Silent Reading: Mo Du (Novel) Vol. 1

Silent Reading: Mo Du (Novel) #1

by Priest, yuka (Translator), Nande M (Translator)

The hit danmei thriller from the author behind Guardian: Zhen Hun and Stars of Chaos: Sha Po Lang–both available from Seven Seas!

A young man’s body is found outside a glitzy high-rise on the West Side of Yancheng—dressed for celebration, strangled, and left with a sheet of paper covering his face. One word is scrawled across it: money.

To Sergeant Luo Wenzhou, head of the Criminal Investigation Team at the Yancheng Municipal Public Safety Bureau, it’s just another case in a city rife with power plays and buried secrets. But as he digs deeper with his team, what begins as a straightforward homicide unravels into something far murkier—reaching into the city’s darkest corners of wealth, privilege, and police corruption.

And then there’s Fei Du: the aloof, razor-sharp CEO of the Fei Corporation, who seems to know far too much about the murder—and about Luo Wenzhou himself. Once a troubled youth with ties to Luo’s past, Fei Du now walks a fine line between brilliant ally and inscrutable suspect. His insights are disturbingly precise. His motives? Frustratingly opaque.

As the investigation twists through layers of trauma and moral ambiguity, Luo Wenzhou finds himself reluctantly drawn toward the very man who unsettles him most. But in a city where justice is easily bought and truth wears many masks, can either man afford to trust the other?

Genres: Mystery, Romance, Fiction, LGBT, Queer, Contemporary, Crime

364 pages, Paperback

Published December 23, 2025

About the author

Associated Names:
* Priest
* พีต้า (Thai Profile)

Reviews

[lily ⊹ ₊ ⁺ · Rating 5 out of 5]

one of my fav novels ever. seeing it get a translation is just wonderful <3

[hope]

wow i just saw this cover now, it's so gorgeous (i never pre-ordered a book so quick) 😍 i'm so glad we're getting a official translation for this!!!

[Queens Love Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

"If someone gives you that look, it means they're counting on you. No matter what, never, ever betray that trust."

I really enjoy books like this, especially crime and mystery with a danmei angle, so I went into this knowing it would probably be my kind of read. Volume one on its own barely feels like danmei yet since there is no real romance between the main characters at this point, but with priest, I am more than willing to be patient. What I appreciated most was how serious and grounded the story felt. It does not rush to entertain or comfort you. Instead, it asks you to pay attention, to sit with uncertainty, and to follow a case that unfolds slowly and sometimes uncomfortably. I liked that it trusted me as a reader and did not over explain or force momentum where it did not belong.

Luo Wenzhou and Fei Du were easily my favorite part. Luo Wenzhou feels sharp, stubborn, and deeply principled, the kind of character who hides concern behind sarcasm and constant motion. He feels lived in, shaped by responsibility and a refusal to look away when things get messy. Fei Du, on the other hand, is controlled, observant, and unsettlingly calm. There is emotional distance there, but not emptiness. What stood out most was how much tension they generate just by talking. Their conversations feel intentional and charged, full of irritation, awareness, and something unspoken that keeps pulling them back together.

This book is heavy and methodical, and I can see why some readers struggle with the pacing. Progress can feel slow, and there is very little emotional relief. Justice is not neat, and discomfort lingers. For me, that was part of the appeal. I enjoy crime fiction that focuses on consequences, ethical compromise, and the long shadow of decisions. This was a demanding read, but a rewarding one, and it left me confident that sticking with the series will be worth it.

Date Read: 2026.01.26

[Riki (˶˃⤙˂˶) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4,5 💫

This was great! Absolutely love Fei Du and the tension between Fei and Luo Wenzhou is just incredible.
Really looking forward to the 2nd volume!

(*≧∀≦*)

[Yvonne D · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.45 ★

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved silent reading 💕 it is definitely for people who want a strong plot with their romance. I’m so excited to read this new translation of it.

[Cyndi · Rating 5 out of 5]

SO GOOD! I'm kind of mad at myself for starting a series like this when there's only one volume out (of six!) but too late now.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

Meatbun me ha malacostumbrado. He echado en falta mucho salseo entre los protas, pero el caso no ha estado mal.

[mara - hyrulevalkyrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gahhh I loved this!! It felt like watching a crime drama and reading through the peak of the “episode” was thrilling. I can’t wait to read the next volume

[Ope · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars ✨

[Nadia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Китайцы такие китайцы. Можно сразу сказать, что читаешь азиатскую литературу, хотя говорят, что менталитет - это придуманная вещь. Ни фига. Зацикленность на внешности и еде - это я еще в трилогии Crazy Rich Asians заметила.
Но мне на удивление понравилось. Хотя, возможно, я потеряла какую-то часть истории от того, что не читала Красное и черное.
Мне понравилось. Интересная история и довольно увлекательное расследование. Отношения между двумя детективами и Фэй Ду до конца не понятны. Так же как и ориентация капитана Ло. Все-таки довольно завуалированно они все подают, наверное, чтоб в случае чего можно было бы отвертеться. За расследованием интересно следить, хотя поведение и мысли героев и ставили местами в тупик.
Фэй Ду выступает тут в качестве неофициального консультанта, а команда капитана Ло умудряется расследовать параллельно несколько дел, которые, впочем, закучиваются в процессе в один клубок.
Это законченная история, несмотря на то, что, видимо, будет частью цикла. Но можно вполне себе взять читать и после нее не брать вторую часть. А можно взять.

[Sleepy Zirka · Rating 4 out of 5]

✧˖°.˗ˏˋ SILENT READING ˊ˗˖°.✧
----- ----- ----- ----- -----

“Jeez. Aren’t you ritzy,” Luo Wenzhou said with his cigarette still in his mouth. “I’m terrified. Sounds like us poor peasants need to go borrow some money from Daddy Fei.” He blew a kiss at the man as he was stuffed into the police car. “Bye-bye.”

----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Characters: ★★★★★
World Building: ★★★☆☆
Plot: ★★★★☆
Tension: ★★★★☆
Writing style: ★★★★☆
Entertainment: ★★★★☆
Romance/Smut: ★★★☆☆

Overall Score: ★ 3.9/5.0 ★ 8/10 ★

One of the big Priest bangers finally hit the official English market! And alone seeing the art when you flip through is magical enough, but to reread this intricately woven, high stakes detective story in its final form is a sight for the eyes. It is to note there was some discourse about the Version that was published (and i have grudges it is 6 instead of the original 5 volumes)
---- ----- ----- ----- -----
˗ˏˋ The Story ˊ˗

Luo Wenzhou, a criminal investigator hardened by years on the force, knows better than to believe in coincidence. When a case involving missing and abused children lands on his desk, it quickly escalates- from a single death to a trail of linked crimes buried under years of neglect. Each lead uncovers another failure: families that looked away, institutions that closed ranks, victims no one bothered to count.

Enter Fei Du. Rich. Brilliant. Emotionally vacant. Pulled in as a psychological consultant after his insights crack open the case, though his interest in it feels anything but professional. As they chase suspects through false confessions, manipulated witnesses, and carefully staged crimes, the truth emerges piece by piece- this wasn’t one act of violence, but something cultivated slowly, deliberately.

Forced to work side by side, Luo Wenzhou’s instinct clashes with Fei Du’s detached logic. The case closes. The city moves on. But some damage doesn’t disappear, and some minds (especially Fei Du’s) refuse to stay neatly contained.
----- ----- ----- ----- -----
˗ˏˋ My Two Cents ˊ˗

*Cracks open a bottle of sparkling water.* Ahh so refreshing to revisit a work... i rarely get the luxury~ Anyways i read this one right after my mom finished it from my physical collection (ironically, because i owned a non-english copy beforehand yippee)

I didnt read this with both eyes, rather skimmed through it seeing all the key points unfold again, i cant tell you enough, how much enjoyment i had reading this Danmei. It is fair to say it will not appeal to many people, priest certainly has a certain way of writing that might be unappealing and detailed, dragging it into a somber and dark mood (My mom words haha~) But it is fair to criticize this aspect of it. the characters are strong and the dynamic between them is outstanding.
----- ----- ----- ----- -----
- Series ☆ 3.6/5 ☆ -

[ Silent Reading Vol. 1 ] ★ 3.9/5.0 ★ 8/10 ★
[ Silent Reading Vol. 2 ] ★ x/5.0 ★ x/10 ★
[ Silent Reading Vol. 3 ] ★ x/5.0 ★ x/10 ★
[ Silent Reading Vol. 4 ] ★ x/5.0 ★ x/10 ★
[ Silent Reading Vol. 5 ] ★ x/5.0 ★ x/10 ★
[ Silent Reading Vol. 6 ] ★ x/5.0 ★ x/10 ★

[Katelynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I try to read most published danmei, but this book specifically stood out to me due to the cover art and the murder mystery plot line.

My initial impression of the book is that it’s written in a very different style than I expected. The mystery and inner workings of the police and their politics definitely take center stage in the story. To the point that I personally feel the main characters and their dynamics are a bit underdeveloped. I did enjoy the characters, the main lead especially, from what is shown of them. However, my connection to them feels a bit lacking.

If you want to pick up a novel that is very character-focused or relationship-focused, this is not it.

If you want a murder mystery, then it does definitely deliver on that front. It took me a bit to get interested in the mystery they were spinning, but that may have been due to me adjusting my expectations. Once I got a bit into the book, I found the plot pretty compelling and did enjoy it. The characters personalities in how they approached the investigation were quite interesting.

It is certainly one of the more plot-focused danmeis, especially at this point, where it is only the first book. That is something to keep in mind if you’re considering picking it up. However, I think the main characters have a lot of potential and an interesting relationship. I am looking forward to seeing how it develops in later volumes.

Rating: 3.5/5

[Massshkat · Rating 5 out of 5]

4,5⭐️ for the slow beginning, otherwise this novel is great 🛐

[Pau · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Luo le hace tilín Fei Du, no tengo pruebas, pero tampoco dudas 👀

[iz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, yeah. The tension between Luo Wenzhou and Fei Du is delicious. With heated hatred, they still manage to work together.

[Dante:) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh

[Binghe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Me encanta la dinámica que tienen los protas, ese pique entre ellos es increíble, no puedo esperar a que se relacione más su relación en los tomos posteriores. Además, conociendo a Priest y viendo lo descarados que son ambos, va a ser muy muy gracioso.

Por otro lado, el caso me ha dejado boquiabierta, no estoy acostumbrada a leer danmeis (ni libros en general) en setting moderno, pero sorprendentemente no me ha supuesto ningún impedimento para disfrutar el libro.

[Yuanfen · Rating 5 out of 5]

HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

[Arielliasa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Опять же, у меня целый вагон китайских новелл, которые нужно прочитать прямо здесь и сейчас, но они почему-то продолжают пылиться в электронке. Эта же «выбралась» оттуда только из-за экранизации. У меня уже правило — отсматриваю часть дорамы и берусь за чтение, чтобы не совершить очередную ошибку и не разочароваться в экранизации. Естественно, читала я не этот кастрат, хоть и с красивой обложкой, а полный текст. Эту версию выбрала чисто из-за того, что захотела проглотить новеллу не залпом, а по томам, и нужно было как-то выплёскивать свои эмоции не сразу на весь роман, а на отдельные части.

Вообще, я как-то совсем иначе представляла себе сюжет. Не в романтическом плане, а в том, что оба главных героя будут работать в паре и действительно помогать друг другу в расследовании, но всё оказалось немного не так. Ло Вэньчжоу — капитан отдела уголовного розыска: яркий и справедливый, но при этом довольно резкий в своих высказываниях. Ему поручают расследовать дело убитого парнишки, который год назад приехал в большой город из деревушки. Бедняжку задушили и выбросили в подворотне, а единственный подозреваемый — богатый и недалёкий господин, воспринимающий других людей как ненужные и жалкие игрушки. И пока герой вместе с командой ищут улики, Фэй Ду — один из знакомых подозреваемого и по совместительству знакомый Ло Вэньчжоу, незримой тенью следует за ними, вмешиваясь в расследование.

Странно, что при всей нелюбви к детективам на тему коррупции, мне действительно понравилось. То ли свою роль сыграли интересные персонажи, то ли своеобразный юмор писательницы, которым она пользовалась так мастерски, что он не казался лишним. Было любопытно следить за детективной линией, и это несмотря на то, что финал для меня уже был известен из-за дорамы. В отличие от дорамы, новелла куда сильнее прорабатывает сюжетные ходы, и все те люди, которые писали, что не понимают, что происходит в экранизации, я вас немного понимаю. Основной костяк присутствовал, но только прочитав том, история для меня стала полноценной.

Основная линия тут детективная. Юмор и хоть какой-то намёк на романтику — дело второстепенное. Герои настолько погрязли в расследовании, что едят и спят на работе и постоянно ходят с недосыпом, и всё для того, чтобы отыскать убийцу. Пока что самый яркий персонаж лично для меня — Ло Вэньчжоу. Он каждый раз представляется разным, и сложно составить его полную характеристику, но он такой хороший мужчина. Честный, взрослый, и даже та резкость, которая «преследует» его, не превращает его в раздражающего персонажа. Он тот ещё притворщик и точно знает, когда нужно закрыть рот, чтобы добиться лучшего развития событий.

С Фэй Ду сложнее. Пока пишу отзыв на первый том, практически дочитала третий, и какого-то оформленного мнения об этом человеке у меня не появилось. Он везде разный, и, наверное, мои неправильные ожидания от него сыграли со мной злую шутку. Я знала, что он намного моложе первого героя, но в моей голове этот персонаж представлялся абсолютно другим, и я до сих пор «застряла» с этим мною же выдуманным героем, которого никогда в реальности не существовало. Возможно, ближе к финалу я «распробую» его, но пока впечатление неоднозначное. Я вроде люблю скрытных персонажей, но этот уж больно часто меняет маски.

Сама история, несмотря на юмор, печальная. Антагонист — отвратительный человек, тёмная сторона Китая пугает, и в целом вся эта детективная линия преисполнена жестокостью. Тут тебе и подробные описания проституции, повальной коррупции в полиции и того, как далеко могут завести деньги людей. И вишенкой на этом трагичном торте — история самой жертвы, которому настолько не везло в жизни, что даже финал его вышел душераздирающим.

[LATRELL BRICE · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

This read was very amazing. I binged read this in a day or two.

I’m still fairly new to danmei (this my 3rd physical book Danmei, I read a few manhua online and watched Heavens Official Blessing and Demonic Cultivation )and despite knowing that this author has multiple well-known works (like Stars of Chaos, which will be my next read), this was my first book by Priest. And wow, I genuinely and thoroughly enjoyed Volume 1 of this series.

I’m an investigation girly. I love crime stories. I love mysteries. I love trying to solve things as I read. I watch shows like Forensic Files and Cold Case studies, so this novel immediately pulled me in. If you enjoy the mystery genre, this book will absolutely pique your interest.

One thing I do want to point out, because I’ve noticed this going into danmei is that some readers may be looking primarily for romance. This is, first and foremost, a crime story. Don’t come into Volume 1 expecting romance, at least not yet. And honestly? That’s perfectly fine. The plot carries this book extremely well on its own.

That said, if the main characters, Fei Du and Luo Wenzhou, do eventually develop a romantic relationship in later volumes, this first book lays excellent groundwork. Their dynamic starts off tense and uneasy, and the progression by the end of Volume 1 feels very believable, very earned, and thoughtfully paced. Nothing feels rushed or forced.

As for the mystery itself, I won’t spoil anything, but if you’re good with crime stories, you may pick up on hints. You might also get thrown off. The story does a great job of misdirection while still feeling fair to the reader.

What really stood out to me is that the volume ends with answers, but not closure. There’s still a lingering sense that there’s more beneath the surface and not just with the case, but especially with Fei Du and the unresolved questions surrounding his parents. It leaves you wanting to keep reading, to understand the characters more deeply, and to see how everything connects.


Overall, this was an incredibly strong first volume, and I am very much looking forward to Volume 2.

[Padme83 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ho iniziato il 2026 nello stesso identico modo in cui ho iniziato il 2025: leggendo Priest- quindi, non penso proprio di potermi lamentare. Ritrovare la sua penna acuta e sferzante - e a tratti decisamente spassosa, più vicina allo stile di Guardian che a Shapolang, al momento - è stato un vero piacere, così come è bastato pochissimo a farmi immediatamente sciogliere per i due protagonisti e i loro continui battibecchi, dato che la loro relazione allo stato attuale si regge sostanzialmente sul saltarsi alla gola a vicenda. Ma proprio qui sta il bello! Questo primo volume ha settato per bene l'ambientazione e dato un tratteggio deciso al mood, sebbene il vero fulcro della narrazione sia stato a malapena accennato. Il caso però è stato davvero interessante da seguire - abbastanza classico, ma con qualche pennellata noir qua e là (non troppo disturbante per ora). Luo Wenzhou sa il fatto suo nel fare il suo lavoro e non ha paura di dimostrarlo, e io già sono presa completamente dal suo modo di fare e di essere. E Fei Du... Fei Du è l'enigma da risolvere, non credo che di lui in realtà ci sia stato concesso di intravedere altro se non un sottile strato superficiale e a suo modo ingannevole. Tutto in lui è ambiguo e studiato, anche l'azione o il pensiero all'apparenza più semplice. Non vedo l'ora di spacchettarlo per bene pezzo dopo pezzo (insieme a Luo Wenzhou, naturalmente).

EDIT:
One week later...

Riassumendo:
- dopo 1000 e passa pagine lette a tempo di record (l'edizione 7/s prevede 6 volumi, per cui fate voi il conto);
- dopo essere andata a dormire per un'intera settimana a orari ASSOLUTAMENTE NON COMPATIBILI con il mio stile di vita, perché "non ho bisogno di dormire, ho bisogno di risposte";
- dopo aver letto l'ultima riga dell'ultimo extra e aver fissato il vuoto per un periodo di tempo che francamente al momento non sarei in grado di quantificare;
- dopo aver ascoltato "You raise me up" in loop e aver avuto un crollo emotivo di discreta entità, che però - forse - è riuscito a sciogliere un paio di nodi che mi tenevo dentro da un po';
insomma, dopo tutto questo delirio io NON SONO in alcun modo pronta/disposta a lasciarli andare, per cui ricomincerò la lettura da capo quanto prima per poterla affrontare questa volta con più calma, soffermandomi con la dovuta attenzione su tutti gli aspetti di questa storia che mi hanno stregata.
Al primo volume avevo dato un 4/5 che alla luce di tutto il resto non ha proprio più nessun motivo di esistere, perché Mo Du non si può nemmeno definire un 5/5, ma qualcosa di molto, molto di più. Al livello del MXTX trio e di Erha, per intenderci.
What a ride guys.
(E adesso non mi resta altro da fare che scegliere il demone da evocare e a cui vendere non solo l'anima mia ma anche quella dei miei parenti fino al decimo grado per riuscire a vedere la serie).
(Ah, certo, dimenticavo. Io l'anima l'ho già venduta. A Fei Du).

[Lid · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

Entre lineas es la primera parte de una trilogía de un danmei policíaco donde un grupo de policías investiga casos que se acercan a una corrupción política y hay un chavalillo rico que se acaba metiendo.

El inicio me costó bastante, porque los casos en general me cuestan y si además me metes un montón de nombres chinos... Se agradece mucho el glosario final, porque andé muy perdida.

Igualmente empieza lentito, pero es de esas historias fáciles de leer que sin darte cuenta te tiene atrapada. Capítulos cortos y muchos cambios de perspectiva lo hacen una historia muy dinámica.

Por su parte los personajes son muy de danmei, lo cual me hace mucha gracia y a la vez me deja con ganas de más, pues apenas ha habido avance en las relaciones pero al final se vislumbra una que necesiiiiiito.

El inspector me hace mucha gracia, es de usar todo lo que tiene da igual como afecte. Su relación con el compi es graciosa y el niño rico introvertido me tiene así 👀

Fei Du aka 'niño rico' se mete en la investigación por cercanía y porque el chaval tiene buenas ideas. Me encanta como no es policía pero lo meten igual y estoy living por ver su evolución con el inspector, que es muy arisca de inicio pero promete.

En definitiva, una primera parte muy amena y que si te gustan los casos de policía, te lo vas a beber. Supone una primera introducción al mundo y a los personajes y me deja con ganas de seguir descubriéndolo todo.

[Rae · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was definitely my favorite Priest book I’ve ever read. It could just be because the American market is so saturated in historical/fantasy danmei so a modern mystery is a breath of fresh air by comparison. Nonetheless, I had a wonderful time. This book had basically no romance and was just an action filled mystery novel. Luo Wenzhou was out there fighting for his life and solving crime and it was so satisfying to watch. I also loved that Fei Du was basically their profiler. I don’t know why they didn’t seem to know what a profiler was and acted like it was weird that he could put himself into criminal’s minds to figure out what they would do. I am begging for there to be more Fei Du profiling in the rest of the series because I liked how he was super good at it but not made out to be infallible which can be seen in tense moments where he starts to doubt his feelings about what the killer would do or when he isn’t able to diving precise locations because it isn’t some magic power, it’s just putting together the tangible piece he has along with guesswork about the profile he has. I loved Luo Wenzhou and Fei Du’s banter and I can’t wait for more of it in the upcoming books because there were so many times they had me laughing out loud as I read. Overall a very entertaining book. I am 100% in for the long haul with this series.

[HELEN ZHANG · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read the original web novel in Chinese by Priest, and after reading this, while it retained all the details, wit and plot of the original, I advise the publisher spend some time going over the translated draft. For I found some spelling mistakes, grammatical errors, and proverbs that didn't make sense in context.

For example, in chapter 24 one line said "He didn't manage to get Luo Wenzhou's goat." This proverb technically makes sense when you look it up, but it's one that's rarely used in writing that it'd only confuse the reader. Something like "That didn't annoy Luo Wenzhou, it'd only make him burst into laughter" would've been better.

Also, consistency in the character names would be helpful, since I've found the book uses nickname and the full name in the same paragraph/sentence. With already the confusing set of Chinese names and vast characters, this would only further confuse the reader.

All in all, I'm grateful for the official translation since I can finally share my love for this series with my English speaking friends. So please pardon my nitpick as I only wish the story can be read and loved by more people. Since the other books are coming out later, I hope this review gets through and the publisher can consider my suggestions and put it through in those.

[Aron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Esta novela pertenece al género danmei, y aunque podría definirse como una especie de novela negra, lo cierto es que su tono es más ligero y accesible.

La historia gira en torno a un caso policial que actúa como columna vertebral de la trama, pero el foco real está en sus protagonistas. Tanto ellos como los personajes secundarios están muy bien construidos: tienen carisma, profundidad y una forma de ser que los hace interesantes desde el primer momento.

Me ha gustado mucho el desarrollo de la investigación, que se siente orgánica y nada forzada. A medida que los personajes avanzan, las pistas traen consigo nuevas revelaciones que empujan la trama hacia delante sin sentirse artificiales.

La relación entre los dos protagonistas comienza siendo tensa, pero se va suavizando de forma natural conforme progresa el caso. Ambos tienen un pasado complicado que pesa sobre ellos, y eso los hace más humanos y atractivos como personajes. Te invita a querer conocerlos mas.

En conjunto, es una lectura que he disfrutado mucho. La recomiendo especialmente a quienes les guste el género policiaco pero no busquen caer en los clichés de la novela negra clásica.

[Shaun "AceFireFox" · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this. Pretty much all the Danmei in my pile are historical and this is the only one, really, that's contemporary (I don't count KinnPorsche, because that's Thai, not Chinese) and I was toying with reading it for a while then decided to just preorder it and be done with it.
A modern murder mystery Danmei? Now that's interesting.

It does take a while to get going and it took a little bit for me to get used to the switching POVs as well as keeping track of the names of some of the characters, especially two that are fairly similar, but it is very enjoyable and keeps you interested. At least it did for me. Especially when it really got interesting around the halfway point when the first real "action" sort of happens.

Priest is praised as one of the best authors and I do have Stars of Chaos on my list and I'm debating on Guardian. I am glad I gave this a go and I'm really looking forward to where it goes from here, especially considering, on reading the synopsis for the next one, there was something mentioned at the end that is connected to the plot of the next book.

[Meri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having previously enjoyed Sha Po Lang and Guardian, I had to pick this up right when it came out in English.

Priest definitely delivered again with a well-thought-out plot and characters who clearly have more depth than what may initially meet the eye.

The first volume maps out the story with a murder mystery and potential corruption with different plot lines moving along innthe background. I enjoyed the mystery/ detective work and interactions with the characters.

Unlike the two other books I've read by priest, Silent Reading felt slightly simpler, perhaps due to its contemporary setting and subsequent lack of historical details, coirt politics or supernatural powers. This made it a bit more enjoyable for me as I didn't have to re-read passages like I sometimes did with Guardian.

It is worth noting the book contains heavy themes even if not super explicit, including human trafficking, drug use, sexual abuse etc.

Can't wait for volume 2!

[akira · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this story so much, and it gets better every time I read it. I was really excited that modu got an official license - the fan tl was already amazing, and the official tl is just as good.

silent reading is a modern. dark crim thriller. volume 1 seems to be a pretty straightforward murder mystery, but there are things being set in motion here, that is going to show up again and again in the following arcs. it really is very brilliant storytelling.

and of course volume 1 also introduces and sets up our two main characters - fei du, a rich young master with a talent for crime, and luo wenzhou, a sergeant of the criminal investigation team. their bickering and clashes are entertaining, and at first its from a place of genuine distaste and misunderstanding. later, after they work together and know each other better, its starts to become something different.

[Cristina Mayordomo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tres estrellas y media.

He tardado poquísimo en leerme esta historia. Quiero ponerme con el danmei y tengo uno a medias, mucho más complicado al ser de fantasía. Entre líneas en un thriller bien llevado, con una investigación policial que se puede adaptar con mucha facilidad y unos personajes bien escritos a los que quiero conocer más. Eso sí, la falta de costumbre me ha hecho confundirme con los nombres chicos, pero es algo que se pasa con el tiempo y la práctica :) Y tengo una queja muy fuerte: la gente de 48 años no es anciana. NO. ES. ANCIANA. ¡Qué manía! XDD

Lo mejor: La dinámica entre los protas.
Lo peor: Ciertas partes de la investigación me han resultado un pelín confusas.