The third in the acclaimed Inspector Chen series set in 1990s Shanghai - 'Sublime ... complex and riveting' Washington Post

Now a BBC Radio 4 Drama Series.

When Inspector Chen Cao agrees to do a translation job for a Triad-connected businessman he is given a laptop, a 'little secretary' to provide for his every need, medical care for his mother. There are, it seems, no strings attached . . .

Then a murder is reported: Chen is loath to shorten his working holiday, so Sergeant Yu is forced to take charge of the investigation. The victim, a middle-aged teacher, has been found dead in her tiny room in a converted multi-family house. Only a neighbour could have committed the crime, but there is no motive.

It is only when Chen returns and starts to investigate the past that he finds answers. But by then he has troubles of his own.

"This third novel offers further fascinating insights into a country and procedures so far neglected by mystery fiction . . . a great read." - Guardian

"Xiaolong's astute rendering of the many contradictions of contemporary Chinese life centres on the brilliant Inspector Chen . . . A series that might well get you hooked." - Sunday Telegraph

"Atmospheric and rich in behind the scenes detail . . . Morse of the Far East." - Independent

"The first police whodunnit written by a Chinese author in English and set in contemporary China . . . its quality matches its novelty." - The Times

"The usual enjoyable mix of murder, poetry and contradictions of contemporary Chinese culture. Chen is a splendid creation." - Independent on Sunday

"A vivid portrait of modern Chinese society . . . full of the sights, sounds and smells of Shanghai . . . A work of real distinction." - Wall Street Journal

"Qiu Xiaolong is one of the brightest stars in the firmament of modern literary crime fiction. His Inspector Chen mysteries dazzle as they entertain, combining crime with Chinese philosophy, poetry and food, Triad gangsters and corrupt officials." - Canberra Times, Australia

"Gripping . . . Chen stands in a class with Martin Cruz Smith's Russian investigator, Arkady Renko, and P.D. James's Scotland Yard inspector, Adam Dalgliesh." - Publishers Weekly

"Wonderful." - Washington Post