Audiobook6 hours
The Shadow of the Empire
Written by Qiu Xiaolong
Narrated by David Shih
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5/5
()
About this audiobook
The legendary Judge Dee Renjie investigates a high-profile murder case in this intriguing companion novel to Inspector Chen and the Private Kitchen Murder set in seventh-century China.
Judge Dee Renjie, Empress Wu’s newly appointed Imperial Circuit Supervisor for the Tang Empire, is visiting provinces surrounding the grand capital of Chang’an. One night a knife is thrown through his window with a cryptic note attached: ‘A high-flying dragon will have something to regret!’
Minutes after the ominous warning appears, Judge Dee is approached by an emissary of Internal Minister Wu, Empress Wu’s nephew. Minister Wu wants Judge Dee to investigate a high-profile murder supposedly committed by the wellknown poetess and courtesan, Xuanji, who locals believe is possessed by the spirit
of a black fox.
Why is Minister Wu interested in Xuanji? Despite Xuanji confessing to the murder, is there more to the case than first appears? With the mysterious warning and a fierce power struggle playing out at the imperial court, Judge Dee knows he must tread carefully …
Judge Dee Renjie, Empress Wu’s newly appointed Imperial Circuit Supervisor for the Tang Empire, is visiting provinces surrounding the grand capital of Chang’an. One night a knife is thrown through his window with a cryptic note attached: ‘A high-flying dragon will have something to regret!’
Minutes after the ominous warning appears, Judge Dee is approached by an emissary of Internal Minister Wu, Empress Wu’s nephew. Minister Wu wants Judge Dee to investigate a high-profile murder supposedly committed by the wellknown poetess and courtesan, Xuanji, who locals believe is possessed by the spirit
of a black fox.
Why is Minister Wu interested in Xuanji? Despite Xuanji confessing to the murder, is there more to the case than first appears? With the mysterious warning and a fierce power struggle playing out at the imperial court, Judge Dee knows he must tread carefully …
Author
Qiu Xiaolong
Qiu Xiaolong was born in Shanghai and, since 1988, has lived in St. Louis, Missouri. A poet and a translator, he has an MA and a Ph.D. from Washington University. He is the author of several previous novels featuring Inspector Chen, including the award-winning Death of a Red Heroine and A Case of Two Cities.
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Reviews for The Shadow of the Empire
Rating: 4.3125 out of 5 stars
4.5/5
8 ratings1 review
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Tang period Murder mystery!Judge Dee is called upon by Emperoress Wu to unofficially investigate the incarceration and upcoming execution of renowned poetess Xuanji.This is indeed a time when the phrase, “Off with her head!” Is no mean threat. Talk about down the rabbit hole for Dee!A lively return to one of my favorite historical Chinese detectives, the Honorable Judge Dee, “Dee Renjie, the newly appointed Imperial Circuit Supervisor of the Tang Empire.”Of course things are not simple. Powerful people are paying close attention to this case and it looks like Dee is being sandwiched in the middle.A fan of Robert van Gulik‘s Judge Dee tales, I found Qiu Xiaolon’s contribution (author of Inspector Chen works) well worth the read.…And Xuanji’s poetry! Brilliant!A Severn House ARC via NetGalley Please note: Quotes taken from an advanced reading copy maybe subject to change