READERS' REVIEWS (taken from Amazon USA/UK and France)

THE FATHERS OF XINJIANG


1. The story is gripping. I couldn't put the book down until I finished reading it. It is an amazing story that takes you to the heart of China, the mysterious land, and makes you wonder about life on the other side of the world.
   
   
2. A great story very well written. Loved it
   
   
3. Can't put it down in the Métro.
   
   
4. Pour qui connait déjà la Chine ou veut la découvrir tout en finesse et subtilité de fond. Un inspecteur attachant, des personnages sensibles, une intrigue sensuelle, la Chine d'hier dans celle d'aujourd'hui, un auteur passionné et érudit. Vite la suite des aventures de Tian !
   
   
5. This unique novel paints a vivid picture of intrigue and culture set in a culture that has been largely ignored by western authors. A thoroughly enjoyable and easy reading book which keeps you guessing whilst at the same time introduces you to the fascinating Chinese culture. Strongly recommended for anybody interested in crime, history or Chinese culture.
   
   
6. I really enjoyed reading this thriller set in present day China. There is everything a good story should have. A strong main character with some flaws. A solid story line. Interesting cultural and political backgrounds. I am now reading the second book "The Mothers of Yunan" with equal pleasure. Highly recommended.
   
   
7. This superb read, the trail of history and exciting events had me wanting more of this Chinese series. Highly recommended!
   
   
8. Really enjoyable fiction, with lots of fascinating insights into life in China, as well as human nature and archaeology. A must read. You won't be disappointed.
   
   
9. Very readable. I thoroughly enjoyed The Fathers and I am now reading the Mothers of Yunnan. Well worth it.
   
   
10. Ma découverte du monde personnel de l'Inspecteur Haifeng et de la vision de la Chine de l’écrivain - j'ai été complètement transportée dans ce pays que j'adore. J'ai retrouvé les senteurs, les sons, les sensations que j'avais éprouvés lors d'un voyage précédent (j'avis même vu les momies à Turpan). J'ai aussi beaucoup apprécié la vision intelligemment critique de l'auteur sur la manière dont les Hans se comportent au Xinjiang. Et puis, tout simplement, c'est un bon polar avec du suspense et du mystère!!!
    
    
11. First book kept me reading faster as the intrigue developed. 
    
    
12. Roman original et dépaysant(même si j'ai du faire appel à Mister Harrap's quelquefois!).Que l es lecteurs français ne se laissent pas rebuter par le fait qu'il soit en VO ,ce serait vraiment dommage de passer à côté de ce livre. Lancez vous et vous serez out comme moi conquis!
    
    
13. If you like thrillers, you are bound to love 'The Fathers of Xinjiang' as you will be caught by a well- knit plot. The author shares with us his knowledge of archaeology and forensic science but he also manages to create very endearing characters; the love relationship Haifeng gets involved in contributes to making 'The Fathers of Xinjiang' much more than a mere crime story. Scenery, like the desert, is beautifully depicted.
    
    
    THE MOTHERS OF YUNNAN
    
    
14. La découverte d'une culture ancienne et perdue (comme malheureusement tant d'autres), écrasée par la modernité, le pouvoir et la cupidité. Une histoire de femmes et de terre autrefois protégée par sa nature inaccessible et sa rudesse. Tian (quel homme!) se découvre de plus en plus impressionnant et attachant. Vite au prochain .. 
    
15. Apart from the discovery of fascinating places and of a very interesting Tibetan community and their customs, the book is also an initiatory journey. Once I started reading the book, I just could not stop ! 
    
16. I bought this novel hot on the heels of reading - and really enjoying - the first in the series, 'the Fathers of Xinjiang'. Both feature a Chinese detective, Inspector Tian Haifeng, through a fascinating, gripping set of events that initially seem to be very little for him to investigate, either because they are not in his caseload at all, or come to his notice outside of the day job. As such, I have the i mpression of a maverick who allows his curiosity to influence how he spends his time in order to go beyond the normal daily workload to track down the truth, no matter where that takes him. I enjoy the opportunity to enter into a world, seen through non-british/western eyes, travel a road trip through some very unfamiliar places, and have some fun on the way to a satisfying conclusion. I'm eager to get my hands on Martin's next works

       THE SISTERS OF BEIJING

1. A well-built plot; a lot of suspense and unexpected developments leading to an unpredictible ending. In 'The Sisters of Beijing', we are taken from Nanjing to Beijing, via Shanghai. The Inspector 's struggle not to break down and his erroneous assumptions, his doubts, his emotions make him an even more likeable character than in the two previous novels. The book also offers an insight into China's politics in the 70s and the 80s. Thanks to all these elements, the author cleverly manages to write much more than just a detective story.
   
   
2. ...a gripping sequence of events which has a very unexpected outcome. As in earlier novels, Martin shares his cultural and linguistic insights which at times amuse, and give pause for thought to us outsiders about what is of concern to Chinese nationals. All of which add up to strengthen the appeal of this series and encourage me in eagerly anticipating the next novel.