Book Review: Death of a Red Heroine

Reviewed By: Woodstock - RAM

Death of a Red Heroine     Amazon US TPB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada TPB Amazon Canada HC
Qui Xiaolong
Class/Genre:   Mystery
Series: Inspector Chen # 1

This is one of the most ironic books I have ever read. Set in Shanghai China in the years immediately after the Tienamen Square massacre, the story follows the investigation into the death of a model worker in the tightly controlled economic environment of China in the years preceding the economic reforms of the 1990's. The young woman had exceeded all standards of her assignment in a large department store. When her body surfaces in a canal, chief inspector Chen and inspector Yu of the special case squad in the homicide division of Shanghai's police department devote themselves to investigating her death using classic police procedural techniques, interviewing her coworkers and neighbors, searching her residence, and identifying the callers to her phone.

As the two policemen narrow their focus and identify a chief suspect, the political realities of 1990's China exert pressure on the two men, and they must walk a delicate tightrope to maintain their acceptability in the eyes of the powerful Communist party apparatus while persuing the investigation which begins to implicate a member of an important family.

Qui's book is a masterful combination of a classic style of mystery and an honest, rueful look into the grim reality of a totalitarian environment. Deservedly nominated for several awards!

Woodstock - RAM

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Woodstock - RAM