Death of a Red Heroine

Contemporary Shanghai comes vividly to life in this new mystery series. Inspector Chen of the Shanghai Police must find the murderer of a National Model Worker, and then risk his own life and career to see that justice is done. Qiu Xiaolong has published prizewinning poetry and criticism in China, has won awards and fellowships in the United States, and now teaches Chinese literature at Washington University in St. Louis. "Stupendous . . . hard-boiled, intricate plot and subtly developed characters . . . vivid picture of China in the 1990s . . . A matchless pearl." (Maureen Corrigan, "Fresh Air," National Public Radio) "A marvelously assured debut . . . Engrossing, immensely readable." (The Wall Street Journal) "Chen is an irresistible protagonist, likable and determined to make the honorable choice, no matter how dangerous." (Kirkus Reviews, pointer review) ". . . Xiaolong knows that words can save your soul and in his pungent, poignant mystery, he proves it on every page." (Chicago Tribune)