The Lord of Death: Summary and book reviews of The Lord of Death by Eliot Pattison, plus links to an excerpt from The Lord of Death and a biography of Eliot Pattison.

Shan Tao Yun is an exiled Chinese national, a former Beijing investigator, on parole from the Tibetan gulag to which he had been consigned as punishment. He is ferrying a corpse on muleback over the slopes of Chomolungma - Everest - at the request of a local wisewoman who says the gods have appointed this task to him, when he encounters what looks like a traffic accident. A government bus filled with imprisoned illegal monks has overturned. Should the escaping monks be caught, the brutal Chinese knobs will punish them. Then Shan hears gunfire. Two women in an approaching sedan have been killed. One is the Chinese Minister of Tourism; the other, a blond Westerner, organizes climbing expeditions. Though she dies in his arms, Shan is later met with denials that this blond foreigner is dead. Shan must find the murderer, for his recompense will be the life and sanity of his son, Ko, imprisoned in a Chinese "yeti factory" where men are routinely driven mad.

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An intricate yet logical plot, deep character construction and a wonderful sense of atmosphere combine to form a truly top-notch mystery novel.  (Reviewed by Kim Kovacs).

Full Review (1097 words).

Media Reviews

Booklist Starred Review. Pattison serves as literary ambassador to beautiful, brutal Tibet in a tale that engages, enlightens, and entertains.   Kirkus Reviews A whodunit wrapped in a socio-political thriller, all the more valuable for its timeliness. Shan's sixth case...is aimed at readers who savor subtlety and complexity.   School Library Journal Teens will be struck by how completely and systematically the Chinese government has tried to crush the Tibetan people. And they will be amazed as well by how much strength the Tibetans have found within themselves, and in their deep and complex faith.   Publishers Weekly Starred Review. Newcomers as well as those already emotionally invested in the resourceful and ethical sleuth will cheer him on.

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• Mysteries
  
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