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What Members Thought

Kay
Somewhat of a disappointment. While I'm enjoying the Chinese setting, this book's plot plodded, the mystery seemed muddled, and the characters were uncharismatic, not to mention that I saw little change in the inspector's circumstances or outlook. The background on the Cultural Revolution and the effect it had on people is what was of chief interest. Expecting a conventional murder mystery to unfold seems pointless with this series, but I'm of two minds whether this is a good or bad thing.

I'm t
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Jessica
May 26, 2008 rated it liked it  ·  review of another edition
Shelves: mystery, china
Xiaolong definitely has a poetic sensibility to his writing that shifts this away from a straight mystery, but it's interesting for its take on modern China. Seeing how Chen struggles to further his own condition without sacrificing his moral code is a universally relatable struggle. ...more
Jocelyn
Jul 05, 2014 marked it as to-read