
Inspector Chen
Series by Qiu XiaolongDive into the heart of modern China with the Inspector Chen series, where the integrity-driven cop Chen Chao navigates gripping mysteries, rich poetry, and tantalizing cuisine, revealing a captivating blend of culture, philosophy, and crime that transcends the genre.
In the shadowy alleys and vibrant streets of modern Shanghai, where ancient traditions collide with the relentless pace of change, Inspector Chen Cao navigates a world rife with secrets and subterfuge. In Qiu Xiaolong's captivating *Inspector Chen* series, readers are thrust into a society teetering on the brink, where the echoes of the Communist Party’s past still reverberate through contemporary life. As a dedicated officer and poet at heart, Chen embodies the struggle between loyalty to his superiors and a burning desire for truth. His journey begins with the chilling discovery of a young woman, a model worker and symbol of loyalty, found brutally murdered—all wrapped in a layer of political intrigue that threatens to consume him. In a relentless pursuit of justice, Chen must traverse the treacherous waters of bureaucracy and corruption, forcing him to confront the very ideals he was raised to uphold. Set against the backdrop of a rapidly transforming China, the series weaves themes of morality, betrayal, and the complexities of societal expectations, all wrapped in lyrical prose that brings the bustling metropolis to life. Each gripping narrative unveils new layers of mystery, challenging Chen to reconcile his love for the city with its dark underbelly. Join Inspector Chen on his harrowing quests that not only seek justice for the murdered but also explore the earthly realm of human frailty and ambition. With every turn of the page, you will be left yearning for the next chapter, as captivating revelations plunge you deeper into a world where every choice could be fatal.
Books in this Series
Inspector Chen
Death of a Red Heroine
Published in 2000
A Loyal Character Dancer
Published in 2002
When Red is Black
Published in 2004
A Case of Two Cities
Published in 2006
Red Mandarin Dress
Published in 2007
The Mao Case
Published in 2009
Don't Cry, Tai Lake
Published in 2012
Enigma of China
Published in 2013
Shanghai Redemption
Published in 2014
Hold Your Breath, China
Published in 2020
Becoming Inspector Chen
Published in 2021
Inspector Chen and the Private Kitchen Murder
Published in 2021
Love and Murder in the Time of Covid
Published in 2023
Inspector Chen Collections
Poems of Inspector Chen
Published in 2016
Inspector Chen and Me
Published in 2018
Judge Dee Investigation
The Shadow of the Empire
Published in 2022
The Conspiracies of the Empire
Published in 2024