Thief of Souls is an enjoyable novel. I liked reading about the small town where Inspector Lu is exiled, and the politics of the police and local government. The whole subplot about the party chief Mao seemed a bad distraction and very unnecessary to have him be gay.Also, the murderer was rather obvious once introduced.
But, as a whole the novel has charm and intrigue to spare.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC.

I'm conflicted on this one--much to like, but sooo many cultural details that need to be given (and are, although they are not woven in so skillfully as to not detract.. I also had issues with the MC--did not really like him or buy his need to fall in love --backstory was a bit choppy. I did enjoy the bits of quotes from Mao and the philosophers that pepper the book.
As a mystery, it was well crafted, although I did correctly guess the villain pretty much as soon as he was introduced.
Place was supposed to add to the story and I did feel the gritty nature of the place but frankly, it could have been anywhere in the world that is gritty. I am giving it four stars but would I read another-- only a maybe.

I really liked Thief Of Souls. I thought it was very well done, deep character development and a very good storyline that I didn’t guess until the very end right before it was revealed. The only think I have to say is the ending was a tiny bit rushed once the killer and motive was revealed. But otherwise this was a really good book.