The Railway Conspiracy (A Dee and Lao Mystery)
London, 1924. In the late evening darkness of Richmond Park, academic Lao She and Judge Dee Ren Jie, helped by their two loyal assistants, battle Russian and Japanese assailants to retrieve a stolen “Dragon Mace” for a Chinese businesswoman. The mace, reputed to have mystical powers, is rapidly restored to its elegant owner, but Lao and Dee’s adventures are just beginning. The suspicious death of a banker and rumors of Chinese railroad schemes and possible international conspiracy are quickly followed by more deaths. It’s a good thing Dee and Lao are on the case.
I had looked forward to this book and was thrilled with it. Judge Dee and Lao She seem to really hit their stride in this second mystery in the series. Their characters, and those of other, more secondary, players, have grown into themselves and are more fully realized. The intrigue and homage to other detective greats, such as Holmes and Watson, enhance but do not overwhelm the novelty and delight of this very unique crime-fighting duo and their environs. Amazingly well-choreographed fight scenes will make the reader want to take up martial arts; these also do not overload the plot but keep the reader turning pages. The authors’ vision of 1920s London is beautifully realized while the suspense mounts. A lovely read! Recommended.
