How The Murder Of Young Englishwoman Haunted The Last Days Of Old China

Imagine a time when China was on the brink of political change, when the last remnants of the ancient Chinese empire were being challenged, and when the clash of East and West was at its peak. It was during these tumultuous days that the murder of a young Englishwoman reverberated through the corridors of power and left an indelible mark on the historical landscape of China.

In the early 20th century, the British Empire held significant influence in China. The Qing Dynasty, which had ruled the country for over 200 years, was on the verge of collapse, and various factions were vying for power. In this context, the murder of Pamela Werner, a 19-year-old British resident of Peking (modern-day Beijing),sent shockwaves through the expatriate community and brought unwelcome international attention to China's internal affairs.

Pamela Werner was a vivacious young woman who had developed a deep fascination with the culture and history of China. She dedicated her time to exploring the streets of Peking, immersing herself in the local customs and traditions. However, her innocent curiosity would lead her down a dark and tragic path.

Midnight in Peking: How the Murder of a Young Englishwoman Haunted the Last Days of Old China

by Paul French(Kindle Edition)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	7968 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	278 pages

FREE

On January 8, 1937, Pamela's lifeless body was discovered near the Fox Tower, a landmark in Peking. Her murder sent shockwaves through the foreign community and triggered a fervent investigation. The case became a high-profile one, and Pamela's father, E.T.C. Werner, a renowned sinologist, was determined to find justice for his daughter.

The investigation soon took a dramatic turn when it was revealed that Pamela was last seen in the company of a British diplomat, suspected of having ties to the Chinese secret police. As the search for Pamela's killer intensified, the expatriate community became increasingly divided. Some believed that the British authorities were involved in a cover-up to protect their own, while others suspected a Chinese conspiracy to undermine foreign influence in the country.

As the intrigue deepened, more unsavory elements of Peking's underworld came to light. Opium dens, secret societies, and corrupt officials all played a part in the dark underbelly of the city, where Pamela's murder was more than just a random act of violence. It became a symbol of the clash between tradition and progress, East and West, in the dying days of imperial China.

The murder of Pamela Werner also caught the attention of prominent figures of the time. Writer and journalist Edgar Snow, who later gained fame for his book "Red Star Over China," covered the case extensively. Snow's coverage of the investigation shed light on the complexities of the Chinese political landscape and the challenges that foreign residents faced in a country on the verge of revolution.

In the end, Pamela's murder was never fully solved. The chaos and uncertainty of the times prevented a conclusive resolution. However, the case left a lasting impact on the collective memory of Peking and became a cautionary tale of the dangers that lurked in the shadows of China's evolving society.

Today, the murder of Pamela Werner remains a fascinating and mysterious chapter in China's history. It serves as a reminder of a tumultuous period when the fate of China hung in the balance and the clash between East and West played out on the streets of Peking. Pamela's story, tragically cut short, continues to haunt those who seek to understand the complexities of China's past.

Midnight in Peking: How the Murder of a Young Englishwoman Haunted the Last Days of Old China

by Paul French(Kindle Edition)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	7968 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	278 pages

FREE

Winner of the both the Edgar Award for Best Fact Crime and the CWA Non-Fiction Dagger from the author of City of Devils

Chronicling an incredible unsolved murder, Midnight in Peking captures the aftermath of the brutal killing of a British schoolgirl in January 1937. The mutilated body of Pamela Werner was found at the base of the Fox Tower, which, according to local superstition, is home to the maliciously seductive fox spirits. As British detective Dennis and Chinese detective Han investigate, the mystery only deepens and, in a city on the verge of invasion, rumor and superstition run rampant. Based on seven years of research by historian and China expert Paul French, this true-crime thriller presents readers with a rare and unique portrait of the last days of colonial Peking.