New York Times Book Review Editors’ Choice • A veteran journalist in Hong Kong investigates the
disappearance of a student protester in this sensual provocative and riveting” (The
Washington Post) novel from the celebrated author of The Forgiven—now a major motion picture
starring Jessica Chastain and Ralph Fiennes. Osborne is a startlingly good observer of
privilege noting the rites and rituals of the upper classes with unerring precision and an
undercurrent of malice.”—Katie Kitamura The New York Times Book Review on Beautiful Animals
ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR: The Washington Post CrimeReadsAfter two decades as a
journalist in Hong Kong ex-pat Englishman Adrian Gyle is ready to turn his back on the city he
knew so well. But as Hong Kong erupts in violence with pro-democracy demonstrations hitting
ever closer to home could this be the final assignment Gyle was looking for? Watching from the
skyrises is his old friend Jimmy Tang the scion of one of Hong Kong’s wealthiest families.
Through him Gyle uncovers an intriguing lead: the mysterious Rebecca a student involved in the
protests and the latest of his Jimmy’s reckless dalliances. But when Rebecca goes missing and
Jimmy hides it rekindles in Gyle an old urge to investigate. Piecing together Rebecca’s final
days and hours Gyle must tread carefully through a volatile world of friendship and betrayal.
Vividly capturing a city on the brink On Java Road tells the gripping story of a man between
the fault lines of old worlds and new orders in pursuit of the truth.
