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" Thank you Ken Fagan! I loved this book. The authenticity (it being a direct translation) was fascinating. And the authors prologue, discussing the format of the Chinese Murder Mystery and the role that the judge played in the cases was equally fascinating as well as refreshing. I would read this one again. Can't wait to pick up the original Judge Dee works from Van Gulik. "
- John, 2/7/2014
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" This is a translation from Chinese of a detective story. The time frame is the seventh century A.D. while the stories were written in the 18th century by some one well versed in Chinese legal code. It is well worth the time to read and refer to the translator's postscript. "
- Charlene, 12/12/2013
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" A solid Confucian work. The Daoist and Confucian methods of investigation implemented by Judge Dee are impressive. "
- Randy, 11/22/2013
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" An Authentic Eighteenth-Century Detective novel from China!! Does a pretty awesome job describing the justice system in traditional China. "
- Ben, 11/4/2013
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" Not bad, maybe 3 1/2 stars. A collection of short stories from the Judge Dee series. Dee is actually based on a real character from the Tang Dynasty (7th and 8th centuries, I think)--kind of an Imperial Chinese Sherlock Holmes. "
- Thomas, 10/7/2013
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" One of my most enjoyable required readings. "
- Bethany, 4/29/2013
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" I liked this book. It is interesting, and you won't want to put it down until you find out who the criminal was. The author is creative, and it is a good insight into Chinese culture concerning criminals and the judicial system. "
- Kathryn, 1/13/2013
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" Not my favorite of the Judge Dee books, but still good. "
- Amy, 12/27/2012
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" ok is not that exciting like other mystery but have several twist, the only thing that I didn't like are the titles at the beginning of the chapter, because they are kind of spoilers, (skip them!) but interesting to read different things from long time ago. "
- Jose, 11/23/2012
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" didn't expect it, but this is basically unmitigated AWESOME. "
- Danica, 7/2/2012
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" Thrilling. Amazing as to what a Chinese judge of that era was permitted in the name of justice and the terrible consequences to him if he was wrong. "
- Dave, 3/18/2012
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" 18th century Chinese detective novel with lots of translator supplemental information. The main character Judge Dee uses questionable means to obtain evidence, as he says "...I employed threats, torture, and persuasion..." which is predominate throughout the story. Overall an interesting read. "
- Penny, 10/26/2011
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" Really, really good detective novel. "
- Rohan, 10/13/2011
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" Supremely satisfying. Martial arts. Horrific tortures as a legal means of gathering evidence. Impersonating underworld deities. The interweaving cases are great, though we don't learn much about Judge Dee himself except that he has both ninjas and doddering old men in his employ. "
- Adam, 5/18/2011
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" This book is interesting from a historical view point but the writing is awkward and doesn't flow, maybe because it's a translation. Also, the plots were pretty obvious.
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- Don, 3/16/2011
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" Really, really good detective novel.
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- Rohan, 9/15/2010
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" didn't expect it, but this is basically unmitigated AWESOME.
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- Danica, 2/21/2010
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" One of my most enjoyable required readings.
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- Bethany, 2/24/2009
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" An Authentic Eighteenth-Century Detective novel from China!! Does a pretty awesome job describing the justice system in traditional China.
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- Ben, 11/22/2008
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" I wish I liked this book but it was pretty bad.
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- Lisa, 7/23/2008
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" weird ancient chinese detective drama.
I read this for world history II.
"
- Michael, 5/23/2008
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