Inspector Chen and the Private Kitchen Murder: Detective Inspector Chen, Book 12

by Qiu Xiaolong

Genres: Mystery; General Fiction

Synopsis

Chen Cao has been removed from his chief inspector role, but that doesn’t stop him investigating a "private kitchen" murder that has similarities to a Judge Dee story.   

No longer a chief inspector, Chen Cao finds himself as director of the Shanghai Judicial System Reform Office. To outsiders, it’s a promotion, but Chen knows he’s being removed from the spotlight as he’s immediately placed on involuntary "convalescence leave" to stop him interfering with any cases. However, with various high-profile crimes making headlines and fears escalating over vigilante reprisals, Chen’s superiors know he must at least appear active.   

One case revolves around Min Lihau, a mingyuan, who runs a "private kitchen" for powerful figures in Shanghai. Min’s accused of murdering her assistant, yet Chen is struck by its similarities to a historic case involving the famous Judge Dee. When an acquaintance of his is murdered in connection with Min, Chen knows he can’t stand idly by...but he must act in secret, under the cover of writing a Judge Dee novel.

Release date: October 5, 2021

Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.