The Shanghai Tunnel
Books / Hardcover
Books › Fiction › Mystery & Detective › Women Sleuths
ISBN: 0765313006 / Publisher: Forge Books, February 2008
Set in 1868 during Portland's rough trading post days, this is the story of Emily Stratton, a newly-arrived widow, who must delve into her husband's seedy and painful past and set things right so that she can make a life for herself and her son in this strange land.
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Emily Stratton grew up in China with her missionary parents. In many ways, she identifies more with the Chinese people than with other Westerners. After her parents are violently murdered, Emily seeks sanctuary in marriage to Horace Stratton, a shrewd entrepreneur from Portland. She soon discovers that while Horace projects a mask of civility to the outside world, he is a cruel man with abhorrent and vile appetites. The only thing that keeps her from leaving him is their son, whom Emily shields from the truth about his father.On the eve of his return to Portland, where he intends to enjoy his spoils, Horace dies. Emily and her now-teenage son are alone in a rough-hewn, fast-growing town where men seek profit above all. Emily tries to fit into this unsettling place while she fights for her son's inheritance. Many in the city try to console her, and she does her best to behave like a proper Western widow. She hates living the lie but knows that in order to secure her son's future, she must maintain Horace's reputation.She soon discovers this might not be possible. Horace's partners in Portland seem to be cut from the same cloth as her departed husband. They very much want Emily and her son to go away... permanently, if necessary. Emily will have to delve deep into her husband's seedy and painful past and set things right so that she can make a life for herself and her son in this strange new world.
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