Death Comes to Lake Como

Having not read any of G.X. Chen’s work before and with this being the third book in the Back Bay Investigation series, I was a little reluctant to read it as you never know with serial books if they can be read as a stand-alone. I am pleased to say that this one can, it makes references to the previous books in the series but not enough to confuse the reader or detract from the story.

Death Comes to Lake Como is based initially around Lake Como in Italy and Chen brings the scenery beautifully to life with such detail you will want to visit it for yourself. Caught up in a web of intrigue Ann Lee and Fang Chen work together to solve a crime that hits closer to home than they originally thought. On their honeymoon in Italy, Fang Chen and his new bride Jane Tian each exchange emails with their long time friend and Fang Chen’s partner in crime, Ann Lee when a murder is committed on the lake. Needless to say, they move mountains and cross seas to solve the new mystery.

I am not personally versed in Eastern culture but the cultural storyline highlighted in this book aids in creating a very believable set of circumstances. The political tension along with the detailed account of historical events during the Cultural Revolution and the Chinese Culture has helped me to learn something new. This book may be a little slow paced for some avid murder mystery buffs but it gives the reader time to appreciate all of the detail and the information.

Death Comes to Lake Como is a truly intriguing and suspenseful read with intelligent and strong characters as well as a culturally strong backdrop. Even if you have not read previous books from this author, you will still enjoy this one.