Author S.J. Rozan has released her latest novel, First Do No Harm, marking the 16th instalment in her acclaimed Lydia Chin/Bill Smith mystery series. This new addition continues the adventures of the private detective duo set against the backdrop of New York City, where the vibrant urban landscape plays a critical role in the narrative.
Inspiration Behind the Story
In an interview with Mary Calvi from Club Calvi, Rozan shared her journey of developing the series, which began with the publication of China Trade in 1994. She expressed surprise at reaching the milestone of a 16th book, stating, “I knew I wanted to write a series… But 16, never did I think I would keep going this long.”
First Do No Harm is a gripping tale involving a murder at a hospital amidst negotiations to avert a nurses’ strike. Rozan drew inspiration from a recent strike in New York City and her connections with members of the nurses’ negotiating committee. “That’s how I got involved in hospital politics and hospital economics,” she explained.
The novel’s setting is a fictional representation of a major hospital on the Upper East Side. Rozan highlighted the importance of New York City as a character in her stories, noting, “The city constantly gives story, plot, place, idea, food.” The characters, Lydia Chin and Bill Smith, traverse various neighborhoods, enriching the narrative with the city’s diverse experiences.
Characters and Culinary Influences
Rozan’s characters reflect the multicultural essence of New York. Lydia Chin, who is rooted in Chinatown and her family, contrasts with her partner, Bill Smith, a more traditional private investigator with no family ties. As they investigate the murder of a member of the nurses’ negotiating committee, they navigate a complex web of hospital politics, blackmail, and unauthorized activities. “They move through all parts of the city,” Rozan remarked.
Food also plays a significant role in Rozan’s writing. She often includes local culinary experiences in her stories. For instance, she mentioned a scene where the detectives meet at a Latino restaurant in East Harlem, inspired by her own visit. Rozan emphasized her love for Chinese cuisine, recommending Szechuan Gourmet 39 as one of her favorite spots in the city.
Readers can expect a thrilling investigation as Lydia and Bill uncover secrets that threaten not only their case but also the lives of those involved. The narrative weaves through themes of loyalty, ethics, and the complexities of hospital life, underscored by the pressing reality of a potential nurses’ strike.
As the story unfolds, the dictum “First Do No Harm” is challenged, posing moral dilemmas amidst the chaos. With time running out, Lydia and Bill must unravel the mysteries hidden within River Valley Hospital to exonerate an innocent man caught in the turmoil.
Rozan’s latest work is poised to captivate both longtime fans and new readers alike, demonstrating her ability to intertwine personal stories with broader societal issues. First Do No Harm is available in hardcover for $22, promising a compelling read filled with intrigue and a deep dive into the realities of healthcare negotiations.
To read an excerpt of First Do No Harm and explore more about S.J. Rozan’s work, visit [Publisher’s website].
