Murder in Manchuria
The True Story of a Jewish Virtuoso, Russian Fascists, a French Diplomat, and a Japanese Spy in Occupied China
By Scott D. Seligman | Publisher: Potomac Books
About the book
2023 Best Book Awards Winner in History sponsored by American Book Fest
In Murder in Manchuria, Scott D. Seligman explores an unsolved murder set amid the chaos that reigned in China in the run-up to World War II. The story unfolds against the backdrop of a three-country struggle for control of Manchuria—an area some called China’s “Wild East”—and an explosive mixture of nationalities, religions, and ideologies. Semyon Kaspé, a young Jewish musician, is kidnapped, tortured, and ultimately murdered by disaffected, antisemitic White Russians, secretly acting on the orders of Japanese military overlords who covet his father’s wealth. When local authorities deliberately slow-walk the search for the kidnappers, a young French diplomat takes over and launches his own investigation.
Part cold-case thriller and part social history, the true, tragic saga of Kaspé is told in the context of the larger, improbable story of the lives of the twenty thousand Jews who called Harbin home at the beginning of the twentieth century. Scott D. Seligman recounts the events that led to their arrival and their hasty exodus—and solves a crime that has puzzled historians for decades.
Editions of Murder in Manchuria
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9781640125841
- EBook
- ISBN 9781640126039
- EBook
- ISBN 9781640126046
Read an Excerpt
2023 Best Book Awards Winner in History sponsored by American Book Fest
In Murder in Manchuria, Scott D. Seligman explores an unsolved murder set amid the chaos that reigned in China in the run-up to World War II. The story unfolds against the backdrop of a three-country struggle for control of Manchuria—an area some called China’s “Wild East”—and an explosive mixture of nationalities, religions, and ideologies. Semyon Kaspé, a young Jewish musician, is kidnapped, tortured, and ultimately murdered by disaffected, antisemitic White Russians, secretly acting on the orders of Japanese military overlords who covet his father’s wealth. When local authorities deliberately slow-walk the search for the kidnappers, a young French diplomat takes over and launches his own investigation.
Part cold-case thriller and part social history, the true, tragic saga of Kaspé is told in the context of the larger, improbable story of the lives of the twenty thousand Jews who called Harbin home at the beginning of the twentieth century. Scott D. Seligman recounts the events that led to their arrival and their hasty exodus—and solves a crime that has puzzled historians for decades.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Murder in Manchuria about?
2023 Best Book Awards Winner in History sponsored by American Book Fest
In Murder in Manchuria, Scott D. Seligman explores an unsolved murder set amid the chaos that reigned in China in the run-up to World War II. The story unfolds against the backdrop of a three-country struggle for control of Manchuria—an area some called China’s “Wild East”—and an explosive mixture of nationalities, religions, and ideologies. Semyon Kaspé, a young Jewish musician, is kidnapped, tortured, and ultimately murdered by disaffected, antisemitic White Russians, secretly acting on the orders of Japanese military overlords who covet his father’s wealth. When local authorities deliberately slow-walk the search for the kidnappers, a young French diplomat takes over and launches his own investigation.
Part cold-case thriller and part social history, the true, tragic saga of Kaspé is told in the context of the larger, improbable story of the lives of the twenty thousand Jews who called Harbin home at the beginning of the twentieth century. Scott D. Seligman recounts the events that led to their arrival and their hasty exodus—and solves a crime that has puzzled historians for decades.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Murder in Manchuria?
Biography, Literature and Literary studies > Biography and non-fiction prose > True stories / true accounts of events > True crime > True crime: serial killers and murderers
Where can I read a sample of Murder in Manchuria?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781640125841
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Murder in Manchuria?
Scott D. Seligman
Who is the Publisher of the book Murder in Manchuria?
Potomac Books
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Murder in Manchuria is available as hardcover(ISBN 9781640125841) and ebook(ISBN 9781640126039) and ebook(ISBN 9781640126046)
Where can I buy Murder in Manchuria online or support local independent bookshops?
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Where can I buy Murder in Manchuria?