Acclaimed author S.J. Rozan has released her latest novel, titled ‘First Do No Harm’, marking the 16th installment in her popular Lydia Chin and Bill Smith mystery series. The book, set in the vibrant backdrop of New York City, delves into a complex web of intrigue involving murder, hospital politics, and a nurses’ strike.
In an interview with Club Calvi, Rozan revealed that her inspiration for this latest tale came from real events. She noted that a recent strike in New York City provided the backdrop for the book’s plot, which revolves around the fictional River Valley Hospital. “I knew a member of the nurses’ negotiating committee, and that’s how I got involved in hospital politics and hospital economics,” Rozan explained.
The Journey of a Series
Rozan, who published the first book in the series, ‘China Trade’, in 1994, admitted she never anticipated reaching a 16th book. “I knew I wanted to write a series, and that implies a number of books. But 16, never did I think I would keep going this long,” she said. Her characters, Lydia Chin and Bill Smith, navigate various facets of the city, with Chin rooted in Chinatown and Smith exemplifying a more traditional private investigator archetype.
The new novel features a gripping storyline where a wealthy benefactor plans to honor Dr. Elliott Chin, Lydia’s brother and the Chief of Emergency Medicine at the hospital. However, the plot thickens when a member of the nurses’ negotiating committee is found murdered just before a significant donation is to be finalized. As Lydia and Bill investigate, they uncover layers of deception, blackmail, and a dark underbelly within the hospital.
Rozan emphasized the importance of New York City as a central character in her stories. “The city constantly gives story, plot, place, idea, food,” she remarked. Her intimate connection to the city is evident in her writing, as she frequently incorporates local restaurants and neighborhoods into her narratives.
A Taste of the City
In discussing the culinary inspirations for her books, Rozan shared her approach to integrating real dining experiences into her plots. “Lydia Chin and Bill Smith meet the detective for the first time at a Latino restaurant in East Harlem because I had just been there,” she explained, noting that the restaurant features some of the best roast pork in the city. Rozan also expressed her love for Chinese cuisine, highlighting Szechuan Gourmet 39 on 39th Street as one of her favorite places.
Readers can explore an excerpt from ‘First Do No Harm’, which showcases Rozan’s engaging writing style and the high stakes of her characters’ investigations. The book promises to deliver a thrilling experience as Lydia and Bill race against time to untangle the hospital’s secrets and prove the innocence of the arrested man.
Rozan continues to capture the essence of her city and its diverse culture through her storytelling, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the world of her detective duo. As the series evolves, it remains a testament to the rich narratives that can emerge from the bustling streets of New York City.
For those interested in exploring the latest mystery, ‘First Do No Harm’ is available for purchase, promising to engage both long-time fans and newcomers alike.
