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alison_marie's review
3.0
*Read for my Reader’s Advisory class*
Chan Ho-Kei presents a master class in creative crime solving with these 6 novellas that tell the story of detective Kwan Chun-dok in reverse chronological order. Interspersed are insights into the history, culture, and politics of Hong Kong. Not a book I’d pick up on my own, but I can see this appealing to readers who appreciate the way Sherlock Holmes or Hercule Poirot can pick apart a crime.
Chan Ho-Kei presents a master class in creative crime solving with these 6 novellas that tell the story of detective Kwan Chun-dok in reverse chronological order. Interspersed are insights into the history, culture, and politics of Hong Kong. Not a book I’d pick up on my own, but I can see this appealing to readers who appreciate the way Sherlock Holmes or Hercule Poirot can pick apart a crime.
mayareadsitall's review
4.0
I'm a bit in two minds about this book. Growing up watching Hong Kong’s movies and TVB dramas, this book felt very nostalgic to me and I really want to give a higher score. However, the first half of the book read kind of flat to me. The cases were interesting, albeit with a bit of contrived solutions. But ultimately, my dissatisfaction came from the two main characters (Sonny and Kwan Chun Dok), who felt rather one-dimensional for me. Kwan Chun Dok, who has impeccable deduction skills, never failed to solve any cases and Sonny was a bit more of a bumbling mentee. There's some growth in Sonny's character but this happened in a "tell not show" kind of way.
I then took a break from reading the book after finishing the first 3 stories and just picked it up again recently because I wanted to start my winter reading. And the book suddenly came alive. I really enjoyed reading story number 4 which reminds me a lot of Hong Kong gangster movies. Ngl, I imagined Andy Lau, Tony Leung, and Chow Yun Fat in that shootout scene. I also found the remaining stories to be pretty engaging, with the backdrop of the social climate under British influence to be particularly fascinating. The final twist was great and I loved how it brought the story into a full circle, made Kwan Chun Dok feel more human, and show us how thin is the line that separates the good from the evil.
Overall, I think those who like plot-driven rather than character-driven crime stories will most likely enjoy this book thoroughly!
I then took a break from reading the book after finishing the first 3 stories and just picked it up again recently because I wanted to start my winter reading. And the book suddenly came alive. I really enjoyed reading story number 4 which reminds me a lot of Hong Kong gangster movies. Ngl, I imagined Andy Lau, Tony Leung, and Chow Yun Fat in that shootout scene. I also found the remaining stories to be pretty engaging, with the backdrop of the social climate under British influence to be particularly fascinating. The final twist was great and I loved how it brought the story into a full circle, made Kwan Chun Dok feel more human, and show us how thin is the line that separates the good from the evil.
Overall, I think those who like plot-driven rather than character-driven crime stories will most likely enjoy this book thoroughly!
bracky's review
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
eleyeophant's review
5.0
'Hong Kong always changes. Murder stays the same.' That's what it says on the cover of the book. Made up of 6 different stories and seemingly separate cases, the book shows the progression and changes in Hong Kong through the years. The last story is set in 1967, and like the author says, it seems that Hong Kong has come full circle.
My favourite quote from the book: "Perhaps events had their own way of ordering themselves , perhaps beginnings and endings always had coincidences no ordinary person could penetrate. In the flood of time, human beings were no more than flecks of grit, borne along by the flow."
Very interesting book and it reminds me of Forensic Heroes, a Hong Kong drama. Will definitely be waiting for the movie and am considering reading the original version of this book.
My favourite quote from the book: "Perhaps events had their own way of ordering themselves , perhaps beginnings and endings always had coincidences no ordinary person could penetrate. In the flood of time, human beings were no more than flecks of grit, borne along by the flow."
Very interesting book and it reminds me of Forensic Heroes, a Hong Kong drama. Will definitely be waiting for the movie and am considering reading the original version of this book.
andrea_c's review
4.0
It's refreshing to encounter a mystery series where the star detective isn't propped up with a gimmick, Inspector Kwan is simply an exceptional mind, seeing connections and deducing the truth. That's enough, because he can take a backseat to the evolving Hong Kong Police force and the city itself.
hihid's review
5.0
Suka banget sama pembawaan ceritanya. Paling suka di bagian cerita pertama, bener bener mind blowing!
aweekinthelife's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
an action-y detective/police story told through 6 short stories going back in time. a very Hong Kong setting (and I appreciated the history and introduction to some of the setting through The Lost Century by Larissa Lai earlier this year).
another one of those books where the author’s note/afterward made me appreciate the book more.
another one of those books where the author’s note/afterward made me appreciate the book more.