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Daiyu Wu Mysteries #1
Black Jade
Could an old-fashioned ballgown be used to commit murder?
Daiyu Wu is aware that fear of the Yellow Terror has made her nationality a rare breed in the Lone Star State. Being Chinese and blind makes her doubly unique in 1930 Dallas. Despite these impediments, anyone who dismisses her for either fact does so at their peril.
One day, at her family-owned laundry business, Dai detects the scent of burned garlic. With the help of her companion, Jacques, the source is soon discovered. It is a green ballgown. The gown has money pinned inside it to pay for the cleaning, but oddly, it came with no address label to identify its owner. Her extensive knowledge leads Dai to believe someone has committed murder using arsenic. The perpetrator is trying to use White Laundry to hide the evidence. But no mention of foul play turns up in the newspapers, and there's not enough proof to convince the police there's been a crime.
Her curiosity and intellect stimulated like never before; Dai ignores the possible consequences and sets out to solve the mystery with the help of her canine companion, Prince Razor, and her confidant, Jacques Haskins. It's either that or let the killer get away with it — assuming a spoiled popinjay, his jealous self-appointed girlfriend, and Dai's overprotective parents don't get in her way.
A Daiyu Wu Mystery - Book 1
Daiyu Wu is aware that fear of the Yellow Terror has made her nationality a rare breed in the Lone Star State. Being Chinese and blind makes her doubly unique in 1930 Dallas. Despite these impediments, anyone who dismisses her for either fact does so at their peril.
One day, at her family-owned laundry business, Dai detects the scent of burned garlic. With the help of her companion, Jacques, the source is soon discovered. It is a green ballgown. The gown has money pinned inside it to pay for the cleaning, but oddly, it came with no address label to identify its owner. Her extensive knowledge leads Dai to believe someone has committed murder using arsenic. The perpetrator is trying to use White Laundry to hide the evidence. But no mention of foul play turns up in the newspapers, and there's not enough proof to convince the police there's been a crime.
Her curiosity and intellect stimulated like never before; Dai ignores the possible consequences and sets out to solve the mystery with the help of her canine companion, Prince Razor, and her confidant, Jacques Haskins. It's either that or let the killer get away with it — assuming a spoiled popinjay, his jealous self-appointed girlfriend, and Dai's overprotective parents don't get in her way.
A Daiyu Wu Mystery - Book 1
246 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 20, 2021
31 people are currently reading
112 people want to read
About the author
Gloria Oliver
37 books86 followersWelcome!
My name is Gloria Oliver and I am a Feline/Canine Slave and Spec Fic author with twelve plus Fantasy/YA Fantasy, Urban Fantasy Thrillers, Sci-Fi, and Cozy Mystery books in print and several short stories in varied anthologies.
I am also an avid reader, movie lover, and soundtrack junkie.
For more info on me or my books, including sample chapters and free reads, please come visit at www.gloriaoliver.com
Feel free to follow me on Bookbub, Amazon, Facebook, and more! Links on the website. :)
Subscribe to my newsletter and grab some free gifts!
Glad to meet you!
My name is Gloria Oliver and I am a Feline/Canine Slave and Spec Fic author with twelve plus Fantasy/YA Fantasy, Urban Fantasy Thrillers, Sci-Fi, and Cozy Mystery books in print and several short stories in varied anthologies.
I am also an avid reader, movie lover, and soundtrack junkie.
For more info on me or my books, including sample chapters and free reads, please come visit at www.gloriaoliver.com
Feel free to follow me on Bookbub, Amazon, Facebook, and more! Links on the website. :)
Subscribe to my newsletter and grab some free gifts!
Glad to meet you!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
September 2, 2021
I discovered this book through BookSirens and received a free PDF copy. The kindle version is 3.99 and so I 'splurged' and bought it. I am a big Kindle lover because of the interface between Amazon and Goodreads which allows Kindle highlights to be visible on Goodreads. I LOVE this feature, as I can share the highlights I liked with the Goodreads community. I see authors using the same feature for their own books, but that is another story!!
The main character is introduced. Highlights from the book describe her:
Daiyu was the only child of the immigrant Wu family. A mere four foot eight, she was a tiny thing—but assuming that was all she was would be a grave mistake. But she was both blind and female and had been allowed to live and thrive. Expectations and traditions practiced even in these modern times would have called for Dai's death when she was born—particularly since she was female and the family had no male heir.
I fell in love with her immediately. She is a strong character and has talents much to be admired.
A green dress has arrived at Dai's family laundry. It smells of arsenic which is used to die dresses green, but not in such excessive amounts. Dai, along with trusty chauffeur, Jacques, immediately begins to research recent deaths for a possible murder.
I love Oliver's writing style. This book is 'cosy' and historical too.
This is Oliver's first cosy mystery having written fantasy and sci-fi in the past. Ms. Oliver has made the transition beautifully.
5 stars
The main character is introduced. Highlights from the book describe her:
Daiyu was the only child of the immigrant Wu family. A mere four foot eight, she was a tiny thing—but assuming that was all she was would be a grave mistake. But she was both blind and female and had been allowed to live and thrive. Expectations and traditions practiced even in these modern times would have called for Dai's death when she was born—particularly since she was female and the family had no male heir.
I fell in love with her immediately. She is a strong character and has talents much to be admired.
A green dress has arrived at Dai's family laundry. It smells of arsenic which is used to die dresses green, but not in such excessive amounts. Dai, along with trusty chauffeur, Jacques, immediately begins to research recent deaths for a possible murder.
I love Oliver's writing style. This book is 'cosy' and historical too.
This is Oliver's first cosy mystery having written fantasy and sci-fi in the past. Ms. Oliver has made the transition beautifully.
5 stars
July 8, 2021
This review first published on Oh Just Books.
A really fun, engaging, fast paced book - I want to read more by Gloria Oliver!
This story starts off introducing us to the super observant and very intelligent Daiyu Wu. She is also Chinese and blind, two things that makes her an outsider in 1930s Texas. The story is from the point of Jacques, her friend/chauffeur/helper. Jacques (not Jackie, as he will remind you!) narrates the story and describes the architecture and clothing beautifully. His voice helps set the scene of Daiyu's world, and we get to know her through him. He is an objective narrator, yet you can see the amount of love and respect he has for Dai. We meet Prince Razor who also has similar feelings for Dai.
She's very intelligent and well-read, and is capable of remembering things and connecting the dots. She still allows her parents a certain amount of leeway while taking care of her, and they're naturally quite protective, not least due to her blindness.
Read the rest of the review here.
A really fun, engaging, fast paced book - I want to read more by Gloria Oliver!
This story starts off introducing us to the super observant and very intelligent Daiyu Wu. She is also Chinese and blind, two things that makes her an outsider in 1930s Texas. The story is from the point of Jacques, her friend/chauffeur/helper. Jacques (not Jackie, as he will remind you!) narrates the story and describes the architecture and clothing beautifully. His voice helps set the scene of Daiyu's world, and we get to know her through him. He is an objective narrator, yet you can see the amount of love and respect he has for Dai. We meet Prince Razor who also has similar feelings for Dai.
She's very intelligent and well-read, and is capable of remembering things and connecting the dots. She still allows her parents a certain amount of leeway while taking care of her, and they're naturally quite protective, not least due to her blindness.
Read the rest of the review here.
August 16, 2021
Black Jade: A Daiyu Wu Mystery is the first book of the Daiyu Wu Mysteries series by Gloria Oliver. As a Book Reviewer, I received a free ebook copy of this book and this is my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor any review.
The setting of Black Jade is Texas in 1930. In Black Jade, Ms. Oliver often refers to the Yellow Terror and Daiyu Wu and her family are treated as strange and looked down upon, and to be feared. If you know anything about 1930s U.S. history, it was at that time that Chinese immigrants were coming into the United States and westerners feared that the Chinese would invade their lands. They also believed the Chinese were a threat to Western values, and the media coined the term “Yellow Peril” when referring to the Chinese.
Apparently, Ms. Oliver decided to use the term “Yellow Terror” in her story and she portrayed how it affected a Chinese family who wanted nothing but to live in the United States and run their business. They had fled China because their daughter was not accepted in the Chinese culture because she was blind.
Black Jade is both a historical mystery and an amateur sleuth mystery, as young Daiyu is quite intelligent and very aware of her surroundings, and one day while working in the family’s laundry, she stumbles upon the scent of garlic. With the help of her friend, Jacques, she discovers the source of the odor is a green ballgown. This leads Daiyu to believe someone has committed murder using arsenic.
That is the beginning of the mystery that sends Daiyu, her dog, Prince Razor, and Jacques on quite an adventure to discover who was murdered and who committed the crime.
Gloria Oliver paints wonderful descriptions that take the reader deep into the places that Daiyu and Jacques go, into a society that isn’t quite sure how to react to a clever, blind Chinese girl, into a family that has problems, and into a coroner’s lab. She has created unique characters that are very interesting and engaging, and a murder mystery that will keep you guessing.
The only thing I struggled with while reading this story was being able to see Daiyu and Jacques as adults. They way they were treated by Daiyu’s parents and most of the people they came into contact with, as well as their interactions with and reactions to each other, convinced me they were youth. However, this did not, in any way, hinder my enjoyment of the story.
Daiyu’s dog, Prince Razor, and a young man who showed interest in Daiyu were wonderful additions to the cast of characters.
If you enjoy good murder mysteries on the cozy side, you will enjoy Black Jade. I will issue one warning for sensitive readers that there are a handful of curse words scattered about the story, but they can easily be overlooked.
Black Jade is well written, educational, and entertaining.
I give Black Jade by Gloria Oliver 5 stars.
The setting of Black Jade is Texas in 1930. In Black Jade, Ms. Oliver often refers to the Yellow Terror and Daiyu Wu and her family are treated as strange and looked down upon, and to be feared. If you know anything about 1930s U.S. history, it was at that time that Chinese immigrants were coming into the United States and westerners feared that the Chinese would invade their lands. They also believed the Chinese were a threat to Western values, and the media coined the term “Yellow Peril” when referring to the Chinese.
Apparently, Ms. Oliver decided to use the term “Yellow Terror” in her story and she portrayed how it affected a Chinese family who wanted nothing but to live in the United States and run their business. They had fled China because their daughter was not accepted in the Chinese culture because she was blind.
Black Jade is both a historical mystery and an amateur sleuth mystery, as young Daiyu is quite intelligent and very aware of her surroundings, and one day while working in the family’s laundry, she stumbles upon the scent of garlic. With the help of her friend, Jacques, she discovers the source of the odor is a green ballgown. This leads Daiyu to believe someone has committed murder using arsenic.
That is the beginning of the mystery that sends Daiyu, her dog, Prince Razor, and Jacques on quite an adventure to discover who was murdered and who committed the crime.
Gloria Oliver paints wonderful descriptions that take the reader deep into the places that Daiyu and Jacques go, into a society that isn’t quite sure how to react to a clever, blind Chinese girl, into a family that has problems, and into a coroner’s lab. She has created unique characters that are very interesting and engaging, and a murder mystery that will keep you guessing.
The only thing I struggled with while reading this story was being able to see Daiyu and Jacques as adults. They way they were treated by Daiyu’s parents and most of the people they came into contact with, as well as their interactions with and reactions to each other, convinced me they were youth. However, this did not, in any way, hinder my enjoyment of the story.
Daiyu’s dog, Prince Razor, and a young man who showed interest in Daiyu were wonderful additions to the cast of characters.
If you enjoy good murder mysteries on the cozy side, you will enjoy Black Jade. I will issue one warning for sensitive readers that there are a handful of curse words scattered about the story, but they can easily be overlooked.
Black Jade is well written, educational, and entertaining.
I give Black Jade by Gloria Oliver 5 stars.
June 26, 2021
I picked up Black Jade because it features a Chinese female main character, and was not disappointed. It's set in 1930's Dallas Texas, and skillfully explores that era's racism and classism without being preachy. The Chinese laundry workers' attitude about Daiyu's blindness and her parents' protectiveness ring true. The first person narrator is Daiyu's friend/chauffeur/companion Jacques, which allows very detailed descriptions of people, places, clothing, etc. to be woven in throughout the novel. It also leaves the thought processes of Daiyu's brilliant mind a mystery.
I've read hundreds of mystery novels and immediately knew "whodunnit" but nevertheless enjoyed reading Black Jade and hope there will be sequels.
BookSirens provided an advance readers copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I've read hundreds of mystery novels and immediately knew "whodunnit" but nevertheless enjoyed reading Black Jade and hope there will be sequels.
BookSirens provided an advance readers copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 10, 2021
I received an advance reader copy of this for free.
The premise intrigued me at once. A blind asian american woman, solving a murder where the murder weapon is a BALLGOWN laced with arsenic - in a historial setting?! Sign me the heck up!
It immediately hooked me from the start, and it was impossible to put down. The chapters are pretty short and keep the story thrilling. I actually loved that it's from Dai's companion Jacques' POV, and I assume that since this is a series, we will learn more about him in the future. I also really liked Aiden.
I think this is a great book to come out now with all the asian hate there is right now, especially in the US. Big plus for empowered disabled people and women!
I definitely wanna read on in this series.
The premise intrigued me at once. A blind asian american woman, solving a murder where the murder weapon is a BALLGOWN laced with arsenic - in a historial setting?! Sign me the heck up!
It immediately hooked me from the start, and it was impossible to put down. The chapters are pretty short and keep the story thrilling. I actually loved that it's from Dai's companion Jacques' POV, and I assume that since this is a series, we will learn more about him in the future. I also really liked Aiden.
I think this is a great book to come out now with all the asian hate there is right now, especially in the US. Big plus for empowered disabled people and women!
I definitely wanna read on in this series.
June 11, 2021
I liked this historical cozy mystery story and would love to see the story continued!
Thanks to BookSirens for providing me with a free review copy. The following opinion is my own and given willingly.
This story sheds light on a period of discrimination of Chinese immigrants previously unknown to me which left me a little stunned.
I loved the thematic interweaving between this backstory arc and the ongoing murder mystery.
The dynamic between Dai and the narrator Jacques (not Jackie!) reminded me of the classic Agatha Christie style. We have a detective (Poirot/Dai) who knows more than the first person narrator (Hastings/Jacques). In this way, the mystery keeps its tension and is not resolved too soon by a quasi all-knowing narrator (if the detective him/herself would narrate the story).
I enjoyed the relationship dynamics between Dai and Jacques and hope the story will be continued to find out more about it.
Speaking of Dai, I am not sure how I feel.
On the one hand, she is incredibly intelligent and in a Poirot-style often nearly all-knowing, practically a Mary Sue. In those instances, she directs Jacques and her other helpers and has an incredible amount of agency.
On the other hand, there are scenes in which she is totally objectified with doll-like qualities and has basically no agency at all.
I found it hard to connect to her emotionally, maybe because the narrative is not from her perspective. She does not feel like a proper human being, rather like an incredibly intelligent doll. Dr. Aiden, on the other hand, has much less „screen time“, but like Jacques she felt more like a properly rounded human being.
Then again, this tension between objectification and agency makes the story interesting, it creates an arc towards more personal freedom and recognition.
Being a person with visual impairments, Dai certainly has a unique view on the world different from everyday Joe. I would love to explore this more, maybe let her talk more about her feelings and/or impressions to Jacques or even give us a book from her perspective (if this would not destroy the tension). The 4th book in the Neve & Egan series did a great job with that.
Thanks to BookSirens for providing me with a free review copy. The following opinion is my own and given willingly.
This story sheds light on a period of discrimination of Chinese immigrants previously unknown to me which left me a little stunned.
I loved the thematic interweaving between this backstory arc and the ongoing murder mystery.
The dynamic between Dai and the narrator Jacques (not Jackie!) reminded me of the classic Agatha Christie style. We have a detective (Poirot/Dai) who knows more than the first person narrator (Hastings/Jacques). In this way, the mystery keeps its tension and is not resolved too soon by a quasi all-knowing narrator (if the detective him/herself would narrate the story).
I enjoyed the relationship dynamics between Dai and Jacques and hope the story will be continued to find out more about it.
Speaking of Dai, I am not sure how I feel.
On the one hand, she is incredibly intelligent and in a Poirot-style often nearly all-knowing, practically a Mary Sue. In those instances, she directs Jacques and her other helpers and has an incredible amount of agency.
On the other hand, there are scenes in which she is totally objectified with doll-like qualities and has basically no agency at all.
I found it hard to connect to her emotionally, maybe because the narrative is not from her perspective. She does not feel like a proper human being, rather like an incredibly intelligent doll. Dr. Aiden, on the other hand, has much less „screen time“, but like Jacques she felt more like a properly rounded human being.
Then again, this tension between objectification and agency makes the story interesting, it creates an arc towards more personal freedom and recognition.
Being a person with visual impairments, Dai certainly has a unique view on the world different from everyday Joe. I would love to explore this more, maybe let her talk more about her feelings and/or impressions to Jacques or even give us a book from her perspective (if this would not destroy the tension). The 4th book in the Neve & Egan series did a great job with that.
July 23, 2021
Daiyu Wu has to fight for any scrap of respect as a blind Chinese woman in 1930s Dallas. That's at least four strikes against her, but between her constant companion Jacques (not Jackie) and her dog Prince Razor (sometimes he's a Prince, sometimes he's a Razor) she is determined to make her way through polite society and uncover a killer. Someone had the audacity to use a ballgown, of all things, to commit a murder and then dump the weapon at her family's laundry. Was it the popinjay who can't get enough of his China Doll, the jealous ex, or someone else entirely? Dai's on the case!
This Christie-esque cozy has plenty of unexpected twists as Dai explores the beautiful landscape of high society Dallas. Having Jacques narrate for both Dai's and the reader's sake was a stroke of brilliance since he's had a lifetime of experience describing a scene.
The mystery is original and the choice of having a visually impaired detective was extremely clever. It opens the door to so many unusual clues and really zooms in on body language, word choice, and tone that a non-impaired detective might brush off. Dai navigates a world that is completely set against her, but absolutely refuses to be underestimated. Who wouldn't love her?
What didn't work for me was, well, Jacques. I found him repetitive and he had a strange combination of defensiveness and subservience. I just wanted him to go away so I could experience the story from Dai's perspective, but I understand there was a Watson and Sherlock kind of thing going on. I hope he settles down in the next installment because I'm sure we'll see much more of Daiyu Wu's expert-level crime solving in the near future!
Thanks to the author for providing a copy of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This Christie-esque cozy has plenty of unexpected twists as Dai explores the beautiful landscape of high society Dallas. Having Jacques narrate for both Dai's and the reader's sake was a stroke of brilliance since he's had a lifetime of experience describing a scene.
The mystery is original and the choice of having a visually impaired detective was extremely clever. It opens the door to so many unusual clues and really zooms in on body language, word choice, and tone that a non-impaired detective might brush off. Dai navigates a world that is completely set against her, but absolutely refuses to be underestimated. Who wouldn't love her?
What didn't work for me was, well, Jacques. I found him repetitive and he had a strange combination of defensiveness and subservience. I just wanted him to go away so I could experience the story from Dai's perspective, but I understand there was a Watson and Sherlock kind of thing going on. I hope he settles down in the next installment because I'm sure we'll see much more of Daiyu Wu's expert-level crime solving in the near future!
Thanks to the author for providing a copy of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 30, 2021
Daiyu was the only child of the immigrant Wu family. They come from China in the 1930's to Dallas Texas, she is blind and female.
So, having been allowed to live and thrive was unheard of back then.
She is a strong character and has talents much to be admired She is four foot eight and a tiny thing.
Her parents gave up their status and moved, so she could live.
Texas was not completly friend to those of yellow skin.
the author, often refers to the Yellow Terror. Daiyu Wu and her family are treated as strange and looked down upon.
she decided to use the term “Yellow Terror” in her story. She wanted to show how it affected a Chinese family
who wanted nothing but to live in the United States and have their business.
They did start a family laundry. Where she works.
When green dress has arrived at Dai's family laundry.
It smells of arsenic which is used to die dresses green,
but not in such excessive amounts.
Dai, along with trusty chauffeur(Jacques), her dog start to see if there was a death involed.
Daiyu and Jacques go, into a society that isn’t quite sure how to react to a blind Chinese girl,
into a family that has problems and into a coroner’s lab. She has created unique characters that are very interesting.
The only thing I struggled with while reading this story was being able to see Daiyu and Jacques as adults.
They way they were treated by Daiyu’s parents and most of they came into contact with made me think they are young.
The dog, Prince Razor, is wonderful addition to the cast of characters.
If you enjoy good murder mysteries on the cozy side this one needs to be added to your list.
This was easy light reading,
This is Oliver's first cosy mystery I hope will be a series.
So, having been allowed to live and thrive was unheard of back then.
She is a strong character and has talents much to be admired She is four foot eight and a tiny thing.
Her parents gave up their status and moved, so she could live.
Texas was not completly friend to those of yellow skin.
the author, often refers to the Yellow Terror. Daiyu Wu and her family are treated as strange and looked down upon.
she decided to use the term “Yellow Terror” in her story. She wanted to show how it affected a Chinese family
who wanted nothing but to live in the United States and have their business.
They did start a family laundry. Where she works.
When green dress has arrived at Dai's family laundry.
It smells of arsenic which is used to die dresses green,
but not in such excessive amounts.
Dai, along with trusty chauffeur(Jacques), her dog start to see if there was a death involed.
Daiyu and Jacques go, into a society that isn’t quite sure how to react to a blind Chinese girl,
into a family that has problems and into a coroner’s lab. She has created unique characters that are very interesting.
The only thing I struggled with while reading this story was being able to see Daiyu and Jacques as adults.
They way they were treated by Daiyu’s parents and most of they came into contact with made me think they are young.
The dog, Prince Razor, is wonderful addition to the cast of characters.
If you enjoy good murder mysteries on the cozy side this one needs to be added to your list.
This was easy light reading,
This is Oliver's first cosy mystery I hope will be a series.
September 4, 2021
This story presented a unique plot twist - it starts with the discovery of the murder weapon, leading the main characters to discover the who and why. The story is set around 1930, in Dallas, Texas. Told in 1st person narrative, Jacques is companion to Dai Wu, daughter of the owners of White Laundry. The murder weapon is apparently a green ball gown, left anonymously at the laundry shop overnight. Dai's enhanced sense of smell, recognizes that the ball gown is a source of arsenic. This sets them on an adventure as they attempt to verify the arsenic content, and then try to find the victim, and ultimately the murderer. What is also unique about this story is that Dai is not only a Chinese immigrant (at this time, the Chinese immigrants are considered the Yellow Menance), but she also been blind from birth, a condition that forced her parents to leave their country and relocate to America, or face the tradition of putting their infant daughter to death. Dai while blind is a strong female character, extremely intelligent and knowledgable, relying on Jacques to be her eyes for the world around her. Along the way, they meet and befriend another strong woman character in the form of Dr. Aiden Campbell. And then there is the delightful canine companion, Prince Razor. The story is extremely colorful, bringing to life the people and places of Dallas in this era (sometimes through Jacques descriptions to Dai, and sometimes just from his own thoughts). I absolutely loved this first in a series story, and hope there are more adventures for these characters. Disclosure: I am voluntarily reviewing this book and all opinions are strictly my own.
February 6, 2023
I've read a few cozy mysteries this year. I find them easier on my scrambled mind, and easier to digest when I'm feeling unwell. But I also find them to be extremely focusing and entertaining.
Black Jade is the first book in a mystery series. The lovely things about the book are the era it's set in and the fact that the main character is a blind Chinese woman. The author weaves in the details of the mystery itself, the racial issues of the time, and society life in the 1930s quite well.
Daiyu and her companion, Jacques, join forces with two unlikely (and totally different) side kicks to find a killer. The setting and characters worked well together. There were little smile moments, strong "that's racist" moments and a hint of embarrassing romantic moments. All intended. All written well. I liked the storyline and didn't find anything annoying about any of it.
Daiyu's companion threw me a bit, at the beginning, but I liked the character and accepted him (once my brain accepted it was a man I was reading about, not a woman as I had first thought).
The mystery was well thought out and the hints subtle. I enjoyed the interaction between Jacques and "the cad". There was a lot of light hearted humour in there too.
I can't think of anything bad about the book. The pages turned quickly, the history was equal to the mystery. I learned a lot about life in the '30s, yet the details were weaved into the storyline, not dumped on the pages. Impressively done, I must say.
I will read more books in the series as I enjoyed my time in their world. Recommended.
Black Jade is the first book in a mystery series. The lovely things about the book are the era it's set in and the fact that the main character is a blind Chinese woman. The author weaves in the details of the mystery itself, the racial issues of the time, and society life in the 1930s quite well.
Daiyu and her companion, Jacques, join forces with two unlikely (and totally different) side kicks to find a killer. The setting and characters worked well together. There were little smile moments, strong "that's racist" moments and a hint of embarrassing romantic moments. All intended. All written well. I liked the storyline and didn't find anything annoying about any of it.
Daiyu's companion threw me a bit, at the beginning, but I liked the character and accepted him (once my brain accepted it was a man I was reading about, not a woman as I had first thought).
The mystery was well thought out and the hints subtle. I enjoyed the interaction between Jacques and "the cad". There was a lot of light hearted humour in there too.
I can't think of anything bad about the book. The pages turned quickly, the history was equal to the mystery. I learned a lot about life in the '30s, yet the details were weaved into the storyline, not dumped on the pages. Impressively done, I must say.
I will read more books in the series as I enjoyed my time in their world. Recommended.
November 3, 2021
Originally published on the book blog Creature From the Book Lagoon.
I received a copy of this audiobook from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Black Jade is a clever mystery set in 1930s, featuring an intriguing young Asian American blind woman named Daiyu. She uses her sense of smell to figure out that a murder has been commited. The story is told from the PoV of the companion, Jacques. It reminded me of Sherlock Holmes stories where Watson is the one telling the story. I was hooked right away.
There are a lot of characters to keep track of. I enjoyed the main characters a lot. Plus, the cute dog! How adorable. BUT I did have some trouble remembering who everyone else was, especially when they are all together.
Some of the confusion was due to the narrator that was used. He did not do accents, the men and women all sounded the same. The biggest problem was that he just sounded way too old to be the companion, Jacques. It was just hard to wrap my head around the voice matching the characters.
Even though the narrator felt like a miss match to the book, Black Jade is a lot of fun and very entertaining. I thought the plot was very creative and it is unique how Daiyu figured out that a murder had been committed. This really was a delightful start to this new series. I am curious to see where the series goes from here. I think historical fiction and cozy mystery fans will enjoy this story.
I received a copy of this audiobook from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Black Jade is a clever mystery set in 1930s, featuring an intriguing young Asian American blind woman named Daiyu. She uses her sense of smell to figure out that a murder has been commited. The story is told from the PoV of the companion, Jacques. It reminded me of Sherlock Holmes stories where Watson is the one telling the story. I was hooked right away.
There are a lot of characters to keep track of. I enjoyed the main characters a lot. Plus, the cute dog! How adorable. BUT I did have some trouble remembering who everyone else was, especially when they are all together.
Some of the confusion was due to the narrator that was used. He did not do accents, the men and women all sounded the same. The biggest problem was that he just sounded way too old to be the companion, Jacques. It was just hard to wrap my head around the voice matching the characters.
Even though the narrator felt like a miss match to the book, Black Jade is a lot of fun and very entertaining. I thought the plot was very creative and it is unique how Daiyu figured out that a murder had been committed. This really was a delightful start to this new series. I am curious to see where the series goes from here. I think historical fiction and cozy mystery fans will enjoy this story.
January 5, 2022
I started this book thinking, “Yay a new mystery!” that alone was enough to make me happy. I was so surprised and very delighted to quickly see that this book was a mystery but also so very much more. The writing style is incredible and so detailed as to have me there in each scene with our characters; please let me say this before I embarrass myself, I truly fell head over heels for them. I tend to have favorites as I read, we all do it, but to say that I was deeply invested and actually grieved the ending of a book, well that is just too weak a description of the way I felt.
I was totally and irrevocably enamored with Daiyu Wu (Dai to her friends, with a giggle of course) and Jacques Haskin has stolen a huge slice of my heart as well and we daren’t even think of leaving Prince Razor out ever the well mannered protectors. Dai is an incredibly gifted young woman that I do believe the phrase dynamite comes in small packages was coined just for her.
I am seriously struggling with my “no spoilers policy and tradition” simply because there are at least twenty things I want to say but I know if I say the first one I will not be able to stop myself. This book truly has everything I could ever dream of for a period mystery and while I have to give kudos for the excellent and in-depth research and also for not shying away from the ugly things as well, I can honestly say, it was as enlightening as it was entertaining.
Beautifully written! I am so excited to add this author to my reading list and am looking forward to reading book two.
I was totally and irrevocably enamored with Daiyu Wu (Dai to her friends, with a giggle of course) and Jacques Haskin has stolen a huge slice of my heart as well and we daren’t even think of leaving Prince Razor out ever the well mannered protectors. Dai is an incredibly gifted young woman that I do believe the phrase dynamite comes in small packages was coined just for her.
I am seriously struggling with my “no spoilers policy and tradition” simply because there are at least twenty things I want to say but I know if I say the first one I will not be able to stop myself. This book truly has everything I could ever dream of for a period mystery and while I have to give kudos for the excellent and in-depth research and also for not shying away from the ugly things as well, I can honestly say, it was as enlightening as it was entertaining.
Beautifully written! I am so excited to add this author to my reading list and am looking forward to reading book two.
August 27, 2021
Daiyu Wu is a different sort of sleuth. Young, cerebral, unexpected, the blind Miss Wu uses her finely honed senses to help find the truth when others are content to look at the surface and call it done. In 1930s society this is hardly an acceptable pastime for a young lady; that Miss Wu is also of Chinese heritage muddies the waters further still. For "them".
But a mere chapter or two into the reading of this book, and you will know - as I did - that there is nothing to be discounted about this discerning young woman and her intrepid defender Prince Razor. And we must remember Jacques as well.
Carefully crafted characters - I especially loved Dr Aiden Campbell - that will keep you engaged as their story unfolds. An intriguing storyline that never ceases to amaze. And a historical setting that has been well researched and brought to life. These are some of the attributes of Oliver's work, and they are the reason that I will look forward to many more of Daiyu's escapades as she leaves law enforcement befuddled in her wake.
[I was fortunate to receive a copy of this book from the author via Cozy Mystery Review Crew, with no obligation to review. The opinions expressed herein are given freely and entirely my own.]
But a mere chapter or two into the reading of this book, and you will know - as I did - that there is nothing to be discounted about this discerning young woman and her intrepid defender Prince Razor. And we must remember Jacques as well.
Carefully crafted characters - I especially loved Dr Aiden Campbell - that will keep you engaged as their story unfolds. An intriguing storyline that never ceases to amaze. And a historical setting that has been well researched and brought to life. These are some of the attributes of Oliver's work, and they are the reason that I will look forward to many more of Daiyu's escapades as she leaves law enforcement befuddled in her wake.
[I was fortunate to receive a copy of this book from the author via Cozy Mystery Review Crew, with no obligation to review. The opinions expressed herein are given freely and entirely my own.]
August 23, 2021
If Sherlock Holmes were female, Chinese, and blind, he would be Daiyu Wu. Similar to the Holmes stories, Wu's story is told her through assistant Jacques. With this perspective, the reader is also given a visual insight into the setting as he describes the scene around them to Daiyu. I liked how this worked! I also liked how the Wu family navigated the very racial environment of 1930s Texas and Daiyu expressed her independence. She didn't let her sex, disability, or race keep her from doing what she wanted. Other than the direct comparison to the Holmes character, the story is set up very similar to many Agatha Christie books with many interconnected characters, each with a motive for being the killer. In fact, the characters themselves even reference the Dame near the conclusion. The overall setting of the book was very well expressed and I enjoyed getting to know the characters. The only element that I was not thrilled about was Jacques' possessiveness of Daiyu. It seemed over the top. But, I will be waiting for the next in this unique series!
Thanks to Cozy Mystery Review Crew for a copy of the book. This review is my own opinion.
Thanks to Cozy Mystery Review Crew for a copy of the book. This review is my own opinion.
May 23, 2021
This promises to be a great cozy mystery series! Daiyu Wu is a great young detective who doesn’t let her disability or her heritage hold her back.
The use of an arsenic-laced ball gown as a murder weapon was a unique and interesting plot. I enjoyed trying to figure out how it was done, and what motive there could have been. Also, starting with the murder weapon, then having to find the body was a fun change to the cozy genre.
Though I enjoyed the story from Jacques’ perspective, I think it would be more interesting to have Dai as a narrator. Though she can’t use her eyes, she uses her other senses to her advantage. It would have been fun to be inside Dai’s head during her investigation.
The guilty party wasn’t hard to determine, though many of the characters had motive. I enjoyed the way that Gloria Oliver presented the clues through Dai and Jacques’ experiences.
I found this to be an enjoyable cozy mystery and look forward to more from Dai, Jacques, and Prince Razor!
I received a copy of this book for free from the author and am leaving this review voluntarily.
The use of an arsenic-laced ball gown as a murder weapon was a unique and interesting plot. I enjoyed trying to figure out how it was done, and what motive there could have been. Also, starting with the murder weapon, then having to find the body was a fun change to the cozy genre.
Though I enjoyed the story from Jacques’ perspective, I think it would be more interesting to have Dai as a narrator. Though she can’t use her eyes, she uses her other senses to her advantage. It would have been fun to be inside Dai’s head during her investigation.
The guilty party wasn’t hard to determine, though many of the characters had motive. I enjoyed the way that Gloria Oliver presented the clues through Dai and Jacques’ experiences.
I found this to be an enjoyable cozy mystery and look forward to more from Dai, Jacques, and Prince Razor!
I received a copy of this book for free from the author and am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 4, 2021
It’s amazing how when one if your senses is removed the others are heightened. This is definitely true for Daiyu Wu who was born blind but you wouldn’t know it unless you looked directly into her eyes. The 1930s in Dallas Texas must have been quite interesting, even though the racism toward the Asian population was ridiculously high which sadly was another reason Dai was under constant watch by her brotherly companion Jacques but still was able to solve a mystery even though others wouldn’t have let her out of their sight.
From the beginning this book kept me intrigued right through until they named the murdered in which I was interestingly surprised they did it alone. The characters were well described and the descriptions of everywhere Dai & Jacques went made me feel as if I was right there with them. I definitely recommend this book and am interested in reading more stories by Gloria Oliver.
From the beginning this book kept me intrigued right through until they named the murdered in which I was interestingly surprised they did it alone. The characters were well described and the descriptions of everywhere Dai & Jacques went made me feel as if I was right there with them. I definitely recommend this book and am interested in reading more stories by Gloria Oliver.
July 7, 2021
Book Sirens eARC. This historical mystery series debut is set in 1930s Texas. Dai, a young woman of Chinese descent was born blind, but far from disabled. Clever and resourceful she has many interests she pursues with the aid of her sidekicks Jacques, a former street urchin and her canine companion Prince Rupert. The basement of her family's laundry serves as her lab and research center. When a green ballgown tainted with arsenic is left at her door she suspects a wrongful death. During the ensuing investigation she recruits a local constable and a lady pathologist. I enjoy the sidekick trope (think Sherlock and Watson) and this was very well done. The character cast were all compelling as was the plot. This was a light and engaging read and I am looking forward to revisiting Dai and her cohorts on the next adventure.
June 19, 2021
A must read whodunnit. Well written and intriguing historical mystery. I loved the characters, Daiyu a very smart young lady and who is Chinese and blind. Jacques her American companion who is witty and funny sometimes and her second companion her pup Prince Razor.
Daiyu who is on a mission to solve the mystery of a ballgown with arsenic on it, that arrived at her parents laundry, with no address. I was totally engrossed with the story, to find out what was going to happen next. A thrilling and fun read.Black Jade - A Daiyu Wu Mystery
Daiyu who is on a mission to solve the mystery of a ballgown with arsenic on it, that arrived at her parents laundry, with no address. I was totally engrossed with the story, to find out what was going to happen next. A thrilling and fun read.Black Jade - A Daiyu Wu Mystery
July 23, 2021
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The premise is seriously original and, even more important, it works.
Somewhere I've come across the concept of using a colour - green - as a murder weapon before. Arsenic was used in green dye. I think in the first novel I read, it was about wallpaper. The poisonous ballgown was a very clever take on the subject.
Add to this a fascinating heroine - of Asian descent and blind as well The novel is narrated from the POV of her aide, which adds another clever twists. Twists the story has plenty - a must have in a mystery, but unfortunately not a given in too many - so, I really enjoyed this book. Having read so much, it is great to see there are still authors with new ideas out there!
Love it.
The premise is seriously original and, even more important, it works.
Somewhere I've come across the concept of using a colour - green - as a murder weapon before. Arsenic was used in green dye. I think in the first novel I read, it was about wallpaper. The poisonous ballgown was a very clever take on the subject.
Add to this a fascinating heroine - of Asian descent and blind as well The novel is narrated from the POV of her aide, which adds another clever twists. Twists the story has plenty - a must have in a mystery, but unfortunately not a given in too many - so, I really enjoyed this book. Having read so much, it is great to see there are still authors with new ideas out there!
Love it.
July 19, 2021
This was a fun read for me. While reading the story, at times it reminded me of the Miss Fisher series due to the time period of the story and the main character being a female. I enjoyed the setting and how all the characters where from different backgrounds and who doesn't love a story where the pet even has its own identity.
It is only a 4 star for me because at times the story seemed to drag on. Also, I wish there was a little more character building on the main two characters.
Overall, I really enjoyed the who done it feel through out the book.
I received an advance review copy from BookSirens for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
It is only a 4 star for me because at times the story seemed to drag on. Also, I wish there was a little more character building on the main two characters.
Overall, I really enjoyed the who done it feel through out the book.
I received an advance review copy from BookSirens for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 17, 2021
I did very much enjoy this novel!
"Black Jade" is a fast-paced but easy to read murder mystery. While the story was well thought through and executed the author also didn't shy away from putting the story in a historical context including racism and ableism as topics to tackle within the story.
The only thing I didn't enjoy was that I was able to predict the ending which took a bit of the tension of the story line out.
Still a very good read though, I hope for a sequel!
(I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.)
"Black Jade" is a fast-paced but easy to read murder mystery. While the story was well thought through and executed the author also didn't shy away from putting the story in a historical context including racism and ableism as topics to tackle within the story.
The only thing I didn't enjoy was that I was able to predict the ending which took a bit of the tension of the story line out.
Still a very good read though, I hope for a sequel!
(I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.)
September 4, 2021
This is the first book in a new cozy mystery series and it’s quite unique. It’s set in 1930s Dallas and the main character is a young Chinese, blind, Sherlock-esque woman. The story is narrated by her male chauffeur and “eyes” as he assists her in solving an intricate case. I really like this new series—the book is relaxing and easy to read, yet exciting and very intriguing. I definitely recommend this book and would love to read future books in this series. I was provided an arc, but these opinions are my own.
August 12, 2021
A very entertaining story about a curious and blind Chinese woman who likes to investigate mysteries. Not only is the investigation well thought out, but the prejudice and restrictions that Daiyu has to live under because of her nationality and immigrant status highlight the shameful underbelly of the 'Free World'. Miss Wu is a model of tolerance for us all. Definitely, a recommended read for mystery fans who love unique protagonists.
July 11, 2021
This is gorgeously written, with an excellent depiction of characters and the long-gone era. I really like our main pair, and the author's meticulous attention to details. I like how immersive this book is. I do not know that much about USA history myself, but this seems genuine. Sincerely recommend!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 24, 2021
This is a delightful story! I loved the historical setting in Texas and reading about the the main character who does not let her blindness hold her back! The history that you read in the story shows us how unfair women were treated in addition to her being Chinese. I could not put the book down!
June 23, 2021
Check out this review and more on my blog, Maya’s Reviews.
Thank you to Gloria Oliver for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
//TW: death, murder, poison, violence, racism, xenophobia//
// Quick Statistics //
Overall: 4/5 Stars
Plot: 5/5 Stars
Setting: 4/5 Stars
Characters: 4/5 Stars
Writing: 4/5 Stars
Memorability: 5/5 Stars
// Quick Review //
Black Jade is a fascinating and intricately written novel that is a great start to the Daiyu Wu Mystery series. Filled with a copious amount of twists and turns, the novel is unique and sticks out amongst the throng of historical mysteries.
// Other Information //
Publisher: Dimension Palace Publishing
Page Count: 246 pages
Release Date: May 11, 2021
Series: Daiyu Wu Mystery #1
// Book Description (via Goodreads) //
Could an old-fashioned ballgown be used to commit murder?
Daiyu Wu is aware that fear of the Yellow Terror has made her nationality a rare breed in the Lone Star State. Being Chinese and blind makes her doubly unique in 1930 Dallas. Despite these impediments, anyone who dismisses her for either fact does so at their peril.
One day, at her family-owned laundry business, Dai detects the scent of burned garlic. With the help of her companion, Jacques, the source is soon discovered. It is a green ballgown. The gown has money pinned inside it to pay for the cleaning, but oddly, it came with no address label to identify its owner. Her extensive knowledge leads Dai to believe someone has committed murder using arsenic. The perpetrator is trying to use White Laundry to hide the evidence. But no mention of foul play turns up in the newspapers, and there's not enough proof to convince the police there's been a crime.
Her curiosity and intellect stimulated like never before; Dai ignores the possible consequences and sets out to solve the mystery with the help of her canine companion, Prince Razor, and her confidant, Jacques Haskins. It's either that or let the killer get away with it — assuming a spoiled popinjay, his jealous self-appointed girlfriend, and Dai's overprotective parents don't get in her way.
// Characters //
Black Jade was full of both lovable and despicable characters that I either gushed over or wanted to knock some sense into. The story is written from the perspective of Jacques, the assistant (kind of) and the eyes of Daiyu Wu, or Dai.
Dai and Jacques’ relationship reminded me heavily of Peggy and Jarvis’ in Agent Carter. Dai is a brilliant young woman who is hardly limited by her disability in terms of her capability of discovering and solving a murder. Jacques is the oblivious assistant who is just along for the ride. Of course, I should mention Dai’s adorable pupper, Prince Razor, who also assists the investigation of Laura Cooper’s potential murder.
Dai (who does not typically interact with others as a result of racial and ableist prejudice) and Jacques become entangled with an assortment of characters involved in the investigation or the murder itself. Dr. Aiden Campbell assists Dai in acquiring physical evidence while Dai tries to become close with those close to Laura. Shannon, Pierce, Lord Paul Domberry, Lady Lizzie Domberry, Mrs. Grey, and William Asquith are among the most important.
Shannon was Laura’s jealous roommate, envious of the relationship that Laura had with William. Lizzie (William’s sister) and Paul Domberry are both keen to place importance upon the status of the family. Mrs. Grey, the family caretaker? Even more so. Pierce, however, is just infatuated with Dai (understandably), which Jacques finds quite annoying.
This deadly mixture of characters leads to an interesting sequence of events that was not only mysterious and murderous, but pure drama-filled.
// Writing and Setting //
Personally, I would have enjoyed reading the story from Dai’s perspective. While visually the story would have been limited, I think that the uniqueness of Dai’s self would add even more to the story. Especially since she was the main character, I think it would have made a little more sense.
Black Jade occurs in Dallas during the 1930’s. Oliver did an excellent job of bringing the story to life through the descriptions that Jacques gives of his surroundings.
// Plot //
I cannot express enough how unpredictable this novel was. As an avid reader of mystery, I expected to figure out who the murderer was earlier on in the story. However, by the end I had not the slightest idea who it might be until Dai figured it out. There were so many details that seemed to implicate every character Dai came in contact with in the murder of Cooper. The incalculable nature of the novel allowed for me to become truly invested in the discovery of who had killed Laura Cooper.
// Overall Review //
A striking mystery, Gloria Oliver has done a spectacular job of creating an unforeseeable story filled to the brim with nonpareil characters. With an excellent first novel, the Daiyu Wu Mystery series is promising and I am so excited to read the following novel.
Author's Website // Amazon
Thank you to Gloria Oliver for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
//TW: death, murder, poison, violence, racism, xenophobia//
// Quick Statistics //
Overall: 4/5 Stars
Plot: 5/5 Stars
Setting: 4/5 Stars
Characters: 4/5 Stars
Writing: 4/5 Stars
Memorability: 5/5 Stars
// Quick Review //
Black Jade is a fascinating and intricately written novel that is a great start to the Daiyu Wu Mystery series. Filled with a copious amount of twists and turns, the novel is unique and sticks out amongst the throng of historical mysteries.
"Sometimes it's nice to pretend to be something other than what you are."
// Other Information //
Publisher: Dimension Palace Publishing
Page Count: 246 pages
Release Date: May 11, 2021
Series: Daiyu Wu Mystery #1
“To live is to take chances. My path must be my own.”
// Book Description (via Goodreads) //
Could an old-fashioned ballgown be used to commit murder?
Daiyu Wu is aware that fear of the Yellow Terror has made her nationality a rare breed in the Lone Star State. Being Chinese and blind makes her doubly unique in 1930 Dallas. Despite these impediments, anyone who dismisses her for either fact does so at their peril.
One day, at her family-owned laundry business, Dai detects the scent of burned garlic. With the help of her companion, Jacques, the source is soon discovered. It is a green ballgown. The gown has money pinned inside it to pay for the cleaning, but oddly, it came with no address label to identify its owner. Her extensive knowledge leads Dai to believe someone has committed murder using arsenic. The perpetrator is trying to use White Laundry to hide the evidence. But no mention of foul play turns up in the newspapers, and there's not enough proof to convince the police there's been a crime.
Her curiosity and intellect stimulated like never before; Dai ignores the possible consequences and sets out to solve the mystery with the help of her canine companion, Prince Razor, and her confidant, Jacques Haskins. It's either that or let the killer get away with it — assuming a spoiled popinjay, his jealous self-appointed girlfriend, and Dai's overprotective parents don't get in her way.
// Characters //
Black Jade was full of both lovable and despicable characters that I either gushed over or wanted to knock some sense into. The story is written from the perspective of Jacques, the assistant (kind of) and the eyes of Daiyu Wu, or Dai.
Dai and Jacques’ relationship reminded me heavily of Peggy and Jarvis’ in Agent Carter. Dai is a brilliant young woman who is hardly limited by her disability in terms of her capability of discovering and solving a murder. Jacques is the oblivious assistant who is just along for the ride. Of course, I should mention Dai’s adorable pupper, Prince Razor, who also assists the investigation of Laura Cooper’s potential murder.
Dai (who does not typically interact with others as a result of racial and ableist prejudice) and Jacques become entangled with an assortment of characters involved in the investigation or the murder itself. Dr. Aiden Campbell assists Dai in acquiring physical evidence while Dai tries to become close with those close to Laura. Shannon, Pierce, Lord Paul Domberry, Lady Lizzie Domberry, Mrs. Grey, and William Asquith are among the most important.
Shannon was Laura’s jealous roommate, envious of the relationship that Laura had with William. Lizzie (William’s sister) and Paul Domberry are both keen to place importance upon the status of the family. Mrs. Grey, the family caretaker? Even more so. Pierce, however, is just infatuated with Dai (understandably), which Jacques finds quite annoying.
This deadly mixture of characters leads to an interesting sequence of events that was not only mysterious and murderous, but pure drama-filled.
“It was hard to imagine how a human being could begin such a thing and watch it unfold, yet do nothing to stop it because it served [spoiler] selfish ends and feelings of superiority.”
// Writing and Setting //
Personally, I would have enjoyed reading the story from Dai’s perspective. While visually the story would have been limited, I think that the uniqueness of Dai’s self would add even more to the story. Especially since she was the main character, I think it would have made a little more sense.
Black Jade occurs in Dallas during the 1930’s. Oliver did an excellent job of bringing the story to life through the descriptions that Jacques gives of his surroundings.
// Plot //
I cannot express enough how unpredictable this novel was. As an avid reader of mystery, I expected to figure out who the murderer was earlier on in the story. However, by the end I had not the slightest idea who it might be until Dai figured it out. There were so many details that seemed to implicate every character Dai came in contact with in the murder of Cooper. The incalculable nature of the novel allowed for me to become truly invested in the discovery of who had killed Laura Cooper.
“‘We are all selfish creatures in our own way. If we forget that others are as important as ourselves and turn our backs on empathy and mercy, we are lost.’”
// Overall Review //
A striking mystery, Gloria Oliver has done a spectacular job of creating an unforeseeable story filled to the brim with nonpareil characters. With an excellent first novel, the Daiyu Wu Mystery series is promising and I am so excited to read the following novel.
Author's Website // Amazon
December 7, 2024
Excellent story!
An enlightening mystery. A sometimes unpleasant view into the past and the way that immigrants especially Chinese were treated. Dai is a wonder. Her senses are amazing and so is her insight. She’s quite brilliant in a time and place where women were more ornamental than individuals. I enjoyed the blending of cultures as we got a view of Chinese traditions meshed with American culture. The mystery was intriguing. I mean to start with a scent on a dress and then be able to track a murderer from there amazing! I definitely did not guess the culprit, they weren’t even on my radar. A great twist. A wonderful start to a series!
I received a copy of this book via StoryOrigin this is my honest review.
An enlightening mystery. A sometimes unpleasant view into the past and the way that immigrants especially Chinese were treated. Dai is a wonder. Her senses are amazing and so is her insight. She’s quite brilliant in a time and place where women were more ornamental than individuals. I enjoyed the blending of cultures as we got a view of Chinese traditions meshed with American culture. The mystery was intriguing. I mean to start with a scent on a dress and then be able to track a murderer from there amazing! I definitely did not guess the culprit, they weren’t even on my radar. A great twist. A wonderful start to a series!
I received a copy of this book via StoryOrigin this is my honest review.
November 15, 2021
Cozy mysteries, I forgot how fun they can be, amateur sleuths taking on the puzzles with the help of a few friends, families, colleagues, and/or strangers. They are fun to read and watch on tv. The sleuths can be creative and go to areas they do not have to get a warrant like law enforcement. This book was fun. It checked all the boxes for this genre and added the extra historical feature. Tempo of the story was good for the genre. I, as a reader, am used to the fast pace of fantasy, and had to reset my brain for the slower pace. This book was a wonderful introduction and set up for the rest of the series.
The main character, Daiyu (or Di for short) Wu, is smart, observant, quirky, and has a thirst for learning. She is not afraid to ask questions and/or be upfront on her feelings. Di doesn’t let her blindness stop her, and I think she uses it towards her advantage, as in, she can use her heightened senses for the smallest things we, who have sight, would overlook. She is a sleuth you can tell when holding something back or thinking things over. I enjoyed this character. For me, she was a well-written character and am looking forward to more growth and development in future novels.
We do not see the story from Daiyu’s perspective. Instead, we see the story through her handler/ childhood companion, Jacques. Taken in as a child, Jacques, treats Daiyu and the Wu family with respect and care. What I like about this character is he acts like her brother and protector. He tries to understand what goes through Di’s mind as they both try to solve the puzzle. I believe Jacques is the one who keeps Di on the ground, or when she allows him to, because she is naïve of the outside world.
Our two other cast members are just as well written. I love how both of them bring something to the story. Dr. Aiden Campbell is introvert and self-conscious, smart, and observant, but also blunt. Dr. Campbell opens up when into their work and comfortable when around someone they trust. Truman Pierce is the very opposite of Dr. Campbell. He is an extrovert and, what can I say, full of himself. But Truman is kind of teddy bear when you get him away from the spotlight. While Di approached Dr. Campbell, Truman buts his way in. These characters were fun to read and I hope they make appearances in future novels.
The set is during the 1930s Dallas, Texas. I know very little next to nothing about this era, but fortunately you do not need to. As a reader, you can understand the story. The way the author intertwines the story with this era brings you into this world with no problems. There is the Chinese racism during this time, and brought into the story, but it was not so much to bring you out.
This book was a good read. It was refreshing seeing a nontraditional character, as in a blind character, as the lead character. I recommend this book if you like amateur sleuth stories and historical cozy mysteries.
*I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest opinion.
You can find this review on my website:
https://www.charliadamswriter.com
The main character, Daiyu (or Di for short) Wu, is smart, observant, quirky, and has a thirst for learning. She is not afraid to ask questions and/or be upfront on her feelings. Di doesn’t let her blindness stop her, and I think she uses it towards her advantage, as in, she can use her heightened senses for the smallest things we, who have sight, would overlook. She is a sleuth you can tell when holding something back or thinking things over. I enjoyed this character. For me, she was a well-written character and am looking forward to more growth and development in future novels.
We do not see the story from Daiyu’s perspective. Instead, we see the story through her handler/ childhood companion, Jacques. Taken in as a child, Jacques, treats Daiyu and the Wu family with respect and care. What I like about this character is he acts like her brother and protector. He tries to understand what goes through Di’s mind as they both try to solve the puzzle. I believe Jacques is the one who keeps Di on the ground, or when she allows him to, because she is naïve of the outside world.
Our two other cast members are just as well written. I love how both of them bring something to the story. Dr. Aiden Campbell is introvert and self-conscious, smart, and observant, but also blunt. Dr. Campbell opens up when into their work and comfortable when around someone they trust. Truman Pierce is the very opposite of Dr. Campbell. He is an extrovert and, what can I say, full of himself. But Truman is kind of teddy bear when you get him away from the spotlight. While Di approached Dr. Campbell, Truman buts his way in. These characters were fun to read and I hope they make appearances in future novels.
The set is during the 1930s Dallas, Texas. I know very little next to nothing about this era, but fortunately you do not need to. As a reader, you can understand the story. The way the author intertwines the story with this era brings you into this world with no problems. There is the Chinese racism during this time, and brought into the story, but it was not so much to bring you out.
This book was a good read. It was refreshing seeing a nontraditional character, as in a blind character, as the lead character. I recommend this book if you like amateur sleuth stories and historical cozy mysteries.
*I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest opinion.
You can find this review on my website:
https://www.charliadamswriter.com
June 1, 2021
This book was a breath of fresh air especially since I was only able to read three books in May. I really liked this book. Daiyu appeared to be a sherlock-esque character and accordingly Jacques was much a Watson-esque character. And since I am a big fan of Sherlock and Watson, this book was very much up my alley.
First, let's begin with the cover. I'm not the greatest fan of the cover. I understand that it's a darker tone because of the murder aspect. And I understand why the cover is a green dress. But other than that, I wasn't a fan of the look and aesthetic. Maybe just a bit brighter or a different pose?
Next is characters. I really loved the characters. Daiyu seems to be extremely unfortunate considering that she is a Chinese blind girl in historical Texas. But her attitude and spunk is really endearing. I also really liked Jacques. The whole story is told in his perspective, which reminded me much of Sherlock and Watson. Jacques was like the perfect foil. He is not as knowledgeable as Dai but is the perfect protective bodyguard/older brother (although I have my suspicions about the latter). For minor supporting characters, I also really liked Dai's mother. The dragon is so familiar as I am Asian and was raised by an Asian mother. So her elegant way of shutting someone down is so cool.
Onto plot. I thought the plot was good. It appeared to me to be very dialogue driven. I liked how Dai developed friendships with multiple characters. I also really liked the description of clothes that Dai or other characters wore (I thought it was perfect for world building and imagining the scene). The murder mystery itself was a bit predictable, so it definitely something I read more for the characters than the mystery. I did like though that the murder weapon was arsenic. It was very interesting even though I know quite a lot about arsenic. (I'm not a murderer I swear, I've only watched and read too many murder mysteries ⊂•⊃_⊂•⊃)
But overall, I thought it was a great read. Not too long but perfect to learn more about Dai and Jacques. Can't wait for the next one!
First, let's begin with the cover. I'm not the greatest fan of the cover. I understand that it's a darker tone because of the murder aspect. And I understand why the cover is a green dress. But other than that, I wasn't a fan of the look and aesthetic. Maybe just a bit brighter or a different pose?
Next is characters. I really loved the characters. Daiyu seems to be extremely unfortunate considering that she is a Chinese blind girl in historical Texas. But her attitude and spunk is really endearing. I also really liked Jacques. The whole story is told in his perspective, which reminded me much of Sherlock and Watson. Jacques was like the perfect foil. He is not as knowledgeable as Dai but is the perfect protective bodyguard/older brother (although I have my suspicions about the latter). For minor supporting characters, I also really liked Dai's mother. The dragon is so familiar as I am Asian and was raised by an Asian mother. So her elegant way of shutting someone down is so cool.
Onto plot. I thought the plot was good. It appeared to me to be very dialogue driven. I liked how Dai developed friendships with multiple characters. I also really liked the description of clothes that Dai or other characters wore (I thought it was perfect for world building and imagining the scene). The murder mystery itself was a bit predictable, so it definitely something I read more for the characters than the mystery. I did like though that the murder weapon was arsenic. It was very interesting even though I know quite a lot about arsenic. (I'm not a murderer I swear, I've only watched and read too many murder mysteries ⊂•⊃_⊂•⊃)
But overall, I thought it was a great read. Not too long but perfect to learn more about Dai and Jacques. Can't wait for the next one!
July 16, 2021
BLACK JADE by Gloria Oliver
The First Daiyu Wu Mystery
Daiyu Wu may have been born blind, but her other senses are razor sharp. When she detects the scent of burned garlic at her family's laundromat she quickly sends her companion, Jacques, to look for a green dress. Her innate curiosity and a keen intellect leads to not only discover this most unique murder weapon, but to undertake the search for its victim, much to Jacques' dismay. With overprotective parents and the racism inherent of 1930s Dallas, Texas, Dai, with the assistance of Jacques and her dog, Prince Razor, will nonetheless venture out to solve a mystery and bring a killer to justice while making friends, and perhaps an enemy or two, along the way.
Dallas, Texas in 1930 is an uncommon time and location for a cozy mystery. A blind Chinese woman as a protagonist is also fairly rare. Add an unconventional method of investigation that starts with an unusual murder weapon and you get an ingenious new mystery series that left me totally delighted.
Daiyu Wu is a fascinating protagonist. Different in a variety of ways, she's able to straddle two worlds while not quite fitting into either. Despite that, or perhaps because of that, she's smart, happy, and eminently capable. Dai is able to transmute disabilities into great ability. Jacques is a great companion to her; in many ways a Watson to her Sherlock Holmes (or should we say Irene Adler). For the most part I share Jacques' opinion of the popinjay. Although I do believe he has a good heart, it makes my skin crawl every time he calls Dai "China Doll". Despite her diminutive stature and the tendency of her mother to make her wear too many frills, Dai is a smart woman, fully capable of knowing her own mind. Minor and not so minor characters make a big impact as well. From the Dragon to Prince Razor, they all have distinctive memorable traits which add to the richness of the book.
I truly enjoyed this unique engrossing mystery. Touching on subjects not often seen in cozies, BLACK JADE looks at class, race, and relationships while providing an intelligent, well plotted mystery.
The First Daiyu Wu Mystery
Daiyu Wu may have been born blind, but her other senses are razor sharp. When she detects the scent of burned garlic at her family's laundromat she quickly sends her companion, Jacques, to look for a green dress. Her innate curiosity and a keen intellect leads to not only discover this most unique murder weapon, but to undertake the search for its victim, much to Jacques' dismay. With overprotective parents and the racism inherent of 1930s Dallas, Texas, Dai, with the assistance of Jacques and her dog, Prince Razor, will nonetheless venture out to solve a mystery and bring a killer to justice while making friends, and perhaps an enemy or two, along the way.
Dallas, Texas in 1930 is an uncommon time and location for a cozy mystery. A blind Chinese woman as a protagonist is also fairly rare. Add an unconventional method of investigation that starts with an unusual murder weapon and you get an ingenious new mystery series that left me totally delighted.
Daiyu Wu is a fascinating protagonist. Different in a variety of ways, she's able to straddle two worlds while not quite fitting into either. Despite that, or perhaps because of that, she's smart, happy, and eminently capable. Dai is able to transmute disabilities into great ability. Jacques is a great companion to her; in many ways a Watson to her Sherlock Holmes (or should we say Irene Adler). For the most part I share Jacques' opinion of the popinjay. Although I do believe he has a good heart, it makes my skin crawl every time he calls Dai "China Doll". Despite her diminutive stature and the tendency of her mother to make her wear too many frills, Dai is a smart woman, fully capable of knowing her own mind. Minor and not so minor characters make a big impact as well. From the Dragon to Prince Razor, they all have distinctive memorable traits which add to the richness of the book.
I truly enjoyed this unique engrossing mystery. Touching on subjects not often seen in cozies, BLACK JADE looks at class, race, and relationships while providing an intelligent, well plotted mystery.
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