Customer Reviews

Chinese Nail Murders

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Written close to 40 years ago (first published in 1961), this book is part of Van Gulik's Judge Dee series which chronicles the cases investigated by the famous magistrate of classical Chinese detective stories.

A staple of the Judge Dee stories are the multi-layered plot and accurate historical details of ancient Chinese culture and practices and this book does not disappoint in both areas. Unique and superbly readable, this series deserves a place on the shelf of every mystery fan. One small note: This new version seems to have omitted the chinese-style illustrations found in the original printing - probably due to the (very low-key) nudity that the publisher found offensive.

I have read all of Van Gulik's murder mysteries and this is has to be my favorite. The characters are intriguing and some sinister. The end is satisfying and bittersweet, challenging integrity vs justice. I would, however, recommend you read the others first (chronological is good, Chinese Gold Murders is first) to get to know the main characters although this book can stand on on its own.

Although this is possibly the best of the Judge Dee series and it will stand on its own, one will appreciate how different it is and how much it stands out by reading the other "magistrate at work" books such as THE CHINESE GOLD MURDERS (recommended to read first as it covers Dee's first posting) and THE CHINESE LAKE MURDERS or THE CHINESE BELL MURDERS.

The other books will show Judge Dee as the rational crime solver, administering his district sternly but always for the good of his people. In this book, Dee risks his career to pursue an evil woman. He feels sure she has murdered her husband and also her lover, but she has covered her tracks with great cunning.

This story shows Dee's human side. He is greatly attracted to a woman who is not his wife. Mrs. Kuo is the beautiful wife of the local pharmacist, a hunchback. Dee is struck by how devoted the couple is to one another and how kind they are. The man serves as coroner to the local tribunal but it is the wife who gives the judge the greatest assistance in this, the most baffling of Judge Dee's cases.

A sweet but sharp melancholy pervades the atmosphere of this riveting mystery. As always, a "cast list" is provided to help a reader with the Chinese names and the author's illustrations and historical notes can convince readers that they are enjoying an authentic Chinese mystery tale! (In other words, you can pretend you are studying...)