In 1941,five intelligence officers are escorted to an isolated mansion to uncover a communist spy. But as each officer spins a story to prove their innocence, the truth is called into question. Mai Jia's novel "The Message" is a thrilling spy novel on a grand scale, featuring tradecraft, puzzle-solving, and human folly. \n Format: Paperback / softback\n Length: 432 pages\n Publication date: 12 November 2020\n Publisher: Head of Zeus\n A captivating literary thriller set in Japan-occupied China during the Second World War, this novel is written by the most translated Chinese novelist of our time. In 1941, Japan ruled over China, and in Hangzhou, a puppet government supported by the Japanese was waging an underground war against the Communist resistance. Late one night, five intelligence officers, who were employed as codebreakers by the regime, were taken to an isolated mansion outside the city. The secret police were certain that one of them was a communist spy, and they intended to keep them there until the traitor was exposed. However, as each codebreaker spun a story that proved their innocence, the truth about what had happened began to unravel, casting doubt on everything they had believed.Praise for Mai Jia's novel "The Message" has been widespread. The Times described it as a "spy novel on a grand scale," where nothing is as it seems. Jia's playful mix of tradecraft, puzzle-solving, and human folly brings an original twist to the spy fiction canon. The Sunday Times praised the novel for its gripping plot, otherworldly aura, and flamboyant detail. The New York Times called it a "page-turner with a gripping plot, otherworldly aura, and flamboyant detail." The Financial Times described it as a "mix of spy thriller, historical saga, and mathematical puzzle that coheres into a powerful whole." The Telegraph praised Jia as a "literary superstar."Overall, "The Message" is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a thrilling and suspenseful story set in a historical context. With its intricate plot, well-developed characters, and thought-provoking themes, this novel is sure to captivate readers for hours on end.\n Weight: 308g\n Dimension: 130 x 197 x 31 (mm)\n ISBN-13: 9781789543032\n \n
