The Pagan Madonna

"The Pagan Madonna" by Harold MacGrath is a novel set in early 20th-century Shanghai, where the lives of a Chinese merchant and an American nurse unexpectedly collide amidst mystery and adventure. Ling Foo, a merchant navigating the bustling city, finds himself embroiled in a dangerous situation when a wounded man seeks refuge in his shop. Jane Norman, a Red Cross nurse, arrives in Shanghai hoping to escape her ordinary life and discover excitement, only to be thrust into a world of conflict and intrigue. Their paths intertwine as they become entangled in a series of dramatic events involving a mysterious set of glass beads, hinting at a larger, more dangerous game afoot. The story balances themes of chance encounters, deep desires, and the thrill of the unknown, all within the vibrant and volatile backdrop of Shanghai.