The Dead Can’t Make a Living

Actor and novelist Lin blends mystery, social commentary, and sly humor in the potent fifth entry in his series featuring Taipei food stand operator Chen Jing-nan (after Death Doesn’t Forget). While hauling a garbage bag to the dumpster one night, Jing-nan discovers the body of Juan Ramos, a Filipino immigrant who was employed at Taipei’s massive ZHD food processing plant. He informs Juan’s brother, Paolo, who suspects foul play and applies to work at the plant so he can gather clues. After Paolo’s family loses contact with him, they convince Jing-nan to go undercover at ZHD, find Paolo, and discover who murdered Juan. Jing-nan agrees, relying on the help of his gangster uncle, Big Eye, and a colorful cast of ZHD coworkers. Lin seamlessly weaves complex details about Taiwanese history and political tensions into the action, paying special attention to social and financial abuses perpetrated against undocumented workers. Chuckle-worthy jokes (“A night-market food stand [now] represented the totality of what my entire ancestral line had accomplished. Hey, some dynasties have done less”) are a bonus. This entertains Agent: Kirby Kim, Janklow & Nesbit Assoc. (Apr.)