The novel takes the thriller: the corpse of a woman is found, an inspector investigating his death. But the investigation is hampered by the very nature of the city in which he lives, a city that is double, a city where two populations coexist and ignore. (Note to those who read Perdido Street Station, The Scar and Iron Council: this novel does not take place in New Crobuzon and has no connection with the world of this trilogy.)
Is it science fiction, fantasy or real thriller of political machinations? As usual with China Miéville, the answer is not simple, the complexity is the greatness of this novel.
Expect to be destabilized quite early by presenting the double city. But the plot keeps in suspense, writing is a treat and China Miéville sign an interesting novel, intriguing, fascinating.
If you do not know why it is one of the greatest contemporary British writers, try The city & the city and you will understand!
Miéville has completely renewed compared to his first novels and has succeeded. But if you liked what he wrote before, there is a good chance for you to worship The city & the city.
