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Qing Dynasty Mysteries #1
Murder in the Forbidden City
Peking, 1867
When one of the Empress’s ladies-in-waiting is killed in the Forbidden City, she orders Inspector Gong to find the killer. Unfortunately, as a man, he is forbidden from entering the Inner Court. How is he supposed to solve a murder when he cannot visit the scene of the crime or talk to the women in the victim’s life? He won’t be able to solve this crime alone.
The widowed Lady Li is devastated when she finds out about the murder of her sister-in-law, who was serving as the Empress’s lady-in-waiting. She is determined to discover who killed her, even if it means assisting the rude and obnoxious Inspector Gong and going undercover in the Forbidden City.
Together, will Lady Li and Inspector Gong be able to find the murderer before he – or she – strikes again?
When one of the Empress’s ladies-in-waiting is killed in the Forbidden City, she orders Inspector Gong to find the killer. Unfortunately, as a man, he is forbidden from entering the Inner Court. How is he supposed to solve a murder when he cannot visit the scene of the crime or talk to the women in the victim’s life? He won’t be able to solve this crime alone.
The widowed Lady Li is devastated when she finds out about the murder of her sister-in-law, who was serving as the Empress’s lady-in-waiting. She is determined to discover who killed her, even if it means assisting the rude and obnoxious Inspector Gong and going undercover in the Forbidden City.
Together, will Lady Li and Inspector Gong be able to find the murderer before he – or she – strikes again?
218 pages, Paperback
First published June 28, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
September 28, 2020
A fabulous mystery story to keep your attention. Lady Li has to help out Inspector Gong when one of the Empresse’s lady in waiting is murdered. Men aren’t allowed near them. Easy reading and before you even realize it, you’re at the end. Fabulous author.
July 14, 2018
Different (in a good way!)
You land slap bang in the middle of the action. I liked that. The style is different, but I quickly got used to it. After the hectic beginning it does slow down a bit, but the descriptions were interesting. It’s different than any other mystery I’ve read. The fact that it’s in China, in 1867, inside a palace, all these things make for a different kind of story. It felt like the author did extensive research. Alternating POV’s in third person between Inspector Gong and Lady Li. Underneath all that haughtiness Lady Li is likable, fierce, clever and perceptive. She notices details others may not. And she has empathy. Inspector Gong can be quite rude and arrogant. He is not very understanding or sympathetic. But he is determined to find the killer.
The emotions, I just felt them, they jumped from the page straight into my heart. Exciting to have found something so unique!
You land slap bang in the middle of the action. I liked that. The style is different, but I quickly got used to it. After the hectic beginning it does slow down a bit, but the descriptions were interesting. It’s different than any other mystery I’ve read. The fact that it’s in China, in 1867, inside a palace, all these things make for a different kind of story. It felt like the author did extensive research. Alternating POV’s in third person between Inspector Gong and Lady Li. Underneath all that haughtiness Lady Li is likable, fierce, clever and perceptive. She notices details others may not. And she has empathy. Inspector Gong can be quite rude and arrogant. He is not very understanding or sympathetic. But he is determined to find the killer.
The emotions, I just felt them, they jumped from the page straight into my heart. Exciting to have found something so unique!
June 29, 2017
What an interesting book. Amanda takes us back in China's history to a time of Emperors and Empresses. There is a murder in the inter-court. Inspector Gong is not allowed where the Ladies and Concubines live. It is forbidden. But Lady Seyi is still dead. How to investigate? After the inspector informs the lady's sister-law of her death they decide that she Lady Li will go undercover to investigate the murder. Lady Li has been a Lady-in-waiting to the Empress before. Join Inspector Gong and Lady Li in this exciting, page turning mystery. You won't regret it. Strongly recommend this story.
November 21, 2024
This was a good, short mystery. I enjoyed it. It's not the most complex detective story ever but for an old timey whodunit it was great.
When Lady Li's sister-in-law Suyi, a lady in waiting to the empress, is murdered it's up to detective Gong to solve the crime. With Gong himself barred from the Forbidden City for being a man he must enlist Lady Li's help in infiltrating the palace and finding out who murdered Suyi and why.
Lady Li and Gong are both likable characters with some good chemistry. I enjoyed the dual perspectives, it helped keep things going at a fast pace.
It's not a particularly brilliant or memorable novel but I enjoyed my time reading this book and recommend it if historical fiction and detective stories interest you.
When Lady Li's sister-in-law Suyi, a lady in waiting to the empress, is murdered it's up to detective Gong to solve the crime. With Gong himself barred from the Forbidden City for being a man he must enlist Lady Li's help in infiltrating the palace and finding out who murdered Suyi and why.
Lady Li and Gong are both likable characters with some good chemistry. I enjoyed the dual perspectives, it helped keep things going at a fast pace.
It's not a particularly brilliant or memorable novel but I enjoyed my time reading this book and recommend it if historical fiction and detective stories interest you.
January 13, 2018
I received a free copy of this book from Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A great story that the author clearly did research for. The author makes readers feel like they are really in the world with vivid descriptions and frequent action. Full of action surrounding politics, the murder, and drama within the court the pages turn by themselves. I’m not sure where the next book will go but I’m excited to find out. Lady Li is a unique character with aspirations and that makes her someone you want to root for.
A great story that the author clearly did research for. The author makes readers feel like they are really in the world with vivid descriptions and frequent action. Full of action surrounding politics, the murder, and drama within the court the pages turn by themselves. I’m not sure where the next book will go but I’m excited to find out. Lady Li is a unique character with aspirations and that makes her someone you want to root for.
May 14, 2018
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
I absolutely loved this mystery. Amanda Roberts has captured the atmosphere and describes the courts and settings very well. Her focus on the fine details bring the characters to life. It is not hard to imagine the boredom of the ladies in waiting, the fear of the courtiers, the reverence and scrapping of kowtowed heads and whispered voices in the presence of the Empress. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to the next. Love the cover too.
I absolutely loved this mystery. Amanda Roberts has captured the atmosphere and describes the courts and settings very well. Her focus on the fine details bring the characters to life. It is not hard to imagine the boredom of the ladies in waiting, the fear of the courtiers, the reverence and scrapping of kowtowed heads and whispered voices in the presence of the Empress. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to the next. Love the cover too.
June 30, 2017
A murder mystery that takes place in Chinese history! Love murder mysteries, love asian locations, and history! All this combined is just a wonderful piece of work that anyone who likes those things will enjoy. The murder is so suspenseful I was hooked right up until the end. I can't wait to read more along these lines from Amanda Roberts.
December 20, 2017
An intimate look behind the walls of the Forbidden City with Lady Li as she helps solve a murder. This book hits the spot for history and mystery buff alike, giving a realistic view of life in China and a great murder to solve, developing characters you will hope to meet again in the future. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 15, 2018
A murder set in a different country, in a different time. This was a true who done it and it kept you guessing until the very end. This was a fabulous read that kept me turning pages just to find out what would happen next!
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 3, 2018
I love this & I can't wait for more.
I will be also leaving a review on Goodreads @ Amazon.
And letting everyone know about it.
So i gave it a 5 Stars.
I will be also leaving a review on Goodreads @ Amazon.
And letting everyone know about it.
So i gave it a 5 Stars.
October 5, 2020
I enjoyed this story as Lady Li is enlisted by Inspector Gong to find the murderer of the Empress' lady in waiting. She also happens to be Lady LI's sister in law. I found the background intriguing as men are not allowed into the Forbidden City. Will they be able to solve this crime in time? I received an arc of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 27, 2020
I love reading Amanda Roberts stories. The way she can describe the zeitgeist in a Chinese historical book, great!
The secret life of the emperors wives, his empress and how it went. The power, the jealousy, the rules; you imagine yourself there.
This part is about solving a murder in the forbidden city. As a man, Inspector Gong cannot do that and he needs help from a woman. He finds this help with the sister-in-law of the deceased woman.
The difference in status between the two is beautifully portrayed, the difference between the Manchu and the Han, the difference between the worth of a man and a woman of that time. The rules of society that prevent their rising love. All this makes the story so fascinating and I am looking forward to follow-up stories
Highly recommendend
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The secret life of the emperors wives, his empress and how it went. The power, the jealousy, the rules; you imagine yourself there.
This part is about solving a murder in the forbidden city. As a man, Inspector Gong cannot do that and he needs help from a woman. He finds this help with the sister-in-law of the deceased woman.
The difference in status between the two is beautifully portrayed, the difference between the Manchu and the Han, the difference between the worth of a man and a woman of that time. The rules of society that prevent their rising love. All this makes the story so fascinating and I am looking forward to follow-up stories
Highly recommendend
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 25, 2020
„Murder in the Forbidden City“ the first installment in the “Qing Dynasty Mystery” Series by Amanda Roberts, featuring Inspector Gong is a delightful “whodunnit” set in the late period of the Qing Dynasty, precisely in the year 1867 under the reign of the Tongzhi Emperor.
As a lady-in-waiting is killed in the Forbidden City, the Empress assigns Inspector Gong to the case, the problem being that Gong, as a mere mortal, isn’t allowed to enter the Inner Court in the Forbidden City, which poses an insurmountable obstacle to solve the crime. Nevertheless, Gong is a resourceful man, and thus he seeks out Lady Li (the deceased’s sister-in-law) to help out with the investigation. Lady Li initial reluctance wears off as the story develops.
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. With very accurate descriptions, a great attention to detail and fully fleshed realistic characters, genuine and relatable (the tension between Gong and Li develops into friendship of sort in a very organic way), this series offers the usual entertainment of a “whodunnit” paired with historical facts and witty, smart characters. Already looking forward to reading the remaining books in the series.
As a lady-in-waiting is killed in the Forbidden City, the Empress assigns Inspector Gong to the case, the problem being that Gong, as a mere mortal, isn’t allowed to enter the Inner Court in the Forbidden City, which poses an insurmountable obstacle to solve the crime. Nevertheless, Gong is a resourceful man, and thus he seeks out Lady Li (the deceased’s sister-in-law) to help out with the investigation. Lady Li initial reluctance wears off as the story develops.
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. With very accurate descriptions, a great attention to detail and fully fleshed realistic characters, genuine and relatable (the tension between Gong and Li develops into friendship of sort in a very organic way), this series offers the usual entertainment of a “whodunnit” paired with historical facts and witty, smart characters. Already looking forward to reading the remaining books in the series.
June 21, 2019
Well researched, highly readable and entertaining
The novel is set in nineteenth century China, as westerners are beginning to enter and trade with China. When one of the emperor's ladies inwaiting is murdered, a police inspector is charged with finding the murderer. However, cultural rules and court structure prevent him from entering the forbidden city to interview witnesses or view the scene of the crime. He must enlist the aid of a noble woman who is related to the victim, to help his search. As she and the empress face danger and court intrigues abound, the rich background of China's culture is presented
The novel is set in nineteenth century China, as westerners are beginning to enter and trade with China. When one of the emperor's ladies inwaiting is murdered, a police inspector is charged with finding the murderer. However, cultural rules and court structure prevent him from entering the forbidden city to interview witnesses or view the scene of the crime. He must enlist the aid of a noble woman who is related to the victim, to help his search. As she and the empress face danger and court intrigues abound, the rich background of China's culture is presented
June 15, 2019
Good read
I enjoyed reading the book. I had just finished a book by another author that was about the Chinese Imperial Court from the same time period. I thought based on the two books, that the author did a good job showing the flavor of the court and what it was like. The only thing that was a little jarring was her use of some very modern phrases that would not have even been used by English speaking people of that time period, "kids" instead of children, and the phrase "no way". Otherwise it was a good read.
I enjoyed reading the book. I had just finished a book by another author that was about the Chinese Imperial Court from the same time period. I thought based on the two books, that the author did a good job showing the flavor of the court and what it was like. The only thing that was a little jarring was her use of some very modern phrases that would not have even been used by English speaking people of that time period, "kids" instead of children, and the phrase "no way". Otherwise it was a good read.
October 4, 2017
This is a must read I couldn't put it down!!! The story starts off with the murder of fifteen year old Lady Yun a lady in waiting to the Empress of China in 1867. You are drawn in by murder, suspense, twists and a forbidden romance. I recommend this as a fast intriguing read. One that will want you hoping and praying for the sequel. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 10, 2018
Murder in the Forbidden City (Qing Dynasty Mysteries Book 1) is written by Amanda Roberts. This fictional murder mystery provides the reader with a view of life in 1867 China. Fans of murder mysteries will see the challenges posed by the social mores of the time as well as the classes existing then. To overcome these obstacles and find the murderer, a great deal of cleverness must be employed. It is a fascinating look at history we rarely have access to in China.
June 22, 2019
An interesting look into 19th century China and its Imperial Court with what seemed like more updated language for more modern readers. Plus, it had an intriguing mystery with plenty of twists and a whodunnit I didn't see coming. Good stuff. The hint of romance was surprising, but cool. Definitely worth a read. I'm glad I picked this one up. It was a refreshingly different read while still feeding my love of mysteries.
January 25, 2018
This was an interesting story. However some of the things are very similar to her other Book, Threads of Silk, and most of the characters seem repeated with a little changes to their name. But this book did keep me hooked till the very end. I loved how the tale twisted in the end and left me dumbfounded. A nice read.
June 3, 2019
Excellent mystery 5 stars
Historical China. Murder in the inner court. How can the inspector investigate the crime when he cannot even view the location of speak to any of the many possible witnesses. Intrigue. Romance. A very different culture. Surprise solution. Believable characters. Suspense.
Historical China. Murder in the inner court. How can the inspector investigate the crime when he cannot even view the location of speak to any of the many possible witnesses. Intrigue. Romance. A very different culture. Surprise solution. Believable characters. Suspense.
October 1, 2019
I love anything about the Orient. This book set in China and most of the action taking place in the Forbidden City was just my cup of tea. The opulence, but the sheer waste amazed me. I mean 100 dishes for the Empress, I mean give me a break. A great murder mystery that kept me guessing until the end!
November 8, 2019
I really enjoyed this mystery set in China. To learn more about China in the 1900's and especially life in the Forbidden City. Combined with a good mystery. Couldn't be better!
I' m looking forward to reading the next book in this series!
I' m looking forward to reading the next book in this series!
December 16, 2017
I admit it's not a modern classic or anything, but it's interesting and well-written enough that I wish the author would get the hell on with finishing the second story.
January 31, 2022
Interesting historical setting and mystery, but I felt the writing kept me at a distance from the main characters.
December 16, 2020
Roberts Knows Her Stuff
Roberts has immersed herself in Chinese history and thoroughly knows not only the social mores of the years after the Boxer Rebellion, but also the literal ins and outs of life in the Forbidden City.
The characters are well developed, and the red herrings are so good that you truly don’t know who the culprit is until the last pages of the book. Unlike Agatha Christie and other mystery writers, there’s no miraculous ending with all ends tied, neatly if not logically. You follow one herring to completion before another one is tossed out. The pacing of the tale is perfect. While I wouldn’t say the book is a page turner exactly,the plot and Roberts’ writing styles kept me interested.
Midway through the book I thought the famous mystery solving couples had nothing on Inspector Gong and Lady Liu, and I’m thrilled that Roberts has them teaming up together to solve another mystery.
Roberts has immersed herself in Chinese history and thoroughly knows not only the social mores of the years after the Boxer Rebellion, but also the literal ins and outs of life in the Forbidden City.
The characters are well developed, and the red herrings are so good that you truly don’t know who the culprit is until the last pages of the book. Unlike Agatha Christie and other mystery writers, there’s no miraculous ending with all ends tied, neatly if not logically. You follow one herring to completion before another one is tossed out. The pacing of the tale is perfect. While I wouldn’t say the book is a page turner exactly,the plot and Roberts’ writing styles kept me interested.
Midway through the book I thought the famous mystery solving couples had nothing on Inspector Gong and Lady Liu, and I’m thrilled that Roberts has them teaming up together to solve another mystery.
March 25, 2023
I've been reading a lot of mysteries lately and been dipping my toe into Chinese drama, so the idea of a murder-mystery set in the Qing Dynasty was of great appeal. Unfortunately, the book didn't live up to my expectations.
The basics: One of Dowager Empress Cixi's ladies-in-waiting is murdered inside the Forbidden City. She tasks Inspector Gong with finding the killer, but since he's not a eunuch, he won't be allowed into area which houses the Emperor's consorts and concubine. This means he cannot see the crime scene or question any of the ladies who might have seen something. To get around this, he enlists the somewhat reluctant aid of Lady Li, sister-in-law of the victim. She can take her sister-in-law's place at the Dowager Empress' side, giving her access to those Inspector Gong cannot reach.
There were a number of things I struggled with here. The writing didn't engaged me, and many of the characters felt shallow. While I can understand why Lady Li would agree to help the inspector, seemed a bit foolhardy, and unnecessarily risking discovery and awful penalties. Then, while the beginning of the book seems to set up Inspector Gong as our primary protagonist, the bulk of the investigation falls to Lady Li. The denouement feels a bit rushed, with a point where a clue was obvious enough my reaction was, "Oh, that's the killer" rather than it laying groundwork for the big reveal. The mopping up once the killer had been caught just felt...unpleasant. Yes, the punishments meted out were what those involved would have likely received (Imperial China was not a good place to get caught up in a crime, even peripherally), but the way it was presented left a bad taste.
The basics: One of Dowager Empress Cixi's ladies-in-waiting is murdered inside the Forbidden City. She tasks Inspector Gong with finding the killer, but since he's not a eunuch, he won't be allowed into area which houses the Emperor's consorts and concubine. This means he cannot see the crime scene or question any of the ladies who might have seen something. To get around this, he enlists the somewhat reluctant aid of Lady Li, sister-in-law of the victim. She can take her sister-in-law's place at the Dowager Empress' side, giving her access to those Inspector Gong cannot reach.
There were a number of things I struggled with here. The writing didn't engaged me, and many of the characters felt shallow. While I can understand why Lady Li would agree to help the inspector, seemed a bit foolhardy, and unnecessarily risking discovery and awful penalties. Then, while the beginning of the book seems to set up Inspector Gong as our primary protagonist, the bulk of the investigation falls to Lady Li. The denouement feels a bit rushed, with a point where a clue was obvious enough my reaction was, "Oh, that's the killer" rather than it laying groundwork for the big reveal. The mopping up once the killer had been caught just felt...unpleasant. Yes, the punishments meted out were what those involved would have likely received (Imperial China was not a good place to get caught up in a crime, even peripherally), but the way it was presented left a bad taste.
November 3, 2024
Murder in the Forbidden City 4.5
Murder in the British Quarter 4
Murder at the Peking Opera 2
4.5 stars
The book takes some major liberties with the historic personalities in the dynasty, but it serves the story, and the social mores and gender roles of the period are portrayed really well and are fascinating to read about (even though I constantly wanted to yell at all the misogyny). Same goes for the life in the Inner Court, with its intrigues, bribes, and social expectations even wilder than outside the palace.
The murder mystery itself is pretty engaging (though I did feel at times that it was just an excuse to engage with the setting). However, it somewhat goes downhill in the resolution (the killer is indeed one of the characters you meet on page, but their motivation feels out of the left field and is based on the information the reader didn't have before the reveal). Imo, could have easily been better with some slight changes / additions, but alas, we got what we got.
The huge plus of the book is our protagonist, Lady Li. She's a widow and a mother, she's smart and cunning, but also flawed in a very human way, and she's an experienced lover. Nowadays, it's very refreshing to get a heroine who is not a 19 y.o. dumbass, who is actually living her life within the social expectations of her status, abominable as they may be, and has the mindset of the period and not the 21st century ideas.
One thing I'm wondering about: both Lady Li and Inspector Gong express some pretty misogynistic views in some situations (considered the norm at the time) and yet are rather open minded in others. Is it intentional to reflect the setting or just a case of bad editing?
Murder in the British Quarter 4
Murder at the Peking Opera 2
4.5 stars
The book takes some major liberties with the historic personalities in the dynasty, but it serves the story, and the social mores and gender roles of the period are portrayed really well and are fascinating to read about (even though I constantly wanted to yell at all the misogyny). Same goes for the life in the Inner Court, with its intrigues, bribes, and social expectations even wilder than outside the palace.
The murder mystery itself is pretty engaging (though I did feel at times that it was just an excuse to engage with the setting). However, it somewhat goes downhill in the resolution (the killer is indeed one of the characters you meet on page, but their motivation feels out of the left field and is based on the information the reader didn't have before the reveal). Imo, could have easily been better with some slight changes / additions, but alas, we got what we got.
The huge plus of the book is our protagonist, Lady Li. She's a widow and a mother, she's smart and cunning, but also flawed in a very human way, and she's an experienced lover. Nowadays, it's very refreshing to get a heroine who is not a 19 y.o. dumbass, who is actually living her life within the social expectations of her status, abominable as they may be, and has the mindset of the period and not the 21st century ideas.
One thing I'm wondering about: both Lady Li and Inspector Gong express some pretty misogynistic views in some situations (considered the norm at the time) and yet are rather open minded in others. Is it intentional to reflect the setting or just a case of bad editing?
March 12, 2023
I liked this book’s differences and pacing- the setting separating women and men, the assignment of the investigation to a man of (lower) caste who may not see the crime scene or interview any females, the ancient era of an empress in charge of China.
I did NOT like constantly being reminded of the differences as if the author needed to tell us how clever she is. The repetition of this info got seriously tedious.
Overall the story was good and interesting. A few non sequitur events stood out as odd and ‘not right’. I’ll let you figure them out so I don’t spoil an otherwise good story — sister-in-law is murdered and her relative enters the palace to find her killer.
I did NOT like constantly being reminded of the differences as if the author needed to tell us how clever she is. The repetition of this info got seriously tedious.
Overall the story was good and interesting. A few non sequitur events stood out as odd and ‘not right’. I’ll let you figure them out so I don’t spoil an otherwise good story — sister-in-law is murdered and her relative enters the palace to find her killer.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews