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Inspector Shan #4
Beautiful Ghosts
In an earlier time, Shan Tao Yun was an Inspector stationed in Beijing. But he lost his position, his family and his freedom when he ran afoul of a powerful figure high in the Chinese government. Released unofficially from the work camp to which he'd been sentenced, Shan has been living in remote mountains of Tibet with a group of outlawed Buddhist monks. Without status, official identity, or the freedom to return to his former home in Beijing, Shan finds himself in the midst of a baffling series of events. During a ceremony meant to rededicate an ancient and long destroyed monastery, Shan stumbles across evidence of a recent murder in the ruins. Now Shan is being torn between some officials who want his help to search the ruins while others want him to disappear back into the mountains - with one group holding out the tantalizing prospect of once again seeing the son from whom Shan has been separated for many years.
In a baffling situation where nothing is what it appears to be, where the FBI, high ranking Beijing officials, the long hidden monks, and the almost forgotten history of the region all pull him in different directions, Shan finds his devotion to the truth sorely tested. Traveling from Tibet to Beijing to the U.S., he must find the links between murder on two continents, a high profile art theft, and an enigmatic, long-missing figure from history ...in Eliot Pattison's Beautiful Ghosts.
In a baffling situation where nothing is what it appears to be, where the FBI, high ranking Beijing officials, the long hidden monks, and the almost forgotten history of the region all pull him in different directions, Shan finds his devotion to the truth sorely tested. Traveling from Tibet to Beijing to the U.S., he must find the links between murder on two continents, a high profile art theft, and an enigmatic, long-missing figure from history ...in Eliot Pattison's Beautiful Ghosts.
368 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2004
36 people are currently reading
422 people want to read
About the author
Eliot Pattison
34 books351 followersEdgar Award winning Eliot Pattison has been described as a "writer of faraway mysteries," a label which is particularly apt for someone whose travel and interests span a million miles of global trekking, visiting every continent but Antarctica.
An international lawyer by training, Pattison first combined his deep concerns for the people of Tibet with his interest in fiction writing in The Skull Mantra, which launched the popular Inspector Shan series.
The series has been translated into over twenty languages around the world. Both The Skull Mantra and Water Touching Stone were selected by Amazon.com for its annual list of ten best new mysteries. Water Touching Stone was selected by Booksense as the number one mystery of all time for readers' groups. The newest installment, Soul of Fire, was included in Publisher's Weekly's list of "Best Book of 2014".
Pattison's fascination with the 18th century American wilderness and its woodland Indians led to the launch of his second critically acclaimed Bone Rattler series.
His dystopian novel, Ashes of The Earth, marks the first installment in his third book series, set in post-apocalyptic America.
A former resident of Boston and Washington, Pattison resides on an 18th century farm in Pennsylvania with his wife, three children, and an ever-expanding menagerie of animals.
An international lawyer by training, Pattison first combined his deep concerns for the people of Tibet with his interest in fiction writing in The Skull Mantra, which launched the popular Inspector Shan series.
The series has been translated into over twenty languages around the world. Both The Skull Mantra and Water Touching Stone were selected by Amazon.com for its annual list of ten best new mysteries. Water Touching Stone was selected by Booksense as the number one mystery of all time for readers' groups. The newest installment, Soul of Fire, was included in Publisher's Weekly's list of "Best Book of 2014".
Pattison's fascination with the 18th century American wilderness and its woodland Indians led to the launch of his second critically acclaimed Bone Rattler series.
His dystopian novel, Ashes of The Earth, marks the first installment in his third book series, set in post-apocalyptic America.
A former resident of Boston and Washington, Pattison resides on an 18th century farm in Pennsylvania with his wife, three children, and an ever-expanding menagerie of animals.
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October 31, 2018
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Description: In an earlier time, Shan Tao Yun was an Inspector stationed in Beijing. But he lost his position, his family and his freedom when he ran afoul of a powerful figure high in the Chinese government. Released unofficially from the work camp to which he'd been sentenced, Shan has been living in remote mountains of Tibet with a group of outlawed Buddhist monks. Without status, official identity, or the freedom to return to his former home in Beijing, Shan finds himself in the midst of a baffling series of events. During a ceremony meant to rededicate an ancient and long destroyed monastery, Shan stumbles across evidence of a recent murder in the ruins. Now Shan is being torn between some officials who want his help to search the ruins while others want him to disappear back into the mountains - with one group holding out the tantalizing prospect of once again seeing the son from whom Shan has been separated for many years.
In a baffling situation where nothing is what it appears to be, where the FBI, high ranking Beijing officials, the long hidden monks, and the almost forgotten history of the region all pull him in different directions, Shan finds his devotion to the truth sorely tested. Traveling from Tibet to Beijing to the U.S., he must find the links between murder on two continents, a high profile art theft, and an enigmatic, long-missing figure from history.
5* The Skull Mantra (Inspector Shan, #1)
5* Water Touching Stone (Inspector Shan, #2)
5* Bone Mountain (Inspector Shan, #3)
5* Beautiful Ghosts (Inspector Shan, #4)
Bettie's Books
July 22, 2014
By now the pattern of the plots of these Inspector Shan mysteries is well established. We've got the official from Beijing who is corrupt and criminal, who will stop at nothing to achieve his aims. We've got the Chinese official who is the good socialist, who initially appears to be an enemy of Inspector Shan, but in the end proves to be an honest ally. We have the misguided American who during the course of the book is converted to the wisdom and peace of Buddhism. And, of course, we have Shan, the former inspector from Beijing who lost everything when he ran afoul of a powerful figure in the Chinese government and was sent to a work camp in Tibet, which proved to be his spiritual salvation. And we have Tan, who in my opinion is one of the most interesting characters in these books. He was the official in charge of the work camp that Shan was assigned to and it was he who authorized Shan's unofficial release after the prisoner helped him solve a mystery at the camp.
Moreover, in this book, we have a repetition of the action of the previous novels, in that Shan and his two Buddhist teachers Gendun and Lokesh accompany an expedition on a turgid progression through caves and tunnels in the mountains of Tibet. Those caves and tunnels are filled with the most preposterously elaborate Buddhist temples and treasures that are guarded by secret groups of the faithful who manage to keep Buddhism alive in the face of the strong opposition of the Chinese government. These travels continue endlessly (almost literally, it seems) and nothing much ever happens except that "old Tibetans" frequently give small "cries of delight" or "groans of despair" and knowing glances are passed routinely among those in the know. If I had a dollar for every time an old Tibetan or an old lama cries or groans in this book, I could probably go to dinner and a movie. Really, the whole thing gets extremely tedious after a while.
The first half of the book seemed utterly muddled and confusing to me, but it improved in the second half once the mystery part of the novel actually got under way. The writing seemed at least marginally sharper and better plotted.
The mystery begins at the ancient ruins of the Zhoka monastery where hill people have gathered for a celebration of the Dalai Lama's birthday. Local herders bring in a body of one of their own and claim that he was murdered by "godkillers." Then Surya, a monk who is a talented artist and an old friend of Gendun's, appears, covered in blood and announces that he has killed a man and that, therefore, he is "No more a monk. No more a human."
Confusion reigns and the ensuing investigation brings Shan's old nemesis - and savior - Colonel Tan into the picture. Before they reach the resolution of the mystery, more murders will be revealed and will occur, one of them in far away Seattle. And the source of all this evil will be revealed to be greed for the possession of art and the theft of the unique art from some of those aforementioned decorated caves. Shan finds himself teamed with an FBI agent named Corbett in trying to solve the crimes and bring a little justice to both their worlds.
One other spanner thrown into the works here is the introduction of Shan's son, Ko, whom he had not seen since he was a small child. He is now a young man of nineteen and a criminal, sent to work coal mines in Tibet. Shan is promised an opportunity to meet him if he will aid the investigation, but when he does meet him, he seems to be a cruel sociopath with no redeeming qualities. More pain for a father who has already borne so much pain.
In the end, things are, if not totally resolved, at least moved forward and, yes, a kind of rough justice is achieved. The ending between Shan and his son is actually quite moving.
The character of Shan is a sympathetic one and Colonel Tan is intriguing, and so I do find myself caring, almost against my will, about what happens in these books. In the past, I have given the author a pass on the confusion of his plots, putting it down to my unfamiliarity with the philosophy of Buddhism, but that pass has expired. I read books all the time about cultures I'm not familiar with and have no problem understanding them, when they are clearly written. Obfuscation rather than enlightenment, though, seems to be the aim of Pattison in this series and that is annoying. The other possibility is that he's just not a very good writer.
Moreover, in this book, we have a repetition of the action of the previous novels, in that Shan and his two Buddhist teachers Gendun and Lokesh accompany an expedition on a turgid progression through caves and tunnels in the mountains of Tibet. Those caves and tunnels are filled with the most preposterously elaborate Buddhist temples and treasures that are guarded by secret groups of the faithful who manage to keep Buddhism alive in the face of the strong opposition of the Chinese government. These travels continue endlessly (almost literally, it seems) and nothing much ever happens except that "old Tibetans" frequently give small "cries of delight" or "groans of despair" and knowing glances are passed routinely among those in the know. If I had a dollar for every time an old Tibetan or an old lama cries or groans in this book, I could probably go to dinner and a movie. Really, the whole thing gets extremely tedious after a while.
The first half of the book seemed utterly muddled and confusing to me, but it improved in the second half once the mystery part of the novel actually got under way. The writing seemed at least marginally sharper and better plotted.
The mystery begins at the ancient ruins of the Zhoka monastery where hill people have gathered for a celebration of the Dalai Lama's birthday. Local herders bring in a body of one of their own and claim that he was murdered by "godkillers." Then Surya, a monk who is a talented artist and an old friend of Gendun's, appears, covered in blood and announces that he has killed a man and that, therefore, he is "No more a monk. No more a human."
Confusion reigns and the ensuing investigation brings Shan's old nemesis - and savior - Colonel Tan into the picture. Before they reach the resolution of the mystery, more murders will be revealed and will occur, one of them in far away Seattle. And the source of all this evil will be revealed to be greed for the possession of art and the theft of the unique art from some of those aforementioned decorated caves. Shan finds himself teamed with an FBI agent named Corbett in trying to solve the crimes and bring a little justice to both their worlds.
One other spanner thrown into the works here is the introduction of Shan's son, Ko, whom he had not seen since he was a small child. He is now a young man of nineteen and a criminal, sent to work coal mines in Tibet. Shan is promised an opportunity to meet him if he will aid the investigation, but when he does meet him, he seems to be a cruel sociopath with no redeeming qualities. More pain for a father who has already borne so much pain.
In the end, things are, if not totally resolved, at least moved forward and, yes, a kind of rough justice is achieved. The ending between Shan and his son is actually quite moving.
The character of Shan is a sympathetic one and Colonel Tan is intriguing, and so I do find myself caring, almost against my will, about what happens in these books. In the past, I have given the author a pass on the confusion of his plots, putting it down to my unfamiliarity with the philosophy of Buddhism, but that pass has expired. I read books all the time about cultures I'm not familiar with and have no problem understanding them, when they are clearly written. Obfuscation rather than enlightenment, though, seems to be the aim of Pattison in this series and that is annoying. The other possibility is that he's just not a very good writer.
August 22, 2018
Deutsch [English review below]
3.5 Sterne
Auch der vierte Band der Inspektor Shan Reihe entführt einen wieder in das geheimnisvolle Tibet. Die politische Lage hat sich nicht verändert und nach wie vor haben die Tibeter unter der Willkür und Grausamkeit chinesischer Behörden zu leiden. Die Geschichte entwickelt sich diesmal etwas schneller und im Zentrum steht nicht nur ein Mord, sondern auch ein großer Kunstraub. Es ist durchweg spannend und ich habe mich weniger schwer getan als bei den letzten Bänden (die mir dennoch gut gefallen haben). Auch die Verbindung von buddhistischen Lehren und Kriminalfall gelingt Pattison wieder sehr gut. Allerdings waren die Antagonisten doch sehr stereotyp. Wirklich dreidimensional oder wirklich nachvollziehbar sind sie nicht. Dennoch eine unterhaltsame und berührende Geschichte mit politischer Botschaft.
English:
3.5 stars
This 4th installment in the Inspector Shan series invites the reader again to delve into the beautiful and mysterious country of Tibet. The political situation has not changed and the Tibetans still suffer from the cruelty and despotism of Chinese officials. The story develops more quickly in this one and features not only murder, but also a big art theft. It is gripping throughout and wasn't as hard for me to get into as the former books were (I still enjoyed those, too). Pattison again manages to combine buddhist teachings and a murder mystery. However, the antagonists are very stereotypical. They lack depth and their motives are not entirely comprehensible (Hur, dur, I'm evil!). Still, it is an entertaining and touching story with a political message.
3.5 Sterne
Auch der vierte Band der Inspektor Shan Reihe entführt einen wieder in das geheimnisvolle Tibet. Die politische Lage hat sich nicht verändert und nach wie vor haben die Tibeter unter der Willkür und Grausamkeit chinesischer Behörden zu leiden. Die Geschichte entwickelt sich diesmal etwas schneller und im Zentrum steht nicht nur ein Mord, sondern auch ein großer Kunstraub. Es ist durchweg spannend und ich habe mich weniger schwer getan als bei den letzten Bänden (die mir dennoch gut gefallen haben). Auch die Verbindung von buddhistischen Lehren und Kriminalfall gelingt Pattison wieder sehr gut. Allerdings waren die Antagonisten doch sehr stereotyp. Wirklich dreidimensional oder wirklich nachvollziehbar sind sie nicht. Dennoch eine unterhaltsame und berührende Geschichte mit politischer Botschaft.
English:
3.5 stars
This 4th installment in the Inspector Shan series invites the reader again to delve into the beautiful and mysterious country of Tibet. The political situation has not changed and the Tibetans still suffer from the cruelty and despotism of Chinese officials. The story develops more quickly in this one and features not only murder, but also a big art theft. It is gripping throughout and wasn't as hard for me to get into as the former books were (I still enjoyed those, too). Pattison again manages to combine buddhist teachings and a murder mystery. However, the antagonists are very stereotypical. They lack depth and their motives are not entirely comprehensible (Hur, dur, I'm evil!). Still, it is an entertaining and touching story with a political message.
September 19, 2011
Ever had a book that ended so perfectly that you were moved to tears? Read this one and you can add it to your short list.
Read
November 8, 2017This is the second Inspector Shan book that I have read, and I am hooked on this series. Inspector Shan is a disgraced former Beijing Inspector who lives, without stats or official identity, with forbidden llamas in Tibet. He is told by Chinese officials to investigate a murder in a remote monastery site and, the investigation quickly leads him to the world of Buddhist art as essential to teaching the religion and way of life. Shan must carry out his work while continually aware of the tensions between his assigned job, the needs of the Tibetan people, and his own tenuous life without official status. Pattison writes very well, and the story moves along intriguingly. His characters are highly developed without the use of cliches. His book is infused with the effect of the invasion and occupation of Chinese forces into Tibet on the people and culture of that country. I usually don't care to read detailed descriptions of settings other than what's needed to place the characters and story in a mystery. Pattison weaves descriptions of locations and Buddhist artworks into the story beautifully, and, without them, Beautiful Ghosts wouldn't be the book that it is. This very, very good read makes me want to learn more about Tibet, it's people and Buddhism, as well as to read all of the Inspector Shan series.
April 2, 2011
I have a theory: the first of these novels has a lower average rating than the later ones. Not, I think, because it's worse than the others, but because while many may pick up the first book of this series, only the ones who like the first book stick with it. (I know, I know - but did I say it was a groundbreaking theory?) And you really should read these books in the right order. And I think if you love this series, you love it wholeheartedly. But then, I can only speak for myself.
For some reason, I found the beginning of this book extremely confusing - for the first 100 pages or so I had no idea what was going on and what had happened. So I just read on to see where the book would take me. I don't know whether it was intended to be that way, or if it was just me being a bit too tired or too dumb, but either way, it didn't take away my enjoyment of the book. After a murder is discovered during a celebration of the Dalai Lama's birthday, the murder investigation turns into a treasure hunt, including the search of a mysterious gompa with secret passages and riddles and *everything*. I really enjoyed that part of the story.
But at this point it's clear that the main appeal of the series aren't the crime plots, but the people and the places. It was very interesting to see the change in Corbett and Yao as the story progressed, and Tan, too, is a fascinating character. I also love seeing things through Shan's eyes - it's very different from the way we see things, sometimes, and still also different from the way Tibetans see things, so he's in a kind of in-between position. His visit to the US was a startling read. I think Pattison does a great job at conveying these different ways of seeing things.
The most touching (if also very saddening) part of this book was the relationship between Shan and his son. And while the solution was maybe a little too convenient and not what would really happen, well, so is what happens to Shan at the end of the first book and it's not like it still wasn't heartbreaking.
Only two more books left. :/
For some reason, I found the beginning of this book extremely confusing - for the first 100 pages or so I had no idea what was going on and what had happened. So I just read on to see where the book would take me. I don't know whether it was intended to be that way, or if it was just me being a bit too tired or too dumb, but either way, it didn't take away my enjoyment of the book. After a murder is discovered during a celebration of the Dalai Lama's birthday, the murder investigation turns into a treasure hunt, including the search of a mysterious gompa with secret passages and riddles and *everything*. I really enjoyed that part of the story.
But at this point it's clear that the main appeal of the series aren't the crime plots, but the people and the places. It was very interesting to see the change in Corbett and Yao as the story progressed, and Tan, too, is a fascinating character. I also love seeing things through Shan's eyes - it's very different from the way we see things, sometimes, and still also different from the way Tibetans see things, so he's in a kind of in-between position. His visit to the US was a startling read. I think Pattison does a great job at conveying these different ways of seeing things.
The most touching (if also very saddening) part of this book was the relationship between Shan and his son. And while the solution was maybe a little too convenient and not what would really happen, well, so is what happens to Shan at the end of the first book and it's not like it still wasn't heartbreaking.
Only two more books left. :/
June 17, 2009
This is the fourth in the series where Shan., the Han from Beijing who was sent to the Gulag in Tibet because he was too honest, helps his Tibetan Buddhist monk mentors, Lokesh and Gendlun. The usual plot comes forth, there is a misguided American who is converted to the peace of wonders of Buddhism, Corbett, the artist FBI man, an official from the Chinese government who is criminal and corrupt in this case Ming, stealing art, and a Chinese official who is a good socialist mean at first but honest in the end, Yao. There is the turgid progression where everyone finds preposterously elaborate Buddhist temples in caves with riches, and traveling around doing nothing. But I always care about Shan and delight in the worldview of the Buddhist joy of present time. I love the poems he writes to his dead father and burns to heavens.
October 23, 2013
An Inspector Shan mystery set in Tibet.
It starts off in the same muddled and confusing way that I remember from The Skull Mantra, but it improves; the 2nd half of the book is well plotted and tense, the ending is very moving.
The story involves art theft and the looting of ancient places in Tibet, an ancient ruined monastery, a Chinese emperor and his nephew of more than 200 years ago, and most intriguing, Shan's son who he has not seen since he was a small boy.
I was interested in the "mudras" which are symbolic gestures made by arranging the hands and fingers in prescribed patterns to represent a specific prayer, offering, or state of mind. This seems so simple but powerful, a way for the Tibetans to hold on to who they are.
It starts off in the same muddled and confusing way that I remember from The Skull Mantra, but it improves; the 2nd half of the book is well plotted and tense, the ending is very moving.
The story involves art theft and the looting of ancient places in Tibet, an ancient ruined monastery, a Chinese emperor and his nephew of more than 200 years ago, and most intriguing, Shan's son who he has not seen since he was a small boy.
I was interested in the "mudras" which are symbolic gestures made by arranging the hands and fingers in prescribed patterns to represent a specific prayer, offering, or state of mind. This seems so simple but powerful, a way for the Tibetans to hold on to who they are.
April 15, 2008
Marked as a mystery, Beautiful Ghosts does have some sort of mystery; but the other parts of the plot, the setting, and the characters are so convoluted and twisted that the murder and the theft got lost, at least in my brain. Nonetheless, I enjoyed it. Knowing little about Tibet, and aware of the protests that have accompanied the Beijing Olympics torch relay, I was especially interested in that setting and the culture. It's another world from mine, almost like reading one of Ursula LeGuin's worlds. The book also sent me back to Lost Horizon, James Hilton's 1933 novel that originally mythologized this distant place for westerners.
January 18, 2010
Yet another marvelous excursion by Pattison into the world of Tibetan Religion, Chinese oppression and Western Indifference. This particular foray into the evolving world of Comrade Shan confronts Tibetan Art and the avaricious nature of collectors indifferent to the meaning and importance of the art. Once again Pattison astounds with his understanding and sympathy to Buddhism and Tibet as well as his keen insights into the warped vision of totalitarian states.
April 1, 2013
The fourth in the series of Inspector Shan mysteries by Pattison, was good, but seemed more contrived to me than some of the others in the series. As usual, I enjoyed being transported to the borderlands between China and Tibet and swept up into the crazy intrigues of competing factions of the police/military/prison system this time aided by Westerners with their own interests, as there is a race to find old artifacts, after so many years of destruction.
November 28, 2009
Interesting account of the dynamics found between modern-day China (Han), Tibetan culture and customs, and Western influence. Although the novel is a fiction, it's topic and content are heavily weighted in reality and have a significant impact on the reader.
For a dumbed-down explanation, think of it as a Tibetan Indiana Jones (minus the whip).
For a dumbed-down explanation, think of it as a Tibetan Indiana Jones (minus the whip).
November 5, 2010
I love this series, set in Tibet where the oppression of the local people and their religion by the Chinese is harsh. Former Beijing Inspector Shan Tao Yun now lives with Lamas and helps solves crimes and mysteries involving them. Lots of spiritual and mystical detail.
August 3, 2011
Beautiful Ghosts
Author: Eliot Pattison
Reviewed by Fran Lewis
Inspector Shan Tao Yun although released from a work camp in Tibet is still nonetheless considered a persona non-grata in the eyes of many. Attending a ceremony to rededicate an ancient ruined monastery he finds evidence that a murder too place at this revered sites. While imprisoned he aligned himself with monks also sentence to hard labor. Throughout the novel the Skull Mantra we learn more about these monks, Buddhism and how Shan embraces them. Religion, which is punishable by law by the People’s Republic, comes into play. In the Skull Mantra we meet Colonel tan and once again in Beautiful Ghosts he resurfaces. Tan is searching for lost antiquities.
As the story opens the hill people have been summoned to the ruins of Zhoka gompa for this celebration. It is the Dalai Lama’s birthday. But, what sets off the chain of events is when a herder brings the body of Atso, also a herder stating that god killers committed the murder. As Surya sheds his ropes and is covered with bloods, leaving the area and not wanting to be a monk anymore, Shan delves into the murder, the investigation and will once again meet Tan. But, there is much more to come as things heat up once again and Gendon and Lokesh need his help and Shan will take many journeys before this is all played out.
We learn more about the murder that occurred at the ruined monastery and why Surya, a monk convinced that he is no longer human and sheds his robes, declares himself dead and creates a whole new life for himself. But, the real motivation and carrot placed in front of Shan is the hope of reuniting with his son Ko again. The Chinese official, who arranged for his release and our corrupt Minister of Culture, will stop at nothing to possess, own and find the ancient treasures hidden beneath the monastery. Tan, the administrator of the country needs and hopes to avoid any more political problems with the officials from Beijing. Hoping to not have to host or deal with Director Ming or Inspector Yao who are also in pursuit of these lost treasures.
The author introduces Dara, a young child who comes to the hill to see this sacred celebration and gets caught in the web of murder and deceit. Wanting to shield her and the others from harm, Shan decides to follow Lokesh’s thought that he leave the mountain, go to the retreat and decide what needs to be done next. But, Shan wants to investigate the murder and things will change not only for him but those on the mountain too. But, Shan looks into things and realizes that it might not be a murder but that the monk might have fallen trying to protect those who serve the gods and was trying to bring something to the cave at the top of the hill where they placed a hut for those who served the gods. But, Surya still refuses the life and leaves.
The author leads the reader and Shan down a stairway that opens into two separate chambers. Each of the chambers holds secrets, death, items dear to the monks and blood patterns alerting the reader that a murder took place here and bones were stored that were many years old. Just how this links to the present still remains to be seen. As Shan alights from the chamber he finds Lokesh on the ridge and what happens next will shake the core of the people as some flee, a helicopter arrives and takes Surya away and his end is definitely there. Shan and those left discuss the truth behind what Surya was doing, the painting he found in the chamber, the writing that he obliterated and the reasons behind his actions. How could they defend and protect Zhoka? What they misunderstood would hurt them and Liya and Shan realize that someone died within that chamber.
As Shan explores even more he winds up meeting FBI agent Corbett and Minister Yao who wants him to help explore the ruins and find the answers that Director Ming is searching for. Ming thinks that there is some competition in the mountains. He is not looking or the shrine but blocks anyone who seeks to find them. Ming is the first one called when someone finds a book, painting or anything they feel might be valuable. The Lama wants Shan to protect Zhoka and not worry about Surya or his safety. But Shan is bent on doing both. Just how he still needs to figure out.
Shan leaves the hill and returns to town facing not only Colonel Tan but Director Ming, the FBI agent and Yao too. As their plan is revealed by lure him into their nest by telling him they will find and reunite him with his antisocial son who has had anything but an easy life. Agreeing to their plan might not prove exactly what Shan expects. Added to that Shan states to Yao that the answer to everyone’s problems and closing any case would be using the Tibetan’s as scapegoats for the crime, in this case a stolen fresco. But, as Yao reveals that true nature of origin of the fresco Shan is not really sure whether he is being honest with him or whether the fresco was a real gift from the Emperor to those at the prison. Why? Still remains to be uncovered and the artifacts in the chamber destroyed and yet three sets of tracks and footprints noted. But, as Shan learns that Ming’s real quest along with that of William Lodi was a conspiracy against an American Capitalist named Dolan. Ming and his international art thief friend were after the Emperor’s frescos, and Dolan’s collection. Added to the mix is the information about the durtro, the place of reverence and what was done to the bodies of the dead in order to return them back to the earth. Returning to the compound and finding Tan, he and Yao tell Director Ming what has transpired and the fact they did not find the artifacts. Tibetan treasure is never disposed over randomly if stolen by Tibetan resisters they would be hidden. All religious artifacts Ming states are property of the state. But, Ming has his own agenda in mind and not only destroyed figurines but burned the prayers of their grandfathers, and ancestors too.
As Ming seems to behind what is going on he states that there is a tradition in Lhadrung of stealing art and killing people for it adding that both Yao and Shan had been assigned to a team to find these treasures. The FBI agent had evidence and records of the crime scene. Lodi was photographed carrying the pieces from the museum to Beijing but something caused a change of plans making him come to Tibet. Just what was behind Ming and Lodi’s plans you need to learn for yourself?
Five missives or letters that reveal what the Amban project is and what and who might be behind the thefts. Shan is offered a job working for the Minister Ming and his hopes to find the treasures, the killers and the antiquities. Added to that Shan is faced with another dilemma: His son Ko who is anything but the wonderful child that he remembers. Not wanting him on his team to hunt for these answers he demands his removal as they proceed to the next location and the next step in the investigation. What part does Elizabeth McDowell play? Next, of course is Ko his son who was saved by Tan and brought to meet his father. What part he plays and how he can be of help will surprise the reader and Shan as Ko describes to the reader his life in prison, how he feels about meeting Shan and the key to where the fortune was. Why was this all placed in the earth temple and what would be found in the amban’s records? Then the truth is revealed and sides clearly defined and the killers present and the end result will shock the inner core of the reader and Shan too. Godkillers: Will they get them? Just how this plays out will keep the reader fixed to the printed page. Corbett said he came to Tibet to investigate the death of a nanny. McDowell was working with Ming for other purposes. Just what was her true purpose and what part does Dolan play? McDowell’s only goal was to restore art and get it those she thought appreciated it. Her plan you would not believe the end result not what you would expect. A battle scene described in such detail you will never know who will come out alive and who will continue on. The final secret is the puzzle in the torn thangka. The lies and deceit behind Ming’s’ motives and what he was really after and doing when revealed will change everything as they learn the secret of the amban, his letters to the emperor and that the thankga was supposed to tell them its location.
An ending that you won’t expect as Shan, Yao, Corbett and Ko do their best to stop whatever Dolan and Ming have planned. The end result you will not see coming and a father and son whose fate has yet to be determined. Who winds up with the treasure and will Zhoka be saved? Find out when you read this outstanding novel by author Eliot Pattison. Loyalty, bravery, culture, history and one man that never gave up as Shan takes us on a journey into the mountains, chambers, hidden places and dark corners to find the emperor’s treasure and it’s rightful place.
“ My journey in writing this latest novel took me deep into the stark, richly symbolic world of Tibetan art. I had long been fascinated by Tibetan thangka paintings but Beautiful Ghosts gave me the excuse to delve into their many layers of messages. Their nameless artists, many of them hermit monks working centuries ago, were seeking to instill not pleasure, but awareness, in the viewer, and the power of their work still reaches across the years. As I sat at my desk at midnight--a prime writing time for me--surrounded by examples of their works, I often felt a strong connection with the beautiful ghosts who created them. Today there may be other forms of art I look at quicker, but none I look at longer.” Eliot Patterson. The journey is not over and there is much more to come for Shan and Ko.
Author Eliot Patterson takes the reader on an inside look into the customs, history, culture and hidden secrets of these people, the art, their fears, the gimps, the monks and the process by which many survive in this country.
Author: Eliot Pattison
Reviewed by Fran Lewis
Inspector Shan Tao Yun although released from a work camp in Tibet is still nonetheless considered a persona non-grata in the eyes of many. Attending a ceremony to rededicate an ancient ruined monastery he finds evidence that a murder too place at this revered sites. While imprisoned he aligned himself with monks also sentence to hard labor. Throughout the novel the Skull Mantra we learn more about these monks, Buddhism and how Shan embraces them. Religion, which is punishable by law by the People’s Republic, comes into play. In the Skull Mantra we meet Colonel tan and once again in Beautiful Ghosts he resurfaces. Tan is searching for lost antiquities.
As the story opens the hill people have been summoned to the ruins of Zhoka gompa for this celebration. It is the Dalai Lama’s birthday. But, what sets off the chain of events is when a herder brings the body of Atso, also a herder stating that god killers committed the murder. As Surya sheds his ropes and is covered with bloods, leaving the area and not wanting to be a monk anymore, Shan delves into the murder, the investigation and will once again meet Tan. But, there is much more to come as things heat up once again and Gendon and Lokesh need his help and Shan will take many journeys before this is all played out.
We learn more about the murder that occurred at the ruined monastery and why Surya, a monk convinced that he is no longer human and sheds his robes, declares himself dead and creates a whole new life for himself. But, the real motivation and carrot placed in front of Shan is the hope of reuniting with his son Ko again. The Chinese official, who arranged for his release and our corrupt Minister of Culture, will stop at nothing to possess, own and find the ancient treasures hidden beneath the monastery. Tan, the administrator of the country needs and hopes to avoid any more political problems with the officials from Beijing. Hoping to not have to host or deal with Director Ming or Inspector Yao who are also in pursuit of these lost treasures.
The author introduces Dara, a young child who comes to the hill to see this sacred celebration and gets caught in the web of murder and deceit. Wanting to shield her and the others from harm, Shan decides to follow Lokesh’s thought that he leave the mountain, go to the retreat and decide what needs to be done next. But, Shan wants to investigate the murder and things will change not only for him but those on the mountain too. But, Shan looks into things and realizes that it might not be a murder but that the monk might have fallen trying to protect those who serve the gods and was trying to bring something to the cave at the top of the hill where they placed a hut for those who served the gods. But, Surya still refuses the life and leaves.
The author leads the reader and Shan down a stairway that opens into two separate chambers. Each of the chambers holds secrets, death, items dear to the monks and blood patterns alerting the reader that a murder took place here and bones were stored that were many years old. Just how this links to the present still remains to be seen. As Shan alights from the chamber he finds Lokesh on the ridge and what happens next will shake the core of the people as some flee, a helicopter arrives and takes Surya away and his end is definitely there. Shan and those left discuss the truth behind what Surya was doing, the painting he found in the chamber, the writing that he obliterated and the reasons behind his actions. How could they defend and protect Zhoka? What they misunderstood would hurt them and Liya and Shan realize that someone died within that chamber.
As Shan explores even more he winds up meeting FBI agent Corbett and Minister Yao who wants him to help explore the ruins and find the answers that Director Ming is searching for. Ming thinks that there is some competition in the mountains. He is not looking or the shrine but blocks anyone who seeks to find them. Ming is the first one called when someone finds a book, painting or anything they feel might be valuable. The Lama wants Shan to protect Zhoka and not worry about Surya or his safety. But Shan is bent on doing both. Just how he still needs to figure out.
Shan leaves the hill and returns to town facing not only Colonel Tan but Director Ming, the FBI agent and Yao too. As their plan is revealed by lure him into their nest by telling him they will find and reunite him with his antisocial son who has had anything but an easy life. Agreeing to their plan might not prove exactly what Shan expects. Added to that Shan states to Yao that the answer to everyone’s problems and closing any case would be using the Tibetan’s as scapegoats for the crime, in this case a stolen fresco. But, as Yao reveals that true nature of origin of the fresco Shan is not really sure whether he is being honest with him or whether the fresco was a real gift from the Emperor to those at the prison. Why? Still remains to be uncovered and the artifacts in the chamber destroyed and yet three sets of tracks and footprints noted. But, as Shan learns that Ming’s real quest along with that of William Lodi was a conspiracy against an American Capitalist named Dolan. Ming and his international art thief friend were after the Emperor’s frescos, and Dolan’s collection. Added to the mix is the information about the durtro, the place of reverence and what was done to the bodies of the dead in order to return them back to the earth. Returning to the compound and finding Tan, he and Yao tell Director Ming what has transpired and the fact they did not find the artifacts. Tibetan treasure is never disposed over randomly if stolen by Tibetan resisters they would be hidden. All religious artifacts Ming states are property of the state. But, Ming has his own agenda in mind and not only destroyed figurines but burned the prayers of their grandfathers, and ancestors too.
As Ming seems to behind what is going on he states that there is a tradition in Lhadrung of stealing art and killing people for it adding that both Yao and Shan had been assigned to a team to find these treasures. The FBI agent had evidence and records of the crime scene. Lodi was photographed carrying the pieces from the museum to Beijing but something caused a change of plans making him come to Tibet. Just what was behind Ming and Lodi’s plans you need to learn for yourself?
Five missives or letters that reveal what the Amban project is and what and who might be behind the thefts. Shan is offered a job working for the Minister Ming and his hopes to find the treasures, the killers and the antiquities. Added to that Shan is faced with another dilemma: His son Ko who is anything but the wonderful child that he remembers. Not wanting him on his team to hunt for these answers he demands his removal as they proceed to the next location and the next step in the investigation. What part does Elizabeth McDowell play? Next, of course is Ko his son who was saved by Tan and brought to meet his father. What part he plays and how he can be of help will surprise the reader and Shan as Ko describes to the reader his life in prison, how he feels about meeting Shan and the key to where the fortune was. Why was this all placed in the earth temple and what would be found in the amban’s records? Then the truth is revealed and sides clearly defined and the killers present and the end result will shock the inner core of the reader and Shan too. Godkillers: Will they get them? Just how this plays out will keep the reader fixed to the printed page. Corbett said he came to Tibet to investigate the death of a nanny. McDowell was working with Ming for other purposes. Just what was her true purpose and what part does Dolan play? McDowell’s only goal was to restore art and get it those she thought appreciated it. Her plan you would not believe the end result not what you would expect. A battle scene described in such detail you will never know who will come out alive and who will continue on. The final secret is the puzzle in the torn thangka. The lies and deceit behind Ming’s’ motives and what he was really after and doing when revealed will change everything as they learn the secret of the amban, his letters to the emperor and that the thankga was supposed to tell them its location.
An ending that you won’t expect as Shan, Yao, Corbett and Ko do their best to stop whatever Dolan and Ming have planned. The end result you will not see coming and a father and son whose fate has yet to be determined. Who winds up with the treasure and will Zhoka be saved? Find out when you read this outstanding novel by author Eliot Pattison. Loyalty, bravery, culture, history and one man that never gave up as Shan takes us on a journey into the mountains, chambers, hidden places and dark corners to find the emperor’s treasure and it’s rightful place.
“ My journey in writing this latest novel took me deep into the stark, richly symbolic world of Tibetan art. I had long been fascinated by Tibetan thangka paintings but Beautiful Ghosts gave me the excuse to delve into their many layers of messages. Their nameless artists, many of them hermit monks working centuries ago, were seeking to instill not pleasure, but awareness, in the viewer, and the power of their work still reaches across the years. As I sat at my desk at midnight--a prime writing time for me--surrounded by examples of their works, I often felt a strong connection with the beautiful ghosts who created them. Today there may be other forms of art I look at quicker, but none I look at longer.” Eliot Patterson. The journey is not over and there is much more to come for Shan and Ko.
Author Eliot Patterson takes the reader on an inside look into the customs, history, culture and hidden secrets of these people, the art, their fears, the gimps, the monks and the process by which many survive in this country.
November 15, 2023
This is the fourth Inspector Shan mysteries. For the last couple of decades I've preferred mystery/detective novels that take me to a different culture and/or a different era. These books are set in Tibet and adjacent Chinese provinces (though this volume, amazingly, goes to Seattle and Beijing) and that certainly fulfills my criterion.
I'm somewhat critical of the plots and prose, but don't misunderstand: I intend to keep reading them. The settings are rich and interesting, the problems of Tibet and China weigh heavily on setting and plot, and the stakes for the main characters are generally life-and-death on a continuous basis.
The plots, however, tend to get overcomplicated. Coincidence seems to run high in Tibet, as well. And I know from meeting the author that the current plight of Tibet is the main reason he undertook the series, but this results in some obvious ax-grinding and some passages that read like screeds or lectures rather than straight narration. There are not tons of that, but there's more than I would like. More than is needed to make the point.
What is excellent is the portrayal of a world where the government is trying to squeeze everybody into a single mold, but can't seem to do it rationally or effectively. This means there are many groups of outsiders, who must live in a world where they don't officially have a place. There are porous borders, porous laws, and caves in the mountains. The outside world storms in, and then wanders back out. It makes for very dynamic settings and conflicts.
The way this book opens, it's hard to even start a plot summary without creating spoilers. We somewhat back into the plot in this one, so just hang on for a few chapters, it'll kick in. Good emotional elements in the payoff, as well.
Pattison continued to use the crutch word "grimace" in this volume, with 11 of the things in the text. There are also a number of typos in the text. hordes for hoards on page 177, and a lot of uses of trustee and its plural, when he means trusty and trusties.
I'm somewhat critical of the plots and prose, but don't misunderstand: I intend to keep reading them. The settings are rich and interesting, the problems of Tibet and China weigh heavily on setting and plot, and the stakes for the main characters are generally life-and-death on a continuous basis.
The plots, however, tend to get overcomplicated. Coincidence seems to run high in Tibet, as well. And I know from meeting the author that the current plight of Tibet is the main reason he undertook the series, but this results in some obvious ax-grinding and some passages that read like screeds or lectures rather than straight narration. There are not tons of that, but there's more than I would like. More than is needed to make the point.
What is excellent is the portrayal of a world where the government is trying to squeeze everybody into a single mold, but can't seem to do it rationally or effectively. This means there are many groups of outsiders, who must live in a world where they don't officially have a place. There are porous borders, porous laws, and caves in the mountains. The outside world storms in, and then wanders back out. It makes for very dynamic settings and conflicts.
The way this book opens, it's hard to even start a plot summary without creating spoilers. We somewhat back into the plot in this one, so just hang on for a few chapters, it'll kick in. Good emotional elements in the payoff, as well.
Pattison continued to use the crutch word "grimace" in this volume, with 11 of the things in the text. There are also a number of typos in the text. hordes for hoards on page 177, and a lot of uses of trustee and its plural, when he means trusty and trusties.
February 10, 2021
A book in Eliot Pattison's Inspector Shan series is more than a novel; it is an adventure.
In Beautiful Ghosts, the fourth in the series, Shan Tao Yun, a former Chinese prosecutor and gulag prisoner, is on the lam in Chinese-occupied Tibet. He has found a measure of happiness and contentment among the peasants and lamas of Tibet, where ghosts are alive and every rock and tree has its own deity, when a filthy rich American, a CIA operative, and a high-ranking Chinese minister of culture descend on a sacred building site, bent on despoiling and thievery.
Pattison's description of the beautiful and tragic country of modern Tibet, and its crushing domination by China, are heartbreakingly real. And Beautiful Ghosts is truly a cautionary tale of frustrated dominance countered by unbending love, masked as a mystery.
In Beautiful Ghosts, the fourth in the series, Shan Tao Yun, a former Chinese prosecutor and gulag prisoner, is on the lam in Chinese-occupied Tibet. He has found a measure of happiness and contentment among the peasants and lamas of Tibet, where ghosts are alive and every rock and tree has its own deity, when a filthy rich American, a CIA operative, and a high-ranking Chinese minister of culture descend on a sacred building site, bent on despoiling and thievery.
Pattison's description of the beautiful and tragic country of modern Tibet, and its crushing domination by China, are heartbreakingly real. And Beautiful Ghosts is truly a cautionary tale of frustrated dominance countered by unbending love, masked as a mystery.
April 25, 2021
This is the second time I've read this book - I'm doing the Shan series again from the beginning before I finally read the 10th one. As usual there are lots of characters and several different plot lines, and one or two Westerners who blunder around. I've lived at high elevations and so all the descriptions of mountains bring it all back for me. This book seems to bring Shan into a new phase of his life: he is no longer quite the neophyte in Tibetan Buddhism, and he carries what he's learned into his thoughts and actions in very challenging situations. I am sure I missed out a lot, the first time I read it; the layers of information are so dense that the novel really benefits from more than one perusal.
June 17, 2022
Art theft in Tibet, giving much insight to the way of life in the threatened mountain territory where an unique history is losing grip. Shan has been released from prison, his son incarcerated and on a prison work team. A murder in a monastery causes much trouble within the community. Atmospheric and upsetting but, I believe, close to a truth. certainly some of the content is compliant with my visit there.
June 8, 2018
Familiar charcters. There is the disgraced Chinese inspector sent to Tibet, the blue eyed Tibetans, the Englishman fascinated with Tibet, Ko, his son, the Chinese soldiers, an American agent, and the Tibetans who have had their religion and culture erased by the Chinese. The story was complicated and hard for me to keep track of all the twists and turns of the plot.
September 13, 2022
Six-word Review: Contains too much irrelevant boring detail.
I did read Pattison's Skull Mantra but it was a slog. I decided to not put myself through another slog and abandoned the book.
The rating is not a reflection of the book so much as my decision to abandon the book.
I'm sure it's better than a one-star story just not for me.
I did read Pattison's Skull Mantra but it was a slog. I decided to not put myself through another slog and abandoned the book.
The rating is not a reflection of the book so much as my decision to abandon the book.
I'm sure it's better than a one-star story just not for me.
November 10, 2023
While I enjoy reading about the Tibetan people and their struggles against the Chinese, I have maintained that these novels are too long and complex. It took me way to long to finish this book, stopping for long periods. I think it needs more editing and simplifying.
June 21, 2018
I always enjoy the stories in this series and this one is no exception.
January 5, 2020
Another great story involving Tibet and Inspector Shan. I loved the description of Zhoka, the earth-taming monastery.
March 19, 2020
Part way through this book, I felt the author had started to follow a formula, but the ending was excellent and I can't wait to read another of this series.
September 17, 2020
Cool and scary
July 22, 2022
Complex and Intriguing
All of the Inspector Shan books are wonderful, this one especially. Pattinson brings to life the complexities of Tibetan - Chinese relationships.
All of the Inspector Shan books are wonderful, this one especially. Pattinson brings to life the complexities of Tibetan - Chinese relationships.
January 11, 2024
More confusing than the others of his books I've read
July 1, 2025
Good read. . .
September 9, 2025
This is my first book from Eliot Pattison, and the writing is BEAUTIFUL!!!!! I think some of the temple searches are similar to the descriptions of the stations of the cross from Gerard De Sede's novel (circular, behind waterfall, nothing is at it seems).
August 26, 2020
I loved this book and am enjoying the series.
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