ISBN: 9998971721 Order from: Recorded Books
Another puzzle of the ancient Chinese detective, this short book offers exotic setting and plenty of intellectual excercise, while lightly sketching the characters.
Reviewed by David on July 12, 2003
Genre: Mystery (Police Procedural, Historical, China)
Synopsis: This is an unabridged recording of The Morning of the Monkey.
During the Tang dynasty, over a thousand years ago, much of China was ruled by well-developed beauracrocy, staffed with scholarly officials who passed tough civil examinations. Nonetheless, despite the organization and booming trade, the country still had plenty of poverty and crime.
And thus much occupation for a district magistrate Judge Dee, well-known for his ability to investigate crimes.
A calm morning of Magistate Dee is disturbed when a playful monkey leaves a gold ring on his terrace. Puzzled and concerned, the Judge's investigation leads him to a murdered man.
Judge Dee, and his assistant, have to determine the identity of the murdered man, as well as the culprit.
Full Review: The description of the culture and mores of 6th Century China is excellent here. The investigation follows the classic detective tradition, along with the brilliant, somewhat aloof detective, and the steady observation of clues and red herrings. The characters are pleasant, but lighlty sketched, and the book is thoroughly satsfying but without the emotional intensity of some of the more modern suspense stories.
Overall: 5.5; Plot: 6; Characters: 4.5; Style: 6; World-building: 7; Originality: 7;
Copyright date 1965, Recorded Books, 1984, Audio cassette, 2 cassettes
ISBN: 9998971721 Order from: Recorded Books