Rock Paper Tiger by Lisa Brackmann

What happens when a burnt-out Iraq War veteran finds herself tangled in China’s underground art scene, government surveillance, and a mystery she never asked to solve? Rock Paper Tiger delivers a pulse-pounding answer.

Lisa Brackmann’s electrifying thriller drops you into modern Beijing alongside Ellie McEnroe, a woman nursing both physical and emotional wounds from her time in Iraq. She’s trying to disappear into the expat bubble when a friend vanishes, leaving behind dangerous secrets that pull her into a labyrinth of political dissidents, avant-garde artists, and government agents who are always watching.

This isn’t your typical thriller. Brackmann, who lived in China for years, brings an insider’s eye to Beijing’s contradictions—the gleaming Olympic venues casting shadows over ancient hutongs, the tension between artistic freedom and authoritarian control. The result is a story that crackles with authenticity while racing forward at breakneck speed.

Critics have praised this debut for its complex, damaged heroine and its unflinching look at contemporary China. Ellie is no superhero—she’s dealing with PTSD, a bad knee, and questionable life choices—which makes her journey all the more gripping. She’s flawed, funny, and utterly real.

Perfect for readers who loved The Sympathizer or anyone craving intelligent suspense that doesn’t sacrifice character for plot. This is literary fiction with teeth, a political thriller with heart, and a window into a China most travelers never see.

Grab your copy and prepare to lose an afternoon to the streets of Beijing.