The first book in a captivating new duology following an ill-matched pair of spies posing as a married couple to investigate a series of brutal murders in 1930s Shanghai.
It’s 1931 in Shanghai, and the stage is set for a new decade of intrigue.
Four years ago, Rosalind Lang was brought back from the brink of death, but the strange experiment that saved her also stopped her from sleeping and aging—and allows her to heal from any wound. In short, Rosalind cannot die. Now, desperate for redemption from her traitorous past, she uses her abilities as an assassin for her country.
Code name: Fortune.
But when the Japanese Imperial Army begins its invasion march, Rosalind’s mission pivots. A series of murders is causing unrest in Shanghai, and the Japanese are under suspicion. Rosalind’s new orders are to infiltrate foreign society and identify the culprits behind the terror plot before more of her people are killed.
To reduce suspicion, however, she must pose as the wife of another Nationalist spy, Orion Hong, and though Rosalind finds Orion’s cavalier attitude and playboy demeanor infuriating, she is willing to work with him for the greater good. But Orion has an agenda of his own, and Rosalind has secrets that she wants to keep buried. As they both attempt to unravel the conspiracy, the two spies soon find that there are deeper and more horrifying layers to this mystery than they ever imagined.
With Bad Moon Rising taking up the month of October, I’ll be featuring more book reviews than usual over the next few weeks to try and catch up.
After reading the These Violent Delights series by this author, it was a no-brainer to request her next book. I didn’t even need to read the description.
Main character Rosalind is a character from These Violent Delights, but let’s just say she wasn’t my favorite and leave it at that. This story is set four years after the end of that series. And she completely changed my mind about her. As an assassin for her country, Rosalind wants to atone for her betrayal four years ago and find some kind of peace. After being brought back from the brink of death by unusual means, she’s not entirely human. She doesn’t sleep or age and can heal from any wound – a definite perk considering her line of work. Her new assignment places her in a fake marriage, and her “husband” may be more trouble than she expected.
1930s Shanghai is the perfect setting for this novel. It really gave me the whole cloak and dagger spy vibe. Complex politics, hidden motives, and double and triple spies just add to the atmosphere. Fake husband Orion might grate on Rosalind’s nerves, but with his humorous quips and the banter between them, I was instantly a fan of his. Shout out to his sister Phoebe, a wonderful supporting character. His protective big brother stance doesn’t work – she’s strong-willed and has a mind of her own.
This novel clocks in at over five hundred pages, but it sure didn’t feel like it. I plowed through it in a couple days and was delighted by the explosive plot twists toward the end. With its complex storyline, it’s easily a crossover, and I guarantee this author will have a long line of readers waiting for the next book in the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Books and Such 
The unusual setting and the character of Rosalind sound cool. Great review, Teri!
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I loved the Shanghai setting, Priscilla. Even though this is a spinoff from the other series, it can still be read as a standalone. Rosalind really changed my opinion of her.
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Sounds like a winner. Thanks for sharing, Teri.
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Now I have to patiently wait for the sequel, Staci. And that was a stunner of a cliffhanger!
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It’s always the “patiently” that I have trouble with.
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Same. I was trying to be polite, lol.
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When a long book keeps you engrossed and breeze by, you know you’ve got a winner. Glad you enjoyed this one so, Teri! It sounds like it’s populated with interesting characters.
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You’re right about that, Mae. I figured I’d be spending a week with this one, but it flew by in a couple days.
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What an intriguing story! And the cover is definitely eye-catching. Thanks for sharing, Teri!
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I agree, Jan – and it’s a perfect title. I really enjoyed delving into the spy world for a few days.
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Sounds like this has complex and gripping plot and atmospheric setting, perfect compilation. Amazing review, Teri!
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Right? So may boxes are checked, you can’t go wrong with this one, Yesha. Thanks!
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Glad you enjoyed it. I don’t seem to get along with her writing style and it makes me so sad because most love her!
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I admit the her first book didn’t work for me at first, Caro, but the second one really snagged me, and this one even more. I’m glad I gave it another chance.
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You’ve definitely piqued my interest. This story sounds simply incredible and I love the setting. Excellent review!
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You don’t need to read the other series to dive into this one. It gives enough backstory that you know what’s going on. I loved the whole cloak and dagger vibe with this story. I think you’d enjoy it, Tessa.
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That’s the part that caught my interest as well. It kind of made me think of Diamond City/Shadow City that we both read forever ago.
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Yes! Funny you mentioned that series – was just thinking about it a few days ago.
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Reblogged this on NEW BLOG HERE >> https:/BOOKS.ESLARN-NET.DE.
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A great review on a different kind of story. This forces to have a closer look. Thanks for sharing, Teri! xx Michael
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Thanks for the reblog, Michael! This was a fun one. Kind of a throwback to old spy books. Have a great weekend!
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Thanks for this mindful review, Teri. You had me at Shanghai 1931. There was a beautifully drawn anime series (and great plot line) called Night Raid 1931 with that setting. This has reminded me of the historical aspects of that series. I’m eager to read this one. Hugs on the wing.
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I loved this setting, Teagan – it added so much to the story, in my opinion. Very atmospheric with heavy ‘spy-vibes’. Hugs to you and Crystal!
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Hi Teri, this sounds interesting. I like the sound of a book set in Shanghai, a city I don’t know much about.
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Over the past couple years, I’ve read two series set in Shanghai, and I’ve loved both of them. Even though both are fantasy series, the setting was based in reality and included the cultures and beliefs – I learned a lot.
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