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Qing Dynasty Mysteries #3
Murder at the Peking Opera
After helping Prince Kung avert an international disaster and negotiating with Inspector Gong's mother for his betrothal to Concubine Swan, Lady Li takes a well-deserved evening to enjoy the first public performance by a female Peking opera performer. But her relaxing night out takes a dramatic turn when a murder is committed on stage during the performance.
Inspector Gong's attempt at finding a distraction from the troubles in his heart is thwarted when he and Lady Li attend the same opera performance. Thankfully, a murder in front of hundreds of people plunges him into a world usually hidden behind curtains and costumes.
The empress has decreed that women can now play female roles in Peking's beloved operas. But few women have been willing to undertake the challenge and risk the wrath of the more conservative opera patrons. When the first woman willing to step into the role of the "dan" becomes the prime suspect in the murder of her co-star, Lady Li begs Inspector Gong to delay in arresting the actress and find the real killer before the woman is executed for the crime. With the future of Chinese theater hanging in the balance, Inspector Gong must try to find the truth among people who mask their real faces for a living.
Will Lady Li and Inspector Gong discover the killer? Or will the empress's first attempt at social change lose its head before it finds its footing?
Take a peek behind the curtain at the fascinating world of Chinese opera in Murder at the Peking Opera, book 3 in the Qing Dynasty Mystery Series.
Inspector Gong's attempt at finding a distraction from the troubles in his heart is thwarted when he and Lady Li attend the same opera performance. Thankfully, a murder in front of hundreds of people plunges him into a world usually hidden behind curtains and costumes.
The empress has decreed that women can now play female roles in Peking's beloved operas. But few women have been willing to undertake the challenge and risk the wrath of the more conservative opera patrons. When the first woman willing to step into the role of the "dan" becomes the prime suspect in the murder of her co-star, Lady Li begs Inspector Gong to delay in arresting the actress and find the real killer before the woman is executed for the crime. With the future of Chinese theater hanging in the balance, Inspector Gong must try to find the truth among people who mask their real faces for a living.
Will Lady Li and Inspector Gong discover the killer? Or will the empress's first attempt at social change lose its head before it finds its footing?
Take a peek behind the curtain at the fascinating world of Chinese opera in Murder at the Peking Opera, book 3 in the Qing Dynasty Mystery Series.
220 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 12, 2018
73 people are currently reading
60 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
June 8, 2018
I really enjoy Amanda Robert's books, they are well researched, well written and I like the way the background story between the Inspector and Lady Li is interwoven in the main storyline.
The empress has decreed that women should be allowed to perform in the Chinese Opera, a place previously populated solely by male actors and to encourage this, she sends Wangshu, an actress who had performed in the Forbidden City, out to perform with the Peking Opera Company in public. She takes on the role of the leading lady, a role previously held by a young effeminate male actor who is now cast as the army general, Wangshu's lover. He is obviously unhappy, having been extremely successful acting as the main lady (the dan), his fans are unhappy as they loved him in the role of the dan, his co-workers are unhappy with his popularity and obvious preferential treatment and many of the general public are unhappy with the unbecoming way Wangshu, a woman, is performing in public, especially as women should be neither seen nor heard in China. So no end of suspects when the lead man dies....
The empress has decreed that women should be allowed to perform in the Chinese Opera, a place previously populated solely by male actors and to encourage this, she sends Wangshu, an actress who had performed in the Forbidden City, out to perform with the Peking Opera Company in public. She takes on the role of the leading lady, a role previously held by a young effeminate male actor who is now cast as the army general, Wangshu's lover. He is obviously unhappy, having been extremely successful acting as the main lady (the dan), his fans are unhappy as they loved him in the role of the dan, his co-workers are unhappy with his popularity and obvious preferential treatment and many of the general public are unhappy with the unbecoming way Wangshu, a woman, is performing in public, especially as women should be neither seen nor heard in China. So no end of suspects when the lead man dies....
November 3, 2024
Murder in the Forbidden City 4.5
Murder in the British Quarter 4
Murder at the Peking Opera 2
Unfortunately, the third book of the series was somewhat a disappointment for me. It somehow is rushed and slogging at the same time, has too much tension yet nothing moves, especially in the second half, when they are mulling over the same questions again and again with no progress, while ignoring some obvious things (they go on for too long never questioning why the murder was committed in public, and after her visit with the Empress, Lady Li never shares the monarch's perspective). And though the murder this time is intriguing and finally you have all the info provided to name the killer, the motivations of both the victim and the said killer just don't make much sense.
Both our protagonists start deteriorating as well. Lady Li is petty and jealous and suddenly head over heels over Inspector Gong for no reason - it's easy to see why he would be smitten with her but not vice versa. It was fun when she wanted him for sex, but falling in love? And Inspector himself continuing to pursue her when she keeps reminding him they can't continue is not in his favour in the least. I was really invested in the Swan's marriage subplot and was annoyed when, after all the page space it takes, Gong starts hesitating again. Whatever comes of it in later books (if any), I really hope Lady Li doesn't end up marrying him and will keep her status and wealth.
In addition, previous two books were all about women and their fucked up circumstances, but here most women are vile and petty and deeply misogynistic, and some are outright batshit crazy.
The book also contradicts some facts established in the earlier books (e.g. in the 1st book, we are told that widows should never leave their homes, but here we learn that widowed Swan can be seen in public if properly chaperoned, and it's never explained why - the difference in status? her not being the 1st wife? - in addition to Lady Li being in public all the time through books 2 and 3). Everyone keeps talking about chastity, yet lots of unmarried girls have secret affairs, so apparently virginity before marriage is not a thing? And the editing is the most abominable of the three. If previously it was mostly mixing of names, here you have it all: spelling, grammar, missing letters, missing words!
On the plus side, opera life behind the scenes, its public perception, its secrets, and nutty fans are still pretty interesting to keep you reading. Inspector Gong keeps having moments of revelation about life (if only he left Lady Li alone and finally fully became a better man!), and Swan's addiction subplot is presented in a sufficiently realistic manner. Mr Big also returns briefly for a scene.
Murder in the British Quarter 4
Murder at the Peking Opera 2
Unfortunately, the third book of the series was somewhat a disappointment for me. It somehow is rushed and slogging at the same time, has too much tension yet nothing moves, especially in the second half, when they are mulling over the same questions again and again with no progress, while ignoring some obvious things (they go on for too long never questioning why the murder was committed in public, and after her visit with the Empress, Lady Li never shares the monarch's perspective). And though the murder this time is intriguing and finally you have all the info provided to name the killer, the motivations of both the victim and the said killer just don't make much sense.
Both our protagonists start deteriorating as well. Lady Li is petty and jealous and suddenly head over heels over Inspector Gong for no reason - it's easy to see why he would be smitten with her but not vice versa. It was fun when she wanted him for sex, but falling in love? And Inspector himself continuing to pursue her when she keeps reminding him they can't continue is not in his favour in the least. I was really invested in the Swan's marriage subplot and was annoyed when, after all the page space it takes, Gong starts hesitating again. Whatever comes of it in later books (if any), I really hope Lady Li doesn't end up marrying him and will keep her status and wealth.
In addition, previous two books were all about women and their fucked up circumstances, but here most women are vile and petty and deeply misogynistic, and some are outright batshit crazy.
The book also contradicts some facts established in the earlier books (e.g. in the 1st book, we are told that widows should never leave their homes, but here we learn that widowed Swan can be seen in public if properly chaperoned, and it's never explained why - the difference in status? her not being the 1st wife? - in addition to Lady Li being in public all the time through books 2 and 3). Everyone keeps talking about chastity, yet lots of unmarried girls have secret affairs, so apparently virginity before marriage is not a thing? And the editing is the most abominable of the three. If previously it was mostly mixing of names, here you have it all: spelling, grammar, missing letters, missing words!
On the plus side, opera life behind the scenes, its public perception, its secrets, and nutty fans are still pretty interesting to keep you reading. Inspector Gong keeps having moments of revelation about life (if only he left Lady Li alone and finally fully became a better man!), and Swan's addiction subplot is presented in a sufficiently realistic manner. Mr Big also returns briefly for a scene.
August 25, 2020
„Murder at the Peking Opera“, the third and last to date book in the “Qing Dynasty Mystery” Series by Amanda Roberts, features Inspector Gong trying to solve a murder, this time for a change in an accessible environment.
By Imperial decree women are just allowed to perform at the Chinese Opera, the Empress herself orders Wangshu (an actress in the Forbidden City) to be one of the first female performers, and take over the leading female actor, previously held by a male actor, who gets (very unhappily) recast as her lover. As the lead male actor is murder there is not shortage of suspects. Once again Gong and Li will join forces to solve the case and bring the killer to justice, while working through their own personal issues and their not fully sanctioned relationship.
Amanda Roberts series blends historical facts and classical “whodunnit” tropes into fully satisfying stories that are fast-paced, and action filled and nevertheless offer an insightful overview of historical China at the time of the late Qing dynasty. Both main characters are genuine, relatable and logical in their paths, their relationship helps to explain the differences between gender and class in historical context, without drawing attention to the murder mystery, whose background explores one of China’s pivotal changes, as women were for the first time to act in public, a privilege reserved until then only to men.
This is a wonderful series that will satisfy to both murder mystery fans and readers of historical fiction. All good series have a downside, these one is not exception… there is only three books in the series ☹ we need more… more… more
By Imperial decree women are just allowed to perform at the Chinese Opera, the Empress herself orders Wangshu (an actress in the Forbidden City) to be one of the first female performers, and take over the leading female actor, previously held by a male actor, who gets (very unhappily) recast as her lover. As the lead male actor is murder there is not shortage of suspects. Once again Gong and Li will join forces to solve the case and bring the killer to justice, while working through their own personal issues and their not fully sanctioned relationship.
Amanda Roberts series blends historical facts and classical “whodunnit” tropes into fully satisfying stories that are fast-paced, and action filled and nevertheless offer an insightful overview of historical China at the time of the late Qing dynasty. Both main characters are genuine, relatable and logical in their paths, their relationship helps to explain the differences between gender and class in historical context, without drawing attention to the murder mystery, whose background explores one of China’s pivotal changes, as women were for the first time to act in public, a privilege reserved until then only to men.
This is a wonderful series that will satisfy to both murder mystery fans and readers of historical fiction. All good series have a downside, these one is not exception… there is only three books in the series ☹ we need more… more… more
July 2, 2018
I've never read anything by Amanda Roberts before but I can't resist a good mystery. Let's jump in and see if I found one!
The Good:
It's clear that the author spent a lot of time researching this time period because everything just felt as if it fit. I loved the various characters, especially Lady Li's daughters and her interactions with them. The book moves along at a really good pace and the ending wasn't something that was obvious halfway through the book. A good mystery keeps you guessing. A good book gets you invested in the characters and keeps you reading. This book did both.
The Bad:
The only bad that I can come up with was that I didn't start this series sooner. While this is a book 3, it worked great as a standalone and tempted me to go looking for other books in the series.
The Summary:
I want to know what happens next with these characters and that's one of the best compliments that I can give to any book. I'm going to be adding this series to my wish list and keeping an eye out for more books by this author.
July 1, 2018
An absorbing mystery with a wonderful setting. Modernization is in the air in turn-of-the-century China, but traditional attitudes and customs are still prevalent and the tension between the two creates disorder and drama. The empress is determined to have women performing the female roles in public opera in place of male actors, but this meets with a great deal of prejudiced opposition. When the empress's chosen performer becomes involved with murder, the investigation reveals as many scandals and secrets and capricious characters as you could find backstage at Covent Garden or Broadway. I was interested both in the "modern" themes of gender fluidity and celebrity obsession and in the Chinese social structure, notably the complex households and the status of widows. The ongoing love story of the series looks unlikely to have a happy ending, but we will have to wait and see.
September 29, 2020
Part 3 of the adventures of Inspector Gong and Lady Li.
The solution to the murder during the opera is delayed until the very end. A nice story that is easy to read. In all parts the emerging love between the two is also described and why this is not possible in ancient China. Personally I am very curious about these developments and read at the end of the book that they will return, but I did not come across a 4th part in this series. Who knows ..... ever?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The solution to the murder during the opera is delayed until the very end. A nice story that is easy to read. In all parts the emerging love between the two is also described and why this is not possible in ancient China. Personally I am very curious about these developments and read at the end of the book that they will return, but I did not come across a 4th part in this series. Who knows ..... ever?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 7, 2020
An actor is murdered with a real sword substituted for a prop in the Peking Opera during a performance. Who wanted the actor dead, or who wanted the first woman actress to play a part in the Opera to be punished for the murder? Is it jealousy, or resistance to social changes? Will Lady Li and Inspector Gong be able to discover the real killer before their lives are in danger, too?
This is the second book of the series and it is so suspenseful, I can't wait to read the third!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the second book of the series and it is so suspenseful, I can't wait to read the third!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout 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. Surprisingly, this one was the most interesting of the three books in this series. The personal lives of the main characters are left a bit up in the air, so I can't wait for the next book.
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).
July 3, 2018
She is having a well deserved rest after her latest case at the opera but life is about to take another twist when a murder happens on stage. She is soon in the middle of her another case. Who did it? Will there be more? See if she can get to the truth
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.
May 26, 2020
I like this series very much and look forward to the next one. But this 3rd book seemed a rush story with too much bemoaning the fact that they can't ever be together. Also, in that rush there were quite a few forgotten words.
However, interesting to know that there were nutty fans even then, and quite interesting about the different operas.
However, interesting to know that there were nutty fans even then, and quite interesting about the different operas.
June 18, 2018
I enjoy a good mystery. The ending left me wanting more and there should be a follow up book as well that I'm looking forward to! Roberts did a good job with the characters and suspense elements.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily reviewing.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily reviewing.
July 4, 2018
An amazing book. Extremely entertaining, captivating, and interesting read. I could not put it down. Wonderfully written with strong characters. I want to read more from this author.
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.
Read
December 24, 2018Nice Murder myster with engaging and likeable characters in a setting you don't normally see. It draws you into their world from the beginning and you want to stay to see how it ends. so when you get a chance pick up a copy and enjoy.
May 22, 2020
Compelling Mystery Makes Me want More
Intriguing novel makes me want to read more by this author. I’ve read Murder in the British Quarter and am anxious to read the next book in the series. Colorado Jim’s wife, Glenna
Intriguing novel makes me want to read more by this author. I’ve read Murder in the British Quarter and am anxious to read the next book in the series. Colorado Jim’s wife, Glenna
October 5, 2020
I enjoyed this story as Lady Li and Inspector Gong delve into solving this murder. With the theater hanging in the balance will they find the real killer in time? It's a wonderful look behind the scenes of Chinese Opera. I received an arc of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 13, 2020
Read all three of these Qing Dynasty Mysteries - easy, fast read
May 31, 2020
I love learning about history and culture and these provide that and some good writing.
April 12, 2025
poorly written
I think this was a teenage book. I also think someone competent should have proof read the book before it was published.
Uh
I think this was a teenage book. I also think someone competent should have proof read the book before it was published.
Uh
September 28, 2020
Awesome as always. Lady Li takes a well deserved break and goes to the Opera. There is the first female performer. Obviously no quiet evening for her, a murder right on stage. Loved every book by this author.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews