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The Pingkang Li Mysteries #3.5
Death of a Sorcerer: A Lotus Palace Mystery
The sequel novella to The Hidden Moon and prequel to Red Blossom in Snow.
Newly married Constable Gao and Wei-wei have just begun their lives together when they're faced with the death of a Taoist sorcerer during Ghost Month.
As mysterious occurrences arise during the investigation, are they truly receiving a message from the spirit world? Or is Gao's dark past finally catching up to them, threatening their chance for happiness?
Newly married Constable Gao and Wei-wei have just begun their lives together when they're faced with the death of a Taoist sorcerer during Ghost Month.
As mysterious occurrences arise during the investigation, are they truly receiving a message from the spirit world? Or is Gao's dark past finally catching up to them, threatening their chance for happiness?
91 pages, Paperback
Published July 23, 2022
About the author
Jeannie Lin
50 books1,064 followersUSA TODAY Bestselling author Jeannie Lin grew up fascinated with stories of Western epic fantasy and Eastern martial arts adventures. When her best friend introduced her to romance novels in middle school, the stage was set. Jeannie started writing her first romance while working as a high school science teacher in South Central Los Angeles. After four years of trying to break into publishing with an Asian-set historical, her 2009 Golden Heart Award–winning manuscript, Butterfly Swords, sold to Harlequin Mills & Boon. Her books have received starred reviews in Publishers Weekly and Library Journal with The Dragon and the Pearl listed among Library Journal's Best Romances of 2011.
Titles by Jeannie Lin:
Gunpowder Alchemy (Gunpowder Chronicles #1)
The Jade Temptress (The Lotus Palace #2)
The Lotus Palace
Butterfly Swords
The Dragon and the Pearl
My Fair Concubine
The Sword Dancer
For updates, sign up for her newsletter at: http://eepurl.com/42oZL
Find out more about Jeannie Lin online at http://www.jeannielin.com
Titles by Jeannie Lin:
Gunpowder Alchemy (Gunpowder Chronicles #1)
The Jade Temptress (The Lotus Palace #2)
The Lotus Palace
Butterfly Swords
The Dragon and the Pearl
My Fair Concubine
The Sword Dancer
For updates, sign up for her newsletter at: http://eepurl.com/42oZL
Find out more about Jeannie Lin online at http://www.jeannielin.com
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
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January 13, 2023I have no idea how I missed this last year! Gao and Wei-wei are hands down my favourite pair of Jeannie Lin protags, and the hint in the author's note that she considered doing a series of mysteries with them is OH MY GOD YES PLEASE CAN A PUBLISHER JUST DO THAT NOW, A SIX BOOK DEAL SOUNDS ABOUT RIGHT.
Gao the Knife, a street thug turned constable, is married to Lady Bai, who has descended from a vast social height to be with him and is learning to cook and live on the street. They are lovely. This is a delightful novella steeped in Chinese tradition, superstition and myth, where we are left pleasingly unsure of what constitutes reality. Beautifully atmospheric, evocative and vivid writing, and it's such a pleasure to hang out with Gao and Wei-wei again.
Gao the Knife, a street thug turned constable, is married to Lady Bai, who has descended from a vast social height to be with him and is learning to cook and live on the street. They are lovely. This is a delightful novella steeped in Chinese tradition, superstition and myth, where we are left pleasingly unsure of what constitutes reality. Beautifully atmospheric, evocative and vivid writing, and it's such a pleasure to hang out with Gao and Wei-wei again.
April 9, 2022
3.5 stars
Fun to revisit Wei-wei and Gao after their marriage. I’m always a fan of supernatural-lite mysteries.
Fun to revisit Wei-wei and Gao after their marriage. I’m always a fan of supernatural-lite mysteries.
April 11, 2022
After the events of Hidden Moon, Wei Wei and Gao settle into marriage. They come from two different classes and see the world around them so very differently, but share a love and respect that bridges the gap and is the beginning to further understanding between them. Naturally, the chance to work a murder mystery together set during the time of the Hungry Ghost Month is also a chance for them to work together once again doing what brought them together in the first place.
I loved that Death of a Sorcerer is another chance to see Wei Wei and Gao after their marriage making the effort to make it work. It was also fascinating to get a look into the Tang Dynasty era backdrop of Hungry Ghost Month with the spooky superstitions and traditions that lend an atmosphere of other worldliness to the mystery. Ms. Lin brought the legends of the past to life.
A mysterious and mystical death has Wei Wei concerned that they might be dealing with magic and supernatural events, but prosaic Gao is on the trail of flesh and blood evidence. He might be slowed up by someone blocking his efforts, but he won't leave the trail and Wei Wei is poking her nose into the affair right beside him.
Death of a Sorcerer takes place in time between the third and fourth books and brings in all the main characters from the series. The mystery was untangled quickly because it was a shorter read, but the development was strong both for the characters and relationships and the murder mystery. The special news for one couple and seeing it all from Wei Wei's perspective was fun. I look forwar to getting the mysteries in this series from the full-length novels to even these clever novellas.
The Lotus Palace- or sometimes called PingKang Li Mysteries are a fabulous historical mystery series set in Tang Dynasty China and I wholeheartedly recommend them.
I loved that Death of a Sorcerer is another chance to see Wei Wei and Gao after their marriage making the effort to make it work. It was also fascinating to get a look into the Tang Dynasty era backdrop of Hungry Ghost Month with the spooky superstitions and traditions that lend an atmosphere of other worldliness to the mystery. Ms. Lin brought the legends of the past to life.
A mysterious and mystical death has Wei Wei concerned that they might be dealing with magic and supernatural events, but prosaic Gao is on the trail of flesh and blood evidence. He might be slowed up by someone blocking his efforts, but he won't leave the trail and Wei Wei is poking her nose into the affair right beside him.
Death of a Sorcerer takes place in time between the third and fourth books and brings in all the main characters from the series. The mystery was untangled quickly because it was a shorter read, but the development was strong both for the characters and relationships and the murder mystery. The special news for one couple and seeing it all from Wei Wei's perspective was fun. I look forwar to getting the mysteries in this series from the full-length novels to even these clever novellas.
The Lotus Palace- or sometimes called PingKang Li Mysteries are a fabulous historical mystery series set in Tang Dynasty China and I wholeheartedly recommend them.
September 15, 2022
3.5 stars
What a wonderful sequel novella to bridge The Hidden Moon and Red Blossom in Snow! Wandering in the alleyways of the Pingkang Li is always a pleasure 😊. I loved the eerie tale, mixing in tales, legends and earthly tricks, all wrapped in JL's engaging and evocative prose.
As usual, JL is very conscientious with her historical research and it shines in the story. Her author's notes are always worth reading and her enthusiasm is very endearing. There were some continuity errors in the book but a good editing will solve that. Not much romance in the book, but I am so glad that Wei-wei is happy with her Gao 🥰.
Personal message to JL: yes, yes, a thousand times yes, for the 'Lady Bai Mysteries' as a spin-off to this wondrous series 🙏. Wei-wei and Gao would make a fantastic sleuth pair and it would be an ideal excuse to revisit the Pingkang Li and Chang'an again and again!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 12, 2022
I have enjoyed this series, but this short interlude was a bit flat. These two characters need someone more energetic to balance their gruff (his) and intellectual (hers) personalities.
It's a good transition to the next book, which I will read.
It's a good transition to the next book, which I will read.
April 20, 2022
3.5 stars
In this novella, we get a glimpse into Gao and Wei-wei’s life as a married couple. “The two rooms they lived in now were an unspeakable luxury for him, a fraction of the size of the Bai family manor for her.” Even though their lives couldn't have been more different, they've found happiness and comfort in each other. Wei-wei now has the freedom she always longed for, and for Gao, who grew
up alone on the streets, “She was the only person who cared for him. Not just for his safety but for—his soul.”
The story takes place during the Hungry Ghost Festival, and it was interesting to learn more about some of the observances and the meanings behind them. At one point Wei-wei gives Gao an amulet of Zhong Kui, the King of Ghosts, for protection. It is precious to him because it came from her, not because he believes it has any special powers.
I loved this playful exchange between them: “If a demon tried to harass my wife, I’d send him back to the eighteen hells two times,' Gao vowed with a grin. 'Thirty-six hells.' 'You’re the demon,' she retorted, grabbing hold of his chin which only caused his smile to widen."
In this novella, we get a glimpse into Gao and Wei-wei’s life as a married couple. “The two rooms they lived in now were an unspeakable luxury for him, a fraction of the size of the Bai family manor for her.” Even though their lives couldn't have been more different, they've found happiness and comfort in each other. Wei-wei now has the freedom she always longed for, and for Gao, who grew
up alone on the streets, “She was the only person who cared for him. Not just for his safety but for—his soul.”
The story takes place during the Hungry Ghost Festival, and it was interesting to learn more about some of the observances and the meanings behind them. At one point Wei-wei gives Gao an amulet of Zhong Kui, the King of Ghosts, for protection. It is precious to him because it came from her, not because he believes it has any special powers.
I loved this playful exchange between them: “If a demon tried to harass my wife, I’d send him back to the eighteen hells two times,' Gao vowed with a grin. 'Thirty-six hells.' 'You’re the demon,' she retorted, grabbing hold of his chin which only caused his smile to widen."
January 19, 2023
Goodbye to Weiwei and Gao! I will miss them. I wish this was a little longer than the previous novella, Liar's Dice, but this felt like a good send off.
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February 23, 2024We read all books in the series and reviewed them together. Find more at The Lotus Palace, The Jade Temptress, The Liar's Dice, The Hidden Moon, Red Blossom in Snow and Love, Death & Lanterns, and our full review can be read at The Smut Report.
Heat Factor: First we have to have ALL THE FEELS
Character Chemistry: Mutual pining
Plot: There has been a(nother) murder in the Piking Li, and we will work together to solve it. And also pine for each other.
Overall: If you like mystery romances, these are so good.
More adventures of Wei-wei and Gao! In her author’s note, Lin stated that she wanted to give the reader another peek into Wei-wei and Gao’s life together because she couldn’t imagine them finding their HEA in just one story, due to the large gap between their lived experiences. Why this is the case for the rich lady/street man pairing but not for the prostitute/lord pairing is something to unpack at another time. Anyways, the goal of this novella is a little different—it’s a mystery where we see our MCs happy and settled (if still working out some of the kinks in their relationship), rather than a romance. Not necessary to read to understand Red Blossom in Snow.
The mystery here is not violent and actually pretty spooky. It would be a great thing to pick up if you’re looking for an hour of creepy, slightly paranormal vibes set in 9th-century China.
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Heat Factor: First we have to have ALL THE FEELS
Character Chemistry: Mutual pining
Plot: There has been a(nother) murder in the Piking Li, and we will work together to solve it. And also pine for each other.
Overall: If you like mystery romances, these are so good.
More adventures of Wei-wei and Gao! In her author’s note, Lin stated that she wanted to give the reader another peek into Wei-wei and Gao’s life together because she couldn’t imagine them finding their HEA in just one story, due to the large gap between their lived experiences. Why this is the case for the rich lady/street man pairing but not for the prostitute/lord pairing is something to unpack at another time. Anyways, the goal of this novella is a little different—it’s a mystery where we see our MCs happy and settled (if still working out some of the kinks in their relationship), rather than a romance. Not necessary to read to understand Red Blossom in Snow.
The mystery here is not violent and actually pretty spooky. It would be a great thing to pick up if you’re looking for an hour of creepy, slightly paranormal vibes set in 9th-century China.
Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
July 11, 2022
This was enjoyable, but I don't think I would recommend it to anyone who hasn't already read The Liar's Dice and The Hidden Moon, where we meet and get the full love story between Wei Wei, highborn lady, and Gao, former street criminal.
At the start of this novella, the two have started to settle into their married life together, but there are some challenges: Wei Wei learning to cook, for one! Also, it's Hungry Ghost Month, and Wei Wei wants to follow her family's traditions and honor those lost "hungry ghosts" while Gao is of a more practical nature - especially now that he's a constable. Wei Wei hears some disturbing information from a sorcerer in the square where they live, and then the very next day Gao discovers the guy dead - or is he?
Unlike the other mysteries in the series I've read thus far, this one delves into the supernatural, and seems quite content to maybe even to leave the mystery's resolution somewhat or all within that realm. I happen to like supernatural elements in my stories, so this didn't bother me at all. I was somewhat bummed that a serious conversation that arises between Wei Wei and Gao about pregnancy and child-rearing isn't explored further - it was a great challenge for their relationship, and I would have loved to know how the two of them resolved it.
But all in all, I was happy to have a continuation of their story and catch up with some of the other characters from the series I'm starting to know. (Even if the story was more of a mood than a true mystery.) Plus, I really enjoyed the author's note at the end explaining Lin's influences.
I still think this is a super solid historical romance/mystery series and will be happy to read more.
At the start of this novella, the two have started to settle into their married life together, but there are some challenges: Wei Wei learning to cook, for one! Also, it's Hungry Ghost Month, and Wei Wei wants to follow her family's traditions and honor those lost "hungry ghosts" while Gao is of a more practical nature - especially now that he's a constable. Wei Wei hears some disturbing information from a sorcerer in the square where they live, and then the very next day Gao discovers the guy dead - or is he?
Unlike the other mysteries in the series I've read thus far, this one delves into the supernatural, and seems quite content to maybe even to leave the mystery's resolution somewhat or all within that realm. I happen to like supernatural elements in my stories, so this didn't bother me at all. I was somewhat bummed that a serious conversation that arises between Wei Wei and Gao about pregnancy and child-rearing isn't explored further - it was a great challenge for their relationship, and I would have loved to know how the two of them resolved it.
But all in all, I was happy to have a continuation of their story and catch up with some of the other characters from the series I'm starting to know. (Even if the story was more of a mood than a true mystery.) Plus, I really enjoyed the author's note at the end explaining Lin's influences.
I still think this is a super solid historical romance/mystery series and will be happy to read more.
December 10, 2022
I'm always so torn about Lin's short stories/novellas. They always whet my appetite with a great story and intriguing characters. They just end too soon. In this case, Death of a Sorcerer ended long before it should have. A lot of threads were left loose, and while I know that was partially Lin's intention as it's supposed to be a ghost story, there are many ways to tie things up, and none of them were done here.
In this novella, we revisit Wei-Wei and Gao as they settle into their new married life. Gao is still getting used to being Head Constable and a law-abiding citizen while Wei-Wei is learning to make do without an army of servants, such as cooking for herself. As cute as this peek into their lives was, I don't feel like it went anywhere. There are hints that Gao has yet to put his past to rest, and Wei-Wei is still wary of this new world that she inhabits. Unfortunately, neither of these things are resolved.
Aside from the unsatisfying characterizations, the mystery being presented was super intriguing, but a lot was still left up to the imagination, such as what led to the mysterious death, how the corpse was stolen, and what the motivations were of the group to begin with. I think this novella is a brilliant set-up, just not concluded to my satisfaction. Lin says at the end of the novella that the story will be continued in next installment of the Lotus Palace series. I hope so because I hate having so many unanswered questions. If anything, this felt like the second episode in a drama, the one where the premise is established a little more, the mystery gets a little deeper, but there are still too many clues to uncover to effectively solve the mystery. However, as a setup to the next novel in the series, it did its job. I will definitely be picking it up, but I was always going to read it.
In this novella, we revisit Wei-Wei and Gao as they settle into their new married life. Gao is still getting used to being Head Constable and a law-abiding citizen while Wei-Wei is learning to make do without an army of servants, such as cooking for herself. As cute as this peek into their lives was, I don't feel like it went anywhere. There are hints that Gao has yet to put his past to rest, and Wei-Wei is still wary of this new world that she inhabits. Unfortunately, neither of these things are resolved.
Aside from the unsatisfying characterizations, the mystery being presented was super intriguing, but a lot was still left up to the imagination, such as what led to the mysterious death, how the corpse was stolen, and what the motivations were of the group to begin with. I think this novella is a brilliant set-up, just not concluded to my satisfaction. Lin says at the end of the novella that the story will be continued in next installment of the Lotus Palace series. I hope so because I hate having so many unanswered questions. If anything, this felt like the second episode in a drama, the one where the premise is established a little more, the mystery gets a little deeper, but there are still too many clues to uncover to effectively solve the mystery. However, as a setup to the next novel in the series, it did its job. I will definitely be picking it up, but I was always going to read it.
January 27, 2024
would i read anything for crumbs of wei-wei/gao ? yes.
they are recently married and the small living together moments were everything. this cemented what i already knew after the hidden moon : these two belong together and will make it work.
" Her mother used few words, so she took care to choose the sharpest ones lest her point be missed."
for such a short novella, i got sucked back into the world. wei-wei's family is still rounding up the cast in a complex but interesting way.
" If there was such a thing as soul-debt, Gao would be the one to owe."
this book has a mystical aura to it, and wei-wei does struggle with reason and beliefs. raised in a high class family, her relationship with common class is interesting to see evolve.
" This was the month of ghosts and the month of signs. And bad things happened to people who ignored signs."
the mystery felt almost paranormal, and i was intrigued as always with this series.
they are recently married and the small living together moments were everything. this cemented what i already knew after the hidden moon : these two belong together and will make it work.
" Her mother used few words, so she took care to choose the sharpest ones lest her point be missed."
for such a short novella, i got sucked back into the world. wei-wei's family is still rounding up the cast in a complex but interesting way.
" If there was such a thing as soul-debt, Gao would be the one to owe."
this book has a mystical aura to it, and wei-wei does struggle with reason and beliefs. raised in a high class family, her relationship with common class is interesting to see evolve.
" This was the month of ghosts and the month of signs. And bad things happened to people who ignored signs."
the mystery felt almost paranormal, and i was intrigued as always with this series.
April 18, 2022
Death of a Sorcerer by Jeannie Lin is part of her fabulous PingKang Li Mystery series, and features Wei-wei and Gao from The Hidden Moon.
The Ghost Month is a time when all are more aware of the spirits and their interactions with the living. A traveling Daoist sorcerer captures the attention of a number of PingKang Li residents before his vexing disappearance, and Gao and Wei-wei need to find answers.
Jeannie Lin’s novella is a beautiful story and portrayal of their still blossoming relationship as well as a picture of this festival time in the Tang Dynasty era. It is wonderfully atmospheric, finely written, slightly spooky, and a tremendous read.
The Ghost Month is a time when all are more aware of the spirits and their interactions with the living. A traveling Daoist sorcerer captures the attention of a number of PingKang Li residents before his vexing disappearance, and Gao and Wei-wei need to find answers.
Jeannie Lin’s novella is a beautiful story and portrayal of their still blossoming relationship as well as a picture of this festival time in the Tang Dynasty era. It is wonderfully atmospheric, finely written, slightly spooky, and a tremendous read.
April 14, 2022
***There's a bit of SPOILER but not a big deal***
I really enjoyed reading Wei-wei and Gao, and I'm glad there's another story with them in it. This one is different from their past "encounters" because it has a touch of paranormal, but I loved everything about it: the Chinese superstitions on the Ghost month and just the atmosphere of Changan during the Tang Dynasty... I wished the "baby" subplot was explored since it was already brought up, but maybe some other time hehe. More of them, please.
I really enjoyed reading Wei-wei and Gao, and I'm glad there's another story with them in it. This one is different from their past "encounters" because it has a touch of paranormal, but I loved everything about it: the Chinese superstitions on the Ghost month and just the atmosphere of Changan during the Tang Dynasty... I wished the "baby" subplot was explored since it was already brought up, but maybe some other time hehe. More of them, please.
May 8, 2022
This intriguing short mystery features two of my favorite protagonists in this series, Wei-wei and Gao. I fell in love with these two in The Liar's Dice and was a total goner for them after reading The Hidden Moon. While it's not mandatory to have read both stories before Death of a Sorcerer, I highly recommend it!
As always, I love how Jeannie Lin's prose paints such a vivid picture of this world and truly brings it to life.
As always, I love how Jeannie Lin's prose paints such a vivid picture of this world and truly brings it to life.
August 26, 2024
3.5 Stars
Gao and Wei-wei are as sweet in this novella as they are in The Hidden Moon; I particularly enjoyed seeing how Wei-wei was adjusting to living in less exalted surroundings than she had grown up in.
I also really liked the peek we get at Kaifeng and Mingyu's life in this book, as they are still my favourite characters in the Pingkang Li universe.
This short novella is definitely worth a read if you are a fan of this series!
Gao and Wei-wei are as sweet in this novella as they are in The Hidden Moon; I particularly enjoyed seeing how Wei-wei was adjusting to living in less exalted surroundings than she had grown up in.
I also really liked the peek we get at Kaifeng and Mingyu's life in this book, as they are still my favourite characters in the Pingkang Li universe.
This short novella is definitely worth a read if you are a fan of this series!
April 6, 2025
A moody, bite-sized novella with lots of fun twists and turns. There’s no real resolution—it’s an almost-supernatural story rather than a classic mystery. Very evocative, and it was great to spend more time with Wei-wei and Gao. Also I laughed out loud at “rich people were too trusting. Gao knew this because Wei-wei trusted him.”
April 15, 2022
Quick read
I enjoyed this. While it could be read alone, it definitely benefits from having read at least The Liar's Dice.
This novella adds depth to Wei-wei and Gao's relationship.
I enjoyed this. While it could be read alone, it definitely benefits from having read at least The Liar's Dice.
This novella adds depth to Wei-wei and Gao's relationship.
May 27, 2022
This was really really enjoyable- a tale that combined the down-to-earth and very real life aspects of Wei Wei and Gao's relationship with the classical Tang dynasty tales of spirits.
A fantastic short tale
A fantastic short tale
April 20, 2022
Great novella! I haven’t read the previous books and probably would have gotten more out of it if I had. Still very enjoyable though!
May 31, 2022
4.5 rounded up
June 27, 2022
Death of a Sorcerer was an enjoyable supernatural mystery and continuation of Wei Wei and Gao’s relationship. It was a nice mix of sweet and creepy moments.
January 30, 2023
It was lovely to be back with Gao and Wei-Wei in this short novella. Strange and sort of disappointing ending in that the mystery isn't actually solved.
July 29, 2024
A mysterious interlude between books 3 and 4 of the series.
March 15, 2025
I don't like the ending of this one, it doesn't wrap up nicely.
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May 7, 2025This wasn’t my favorite of the bunch, but it did really highlight how much I love Wei-Wei and Gao together.
September 29, 2025
Solid novella in the Lotus Palace series.
October 23, 2026
I hate mysteries that don't resolve. 'nuff said.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 3, 2025
A nice follow up to The Hidden Moon. It was interesting to see Wei-wei and Gao adjusting to married life. It has some supernatural elements that are perfect for spooky season.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews