After his grandfather dies, avid scholar and budding forensic investigator Cí Song begrudgingly gives up his studies to help his family. But when another tragedy strikes, he’s forced to run and also deemed a fugitive. Dishonored, he has no choice but to accept work as a lowly gravedigger, a position that allows him to sharpen his corpse-reading skills. Soon, he can deduce whether a person killed … killed himself—or was murdered.
His prowess earns him notoriety, and Cí receives orders to unearth the perpetrator of a horrific series of mutilations and deaths at the Imperial Court. Cí’s gruesome investigation quickly grows complicated thanks to old loyalties and the presence of an alluring, enigmatic woman. But he remains driven by his passion for truth—especially once the killings threaten to take down the Emperor himself.
Inspired by Song Cí, considered to be the founding father of CSI-style forensic science, this harrowing novel set during the thirteenth-century Tsong Dynasty draws readers into a multilayered, ingenious plot as disturbing as it is fascinating.
In 2012, The Corpse Reader received the Zaragoza International Prize for best historical novel published in Spain (Premio Internacional de Novela Histórica Ciudad de Zaragoza).
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Have you ever picked up a book, expecting a straightforward journey from A to Z, only to find that everything that can go wrong does? Normally, I put those books down. They are not believable. Even fiction needs a smattering of plausibility. For some reason, this book kept me reading.
Ci Song, the main character and an actual person from Chinese history, certainly has his share of unfortunate circumstances. A bright and eager young man when the book begins, he manages to make it to the end with his idealism intact. That is a feat in and of itself, since medieval China is not a place that inspires a rosy outlook. But Ci Song is an exceptional person. Not only does he solve a mystery, thwart a treasonous plot, and clear his family name, he also fathers the science of forensic pathology. Corpse reading, if you will.
There are some graphic descriptions of bodies and decomposition so if you are squeamish, you might want to gird your loins. There is also torture and grave bodily injury, though these are presented as matter of fact and not gratuitously. If you enjoy historical mystery in a unique time and place, give this book a chance. There are no big surprises, but there is a lot to learn. All the raw material is there for a series based on the life on Ci Song. I hope the author uses it.
Reminiscent of the Judge Dee books.
A super read. After you finish reading this ever changing novel with the hero facing trauma, after trauma, keeping you turning the pages…. You find out the hero is a living person whose work influenced our current knowledge of the importance of DNA. It could be the primer Conan Doyle used to create Sherlock Holmes.
History with a cup of sugar at the end, that you didn’t even know you were getting.
Do add it to your reading list.
A most unusual story yet obviously well researched. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Was also impressed by the amount of homework the author did to produce such a story. He recreated ancient China so you felt you were there. Very well done.
Duplicity. If I had to give a one word review of The Corpse Reader that word would be duplicity. Ci Song is only sixteen years old when the novel begins, and he’s only twenty-two when the novel ends. Throughout the novel, Ci is innocent, idealistic, honorable, loyal, naive, logical, and brilliant. He is ignorant of how cruel, corrupt, egotistical, and mean-spirited the adults around him can be. Two adult men, Ming and Feng, are role models for Ci, yet Ci doesn’t really know or understand either man. Ci’s trust has horrible consequences for him. This novel takes a look at gritty impoverished China in the twelfth century, showing the difficulty Ci has in surviving and achieving his goal of education. As a reader, I had to try see the truth of characters’ actions and words. I’d encourage you to read this amazing book, if nothing else as a study human nature and human greed.
What an interesting read! Set in China in the way-back. Nice plot twists. You are rooting for the main character who goes through a dangerous and trying set of challenges without the support of family or friends in pursuit of his goals. More than once you’ll wonder whether he’s going to make it. You actually have to read all the way to the end for resolution. Probably not a book that two chapters in you’ve already figured out all the bad guys.
Loved it from beginning to the last page.
Read this book is a must read .
I didn’t care for the style of writing.
Phenomenal. Set in 13th century China, it goes far beyond the intriguing issue of forensics, though the book could probably stand on its own with just that. Politics, education, rural and city life, illness, family challenges, and much more are woven in to make this a phenomenal story. The first half sets the scenes, and the second half delivers on those. I highly recommend the book. Have gifted it twice, now.
Shocking in its description of the poverty people try to exist in, the cruelty of so many, but hidden kindness in some. Young Ci’ has lost his parents and older brother, a bully, drunk and womanizer. He has only his little ailing sister. They set out on a journey to find the means to survive.
Ci’ had wanted to finish University, winds up digging graves and is able to use his training from a man whose title could have been Medical inspector of the Dead.
Ci’ runs into disappointments constantly, but manages to pull through and keep going. The fact that he feels no pain is a boon to his survival and the welfare of his little sister.
This book enlightened me about the 12 century China. The papers written by the reader are still used by forensic scientist.
An introduction into another world and time and culture. Takes us into the procedural world and methodology of crime solving in Asia by a youth who is being trained by a venerable master.
I enjoy reading historical fiction and I found this one to be very interesting. Had just enough history to make it insightful with the twist of a “mystery” to keep it moving. An enjoyable read!
A lot of twists & turns in this incredible story!
The most challenging aspect of this book is the unlikability of the main character. But the story itself was captivating.
too long
One of the best books I have ever read. I read four or five books a week.
This bit of historical fiction was well done and the characters very well presented.
The setting was exotic and the story beliveable. One rooted for the underdog character throughout.
Very interesting story set in ancient China. Some elements were too repetitive, and some didn’t ring true, but overall a good book.
Very informative. A lot of intrigue and backstabbing and liesin Emporer’s council.