-dating side plot between May and Walter, the Chinese boy picked by her parents. All of these elements combine to make an unforgettable read.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance review copy of this book.