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Qing Dynasty Mysteries #2
Murder in the British Quarter
When a young Chinese woman is murdered within the British Quarter of the foreign legation, Inspector Gong is ordered by the Imperial Court to solve the crime before the incident escalates into war between China and the foreign powers. The only problem? Inspector Gong doesn’t speak English. And he is hardly the type of man to be accepted by the British elite living in Peking.
Once again, he must turn to the one woman who can help him. The woman he can’t stop thinking about.
Lady Li is trying to forget about Inspector Gong. He’s a danger to herself, her position, and her children’s future. But when he comes once again knocking on her door and asking for her assistance in solving a case, she can’t resist, despite her better judgment.
Lady Li’s language and diplomatic abilities allow her to freely enter the world of the Western visitors, but tensions between the foreigners and local people are increasing by the hour.
Will Lady Li and Inspector Gong be able to solve the crime without the answer leading China to war?
Once again, he must turn to the one woman who can help him. The woman he can’t stop thinking about.
Lady Li is trying to forget about Inspector Gong. He’s a danger to herself, her position, and her children’s future. But when he comes once again knocking on her door and asking for her assistance in solving a case, she can’t resist, despite her better judgment.
Lady Li’s language and diplomatic abilities allow her to freely enter the world of the Western visitors, but tensions between the foreigners and local people are increasing by the hour.
Will Lady Li and Inspector Gong be able to solve the crime without the answer leading China to war?
250 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 16, 2018
102 people are currently reading
196 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
November 3, 2024
Murder in the Forbidden City 4.5
Murder in the British Quarter 4
Murder at the Peking Opera 2
First things first - minus one star for poor fashion representation. How are Victorian gowns tight? If Lady Li needs to look fashionable to socialise with the British ladies, why would she order French gowns from a French modiste? And yet another slight against corsets! Come on, proper research of the latter is just a click away.
Other than that and a couple of minor weird plot points (e.g. presenting British women as having so much more freedom and influence when the life of a Victorian woman was nothing but fucked up, or letting Zhao go multiple times despite him causing public unrest on purpose), the book is still pretty good. In addition to the gender themes discussed in book 1, here we see gender relations of the lower classes, extreme conservative attitudes, and the lives and struggles of the servants in the Foreign Legation. This book is much darker than the first one though, as the events happen on the background of civil unrest and the possibility of a military conflict, so tensions are high and time is of the essence. The Ministry of Justice makes its horrifying debut here as well. Plus, as in the first book, the author seems to like having the biggest assholes go unpunished, which is realistic, but infuriating in a pulp murder mystery book you read for fun.
Our protagonists are still fun, though their relationship is becoming somewhat melodramatic. Yun Swan has a bigger role in the plot, and we get a delightful addition to the cast in the person of Mr Big. However, Inspector Gong's mom, who seemed like a reasonable woman in the first book, turns into a misogynistic fury in this one.
Murder in the British Quarter 4
Murder at the Peking Opera 2
First things first - minus one star for poor fashion representation. How are Victorian gowns tight? If Lady Li needs to look fashionable to socialise with the British ladies, why would she order French gowns from a French modiste? And yet another slight against corsets! Come on, proper research of the latter is just a click away.
Other than that and a couple of minor weird plot points (e.g. presenting British women as having so much more freedom and influence when the life of a Victorian woman was nothing but fucked up, or letting Zhao go multiple times despite him causing public unrest on purpose), the book is still pretty good. In addition to the gender themes discussed in book 1, here we see gender relations of the lower classes, extreme conservative attitudes, and the lives and struggles of the servants in the Foreign Legation. This book is much darker than the first one though, as the events happen on the background of civil unrest and the possibility of a military conflict, so tensions are high and time is of the essence. The Ministry of Justice makes its horrifying debut here as well. Plus, as in the first book, the author seems to like having the biggest assholes go unpunished, which is realistic, but infuriating in a pulp murder mystery book you read for fun.
Our protagonists are still fun, though their relationship is becoming somewhat melodramatic. Yun Swan has a bigger role in the plot, and we get a delightful addition to the cast in the person of Mr Big. However, Inspector Gong's mom, who seemed like a reasonable woman in the first book, turns into a misogynistic fury in this one.
August 25, 2020
„Murder in the British Quarter“ the second book in the “Qing Dynasty Mystery” a delightful “whodunnit” Series by Amanda Roberts, set in the late period of the Qing Dynasty, features Inspector Gong working to solve a new murder in a (to him) rather unfamiliar vicinity.
After his latest stunt in the Forbidden City (Book 1 in the Series) Inspector Gong is tasked by the Imperial Court once again to resolve a high-profile murder. A young Chinese has been killed in the British Quarter, which could be the fuse that ignites a new war between both kingdoms. Due to his lack of English skills, Gong partners again with Lady Li to solve the case. Gong is thrilled to work with Li, as it gives him an excuse to see her again; while Li is fully aware of the dangers their relationship poses, she is the logical choice due to her diplomatic skills that enable her to manoeuvre the foreign quarter without causing outcries.
Amanda Roberts possesses a fabulous understanding of historical China, which makes this “murder mystery” not only a very entertaining story, but also a light study in Qing Dynasty traditions and procedurals. Both, Gong and Li, fully fleshed realistic characters, genuine and relatable, the tension between them explained not only by their natural chemistry, but also by the historical context and the separation between gender and class in 19th century China. The description of both the Foreign Quarter and the Imperial City translates the reader right into the story, while the mystery is fast-paced, interesting and twisted until the very last page.
After his latest stunt in the Forbidden City (Book 1 in the Series) Inspector Gong is tasked by the Imperial Court once again to resolve a high-profile murder. A young Chinese has been killed in the British Quarter, which could be the fuse that ignites a new war between both kingdoms. Due to his lack of English skills, Gong partners again with Lady Li to solve the case. Gong is thrilled to work with Li, as it gives him an excuse to see her again; while Li is fully aware of the dangers their relationship poses, she is the logical choice due to her diplomatic skills that enable her to manoeuvre the foreign quarter without causing outcries.
Amanda Roberts possesses a fabulous understanding of historical China, which makes this “murder mystery” not only a very entertaining story, but also a light study in Qing Dynasty traditions and procedurals. Both, Gong and Li, fully fleshed realistic characters, genuine and relatable, the tension between them explained not only by their natural chemistry, but also by the historical context and the separation between gender and class in 19th century China. The description of both the Foreign Quarter and the Imperial City translates the reader right into the story, while the mystery is fast-paced, interesting and twisted until the very last page.
September 29, 2020
You imagine yourself in ancient China with all its rules and details.
The murder of a young Chinese woman in the British quarter causes a lot of unrest and actions that can lead to war. The tension on the street means that Inspector Gong must quickly find the killer. Because the British authorities do not allow Chinese to investigate the murder, the inspector falls back on Lady Li. Together they try to find the killer before it is too late.
The relationship between Inspector Gong and Lady Li remains a forbidden relationship. Both are looking for a solution to be together but it turns out to be impossible.
Again a good story and the tension is palpable between the sentences. You wonder what else is happening for Gong and Lady Li. Above all, I wish them a bright future, but whether that's in it? I'm looking forward to the last part
4,5 stars
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The murder of a young Chinese woman in the British quarter causes a lot of unrest and actions that can lead to war. The tension on the street means that Inspector Gong must quickly find the killer. Because the British authorities do not allow Chinese to investigate the murder, the inspector falls back on Lady Li. Together they try to find the killer before it is too late.
The relationship between Inspector Gong and Lady Li remains a forbidden relationship. Both are looking for a solution to be together but it turns out to be impossible.
Again a good story and the tension is palpable between the sentences. You wonder what else is happening for Gong and Lady Li. Above all, I wish them a bright future, but whether that's in it? I'm looking forward to the last part
4,5 stars
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 10, 2021
When Inspector Gong is called upon to investigate a murder in the British Quarter, he must enlist the help of Lady Li to translate for him. She must also help him to navigate the pitfalls of dealing with people who are foreign and who need to be handled with kid gloves. Lady Li speaks English and has the diplomacy required to help in this task and in the investigation. A sweeping and accurate look at society and foreign relationships in China. The investigation into the murder is riveting as is the relationship between Inspector Gong and Lady Li. This is a fascinating book that delves into the culture and norms of Chinese society as well as solving a murder. This book is a stand-alone mystery but I would recommend reading the first book in this series to get a clearer idea of the relationship between Inspector Gong and Lady Li. A great read and a compelling mystery.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 7, 2020
War between China and England threatens after a young Chinese maid is killed in the house of her British employer. Inspector Gong must again rely on Lady Li to discover some some of the answers in the Quarter because she speaks English and knows some of the British ladies there, while he uncovers the young woman's family history for clues. Who has murdered this innocent and what is the motive? Can war be averted?
I have enjoyed this series so much that I hate to see it end! The customs and history during the time of the last Chinese Empress are fascinating, and danger looms large in this novel.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review
I have enjoyed this series so much that I hate to see it end! The customs and history during the time of the last Chinese Empress are fascinating, and danger looms large in this novel.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review
May 8, 2020
I really like this series. Why Gong needs Lady Li to enter places he, even as a police inspector, may not go makes the snooping around very interesting. That foreigners had their own section of cities isn't new, but that the locals here demonstrated against the legation and blamed them for the opium trade was.
Can't wait to see how the marriage situation plays out.
I would have given a 5th star but the line editing was a bit lax.
Can't wait to see how the marriage situation plays out.
I would have given a 5th star but the line editing was a bit lax.
February 24, 2020
The number of spelling errors in this copy made me nearly unable to finish the novel. Nothing can take me out of a story faster than "the man in woman walked...", "the growing crowed", or 'Than, you should...". I love the characters and want to see if they end up marrying at some point, but I will have to wait before I get the third part of the series.
October 5, 2020
The relationship between Lady Li and Inspector Gong is getting more complex as they are on the case to find who committed the murder in the British Quarter. Lady Li's ease with the foreign visitors is just the help Inspector Gong needs. Can they solve this crime before war breaks out? I enjoyed this engaging mystery. I received an arc of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 1, 2025
A detective & amateur sleuth mystery in Qing dynasty China setting. Something like if Story of Yanxi Palace was a cosy mystery, except there's nothing cosy about ancient Chinese punishments. The novel is somewhat shorter and simpler in storytelling style than The Man in the Dragon Mask or The Other Empress by the same author, but it's part of a series with a fourth book planned.
Definitely recommended if you love Chinese historical dramas.
If you want more historical detective mysteries set in ancient China, see Casebook of Judge Chen and the previous two books in Judge Chen trilogy by FM and also The Casebook of Lord Shi by Luis Lott, all available for free on Smashwords as part of Winter/Summer Sale (through the months of July and December).
Definitely recommended if you love Chinese historical dramas.
If you want more historical detective mysteries set in ancient China, see Casebook of Judge Chen and the previous two books in Judge Chen trilogy by FM and also The Casebook of Lord Shi by Luis Lott, all available for free on Smashwords as part of Winter/Summer Sale (through the months of July and December).
January 23, 2018
i got an arc copy and i want to review
this second book is as good as the first and it will keep you guessing until the end of the story. you will quickly get involved and you wont want to put it down as you want to know what is going on
this second book is as good as the first and it will keep you guessing until the end of the story. you will quickly get involved and you wont want to put it down as you want to know what is going on
February 15, 2018
manda Robert has a great command of the history of the period and blends it into intriguing murder mystery with wonderful in depth characters you come to care about!
June 3, 2018
When a young Chinese woman is murdered, inspector Gong is ordered by the Imperial Court to solve the mystery. Impossible to put down. Any book in this series is outstanding.
January 2, 2024
interesting read
Was enjoyable but felt it let me unfulfilled compared to book 1 Still planning to read number 3 of the trilogy
Was enjoyable but felt it let me unfulfilled compared to book 1 Still planning to read number 3 of the trilogy
December 31, 2023
I am a die hard fan of Amanda Roberts, but I missed this ARC when it was first offered because I was abroad at the time and was totally gutted. So of course when the opportunity came round again, I pounced and I am so glad that I did. I totally enjoy Inspector Gong and Lady Li and cannot help but sympathise with the fact that they come from totally opposing factions and never the twain shall meet or be allowed to do so. However, hearts will want what hearts want, and there is no way anyone can stop the attraction between these two.
Roberts' books are always well researched and I am always amazed at how well and how comfortable her writing appears to be in the ancient times, you might almost wonder if she had gone back then to experience it. Immersive, entertaining, as always.
Roberts' books are always well researched and I am always amazed at how well and how comfortable her writing appears to be in the ancient times, you might almost wonder if she had gone back then to experience it. Immersive, entertaining, as always.
September 21, 2021
I am enjoying this unusual cozy series. The plots are good, the characters are sympathetic, and the perpetrator is most often a surprise.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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September 14, 2018Enjoyable read. I am glad my granddaughters live in the present world compared to what women went through in old China.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews