Red Mandarin Dress: An Inspector Chen Novel
by Qiu Xiaolong
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other reviews (showing 1-20 of 53)
Read in May, 2008
recommends it for:
gourmets, private eyes
Well, this wasn't quite as good as its predecessors, although there was still plenty of good eating. The plot was unnecessarily complex, and I feel like Chief Inspector Chen acted a little out of character at times. I still enjoyed reading about the characters and learning the pitfalls and political intrigues afoot in post-communist Shanghai, but even the poetry snippets couldn't quite salvage this one. I'll keep going with the series, though.
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mystery,
partially-read
Read in March, 2008
I usually enjoy stories set in cultures that seem exotic to me (i.e. China), but this book failed to engage my interest. My impression is that a book like this written for an American audience will attempt to bridge the culture gap while providing a window into the foreign world. This book didn't really bridge the gap, so as a reader I felt completely separated, not just from the action, but from the very world it took place in.
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This book was great - I ended up picking it up and reading it only to find out half way through that it was the third book in the series. I finished reading it and loved it! The mystery was set up so well and the little clues here and there was amazing. I was totally hooked on who the killer was and why. I finised it up in no time - it was an easy read and definatly awesome!
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Read in May, 2008
I've read all of Qiu's books but am sorry to say this is the weakest among the now 5 episodes. The plot started out with great potential though it failed to meet my expectations which were quite high given the exceptional quality of Death of a Red Heroine and When Red is Black. If you haven't read those, start with or switch to those.
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mystery
Read in May, 2008
The language is almost unbearable and the mystery part is incredibly clunky, but the background about the Cultural Revolution and the information about sexual attraction, marriage, Confucianism, and Maoism are interesting. Interesting enough to make this book worth reading? I'd say, almost.
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Read in May, 2008
Not as well-paced as other entries in this series, The food wasn't as appealing either. However, I still enjoyed it for its picture of Shanghai and for the continuing characters. I hope the weakness of this book is a temporary setback and that Qiu Xiaolong comes back strong.
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Read in February, 2008
Very predictable and pretty mediocre - or maybe his writing style wasn't for me. He tells you exactly what he is thinking instead of letting you come to conclusions yourself. This is the first book that I read in the series, but the poetry was very tiring after a while.
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Read in April, 2008
This book could be so interesting, but it is as slow as molasses and talks more about what the characters had for lunch and what stories they're reading than the crime. Blah. Maybe it gets better at the end, but I was finished by about 60 pages in.
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Read in April, 2008
Not quite to page 50 (my drop-it mark) I am not yet certain I will keep reading. I like learning about modern Chinese culture and politics and that is more interesting the the serial murder so far....
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Read in April, 2008
We were looking for a book to discuss at our Mystery Book Club in May. We also wanted to celebrate Asian American month. What a great choice this is. Qui is an amazing writer.
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Read in June, 2008
recommends it for:
people who like mysteries and intelligent writing
I love reading his mysteries because he describes China as it was during the Cultural Revolution and how it is today. He also quotes Confucian sayings and many Chinese poets.
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Read in May, 2008
I liked the characters and the Shanghai setting. Good book, and I think I'll pick up some of his others. Apparently he teaches at Wash U, which I didn't know.
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Read in January, 2008
Much like his other books. Culturally enlightening. Adult themes. Well written.
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Read in February, 2008
Picked up because I wanted a mindless mystery. I got it.
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Read in February, 2008
recommends it for:
Julie, Rusty
This is one of the best books I have ever read.
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