Inspector Chen

Inspector Chen

Series by Qiu Xiaolong

Dive 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