The Mystery of Dr. Fu-Manchu
The Mystery of Dr. Fu-Manchu
Book Brief
Beta293
Novel • Fiction
London, England • 1910s
2012
Adult
18+ years
930L
Super Short Summary
The Mystery of Dr. Fu-Manchu by Sax Rohmer introduces readers to Dr. Fu-Manchu, a brilliant and sinister mastermind. Set in early 20th-century London, the novel follows British investigator Nayland Smith and Dr. Petrie as they attempt to thwart Fu-Manchu’s criminal plans. The narrative presents thrilling encounters and exotic intrigue, focusing on suspense and mystery.
Mysterious
Suspenseful
Dark
Unnerving
Gritty
Reviews & Readership
2,138 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Mystery of Dr. Fu-Manchu by Sax Rohmer garners mixed reviews. Positively, readers appreciate the novel's suspenseful plot and atmospheric setting, capturing early 20th-century intrigue. However, criticism arises due to its dated and racially stereotypical portrayal of Asian characters, which may diminish its appeal to contemporary audiences. Overall, it remains a notable yet controversial classic.
Who Should Read The Mystery of Dr. Fu-Manchu?
Readers who enjoy The Mystery of Dr. Fu-Manchu by Sax Rohmer are fans of early 20th-century pulp fiction and classic detective novels. Similar to readers of Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes series or Agatha Christie's Hercule Poirot mysteries, they appreciate exotic intrigue, suspense, and cunning adversaries.
2,138 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The Mystery of Dr. Fu-Manchu introduced the character of Dr. Fu Manchu, who became one of the most famous villains in popular culture, influencing numerous subsequent fictional antagonists.
Sax Rohmer acknowledged that the inspiration for the character of Dr. Fu Manchu came from the strong anti-Chinese sentiments and “Yellow Peril” fears prevalent in the Western world during the early 20th century.
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Published in 1913, The Mystery of Dr. Fu-Manchu gained popularity quickly and led to a series of novels centered around the titular character, impacting the adventure genre significantly during its time.
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293
Novel • Fiction
London, England • 1910s
2012
Adult
18+ years
930L
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