A review of ‘The Shanghai Circle’ by a member of the Online Book Club on the 24th of February 2024

5 out of 5 stars

Tony Henderson’s “The Shanghai Circle” draws me into the colorful and dangerous world of 1936 Shanghai, a city on the verge of political unrest and war. Henderson takes us to a time and place where danger is everywhere and where the lives of the mysterious Russian exile, the triad boss, and the taipan intertwine in unexpected ways. Henderson does this with painstaking research and vivid writing.

The rich historical setting in which the stories of the people are set is among this book’s most remarkable features. Henderson captures the cosmopolitan charm of Shanghai in the 1930s, as well as its undercurrents of stress and uncertainty, in a vivid image of the city. The location comes to life on the page, drawing me into a dangerous and intriguing world that includes everything from the luxurious houses of the wealthy to the dimly illuminated lanes of the criminal underworld.

Another aspect of the book that stands out is the cast of characters. With their unique challenges and aspirations woven together to create a rich tapestry of human experience, Davina, Joseph, and Irina are all interesting characters in their own right. Reading about Davina’s will to lead her family’s trade house through difficult times, Joseph’s ambivalent allegiances as the Sung Society’s heir, and Irina’s fortitude in the face of misfortune all make for interesting reading.

I was immediately drawn into the story by Henderson’s descriptive and captivating style, which began on the first page. The climactic parts are appropriately dramatic and fulfilling, and the pace is fast with many twists and turns to keep me on my toes. “The Shanghai Circle” is an all-around delightful read that provides an enticing look into an intriguing era of history.

Tony Henderson has a plethora of material for his writing, thanks to his varied and exciting life experiences. Henderson has traveled the world and back, from his early career in international commerce to his later pursuits in real estate and historical study. His love of writing is evident in the way he skillfully combines historical details, esoteric themes, and human drama to craft gripping stories that keep me interested from beginning to end. Henderson demonstrates his skill as a master storyteller with “The Shanghai Circle,” and I’m interested to see where his writing career will lead him next.

I don’t think there is a single typo in the writing, which is excellent and expertly edited. The book’s cover image and title complement the narrative wonderfully. I won’t recommend the book to young readers because of its strong sexual material. Only adults should use it.

For those who enjoy both historical fiction and espionage thrillers, “The Shanghai Circle” is still a compelling book. A captivating reading experience is provided by Henderson’s deft blending of reality and fiction, captivating storytelling, and exquisitely rendered characters. I am really excited about the upcoming Chinese Circles book, and I give this one a rating of five stars out of five stars. Nothing about the book upsets me enough to take away from its rating.