A Loyal Character Dancer

Inspector Chen Series, Book 2

By: Qiu Xiaolong

Narrated by: David Shih

Inspector Chen's mentor in the Shanghai Police Bureau has assigned him to escort US Marshal Catherine Rohn. Her mission is to bring Wen, the wife of a witness in an important criminal trial, to the United States. Inspector Rohn is already en route when Chen learns that Wen has unaccountably vanished from her village in Fujian. Or is this just what he is supposed to believe?

Chen resents his role; he would rather investigate the triad killing in Shanghai's beautiful Bund Park. Li insists that saving face with Inspector Rohn takes priority. So Chen Cao, the ambitious son of a father who imbued him with Confucian precepts, must tread warily as he tries once again to be a good cop, a good man and also a loyal Party member.

©2002 Qiu Xiaolong (P)2018 Tantor

Wonderful thoughtful series

The stories are very nuanced, multi-layered, and beautifully written. I love how the main character (Chief Inspector Chen) brings in relevant poems.
It’s also interesting to see Chen’s view of PRC bureaucracy (and growing oppression) evolve over the series.

Not Recommended

I did not like this book, not recommended! A Chinese Cop working with a US marshal is unbelievable

romantic and deadly shanghai

This is the second Inspector Chen book and it is thoroughly fascinating to read of the culture in China and the era of the 70's, 80's and early 1990's. These books are so well written and the performance by David Shih is lovely to listen to. Crime is the same in all cultures, but solving the whodunnit is not the same in China as it is in the US...or is it? Are we all politically directed? Perhaps.

Interesting Modern Chinese Detective Story

Interesting Modern Chinese Detective Story

I was expecting a T'ang Dynasty Judge Dee type of mystery but have been delighted by a deft modern-day detective story set in Shanghai.

David Shih does a fine job narrating this novel.

Very enjoyable read

Well written and rich in the details of Chinese culture and political background. Characters are believable and interesting.
Highly recommended.
Please Audible I would like the entire series on Audio!!