The Mao Case by Qiu Xiaolong [Book Review]

The Mao Case, the latest book in Qiu Xiaolong’s series of crime novels, gives Inspector Chen, the poetry-quoting Shanghai detective, a new case to solve, involving capitalists, traditions and the meddling of the Communist Party. Once again, Qiu uses Chen’s attempts to solve a case as an exploration of Chinese history and culture.

The case begins with a phone call from Beijing, tasking Chen with the investigation of a young woman’s sudden fortune. The young lady is Jiao, the granddaughter of an actress rumored of having an affair with Chairman Mao. Fearing that Jiao has embarrassing material, Beijing asks the Chief Inspector to secretly investigate.

This is an excerpt from a review of The Mao Case by Qiu Xiaolong, originally published in the Asian Review of Books on June 22nd, 2009. The full review can be accessed here.