The Chinese Bell Murders - (Judge Dee Detective Story) by Robert Van Gulik (Paperback)

From the Back Cover

Meet Judge Dee, the detective lauded as the "Sherlock Holmes of ancient China"

Fans of Alexander McCall Smith's No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series will thrill to this reissue of the first volume in Robert van Gulik's classic Chinese Murders series. The Chinese Bell Murders introduces the great Judge Dee, a magistrate of the city of Poo-yang in ancient China.

In the spirit of ancient Chinese detective novels, Judge Dee is challenged by three cases. First, he must solve the mysterious murder of Pure Jade, a young girl living on Half Moon Street. All the evidence points to the guilt of her lover, but Judge Dee has his doubts. Dee also solves the mystery of a deserted temple and that of a group of monks' terrific success with a cure for barren women.

Review Quotes

"Van Gulik's Judge Dee books are unique entertainment--excellent...enthralling..." - New York Times Book Review

"The wise and humorous judge is a treasure." - New York Post

"Judge Dee is a Great Detective in the noblest tradition--perceptive, cryptic, wise, arbitrary, ever fascinating." - New York Times

"Judge Dee...is an enchanting detective..." - Fort Worth Star-Telegram

"Judge Dee solves three mysteries with all the verve and perspicacity of a modern homicide lieutenant but in a story told with the punctilio and charm of ancient manners." - Washington Post Times-Herald