Shadow of the Empire, The (A Judge Dee Investigation, 1)
Judge Dee Renjie is not a judge, but the people have bestowed this title upon him, an official with many functions. During the 7th century, Empress Wu sits as ruler. She is sending Judge Dee away from the capital city of Chang’an to a new post in the provinces. He is getting caught up in the political unrest, and the Empress is displeased with him over his Confucian stance on the future transition of power.
While staying at a roadside hostel, a mysterious note is delivered via a gemstone-studded knife embedded in the pillar beside him. Then follows a messenger knocking on the door with a request from Minister Wu for Judge Dee to look into a high-profile murder. The accused is a beloved and gifted poetess, Xuanji, and this sensational murder of her maid and burial in a shallow grave is incongruous with the refined, diminutive poetess. Unsure of the Minister’s motive, he makes a gesture at a few inquiries before he continues on his travels, but his curiosity grows as strange events and questions with no answers arise.
This book is the first in the Judge Dee series and based on a true crime that took place during the Tang Dynasty. Yang, Judge Dee’s devoted assistant, is dogged in his tasks of seeking answers. The wise, analytical Judge Dee outwardly maintains his quiet composure around the frightened, nervous Yang, making each man a complement to the other. Both Judge Dee and Yang are an endearing duo for this delightful series.
