"Flower Net," the first novel in Lisa See's "Red Princess" mystery series, has duo settings. In the People's Republic of China, just before the death of Deng Xiaoping, a body is found frozen in a Beijing lake. The corpse is identified as the son of the US Ambassador. In the United States, off the coast of California, a body is found by authorities investigating a boat loaded with starving, near-dead, illegal Chinese immigrants. The corpse is discovered floating in the ship's water tank. The illegals have not been able to quench their thirst because their drinking water is polluted by death. And they are too terrified to provide any information. The dead man was a "red prince," the son of a Chinese millionaire - one of China's new rich and powerful political elite. He stood to inherit major wealth & government power because of his father's status. Deng, the former leader of China's Communist Party, was recognized officially as "the chief architect of China's economic reforms and China's socialist modernization." It was under his reign that millionaires emerged, (and still do), from the country's new deal. The US government, and the Chinese powers that be, suspect that the murders are linked and make the unprecedented decision to jointly investigate the crimes. Liu Hulan, an inspector in China's Ministry of Public Security, and David Stark, Assistant US Attorney, join forces to investigate and solve the case.Liu Hulan is a "red princess." Her father is an old-time Communist, who is now a government minister. He is not particularly fond of Hulan, nor are her superiors. She is a brilliant detective but her methods are unorthodox, and she is way too independent to conform to the ministry bureaucracy. Hulan studied in the US, received a law degree in Los Angeles, and worked for a top-notch law firm there. Coincidently David Stark was employed by the same firm. The two became involved and then parted when Hulan returned to China. It may sound hokey when I describe the relationship and the reunion of the former flames, but, trust me, Lisa See make it all seem very logical. It works.The investigation takes Stark and Hulan to the far reaches of today's China - to both modern and ancient cultures. They discover corruption, greed, political maneuvering galore, a conspiracy between big business, the Rising Phoenix crime gang, and government officials, and many, many more gruesome murders than they bargained for. I was truly surprised and shocked by the conclusion. Ms. See explores here the very nature of evil.Much of the novel's narrative involves flashbacks to the period of the Cultural Revolution, (1966-1976), and the traumatic effect it had on an entire people. Even today, more than 33 years after the end of this terrible time, many Chinese bare deep emotional scars. It is during these glimpses into the past that the reader gains insight into Hulan's complex personality and her troubled family history.I have read all three books in the "Red Princess" series and each one is better than the next. The mysteries are thrilling, complex and exceptionally well thought out. The in-depth character development, here and in the other books, is part of what what makes this series so extraordinary. Ms. See's writing style is tight, very descriptive and colorful. I learned so much about China by reading "Flower Net" - its rich and varied culture, teeming economy, institutional politics, the nuanced manner of communication, the sensitive use of interpersonal skills, the very sights, sounds and smells of the country. The author reveals a China most Westerners never see. This aspect of the novel is every bit as exciting and new as the mystery itself. Highly recommended!Jana PerskieThe Interior: A Red Princess Mystery (Red Princess Mysteries)Dragon Bones: A Red Princess Mystery (Red Princess Mysteries)Peony in Love: A NovelSnow Flower and the Secret Fan: A Novel