x-book ®

The Secret Mandarin

Get in the xigxag app
This book is not purchasable in your country. Please select another book.
Pre-order Buy Now £{{ price }}
How does xigxag pricing work?

Listen to a sample

What to expect

A disgraced woman. A faraway land. A forbidden love…
An unforgettable tale set in Victorian London and 1840s China from a shining, young historical talent.

Desperate to shield her from scandal, Mary's brother-in-law, the ambitious botanist Robert Fortune, forces her to accompany him on a mission to China to steal tea plants for the East India Company. But Robert conceals his secret motives – to spy for the British forces, newly victorious in the recent Opium War.

His task is both difficult and dangerous – the British are still regarded as enemies by the Chinese and exporting tea bushes carries the death sentence. In these harsh conditions Mary grieves for her London life and the baby she has been forced to leave behind, while her fury at Robert intensifies.

As their quest becomes increasingly treacherous, Robert and Mary disguise themselves as a mandarin and man-servant. Thousands of miles from everything familiar, Mary revels in her new freedom and the Chinese way of life – and when danger strikes, finds unexpected reserves of courage.

The Secret Mandarin is an unforgettable story of love, fortitude and recklessness – of a strong woman determined to make it in a man's world and a man who will stop at nothing to fulfil his desires.

Critics Review

  • ‘A truly sumptuous, action-packed Oriental adventure that might just be our favourite historical romance of the year.’
    Daily Record

    ‘An enchanting story that draws you in… perfect for whiling away the hours on a rainy day.’
    Closer

    ‘If you like mystery, history, love and adventure then this book is for you!’ Scottish Home & Country

    ‘A very enjoyalbe voyage to the Far East.’ Weekly News

More from the same

Author

Narrator

Subscribe to our newsletter

Sign up to get tailored content recommendations, product updates and info on new releases. Your data is your own: we commit to protect your data and respect your privacy.