When Red is Black: Inspector Chen 3 - Hardcover

"* 'Stupendous... It does what detective fiction can do best: it captures the details, the grit of everyday life... A matchless pearl.' Fresh Air, National Public Radio, USA on DEATH OF A RED HEROINE - Fresh Air, National Public Radio, USA on DEATH OF A RED HEROINE * 'Marvellously assured... engrossing, immensely readable' - Wall Street Journal on DEATH OF A RED HEROINE * 'Chen is an irresistible protagonist, likable and determined to make the honourable choices, no matter how dangerous. Qiu's portrait of China in transition, a potential eye-opener for many of his Western readers, is an equally compelling attraction.' - Kirkus Reviews on DEATH OF A RED HEROINE"

When Inspector Chen Cao agrees to do a translation job for a Triad-connected businessman he is given a laptop, a 'little secretary' to provide for his every need, medical care for his mother. There are, it seems, no strings attached ...Then a murder is reported: Chen is loath to shorten his working holiday, so Sergeant Yu is forced to take charge of the investigation. The victim, a middle-aged teacher, has been found dead in her tiny room in a converted multi-family house. Only a neighbour could have committed the crime, but there is no motive. It is only when Chen returns and starts to investigate the past that he finds answers. But by then he has troubles of his own.