I just read a mystery (I love mysteries) that takes place in North Korea and the protagonist is Inspector O, who works in the ministry of public security. It describe the impoverishment of the people and them continuing on. There is exploration of nuclear, and other, weapons as diplomatic or international sales tools to get food.
The book is "Bamboo and Blood" and was written by James Church, apparently a pseudonym for a Western intelligence officer with decades of experience in Asia. (that is the sum total of his biography on the flap of the book.)
Anyway, if you enjoy mysteries that take you to places you have not been, you should enjoy this one.
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