The Shadow of the Empire: A Judge Dee Investigation

By Qiu Xiaolong

Book Overview

'Brilliant' -Publishers Weekly Starred Review

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 well-known 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 . . .

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1448307392
• ISBN13: 9781448307395
• Release Date: November 2022
• Publisher: Severn House
• Length: 192 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.4" x 8.4"