Another good Chen mystery. ( )

http://radiergummi.wordpress.com/2009... ( )

Chen is asked to investigate a high profile anti-corruption case, but is he set up to fail? The principal person has left China and is asking for political immunity in the U.S. Following a murder Chen is pulled from the case and sent to the U.S. as head of a delegation of Chinese writers. He continues the investigation from the U.S. and while at odds with the party brings some conclusion to the case. As always the author provides insight into contemporary China. ( )

My memories, somewhat faded, of the first books in the Inspector Chen series were of solid mystery writing set in a different culture. The fourth installment has jettisoned solid writing. Inspector Chen has jumped the shark. Right now this book is in serious contention for worst book I’ve read this year. It’s that bad.

(Full review at my blog) ( )

Another fascinating book in the Inspector Chen series which really give an insight into the preoccupations and concerns of 1990s China. In this book Chen ends up in the USA and is united, albeit briefly, with Catherine Rohn. Its a good detective novel too. ( )