法醫秦明系列：第十一根手指

法医秦明 #3

by Qín Míng 秦明

手術刀，是法醫的第十一根手指

還原最殘酷的凶案現場
揭發屍體下的沉默控訴

暢銷30萬冊「法醫秦明」系列，超越《屍語者》、《無聲的證詞》。
14起發生在你我身邊的凶案， 讓你輾轉難眠、夜不能寐。

擁有醫學和法律雙學位、現任物證鑒定中心主檢法醫秦明
真人真事改編，揭露第一手案發現場
用最專業的法醫知識，抽絲剝繭出破案方向

人的死因，不外乎外傷、窒息、中毒、疾病四大類，但死狀卻有千百種，凶案現場可以布置、作假，遺留的線索會隨時間消失，目擊民眾的證詞會以訛傳訛，現場唯一能說真話的，只有屍體。秦明用14起案件告訴你：「眼睛看到的不一定真實，只有手術刀，才能解讀死者最後的語言。」

◆凶手為什麼要油炸屍體？
警方破獲製造「地溝油」的黑心集團，在查獲的油桶中，赫然發現殘留一截「炸過的手指」，而身體其他部分同樣被油炸過，丟入下水道。究竟與死者有多麼大的仇恨，下手竟如此凶殘？

◆新的棄屍手法「割槽綑綁」
被拋棄於社區垃圾桶內的碎屍塊，外側皆被凶手用刀子割出横向傷口，就像溝槽一般，警方發現時，被掏空內臟的碎屍殘骸就赤裸裸地躺在垃圾桶裡，被繩子穿透綑綁，凶手的用意是什麼？

◆沒有致命外傷的屍體，怎麼找出死因？
女孩全身赤祼，蜷縮在行李箱中，一旁擺著自身衣物。肩膀的怪異傷痕不是致命傷，也非強姦殺人。驗屍結果已排除損傷、窒息、中毒死亡，女孩到底怎麼死的？

◆用法醫擅用的「掏舌頭法」殺人？
路旁草叢發現一具爛肉屍體，幾乎白骨化的殘骸遍布四處，內臟組織卻沒有切斷的痕跡，更以法醫的專業解剖法掏舌頭取出全套內臟，每一具屍體不是多一只器官，就是少了一只。

勘驗過程中，所有嫌疑皆指向秦明，他最可怕的對手，是和他一樣擁有專業知識和純熟技術的「第十一根手指」。

秦明要如何揭開凶手陰謀、解剖最殘暴的凶案現場，還原最陰暗的人性殺念？

Genres: Fiction, Mystery, Detective, Crime, Thriller, China, Chinese Literature

384 pages, Paperback

First published May 27, 2014

About the author

Qín Míng (秦明), a lead medical examiner by trade, started his long career early and earned the nickname Old Qin. His perceptive analysis of countless bodies earned him another: the Corpse Whisperer. He uses his deft hands to right wrongs and his Buddhist heart to wish for world peace. His bestselling novels have sold hundreds of thousands of copies.

Reviews

[Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was written by a medical examiner living in China. The ME and his team of forensic scientists go to murder scenes throughout the province, providing the police invaluable assistance in solving crimes. The book opens with the team at the scene of a fraudulent cooking oil factory. A human finger has been discovered and this leads them to murders committed by a serial murderer. While they track this murderer they respond to numerous other deaths and resolve those in one or two chapters.
I believe that this book corresponds to what a ME does in China, but all the unrelated deaths distract from the main mystery. Because the author is an ME known as the "corpse whisperer", I suspect he used this book to illustrate his prowess at solving crimes. There is a lot of technical information which the squeamish readers will not like. I rate it 3.5 stars out of five( rounded down to three). Thanks to NetGalley.com and AmazonCrossing for this book in return for an honest review.

[Như Goo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Có thể rate 10 sao khum????

[Thai Hoang · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ngón tay thứ mười một - Pháp y Tần Minh 3.5/5⭐️

Là phần cuối trong bộ ba cuốn của Pháp y Tần Minh, cách kể về các vụ án cũng giống như hai cuốn trước đó không có gì nổi bật hơn, có chăng là sự logic tốt hơn mà thôi. Vẫn là lực lượng cảnh sát, điều tra viên phế lòi, còn pháp y siêu phàm cái gì cũng nhúng tay vào mới giải quyết được vụ án. Nói chung đọc xong ba cuốn này thì mình thấy chắc không cần đọc thêm các cuốn khác của ông nữa nếu vẫn cách viết, cách kể như này.

P/s: Cùng không biết cụ thể cái seri này có bao nhiêu tập nữa, nhưng thấy ba cuốn này làm với sự thống nhất mình nghĩ những cuốn còn lại là các tập độc lập.

[Vivian Trương · Rating 5 out of 5]

Án giết người hàng loạt chặt xác trong cuốn này sao tình tiết thì nhiều nhưng kết tìm ra hung thủ phá hơi nhanh, nếu chậm chút chắc sẽ hay và bất ngờ hơn! Vẫn cho 4 sao, xuất sắc quá!

[Minh Trang · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chuyên án Ba sáu đã khép lại rồi, và thật sự nó rất là buồn các cậu ạ. Mấy hôm trước mình mới đọc cuốn Thư của Higashino Keigo, cũng nói về tâm trạng của thân nhân kẻ tử tù. Nhưng trong Ngón tay thứ 11, câu chuyện của người thân tử tù này có biết bao đau xót. Tất nhiên là người đó cực kì đáng trách khi giết hại đến 4 mạng người, nhưng thật sự cũng có những phần đáng thương quá đỗi.

Danh hiệu "vụ án đặc sắc nhất" thuộc về vụ án số 1 Kỳ án chiên dầu. Nó đã làm cho kẻ đọc trinh thám lâu năm không thấy rợn như mình phải bụm miệng nôn khan vì quá ư là hãi hùng. Thật sự ấn tượng đó :))

Thật sự là một series đáng đọc ạ! ^^
-----
[Đọc lại lần 2]

Lần này mình có thể thản nhiên vừa ăn cơm vừa đọc mà không thấy ghê thấy hãi nữa rồi 🤣

Chuyên án 36 được phá một cách rất là hên xui :))) tình cờ mọi người đi ôm cây đợi thỏ mà thỏ lại đến thật hehe 😁
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Btw, bạn nào muốn mua sách đẹp với giá hợp lý thì ghé page mình xem nha :")
facebook.com/hieusachcuaGaby ❤

[Elaine Tomasso · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would like to thank Netgalley and AmazonCrossing for an advance copy of Murder In Dragon City, a forensics procedural set in Dragon City, China.

This is a most unusual novel and it held me fascinated. It is basically a series of short stories woven into a serial killer investigation. There appears to be a serial killer on the loose in Dragon City. Medical Examiner, Qin Ming and his team, Big Bao, forensic intern and Lin Tao, trace detective, know this by the M.O. of disembowelment and the finding of a body part from the previous victim. Unfortunately they have little else to go on so the case doesn't get very far although it is constantly on their minds. So while this case simmers on the back burner they are sent all over the province to help other police departments solve their murders.

Told in the first person Murder In Dragon City is a very readable novel as it has a nice easy style. I think some of the credit for this should go to Alex Woodend, the translator, who has done an excellent job, albeit American English. The team have an excellent rapport with everyone contributing to the solutions in a friendly atmosphere.

I wouldn't say you get to know a great deal about China or its people from the novel, in fact it could probably be set anywhere in the world where public employees are underpaid and overworked, but as the novel is about crime solving I don't see it as an issue.

I have awarded this novel fours stars as I liked it and think it is a good read. I couldn't stretch to five because there is too much technical detail in it for me - I'm more of a broad brushstroke reader.

[Junie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tập này thì mình đọc thấy ko cuốn bằng 2 tập trước nữa.
Nhìn chung thì nội dung mỗi vụ án đều rất hay, nhưng motip cứ lặp đi lặp lại, gặp xác chết rồi phá án suôn sẻ, nên kiểu cũng ko có gì bất ngờ, giống như chờ nghe giải thích thôi.
Hơn nữa là câu chốt bí ẩn ở cuối tập 2 mãi ko thấy nhắc tới.
Chuyên án ba sáu thì tình tiết khá nhỏ giọt nên cũng khó gây hứng thú. Nhưng mà 1 chuyên án tưởng chừng phức tạp như vậy lại được phá nhanh chóng vánh chỉ nhờ một sự tình cờ. Dù tác giả cũng có nói đi nói lại về sự tình cờ nhưng mà vẫn cảm thấy phá án nhẹ nhàng quá.
Hung thủ thì vừa đáng trách vừa đáng thương. Nhưng mình thấy vô duyên nhiều hơn. Rõ ràng là tình trạng bi thảm đó ko hẳn là do người chồng bị bắt, mà là do vừa gặp xui xẻo vừa sống trong nhung lụa từ nhỏ nên ko đủ khả năng đương đầu với cuộc sống. Và khi gặp khó khăn họ tìm cách đổ lỗi lên một thực thể bất kì chứ thực ra là ko liên quan lắm (chỉ mỗi việc ông bố bị bệnh là hậu quả trực tiếp thôi, và như vậy là quá ít, còn những việc khác thì dù anh chồng còn ở đó nó vẫn có thể xảy ra). Với cả những câu chốt của mấy anh nhân vật chính nghe có vẻ vô tình vô cảm ghê. Nên là câu chuyện này mình không thấy thấm cho lắm.
Ah còn một điều ghê rợn mình rút ra được là không hẳn cứ gieo nhân nào gặt quả nấy mà nhiều khi không làm gì đang yên đang lành cũng bị tai hoạ ập vào đầu.

[Lily 百合花 · Rating 5 out of 5]

ชื่อเรื่อง – คำให้การจากศพ 3 (The 11th Finger --- 尸语者3 : 第十一根手指)
ผู้แต่ง – ฉินหมิง (秦明) เขียน ชาญ ธนประกอบ แปล


ตัวละคร
ฉินหมิง อายุ 28 ปี
หลี่ต้าเป่า
หลินเทา


รีวิวหลังอ่าน

หลังจากอ่านเว้นช่วงจากเล่ม 2 ไปสักระยะ ก็เลยลืมๆ ไปบ้างว่าคดีอวิ๋นไท่ปิดเรื่องยังไงหว่า (เดี๋ยวต้องกลับไปอ่านรีวิวตัวเอง 555+) แต่แวบๆ ในความรู้สึกเหมือนมีคนปองร้ายหมอฉินหมิงอยู่ ก็เลยต้องมาตามลุ้นต่อในเล่ม 3 ซึ่งก็คือเล่มนี้แหละ

เราตั้งใจว่าหลังอ่านเล่มนี้จบจะไปดูซีรี่ส์เรื่องนี้ล่ะ ทำออกมาได้น่าดูมาก และมีแต่คนชอบ ซึ่งพอดีในซีรี่ส์ได้ดึงเอาตอน “นิ้วที่ 11” ที่ตรงกับเล่มนี้พอดีไปทำนั่นเอง ก็คงจะทำให้ดูสนุกยิ่งขึ้น เพราะคิดว่าคงมีคดีศพทอด (คดีแรกในเล่มเลย) เราจำได้ว่ามีนะ เพราะเห็นคนที่ดูแล้วคุยกันอยู่ ไหนจะคดีนิ้วที่ 11 ซึ่งเป็นชื่อหลักของเล่มนี้ เป็นคดียาวเลยจ้าาา กว่าจะไขปมได้ กว่าจะเฉลยก็ท้ายเล่มเลย ระหว่างทางก็จะมีคดีอื่นๆ แทรกมาด้วย

การเป็นแพทย์นิติเวชไม่ใช่เรื่องง่ายเลย เวลาที่มีก็ต้องทุ่มเทให้กับงาน มีอยู่ตอนทั้งหมดไปเที่ยวงานไหว้พระจันทร์กัน แล้วก็พาเมียพาแฟนไปด้วยไรงี้ ยังต้องทิ้งให้แฟนสาวเที่ยวต่อกันเอง และรีบไปผ่าศพสืบคดีกันไรงี้ แทบจะไม่มีเวลาใช้ชีวิตส่วนตัวของตัวเองเลย

มาถึงเล่มนี้เราว่าคดีแต่ละคดีเริ่มแอดวานซ์ล่ะ แบบสภาพศพที่มาให้ชันสูตรคือมันแอบยากมากเลยนะ ไหนจะศพทอด ไหนจะศพที่ไหม้เกรียม ไหนจะศพที่มีชิ้นส่วนศพเกินมา (เป็นคดีนิ้วที่ 11 ที่ในเรื่องเรียกว่าคดีสามมิถุนา เราลืมแล้วว่าทำไมเรียกคดีนี้ว่าสามมิถุนา) ไหนจะศพที่โดนระเบิดจนต้องตามหาชิ้นส่วนอวัยวะที่กระจัดกระจายไปทั่ว อ่านๆ ไปก็แอบขนลุกไปนะ แต่ก็ชอบอ่านเรื่องนี้อยู่ดี

แม้ตัวเรื่องจะค่อยๆ ดำเนินไป แทบจะคล้ายๆ กันในทุกๆ ตอนเลยก็ตาม แต่เราก็ชอบอยู่ดี ตลกดีเวลาฉินหมิง ต้าเป่า และหลินเทาถกเถียงกัน อ่านไปก็มีอะไรชวนให้อมยิ้ม ท่ามกลางคำอธิบายเกี่ยวกับศพที่ต้องผ่า แบบอ่านไปก็ต้องทำใจตามไปนะ ออกแนวสงสารผู้ตายมากกว่าอ่ะ ว่าอยู่ในสภาพที่แบบว่าเอ่อออ เฮ่อออ นี่แหละนะชีวิตคนเรา สรุปง่ายๆ คือถึงเรื่องจะดูโมโนโทน 555+ แต่เราก็ชอบอ่ะ แนวนี���แหละที่ใช่เลย

และเพราะว่าคนเขียนเป็นแพทย์นิติเวชจริงๆ ใช้ชื่อตัวละครในเรื่องก็คือชื่อตัวเอง แต่ชื่ออื่นๆ อาจจะสมมติขึ้นทั้งหมด แต่คดีที่เขียนก็คงมีอิงตามความเป็นจริงที่ได้เจอแหละ ซึ่งการที่แพทย์นิติเวชมาเขียนเองนั้น ทำให้เราได้รู้ในส่วนของงานทางด้านแพทย์นิติเวชที่แท้จริง ถึงจะอ่านไปแล้วมึนๆ กับคำศัพท์เฉพาะบ้าง แต่ก็รู้สึกเหมือนได้เข้าไปอยู่ในหนังสือเลยทีเดียว นอกจากนี้ผู้แปลยังแปลออกมาได้ดีมากๆ ทำให้อ่านแล้วไม่สะดุด อ่านแล้วลื่นไหล และรู้สึกว่าแปลดีจริงๆ ตรงไหนที่น่าจะมีคำอธิบายเพิ่มก็มีหมายเหตุข้างล่างไว้ เห็นเล่ม 4 ออกมาแล้ว คงได้ตามต่อไป

เกือบลืมไปเลย ในหน้า 23-24 ของเล่มนี้ มีตัวละครหลักจากเรื่อง “สิบคดีบาป” โผล่มาด้วยจ้าาา น่าสนๆๆ ยังไม่ได้อ่านเรื่องนั้นเลย เดี๋ยวต้องตามอ่านบ้าง ขำที่หลินเทาหรือต้าเป่าหว่า ลืมๆๆ แอบชอบหนึ่งสาวในนั้น

ขำตรงกลางๆ เล่มมั้งนะ ตอนที่ฉินหมิงไปที่เกิดเหตุ เจอนักดับเพลิง นักดับเพลิงพูดว่า “ผมได้อ่านคำให้การจากศพ ทำให้รู้อะไรมากขึ้น” ประมาณนี้ (เราก็จำไม่ได้หรอกว่าเขาพูดอะไรไป) ฮ่าๆๆๆ เราขำอ่ะ สรุปว่าในเรื่องก็มีการโฆษณาขายของกันเบาๆ แต่ฉินหมิงในเรื่องก็ไม่ได้สนใจกับประโยคนี้ของนักดับเพลิงนะ

โดยรวมแล้วถึงเรื่องราวจะดูซ้ำๆ และจะมีคดีหนึ่งที่เป็นคดียาวแบบที่ต้องตามยันจบเรื่อง เหมือนเป็นแพตเทิร์นของคนเขียนไปแล้ว แต่สำหรับเรานั้น เราชอบการเล่าเรื่องแบบนี้มากเลย เรียกว่าไงดีอ่ะ ท่ามกลางความเรื่อยๆ แต่มันไม่เอื่อยสำหรับเรา และคิดว่าผู้เขียนน่าจะมีคดีน่าสนใจให้เขียนถึงอีกมากมายอย่างแน่นอนเลยอ่ะ ตามต่อไปอย่าได้หยุดยั้ง เราชอบหนังสือชุดนี้จริงๆ เลย ^^

[สปอยล์]

คดีแรกในเล่มนี้คือศพทอด สุดท้ายก็สืบหาได้แหละ ก็จะมีคดีแปลกๆ มากมายหลายคดี อย่างคดีไฟไหม้ศพ ก็สืบจนรู้ว่าโดนฆ่าชิงทรัพย์ คดีระเบิดตายสี่ศพ ก็สามารถตามหาชิ้นส่วนของศพที่โดนแรงอัดจนกระจายไปได้เกือบหมด แล้วก็ตามจนรู้ว่าไม่ใช่อุบัติเหตุ

สิ่งที่ทำให้สนใจมากๆ ก็คือคดีนิ้วที่ 11 คนร้ายนั้นเหมือนรู้จักงานทางด้านนิติเวชเป็นอย่างดี และกำลังท้าทายฉินหมิงอยู่ ว่าแน่จริงสืบให้ได้สิว่าข้าคือใคร โดยตัดอวัยวะหนึ่งของผู้ตายก่อนหน้าทิ้งไว้ที่ผู้ตายในคดีต่อไป โดยแต่ละคนนั้นไม่เกี่ยวข้องกันเลย

การสืบคดีนิ้วที่ 11 นี้ สืบยังไงก็ตามหาไม่พบเบาะแสเงื่อนงำเพิ่มเติม เหมือนคดีติดหล่มสุดๆ แต่แล้วเมื่อคดีระเบิดที่ฉินหมิงคลี่คลายได้เป็นอย่างดี และกำลังจะกลับไปเล่าให้อาจารย์ฟัง อาจารย์ที่เพิ่งเคลียร์คดีได้และกลับมาแล้ว ก็ไม่ได้ดีใจด้วย แต่กลับบอกข่าวร้ายว่าให้ฉินหมิงพักงาน รวมถึงให้รอหมายเรียก

เพราะตรวจพบดีเอ็นเอของฉินหมิงที่เหยื่อคนล่าสุด แต่เพราะทุกคนเชื่อว่าเขาไม่ได้ทำ ฉินหมิงเลยอยู่แต่ในห้องแฟ้มคดี และแล้วหลังจากงมกับการศึกษาคดีต่างๆ ที่ผ่านมาหลายวันเข้า (ตอนทำงานก็ไม่มีเวลามานั่งศึกษาคดีที่แพทย์นิติเวชที่อยู่ตามชนบทมักจะได้ทำ) ก็เจอคดีเด็กทารกตายแล้วโดนมัด แต่เพราะไขมันเยอะเลยต้องกรีดตามร่องเพื่อมัดได้ เมื่อนำดีเอ็นเอไปตรวจสอบ พบว่าเป็นลูกของฉือจื่อและสุ่ยเหยียน (ฆาตกรคดีอวิ๋นไท่ที่ถูกประหารไปแล้ว)

ฉือจื่อเสียลูกไปเพราะลูกเป็นโรคหัวใจไรนี่แหละ ที่หาได้ยากมาก พอลูกตายก็เลยได้แต่ทิ้งศพลูกไว้ด้วยความเสียใจ จากนั้นก็หลอกล่อผู้ชายแถวบาร์แห่งหนึ่ง (ที่ฉินหมิงใช้วิชาแผนที่อาชญวิทยา ในการหาเจอว่าสถานที่พบศพของเหยื่อแต่ละราย มีจุดศูนย์กลางจากตรงนี้นี่เอง) แล้วก็ฆ่าจากนั้นก็หั่นอวัยวะหนึ่งไปไว้ในศพถัดไป โดยเหยื่อล่าสุดคือผู้หญิง เพราะฆาตกรนั้นชอบทั้งหญิงและชาย ซึ่งเอาดีเอ็นเอของฉินหมิงตอนที่ฉินหมิงไปตรวจสุขภาพที่โรงพยาบาล (ฉินหมิงไปตรวจ เพราะว่าหลินตังไม่ท้องสักที แต่แล้วตอนหลังหลินตังก็ท้องล่ะ และฉินหมิงก็ปกติดี ช่วงที่โดนหาว่าเป็นคนทำ ก็ไม่ได้ไปไหน วันๆ เอาแต่ผลิตลูก 555+)

พอฉินหมิงเจอคดีทารก ก็ทำให้เชื่อมโยงได้ ก็ไปบาร์แห่งนั้นจนเห็นฉือจื่อ (ชื่อแปลว่าสระน้ำ และสุ่ยเหยียนนามสกุลแปลว่าน้ำ จริงๆ ฉือจื่อชื่อวังไห่รุ่ย ชื่อนี้มั้ง เราก็ลืมไปแล้ว นางเลยชอบชื่อที่เกี่ยวกับน้ำมากๆ และให้คนสนิทกันเรียกฉือจื่อ) พอได้ยินชื่อก็คุ้นๆ หลินเทาจำหน้าได้ว่าเป็นภรรยาของสุ่ยเหยียน พอตรวจดีเอ็นเอทารกว่าตรงกับสุ่ยเหยียนและฉือจื่อ คดีนิ้วที่ 11 ก็ปิดลงได้ ฉินหมิงบอกว่าไม่คิดเลยว่าการไปตรวจสุขภาพ จะโดนเอาดีเอ็นเอไปได้ เพราะคนร้ายสนิทกับพยาบาลที่ตรวจให้ฉินหมิง (เรื่องมันน่ากลัวก็ตรงนี้แหละ อันตรายมาได้รอบด้านสุดๆ)

Start 10.42 น. Thu 19 Oct 2017
End 22.05 น. Wed 1 Nov 2017
Review Date 11.19 น. Thu 2 Nov 2017

[Barbara (The Bibliophage) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Murder in Dragon City is a novel that reads like a memoir, or at some points, like an autopsy report. The author is a medical examiner in China and has published novels there. I think this is his first novel translated into English.

The story is a series of short criminal cases occurring throughout one longer, more complex case. We follow a forensic team, including medical examiner Qin Ming, trace evidence specialist Lin Tao, and intern Big Bao as they move from town to town within their province.

The story is like a written version of CSI: Dragon City. You must be interested in highly involved anatomical and medical details. Our main character (forensic scientist extraordinaire) spends lots of time instructing his intern and a junior trace evidence specialist in the details of his work. It's very talky and bland, as if we were sitting in a med school lecture. The author and translator try to make it chatty, but it just seems forced.

As the forensic team moves around, the author introduces many minor characters. But the three that have any character development are Qin, Big Bao, and Lin Tao. Yet these main characters don't share any introspection with readers despite the type of work they do.

In regard to the plot, the smaller cases all seem to get solved so easily. Later in the book, there's reference to the team's high case closure rate, but nonetheless each murder solved seems almost anticlimactic. Overall, the story is about the investigative and medical details rather than suspense.

I was interested to learn about the different ways crime is approached in China, as well as parts of some cases that touch on ghosts, superstitions, and cultural traditions.

This prose is not lyrical, not beautiful. It is stark as the bright lights of a white-walled autopsy suite. Once I got comfortable with the writing style, I settled in and allowed the details to take over I enjoyed the book.

Thanks to NetGalley and AmazonCrossings for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. This book is an English translation by Alex Woodend of Chinese medical examiner's case narrative of a serial killer. The book begins with the gruesome find of a dismembered body - with an eleventh finger. Qin, the MC, and his forensic team are hot on the trial of a serial killer who has a penchant for dismembering bodies. The team (I can't really call them characters because they are real people) has a good camaraderie and each member brings a unique facet to the book. My favorite is Lin Tao. He is brilliant at finding trace evidence, but he is very superstitious. I found him refreshing and human. Qin does a good job of describing China's political and social structure and underbelly of the criminal world. Qin's description of the medical part of autopsy and forensic science. He does use actual medical terms, most of which I had to look up. I do not recommend reading this while eating. It is very graphic. :) I hope that more of his books are translated to English. Woodend has done a fine job translating a difficult genre for sure.

[Anatl · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating book about the work of a medical examiner. The book was built around an arc story of a serial killer operating at large and baffling the police, the team of medical examiners are called on different cases some of them they manage to solve rather easily or supply vital clues the narrow down the suspects. Because most of the cases introduced are solved within several pages, the story felt episodic and rather slow in pace, at times it felt more like a non fiction book about forensics. My main complaint with the book is the blatant absence of women in the main team we follow, making it very much a boy's club, and unnecessarily so. We get a glimpse of another team with a female investigator, but through most of the story we have a wife waiting docilely at home or women as victims and corpses and nothing much in between.

[huynh ly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vẫn là cách diễn giải dễ hiểu, đi thẳng vào vấn đề không dài dòng của Tần Minh

[Cao Đức Hiếu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Đầu khung long đuôi chuột. Nếu hung thủ vụ án lớn hợp lý hơn, xứng đáng hơn với tầm vóc mà tác giả đã vẽ ra thì cuốn này đã hoàn hảo.

[SEV · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5

It wasn’t bad, actually, I did enjoy this book. But the problem is that the way the polices and forensic scientists solved the cases was extremely fast and full of luck. I know investigations depend a lot on luck but this is just too convenient; you try to find evidence of a crime scene and boom, the evidence appears out of nowhere.

I hate it whenever the Eleventh Finger case comes into mind. It was ridiculously rushed and it’s absurd to think about how the trickiest case was suddenly solved in a matter of days.

However, apart from all those above, it was an interesting read.

[Angie Boyter]

Well done and interesting but very gruesome

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is written by Qin Ming, a Medical Examiner in China, nicknamed "the Corpse Whisperer". He is also the main character. Although it is fiction, it is based on numerous cases he has solved as a forensic scientist, and is, I'm assuming, realistic.
Of greatest interest to me was the setting in China. I enjoyed learning how this type of crime scene investigation is done there. Many of the techniques are similar to those I've seen on CSI-type programs, as well as in true crime novels I've read, but there are also interesting differences. Although I realize the situations he chose to write about were probably the most bizarre and grisly, there are also glimpses of everyday life, the ways people live and interact normally that I found interesting. For example, many people, including some of the investigators, are very superstitious. I also thought the differing lifestyles of the wealthy and the poor were interesting.
I was dismayed to see how women are portrayed. They don't seem to be respected or to hold many high positions. There is only one female investigator mentioned but whenever she is mentioned, her appearance is commented on. There are also some condescending remarks about women, of the joking, "Aren't women silly? Wink wink" variety.
I recommend the book with some reservations. First, if you have a queasy stomach, this is not the book for you. Extremely grisly, often horrifying scenes abound. If you are fascinated by the bizarre and don't mind the gore, you may love it. One warning: there is a crime scene in which two children are killed, so parents should consider that before allowing children to read it.
As mystery/thrillers go, I'd say this is not a standout, but with the added interest of the foreign setting, and the often fascinating crime scene investigation, it is worth reading.
Note: I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this book up because there is a really good Chinese drama that was based off of this book. Since I have only read the translation, I don't know if my grips with this book are because of how it's written or how it was translated.

This book has a really interesting story line it is based off of the life of the writer who is a forensic pathologist. However, the book doesn't spend a length of time on any of the crimes that are presented in the book. I understand that the overarching story is more important than the individual cases, but I also feel that a little more time should have been given to each case. Also the writing is very basic in comparison to what I'm used to in English written mystery books. I enjoyed the characters in the book, and you did get to know them fairly well, but it does lack some character development.

I still enjoyed the book and would read another novel written by Qin Ming, if it is ever translated into English.

[Anran Sun · Rating 3 out of 5]

這部作品不僅是通俗懸疑小說，更可視為一種介於紀實文學與科普寫作之間的混合體。秦明最引人注目的手法，是將屍體視為「無聲的證詞」，以此構築整個敘事框架。書名「第十一根手指」本身即是強烈的隱喻，不僅是專業自述，更是一種後現代的「文本解讀」姿態：屍體如同被謀殺的文本，布滿偽造的標點與刪除的段落，法醫的角色則是嚴格的解讀者，抽絲剝繭還原原始意義。

全書採取短篇集形式，每起案件獨立成章，卻在法醫視角的統一性下形成內在連貫。這種模組化結構既便於閱讀，也巧妙避開長篇小說常見的節奏拖沓，同時保留了紀實文學的「片段真实」特質。然而，這也帶來批評空間：個別案件的結局過於急速，缺乏足夠的心理懸置，讀者難以在情感上充分沉浸，敘事張力偶有斷裂。

在主題層面，《第十一根手指》超越單純的「破案爽感」，深入探討科學理性與人性幽暗的對峙。秦明筆下的凶案多源於日常慾望——貪婪、嫉妒、復仇，甚至親情扭曲——這些案件並非極端變態，而是發生在「我們身邊」的平凡惡。這使作品具備現實主義的批判力度：它揭露了社會底層的結構性暴力（如地溝油案件），也反思了人性的灰色地帶。

與此同時，作者刻意維持法醫的「冷靜旁觀」姿態，避免過度渲染血腥或道德說教，這種克制形成了獨特的敘事聲音。然而，正因過度強調科學客觀，部分案件中受害者與凶手的心理刻畫相對薄弱，人性探討停留在表面陳述，未能達到如杜魯道或卡繆那般深刻的哲學深度。這是作品在文學性上的主要限制：科普功能偶爾壓過了文學想像。

作為基於真實案件的改編作品，《第十一根手指》不可避免地面臨紀實文學的倫理問題。血腥細節的詳細描寫與案件的「獵奇」屬性，仍可能強化讀者的偷窺慾望，將真實悲劇轉化為消費性娛樂。這一點在通俗文學市場中尤為明顯：作品的暢銷，部分來自於對死亡的好奇，而非對正義的追求。

《第十一根手指》在中國當代通俗文學中，它代表了一種新興的「專業者寫作」趨勢：以真實職業經驗挑戰傳統小說的虛構霸權。雖然在心理深度與文學想像上仍有進步空間，但其對死亡、正義與人性的冷靜凝視，已足以使它超越一般刑偵小說。

若將其置於更廣的文學譜系中，這部作品可視為卡波特《冷血》或《白銀連環殺人案》紀實傳統的當代變奏——只是秦明選擇了更克制、更科學的筆調，換來的是更廣大的讀者群，卻也犧牲了部分文學的尖銳與幽暗。

[Oanh Oanh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mình thấy những quyển sách về sau càng hay. Những vụ án rùng rợn và kinh khủng hơn 2 quyển trước rất nhiều, và không kém phần độc đáo. Nhưng điều mình cảm thấy hơi bị phi logic, đó là nhân vật Bể, trùm cuối. Nếu như chỉ đọc kiến thức giải phẫu thông thường, và chưa hề tiếp xúc với xác chết, thì làm sao có thể giải phẫu nạn nhân trơn tru, mượt mà, đến mức mà sở cảnh sát đều lầm tưởng là dân pháp y????
Mình nghĩ đâu phải đơn giản mà chỉ vì trả thù mà Bể giết người như thế. Mà cho dù giết người như vậy, thì cũng khó lắm chứ đâu phải đơn giản mà dùng phương thức pháp y rồi vu oan giá họa các thứ được :))) Về điều này, thì mình thấy động cơ gây án chưa hợp lý lắm, có rất nhiều pháp y, nếu đối phương không biết gì nhiều về pháp y và ngành công an, cảnh sát thì làm sao biết được là vụ án mình gây ra sẽ do cơ quan nào phụ trách, thậm chí là dùng phương thức pháp y để giết người như thế.

[Alexis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chủ quan cá nhân tui thấy tập 3 k hay bằng 2 tập trước. Nhưng k oánh đc 4.5 sao nên vẫn để 5 sao. 2/3 phần đầu quyển này nó bị nhạt. Với cả đọc quyển này xong thấy nghi ngờ nhân sinh khủng khiếp các ông ạ. Kiểu tâm lý trở nên biến thái 1 cách quá dễ dàng í. K biết tại văn hóa đất nước ảnh hưởng hay vì gì nhưng tui k tin là tâm lý 1 con người lại dễ dàng trở nên méo mó lệch lạc như vậy. Hơi 1 tí là kích động giết người? Giết xong phân xác, phân xác chán thì đốt xác ??? Nghe nó man rợ vl. Sao tui thấy nhìn ng ta giết 1 con gà còn ghê cả người, đây thì đập chết đc mấy người liền xong vẫn thảnh thơi sinh hoạt bình thường. Có ông còn xxx với xác chết 3 ngày đã thối rữa thì tôi cũng chịu hẳn. Chắc mấy ông pháp y thần kinh phải bằng thép, chứ k thì k nuốt nổi cơm

[Krista · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway. The premise involves a forensics team dealing with a large number of cases, and one case always in the background as the the team lurches from case to case. It was difficult to keep the thread going as the team had one case after another presented, discussed, theorized about, and solved. Added to that, every case gets solved in a fantastically short period of time, making it a bit far-fetched. There is a lot of detail regarding forensics and what happens to the human body- some parts are quite graphic, not particularly a turn off to me, but it could hinder the story for some.

[Ranger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent! The author let his encyclopedic knowledge of forensics shine through each case in this novel. I found it fascinating to compare Chinese police procedures to American procedures and also note how Chinese customs play a big part in solving mysteries. While the translation was slightly choppy, I appreciated the translator (and editor) leaving names in the proper order. I'll be looking forward to more of Qin Ming's books.

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short forensic cases with one case book long. In some cases the book felt like an autopsy manual gruesome details included. The characters always solved the cases very quickly. Reminded me a bit of Perry Mason where the murderer broke down during the trial. Some of the means of murder were intriguing. My favorite was the chicken fried woman. Interesting details of life in China. A good airplane read.

[stormhawk · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chinese Quincy

Found this book as a consequence of the Amazon Prime series, Dr. Qin. This is the memoir of a Chinese Medical Examiner in the poetically named Dragon City. The book details a number of interesting forensic cases, from murder to the mundane, interwoven with a series of linked murders of a serial killer. The setting in China made it interesting, but we really don't get a sense of what police procedure or the justice system is like.

[Đinh Thanh Bình · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cuốn truyện pháp y tần minh rất hay không làm người đọc thất vọng. Tác giả mô tả rất chi tiết phương thức khám nghiệm tử thi, phân tích đặc trưng của từng nguyên nhân chết khác nhau từ đó đưa ra suy luận về đặc điểm nhân thân,thủ đoạn gây án của hung thủ. Tuy nhiên trong cuốn tập 3 này vụ án 36 không được logic cho lắm, muốn học cách giải phẫu pháp y đâu thể đơn giản nhanh chóng mà lại không có bất kì sơ hở nào như vậy được.

[frumpburger · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is one of the worst books I have ever read. There is no plot! There are like 10 different murders committed and solved in the course of the book, each taking up no more than three chapters, each taking place right after the previous murder is solved at an unrealistic pace. A years old ARC from NetGalley that I decided on for some light reading but now sort of which I hadn’t. You shouldn’t ever hate finish a book.

[Chris Cheatle · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was ok, if a little too formulaic. Two quibbles, I really do prefer stuff set in real, not fictional cities, just to learn and experience something of it. Secondly, and a little oddly for the genre, there were too many murders in the book. Too many just seemed like diversions to fill out the page count rather than moving the story or character development forward.

[Nhi Nguyen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mình đọc review trước thấy mọi người bảo tình tiết vụ án chính phi logic nên cũng hơi thất vọng. Mà đọc rồi thì mình thấy khá đồng cảm, theo mình, vụ án 36 mấy ông này chỉ là trông gà hóa cuốc.

Không phải cứ biết cho thuốc là bác sĩ, biết mổ xác là pháp y đâu; mấy ông làm cảnh sát, pháp y nhìn đâu cũng như dân trong ngành (mình thấy không hề ít lần- chuyện 1 bệnh nhân được hội chẩn mà mỗi bác sĩ chuyên khoa khác nhau phán một bệnh khác nhau- đây là chuyện hay xảy ra ở mấy ông chuyên ngành ).

Bác sĩ quan trọng ở chỗ chuẩn đoán, tiên lượng bệnh; pháp y thì quan trọng chỗ giải mã tử thi chứ không phải chỗ biết mổ xác (mổ xác thì ông bán thịt heo tập 1 cũng chuyên nghiệp vậy:))) Nên theo mình người từng học hộ lý (chắc như điều dưỡng bên mình- ngành này có học giải phẫu học),vừa có tâm tìm hiểu bắt chước, vừa mất cảm giác như Bể thì làm được cũng hợp lý.

[Coffee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the Chinese version of this book. The mystery and the cases are base on the real cases. It made into TV show in China. It is also in Amazon prime video under the name Dr. Qin. I found it in youtube as well (with English subtitle). In youtube, search for 法医秦明.

[Lê Dung · Rating 5 out of 5]

Một quyển sách tư duy logic giúp người học hiểu rõ hơn hiểu hơn về công việc pháp y. Những vụ án giúp chúng ta thấy rằng con người thật khinh khủng, và có thể làm mọi thứ để thỏa mãn dục vọng của mình. Cảm ơn tác giả.