Paul French Books In Order

Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books

Publication Order of Plays

Publication Order of Asian Arguments Books

Publication Order of Anthologies

About Paul French

Paul French is a British writer known for his books and articles on various topics. He has focused much of his work on China, exploring its history and culture through gripping stories. His writing stands out because he turns real events into engaging narratives that hold readers’ attention. He has a talent for making facts feel as exciting as fiction.

One of his most famous books, Midnight in Peking, delves into a true crime story set in 1930s China. Another notable work, Her Lotus Year, examines Wallis Simpson’s time in China with careful detail. French has a skill for blending history with suspense, keeping readers hooked from start to finish. His ability to craft vivid scenes and build tension makes his books hard to put down.

French’s writing style is both informative and entertaining, appealing to a wide audience. He presents complex subjects in a clear, approachable way without losing depth. Whether covering mysteries or biographies, he brings energy and curiosity to every project. Readers enjoy his works because they combine solid research with the pacing and excitement of a great story.

He connects with readers across the globe by writing in a way that feels natural and authentic. He doesn’t force a style; his voice is clear, direct, and full of curiosity. This makes his work easy to follow, no matter where someone is from. People appreciate that he stays true to his perspective while making history and true crime feel fresh.

His books and articles draw readers in because they balance facts with storytelling energy. He avoids dry, academic language, opting instead for a lively pace that keeps things interesting. Whether covering a murder mystery or a historical figure, he presents real events with the suspense of a novel. This approach makes his writing accessible without sacrificing depth.

French’s ability to engage audiences comes from his focus on human stories. He highlights personal struggles, unexpected twists, and vivid details that bring the past to life. Readers stay hooked because they care about the people and events he describes. By staying genuine and avoiding exaggeration, he earns trust while keeping his work entertaining.

Paul French continues to write with many more stories likely ahead. His past work shows a consistent ability to uncover fascinating histories and present them in compelling ways. Readers can expect future books and articles that blend his signature research with engaging storytelling. There’s little doubt he’ll keep offering fresh perspectives on history, crime, and culture.

Early and Personal Life

Born in 1966, Paul French grew up in the London Borough of Enfield, where he attended Raglan Junior School and later Edmonton County School in North London. Like many writers, his early years likely played a role in shaping his curiosity about the world. Education became a stepping stone, leading him to earn an M.Phil from the University of Glasgow and study Chinese at the City Lit.

After university, French began his career in London, working for Time Out magazine and Euromonitor before making a big move to Shanghai. In 1997, he co-founded Access Asia, a research firm focused on China’s consumer markets, showing his deepening connection to the country. When the company was acquired by Mintel in 2011, it marked a turning point, allowing him to pursue writing full-time.

Since then, French has dedicated himself to crafting books and articles about China, blending his expertise with a storyteller’s touch. His background in research and market analysis gives his work a solid foundation, while his passion for history and culture keeps it engaging. Based in London now, he continues to explore new ideas, proving that a writer’s journey is always evolving.

Writing Career

Paul French has built a diverse writing career, contributing to major publications like Foreign Policy, The Washington Post, and The Guardian. He served as a columnist for the China Economic Quarterly and China Economic Review, while also holding editorial roles at Ethical Corporation magazine. His work spans journalism, commentary, and crime writing, including contributions to Real Crime magazine and his fortnightly Crime and the City column for Literary Hub.

Beyond reporting, French has reviewed books for outlets like the Literary Review and the Los Angeles Review of Books. He has held editorial positions, including Series Editor for Zed Books’ Asian Arguments and advisor for Anthem Press’s China series. With ongoing columns, reviews, and his blog China Rhyming, French remains an active voice in writing about Asia and beyond.

Midnight in Peking

Paul French’s Midnight in Peking was published on April 24, 2012, by Penguin under their Non-Classics imprint. The book explores a real historical crime set in 1930s China through meticulous research and compelling storytelling. It remains one of French’s most acclaimed works, showcasing his skill in blending true crime with vivid historical context.

In 1937 Peking, a city of luxury and danger, the brutal murder of Pamela Werner shocks its uneasy residents. As Japanese forces surround the city, a British and Chinese detective partner to solve the crime amid growing suspects; from soldiers to superstitious rumors of fox spirits. Their investigation becomes a race against time before Peking falls to invasion.

Historian Paul French meticulously reconstructs this true crime, revealing the truth while capturing colonial Peking’s final days.

Readers will find Midnight in Peking a gripping blend of true crime and historical drama. The vivid setting of 1930s China pulls you in, while the detectives’ race against time keeps pages turning. French’s thorough research makes the mystery feel immediate and real. It’s perfect for anyone who enjoys immersive nonfiction with suspenseful storytelling.

North Korea: State of Paranoia

Paul French’s North Korea: State of Paranoia: A Modern History was published on May 27, 2014, by Zed Books. This nonfiction work examines North Korea’s complex political and social landscape through a historical lens. The book reflects French’s expertise in Asian affairs, offering readers a researched perspective on the isolated nation’s modern development.

Paul French’s book explores North Korea, the world’s most secretive nuclear state with restrictive policies like internet bans and prison camps. It analyzes the country’s history, political dynamics, and strained relations with South Korea, Japan, and America. The work examines Kim Jong-un’s aggressive leadership and China’s shifting patience with its ally. Offering a sobering look at this unpredictable nation, the book presents North Korea as a volatile global flashpoint.