Picture an American storyteller who swapped scholarly pursuits for the pulse-pounding world of crime fiction—meet Brian Klingborg! With a knack for weaving suspenseful tales steeped in Chinese culture, Klingborg has carved a unique niche in the mystery genre. His Inspector Lu Fei series and debut novel, Kill Devil Falls, transport readers to vivid landscapes where danger and intrigue lurk around every corner.
The Making of Brian Klingborg
Brian Klingborg’s journey to becoming a crime fiction author is as fascinating as his novels. Armed with a B.A. from the University of California, Davis, and an M.A. in East Asian Studies from Harvard, he immersed himself in Asian culture, living and working in Asia for years. His deep understanding of Chinese traditions and modern society later became the backbone of his writing. Before turning to fiction, Klingborg penned non-fiction works on Shaolin kung fu and worked in early childhood educational publishing in New York City, where he still resides.
His pivot to crime fiction was sparked by a desire to blend his cultural expertise with gripping storytelling. Initially, he considered setting a mystery series in Vietnam but chose China to leverage his language skills and scholarly background. This decision birthed Inspector Lu Fei, a character who embodies both universal detective traits and distinctly Chinese perspectives.
Brian Klingborg’s Unforgettable Stories
Klingborg’s debut, Kill Devil Falls (2017), is a standalone thriller that follows U.S. Marshal Helen Morrissey to a eerie Sierra Nevada ghost town. Secrets unravel as her prisoner turns up dead, showcasing Klingborg’s talent for crafting suspense with a vivid sense of place. Critics praised its clear, sophisticated prose and unpredictable heroine, marking Klingborg as a fresh voice in the genre.
The Inspector Lu Fei series, starting with Thief of Souls (2021), cemented his reputation. Set in rural Northern China, it follows Lu Fei, a principled detective exiled to a sleepy town, as he investigates a brutal murder. Wild Prey (2022) takes Lu undercover in Myanmar to tackle illegal animal trafficking, blending action with cultural nuance. The Magistrate (2023), the third in the series, pits Lu against high-level corruption in Harbin, earning accolades for its nonstop suspense and authentic setting. Klingborg’s style—crisp, atmospheric, and rich with Chinese folklore—offers readers thrilling plots and a window into modern China’s complexities.
Why Brian Klingborg Matters
Brian Klingborg’s work stands out for its cultural authenticity and compelling storytelling. His novels not only deliver edge-of-your-seat mysteries but also illuminate Chinese society, from bureaucratic corruption to traditional beliefs. By creating a relatable yet culturally distinct protagonist in Lu Fei, Klingborg bridges Eastern and Western perspectives, inviting readers to explore a world often shrouded in mystery. His ability to blend scholarly insight with accessible, thrilling narratives has earned him a growing fanbase and critical praise, positioning him as a unique voice in crime fiction.
- About Brian Klingborg
- Key Works: Kill Devil Falls, Thief of Souls, Wild Prey, The Magistrate
- Education: B.A. (UC Davis), M.A. (Harvard, East Asian Studies)
- Residence: New York City
- Notable: Extensive experience living in Asia, expertise in Chinese culture
Ready for a thrilling ride through Chinese landscapes? Snag Thief of Souls and dive into Brian Klingborg’s masterful crime fiction!