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4 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Based on Fact and Fiction, 9 Jan 2004
As with all the Judge Dee novels, with this book Van Gulik made an excellent job of combining the mythologised historical figure of the magistrate-detective Dee with both historical accounts of crime in 7th Century China, and a convincing imagination.To those who prefer modern crime fiction, this may be somewhat lacking in gunpowder and drugs (both of which Gulik observes were introduced to China by the west many years after Dee); but to those familiar with the famous Dee, or who wish to broaden their repertoire, this book and the other Dee novels come highly recommended.
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5.0 out of 5 stars
Judge Dee incognito and on his own, 23 Jan 2010
Plot: 669 A.D., and Judge Dee is on his way back to Poo-Yang in Central China. He is looking forward to a few days fishing in Rivertown - but this town has an Imperial Palace close to it, and the Judge gets involved in a case there (the Missing Necklace). Two more cases (The Drowned Accountant; the Runaway Wife) might or might not have something to do with his main case. A mysterious itinerant Tao monk, Master Gourd, helps him with some strange advice.
My opinion: I like this chapter in the Judge dee series, even though it is rather different from the usual: firstly, the Judge is incognito, and therefore cannot wield his usual authority. He has to be even more subtle than he usually is; secondly, Palace politics play a role, confusing almost every issue. There are deep secrets, drama, love stories; and Tao wisdom, imparted by Master Gourd. But because the Judge misses his usual henchmen he needs to do his own footwork - which, in Rivertown, means boatwork (helped by the seductive Fern) and some mud-slogging, too.
An excellent mystery/detective story, supposedly playing in Tang Dynasty times, but really set in the Ming period (16th Century). Different from the usual Judge Dee stories; but recommended to all who like these quirky, atmospheric stories. Perfect for curling up with on a winters' day!
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0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Another great Judge Dee mystery, 4 April 2009
Judge Dee is loosely based on an actual historical ancient Chinese figure, wonderfully brought to life by Gulik. As Gulik was an avid sinologist as well as diplomat and writer, he is uniquely poised to present us with every-day life in ancient China. It is this detailed knowledge of Chinese history that permeates his stories and gives them their unique flavour, and also the reason why ever since I first discovered Judge Dee, I have managed to buy all of Gulik's Judge Dee books.
Judge Dee stories are written in a way that resembles traditional Chinese conventions. Therefore, the "detective" (i.e. Judge Dee, in fact a magistrate in ancient China), deals with three different crimes in any book. These may somehow connect, but they may just as well be completely unrelated. Gulig's notes help further immerse the reader in the exotic atmosphere of ancient China.
The book is written in the familiar Gulig way, with the Judge solving these mysteries using his uncanny powers of observation and deduction, much like a modern sleuth would. However, adding to the mix Gulig's effortlessly convincing representation of ancient China and his easily-read prose, makes this another great Judge Dee book.
Highly recommended to anyone, whether a Judge Dee novice or a fan.
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