Take a photo of a barcode or cover
johnnyb1954's review against another edition
4.0
The novel is set in 1990, about a year after Tianamin Square protests. The politics of the time plays into the story and the author does a good job of providing background on the history and politics of China in the decades leading up to this time. It is interesting that the story is just the same as it would be about a US police procedural with murder, corruption, sex, politics, and an honest policeman trying to do his job.
The book was written in English but there is a subtle difference in tone and phrasing from what you would get from an American author.
I like Chief Inspector Chen (and his partner Yu). Chen is not alcoholic or damaged, nor is he a superman adonis.
The book is well written - it seems a little slow in the middle but I think that is just because the investigation is slow and methodical.
I will read more of this series.
The book was written in English but there is a subtle difference in tone and phrasing from what you would get from an American author.
I like Chief Inspector Chen (and his partner Yu). Chen is not alcoholic or damaged, nor is he a superman adonis.
The book is well written - it seems a little slow in the middle but I think that is just because the investigation is slow and methodical.
I will read more of this series.
blairewithane's review against another edition
4.0
A slower read for a mystery, but I liked getting to know inspector Chen and gaining insight into the world of communist China in the 90s when a model worker is killed. The case wrapped in politics, social class, and how they impact daily life.
mdavids's review against another edition
4.0
I'm a sucker for a crime novel set in a foreign (to me) country.
I can't say if this is an accurate portrayal of life in Shanghai, but it was an engrossing read.
The prose is a little stilted. It reads like it was translated from the Chinese by someone without a total grasp of idiomatic English, but that actually immersed me more in the story.
I really liked the use of poetry as a device. It wasn't forced, and added depth to the story.
I'm anxious to read the rest in the series.
I can't say if this is an accurate portrayal of life in Shanghai, but it was an engrossing read.
The prose is a little stilted. It reads like it was translated from the Chinese by someone without a total grasp of idiomatic English, but that actually immersed me more in the story.
I really liked the use of poetry as a device. It wasn't forced, and added depth to the story.
I'm anxious to read the rest in the series.
mobinazk's review against another edition
informative
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
5.0
feanor451's review against another edition
dark
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
stormrogue's review against another edition
2.0
Eh. It was okay.
This is the story of a Poet, assigned to be a Cop, who gets his first 'big' case as 'Chief Inspector' of the 'Special Unit' squad.
I wish it would have focused more on the Case Specifics instead of 'Politics politics politics'. Not very interesting read. Interesting enough but it was a slow read and seemed bogged down a lot, The Character's personal life mixing too much with the story about the 'Case' he's trying to solve. It also got bogged down a bit with the Secondary Characters past - Detective Yu. Some of it I could see as leading the story forward, but most of it, meh.
This is the story of a Poet, assigned to be a Cop, who gets his first 'big' case as 'Chief Inspector' of the 'Special Unit' squad.
I wish it would have focused more on the Case Specifics instead of 'Politics politics politics'. Not very interesting read. Interesting enough but it was a slow read and seemed bogged down a lot, The Character's personal life mixing too much with the story about the 'Case' he's trying to solve. It also got bogged down a bit with the Secondary Characters past - Detective Yu. Some of it I could see as leading the story forward, but most of it, meh.
maartengbos's review against another edition
4.0
Interesting insight in living and politics in China.
atabei's review against another edition
4.0
Interesante y entretenida. Una ventana al complejo Shangai de los 90. Más leí una versión en español no muy confiable por lo que debo haber perdido las sutilezas del estilo y gran parte de la poesía. Con todo la disfruté.
dave_farrant's review against another edition
4.0
Well a really pleasant surprise. Imagine Adam Dalgleish transported to Shanghai just after Tianamen Square - there's even a sly direct reference to PD James in the story. Add in a messy murder with political connections to both the victim and the prime suspect and the investigator is in deep water...
Recommended.
Recommended.