Death of a Red Heroine by Qiu Xiaolong

On Sunday I posted a short biography of Qui Xiaolong. Tonight is a review of the first book in the series featuring Inspector Chen. I am linking this review to the Alphabet in Crime Fiction at Mysteries in Paradise where it is a week for the letter "X".

****

26. - 489.) Death of a Red Heroine by Qiu Xiaolong – It is a great experience when a mystery illustrates a culture, has vivid interesting characters, delves into the personal lives of the characters and includes a convincing narrative. In 1990 the body of a young woman is found in a little used canal. The victim, Guang Hongying, turns out to be a model worker. In Communist China, early into its economic revolution, the Party is supreme. Work and housing are determined by the Party. Status in society is set by rank within the party. All aspects of life are political. Chief Inspector, Chen Cao, of the Shanghai police leads the investigation of this high profile victim. Chen reminds me of Adam Dagleish in that he is a published poet. Chen is constantly referring to classical Chinese poetry. As the investigation leads to a high cadre child (HCC) the investigation becomes even more political. The Party’s need to solve the murder confronts the Party’s need to protect the children of ranking members from scandal. Which political imperative will take precedence? Chen and his dutiful stubborn aide, Comrade Yu, seek the truth. The classic lone lawman pursuing justice despite or against the establishment takes place in a new setting and culture. The conflicting imperatives are subtly drawn. The result is never certain. The solution is suitably political. Lisa See’s mystery looked inside contemporary Communist China but was half American / half Chinese. Xiaolong’s book is all Chinese. I look forward to the next in the series. Chen is a wonderful character. Hardcover or paperback. (July 4/09) (Second Best of 2009 fiction)