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3.42 AVERAGE
3.42 AVERAGE
His books have a special depth while still telling a simple crime story. I love the use of classical Chinese poetry mixed with modern poetry.
Another enjoyable entry in this excellent series featuring Chief Inspector Chen of the Shanghai Police. Chen is on vacation, given a free stay at a luxurious resort for high cadre party members, a favor from a higher-up. While there he is a little bored and lonely until he meets a pretty girl and gets involved in a local murder investigation (although remaining behind the scenes) involving environmental issues.
Such a delightful book! Its been sitting on my shelf for a while and I picked it up on a whim and was impressed not only with the writers style but also the insight into Chinese culture and his delicate handling of environmental degradation at the benefit of profits. That said, the mystery was a bit obvious but the way the inspector has to handle the government and still kept me on my toes. Can't wait to read more from - super excited to find a new mystery series.
medium-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
Not the best in the series. Chen is much more likeable as a young policeman, less sure of his way, than he is here as a well-known figure calculating his chances. The writing is also more labored than in some of the other books. But if you already enjoy the series, don't skip this one.
I have read all the Inspector Chen novels. This one didn't capture me like the others did. I'm not sure why?
challenging
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Inspector Chen never disappoints. This is a mystery Chen becomes involved in while on vacation. It is very interesting to see how the inspector balances politics with trying to insure an innocent person is not convicted of the crime. There is also a touch of vacation romance.
Interesting for its take on the problems facing modern China, its snippets of ancient and contemporary Chinese poetry, and of course the mystery that ultimately involves Chief Inspector Chen.
this is the first I have read of this series, and based on my experience, I may go back and read the original (Death of a Red Heroine) or one of the 7 (?) or so Inspector Chen novels available.
I suspect much of the character development for the inspector has been laid out in the previous novels, yet this one has enough to offer as a stand-alone dip into the inspectors world.
As for the plot - Chen is offered a free vacation in the stead of a high ranking party official, and told to "keep his eyes open" and report back to said offical. Try as he might to get in some vacation time, the pollution in the lake, a managers murder, and his involvement with a lovely young environmentalist, keep him very busy indeed.
this is the first I have read of this series, and based on my experience, I may go back and read the original (Death of a Red Heroine) or one of the 7 (?) or so Inspector Chen novels available.
I suspect much of the character development for the inspector has been laid out in the previous novels, yet this one has enough to offer as a stand-alone dip into the inspectors world.
As for the plot - Chen is offered a free vacation in the stead of a high ranking party official, and told to "keep his eyes open" and report back to said offical. Try as he might to get in some vacation time, the pollution in the lake, a managers murder, and his involvement with a lovely young environmentalist, keep him very busy indeed.
The pollution part of the story was pedantic and it lacked the joy in minute details of Chinese life that I remember from the early books. And the resolution of the love interest left me feeling like she was purely a plot device. Even so, I love Chen Cao, and I did enjoy the book. It's great how Qiu can discuss important issues in China while still obviously loving it. A nice change from many of the books about China written for foreigners.