Early in his career, Judge Dee visits a senior magistrate who shows him a beautiful lacquer screen on which a scene of lovers has been mysteriously altered to show the man stabbing his lover. The magistrate fears he is losing his mind and will murder his own wife. Meanwhile, a banker has inexplicably killed himself, and a lovely lady has allowed Dee's lieutenant, Chiao Tai, to believe she is a courtesan. Dee and Chiao Tai go incognito among a gang of robbers to solve this mystery, and find the leader of the robbers is more honorable than the magistrate. -- Amazon.com
van Gulik Robert Books
Robert van Gulik is celebrated for his detective stories featuring the magistrate Judge Dee. Drawing inspiration from ancient Chinese criminal cases, his works bring to life a seventh-century judge who solves mysteries through logic and a profound understanding of human nature. Van Gulik skillfully blends historical authenticity with suspenseful plots, creating compelling narratives for fans of mysteries and history alike. His original creations extend the Chinese literary tradition, offering readers a unique window into ancient China.
