Peking, 1867When one of the Empress’s ladies-in-waiting is killed in the Forbidden City, she orders Inspector Gong to find the killer. Unfortunately, as a man, he is forbidden from entering the Inner Court. How is he supposed to solve a murder when he cannot visit the scene of the crime or talk to the women in the victim’s life? He won’t be able to solve this crime alone.The widowed Lady Li is … widowed Lady Li is devastated when she finds out about the murder of her sister-in-law, who was serving as the Empress’s lady-in-waiting. She is determined to discover who killed her, even if it means assisting the rude and obnoxious Inspector Gong and going undercover in the Forbidden City.
Together, will Lady Li and Inspector Gong be able to find the murderer before he – or she – strikes again?
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Very good book
This story brought me right into the Forbidden City during the Qing Dynasty. You see the underbelly of the court through the eyes of one of the Empress’s handmaidens and a detective that must team up together to solve a murder.
An interesting read, especially historical information about the Forbidden City and the modes of court like as well as those of do many “lower classes “
A little too many convenient coincidences but entertaining.
This was enjoyable, reading about a different culture, but I would have liked a more 3D version, particularly of the inspector hero. Quite aside from the cultural attitudes that come with such a setting, he came across as flat and arrogant, with a sudden flip to being ‘understanding’ of the heroine’s qualities.
However, I would like to try the next book in this series to see if these protagonists are more fleshed out. Recommended.
Nicely written, interesting setting, strong characters. I really enjoyed this book, and look forward to reading more about Inspector Gong.
I learned what it would be like to live with the empress in the forbidden city. And you learn so much about the culture and the difference between the people who bind their feet and those who don’t. They may be Chinese but it is like living in different worlds.
Needs more historical detail to enrich the plot.
Interesting in a way. Can’t believe it would be possible in that time period, however. Short
Very much enjoyed. Only problem, it ended too soon. I guess they wanted me to buy the next one.
This was a great mystery set in a time and place far removed from other mysteries that I’ve read. It was good as a mystery and in addition I learned about 19th century China. I’ve read the entire series and I’m waiting for the next book to come out. I’m hooked.
Historical, exotic settinh
I learned something about China from these times.
It was a fun read. Lots of cultural information.
Characters and setting: very descriptive! Enjoyed this book so much, I bought the next two books in the series. Hope the author is planning to keep this series going!
Great book to learn about Chinese culture! Good characters with a strong mystery.
Enjoyable historical mystery with only one flaw – a descriptive sex scene. Overall enjoyable and it was interesting to learn about China in the 1800’s
Different (in a good way!)
You land slap bang in the middle of the action. I liked that. The style is different, but I quickly got used to it. After the hectic beginning it does slow down a bit, but the descriptions were interesting. It’s different than any other mystery I’ve read. The fact that it’s in China, in 1867, inside a palace, all these things make for a different kind of story. It felt like the author did extensive research. Alternating POV’s in third person between Inspector Gong and Lady Li. Underneath all that haughtiness Lady Li is likable, fierce, clever and perceptive. She notices details others may not. And she has empathy. Inspector Gong can be quite rude and arrogant. He is not very understanding or sympathetic. But he is determined to find the killer.
The emotions, I just felt them, they jumped from the page straight into my heart. Exciting to have found something so unique!
Roberts has immersed herself in Chinese history and thoroughly knows not only the social mores of the years after the Boxer Rebellion, but also the literal ins and outs of life in the Forbidden City.
The characters are well developed, and the red herrings are so good that you truly don’t know who the culprit is until the last pages of the book. Unlike Agatha Christie and other mystery writers, there’s no miraculous ending with all ends tied, neatly if not logically. You follow one herring to completion before another one is tossed out. The pacing of the tale is perfect. While I wouldn’t say the book is a page turner exactly,the plot and Roberts’ writing styles kept me interested.
Midway through the book I thought the famous mystery solving couples had nothing on Inspector Gong and Lady Liu, and I’m thrilled that Roberts has them teaming up together to solve another mystery.
A murder has occurred and she calls him in but he can’t go there where he needs to be so she helps him to solve the mystery, a nail biting story which will keep you hooked
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Lady Li has lost her young sister-in-law, who was murdered in a gruesome way in the Forbidden City. When Inspector Gong requests her help, she agrees. Only she can enter the Forbidden City, so she will have no one to help if the murderer tries to kill her as well.
I love this series about ancient China in the time an Empress ruled. The suspense is nail-biting, and You have to find out who the murderer is before you can put the book down!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.