Inspector Zhong Fong is investigating the murders of two black men in the alleys of Shanghai by a trained assassin. Each was dismembered and posed carefully. What are their bodies saying, and who is the message for? On a personal note, Zhong's wife died several years ago. She was an actress and had had a love affair with a Canadian visiting director. The director is in Shanghai again. Also in Shanghai is the wife of one of the black men, who was employed by the New Orleans Parish police. Tall and blond, she is attracted to the small Chinese detective. The book provides an interesting look into life in China in the late 90s. I'm looking forward to reading the next in this series.