Play Book Tag discussion

I can only wish modern day judges were as impartial and principled as this ancient Chinese magistrate. This is my first foray into the series, although it is the second book published and the 13th out of 17 in chronological order. These observations are irrelevant to the actual story which can be read as a stand-alone adventure-mystery-puzzlebox.

Judge Dee is appointed to take charge of Lan-Fang, a border city on the Western desert, under threat from a Mongolian invasion. The first pleasant surprise for me is that the story starts with a bang, as the official caravan is attacked by bandits on a forest road close to Lan-Fang, and that Judge Dee is quite handy with a sword despite his age, participating in the defense of his family and goods alongside his lieutenants.
The arrival in the border town enhances the sense of danger and of mystery, as the judge and his party finds that his predecessor has run away instead of greeting him and that the gates of the court room are locked. Lan Fang has been occupied by a local bandit who has gathered an army of cutthroats and army deserters to terrorize the locals and to collect protection money.

The way judge Dee uses the scant resources available to him, relying on psychological mind games and devious tactics that he compares to a chess game, made me an early supporter of his cause and of his skills. His first day in open court, after subduing the bandits, also showcased the quickness of his mind in spotting a fraudulent claim (the case of the three monks and their stolen statue)

The novel is about three interconnected cases that the judge and his lieutenants must investigate properly, before the culprits can be brought to court. I think this is the most important distinction we need to underline to a Western audience: the magistrate at the time was also the chief investigator of crime, the executioner of the sentence as well as town administrator. Judge Dee examines clues, interrogates witnesses and can even order torture as he follows the leads.

I plan to read more books in the series: they are compact, fast-paced and informative. Lots of local colour that reminds me I’ve been promising myself for years to pick up a comprehensive and clear history of China that will help me understand better this ancient cultural space.

Recommended additional reading:
- Guy Gavriel Kay has several beautiful historical romances set in ancient China
- I. J. Parker has a similar historical mystery series focused on Sugawara Akitada, an official at the ministry of justice in eleventh century Japan. She was probably inspired by von Gulik.