Books

  1. Murder in the Maze
    Murder in the Maze
  2. Involuntary Separation
    Involuntary Separation
  3. 20/20 Vision
    20/20 Vision
  4. The Chronicles
    The Chronicles
  5. The Trial of Matt Wallace
    The Trial of Matt Wallace
  6. The Marked Wager
    The Marked Wager
  7. Immune
    Immune
  8. Earthling Betrayed
    Earthling Betrayed
  9. The Lost Treasures of Kilimanjaro
    The Lost Treasures of Kilimanjaro
  10. Seedtime and Harvest
    Seedtime and Harvest
  11. Mountain Man
    Mountain Man
  12. Silent Shriek
    Silent Shriek
  13. The Evil Within
    The Evil Within
  14. Heist
    Heist
  15. Searching for Eden
    Searching for Eden
  16. Final Statement
    Final Statement
  17. Hidden Agenda
    Hidden Agenda
  18. Vengeance of the Father
    Vengeance of the Father
  19. A Taste of Jazz
    A Taste of Jazz
  20. Cursed California
    Cursed California
  21. Skye Dancer
    Skye Dancer
  22. The Merkers Salt Mines
    The Merkers Salt Mines
  23. Southern Adversaries
    Southern Adversaries
  24. The Haunted Racetrack
    The Haunted Racetrack
  25. Alternate Response
    Alternate Response
The Chinese Maze Murders: A Judge Dee Mystery (Gulik, Robert Hans, Judge Dee Mystery.)
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • A favorite Judge Dee mystery
  • chinese culture fan
  • Learning about China through detective stories
  • great story from a dark age
  • Compelling stories of deduction
 The Chinese Maze Murders: A Judge Dee Mystery (Gulik, Robert Hans, Judge Dee Mystery.)
Robert van Gulik
Manufacturer: University Of Chicago Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

20th Century20th Century | British | World Literature | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
BritishBritish | Short Stories | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Mystery | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
Police ProceduralsPolice Procedurals | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
Look Inside Mystery & Thriller BooksLook Inside Mystery & Thriller Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:
  1. The Willow Pattern: A Judge Dee Mystery
  2. The Chinese Bell Murders: A Judge Dee Detective Story
  3. The Phantom of the Temple: A Judge Dee Mystery
  4. Poets and Murder: A Judge Dee Mystery (Gulik, Robert Hans Van, Judge Dee Mystery.)
  5. The Haunted Monastery: A Judge Dee Mystery (Judge Dee Mystery/Robert Van Gulik)

ASIN: 0226848787

Book Description

Judge Dee is lured into the heart of the Governor's garden maze to solve three interwoven mysteries: "The Case of the Murder in the Sealed Room," "The Case of the Hidden Testament," and "The Case of the Girl with the Severed Head."

Robert van Gulik (1910-67) was a Dutch diplomat and an authority on Chinese history and culture. He drew his plots from the whole body of Chinese literature, especially from popular detective novels that appeared in the seventeenth century.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars A favorite Judge Dee mystery.......2007-04-18


Judge Dee is a very busy magistrate in "The Chinese Maze Murders." At one point in his whirlwind of activity he wearily tells his trusty lieutenants he can't believe "that it is only one week since we arrived here in Lan-fang!" Indeed, even before Judge Dee and his three wives, children, household and judicial assistants, and four carts can arrive in the border city that is his new assignment, they are accosted by ruffians. Then, in Lan-fang, they discover a strongman and his brigade in control of the city, and the judge must use his wits and his four loyal men to depose the outlaws. As Judge Dee maneuvers to exert his rightful authority, he reckons with the inheritance issues of a recently deceased governor whose property includes a hundred-mile maze; investigates a locked-room murder of a renown general; and searches for a missing, possibly kidnapped young girl. Not to mention attending to his normal tribunal duties on the bench and defending against imminent attack by foreign soldiers whose leaders sense an opportunity to seize Lan-fang. When does Judge Dee get to sleep? As the author himself notes, "The magistrate is a permanently overworked official."

Robert Van Gulik wrote a series of Judge Dee mysteries in the mid 1900s. "The Chinese Maze Murders" was first published in 1957, and, true to the author's intent, it "gives a general idea of Chines court procedure" in the 7th century. In fact, a real crime-detecting "Judge Dee" existed: Ti Jen-chieh (630-700 AD). Before Van Gulick authored these and other fictional exploits of "Judge Dee," he translated an 18th-century Chinese novel entitled, "Celebrated Cases of Judge Dee." The three main crime plots in "The Chinese Maze Murders" are borrowed from 16th-century collections according to Van Gulik.

"The Chinese Maze Murders" is an intricate weave of suspense, excitement, shrewd puzzle detection, political intrigue, and human psychology. Certain sexual themes and the judicial tortures and executions described in the book designate this a mystery for mature readers.

It's good to see a new edition being released. The attractive, colorful art work on the cover is an eye-catcher, while the black and white illustrations throughout the text remain those the author himself drew to punctuate the story. A nice copy to own, read and re-read.

4 out of 5 stars chinese culture fan.......2005-09-25

This book, offers a glimpse into chinese culture, which is the reason I enjoyed it.

4 out of 5 stars Learning about China through detective stories.......2005-07-19

I like detective stories and detectives, from Sherlock Holmes to Wallander. However, I have grown tired of the usual Western settings, and fed up with squalor for squalor's sake, or even for the sake of proving one's literary talents.When I came across in an Italian translation the French novels by the Tran Nhut sisters, I realized that detective novels can be an effective means for learning about new cultures, countries, ages, civilizations. I quickly came to suspect that the Tran Nhut's main investigator, mandarin Tan, was a variant of an original sleuth, but who was he? Well, I soon found out by reading an interview with the Tran Nhut sisters, who candidly refer to Rober van Gulik's Judge Dee. Van Gulik's style is quaint and amazingly precise in the description of buildings, furniture, and vegetation. One does have the feeling of having left the slums of any Western city for good, no longer is the depressed reader led to identify with an even more depressed character like Henning Mankell's Kurt Wallander. Judge Dee is consciencious, high minded, and rather inscrutable. He is often busy with many other administrative and political problems, crime being only one sector of his multifarious duties. The whole of Imperial China opens up for us in this novel, including a contrast between Taoism and Confucianism.

5 out of 5 stars great story from a dark age.......2005-01-23

Of the fairly extensive Judge Dee-series, 'The Chinese Maze Murders' comes out as one of the best. Written in 1956 by Robert Van Gulik, Dutch diplomat and scientist on ancient China. His Judge Dee is a 20th-century copy of a Chinese magistrate who lived from 630-700. Old Judge Dee had a reputation for solving complicated crimes, and thus lived on in Chinese folk tales for many ages afterwards. Van Gulik's Judge Dee-plots partly come from these tales.

'The Chinese Maze Murders' takes us back to the provincial town of Lan-Fang. Situated far away, at the huge Chinese Empire's north western border. Judge Dee, newly arriving there, has been appointed its magistrate. He gets into trouble rightaway, and has to deal with three complicated crimes on top of that. All set in Chinese society around the year 680.

As usual, Van Gulik extensively explains the ways Judge Dee solves his crimes. He takes them on bit by bit, so by ending this book their logic complexities will be fully clear to you. After a delightful read. You'll be impressed by the ingenious way Van Gulik has set up his plot.

4 out of 5 stars Compelling stories of deduction.......2001-06-08

Van Gulik's Judge Dee series are fairly unique for the unfamiliar settings and historical Chinese literature his plots are based on. Like the previous books, the good judge is again called to investigate several mysterious cases (all at once), the most interesting being the murder of a retired general in a room locked from the inside.

While the cleverly-woven plots and investigations are the high point of all the books in the series, the wonderful little details of people and life in ancient China are a learning experience as well. The accuracy of these details comes as no surprise as the author was once the Dutch ambassador to China. Highly recommended for fans of classic stories of deduction.

The Haunted Monastery and the Chinese Maze Murders
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Whodunit??
  • Two of the Best Judge Dee Mysteries.
 The Haunted Monastery and the Chinese Maze Murders
Robert van Gulik
Manufacturer: Dover Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Action & AdventureAction & Adventure | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Mystery | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
Police ProceduralsPolice Procedurals | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
Spy Stories & Tales of IntrigueSpy Stories & Tales of Intrigue | Thrillers | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
Look Inside Mystery & Thriller BooksLook Inside Mystery & Thriller Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:
  1. Celebrated Cases of Judge Dee (Dee Goong An) (Detective Stories)
  2. Judge Dee at Work: Eight Chinese Detective Stories (Judge Dee Mysteries)
  3. Murder in Canton: A Judge Dee Mystery
  4. The Phantom of the Temple: A Judge Dee Mystery
  5. The Emperor's Pearl: A Judge Dee Mystery

ASIN: 0486235025

Book Description

Two full novels by van Gulik, set in 7th-century China, continue adventures of Judge Dee and his companions. An evil Taoist monastery, seemingly supernatural events; overgrown topiary maze hides strange crimes. 27 illustrations.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Whodunit??.......2002-04-03

Robert Van Gulik evidently had a lot of fun translating "Celebrated Cases of Judge Dee"; when he couldn't find any more Judge Dee mysteries, he decided to write his own. "The Haunted Monastery" takes place during one night (appropriately dark and stormy) in a Buddhist monastery where several young girls have disappeared without a trace; among the characters are a Taoist sage, a dissolute abbot, a performing bear, and a female impersonator, all set against a backdrop of dark winding corridors, secret rooms and a version of the Taoist Hell. By morning the storm outside has abated, and the mystery inside has been solved. "The Chinese Maze Murders" involves an overgrown, impenetrable (literally and figuratively) garden maze, a painting with a secret clue that will give the key to how to reach the maze's center; two young sisters, and a particularly vile murderer who specializes in torturing and killing young ladies. Of the two, I thought "Monastery" was more fun, but both books are excellent examples of the Chinese mystery genre and Van Gulik succeeds in capturing the essence of the original Judge Dee. Of all Van Gulik's Judge Dee novels, "Monastery" and "Maze" come closest to the unknown Chinese author and are therefore, for this reviewer, his two best original books.

5 out of 5 stars Two of the Best Judge Dee Mysteries........2000-05-12

I've read all of the Judge Dee Mysteries and this double novel is one of the best. The Haunted Monastery gives fans a fascinating glimpse into Judge Dee's family life, including relationships among his three wives. The plots all revolve around the loves and mores of the Chinese upper and lower classes. The Chinese Maze Murders follows Judge Dee's dangerous attempt to end a criminal overlord's stranglehold on the Judge's new district of Lan-fang. The story of how Judge Dee out maneuvers this ruthless godfather and his hidden backers provides an excellent read. Don't miss this economically priced complete edition of two of the best Judge Dee mysteries
A Maze of Murders: A Medieval Mystery Featuring Kathryn Swinbrooke
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Satisfying fifth in series!
  • Medieval Murder
  • A good, sound medieval mystery
  • A good, sound medieval mystery
  • Compelling historical detail
 A Maze of Murders: A Medieval Mystery Featuring Kathryn Swinbrooke
C. L. Grace
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Minotaur
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

BritishBritish | World Literature | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books | 18th Century | 19th Century | 20th Century | Classics | Contemporary | General | Historical | Humor | Letters & Correspondence | Middle | Old | Poetry | Renaissance | Shakespeare | Short Stories
HistoricalHistorical | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Mystery | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
Look Inside Mystery & Thriller BooksLook Inside Mystery & Thriller Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:
  1. Saintly Murders: A Medieval Mystery Featuring Kathryn Swinbrooke
  2. A Feast of Poisons: A Kathryn Swinbrooke Mystery (Kathryn Swinbrooke Mysteries)
  3. A Shrine of Murders: Being the First of the Canterbury Tales of Kathryn Swinbrooke, Leech, and Physician
  4. The Eye of God
  5. The Cup of Ghosts

ASIN: 0312290160

Book Description

Medieval physician Kathryn Swinbrooke is summoned to investigate the disappearance of a sacred relic, the Lacrima Christi, from a well-guarded chapel in Canterbury. Shortly after the relic vanishes, its owner, wealthy lord Sir Walter Maltravers-a former soldier with a troubled past-is found savagely murdered in the maze of hedges in his own garden. As a killer, clearly bent on revenge, continues to strike and more bodies turn up, Kathryn is drawn into Maltravers's shadowy history in her search for answers.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Satisfying fifth in series!.......2004-03-20

I think of the five books I have read in this fun series, "A Maze of Murders:A Medieval Featuring Kathryn Swinbrooke," is my favourite so far! Keep them coming...can't stop now! I'm hooked!!!

5 out of 5 stars Medieval Murder.......2004-03-15

Physician, Kathryn Swinbrooke with fiance Colum Murtagh, King's Commissioner, must unravel the theft of a priceless ruby, a murder of a wealthy lord, and various other murders. Using logic Swinbrooke delves into murderous vendettas. The mystery is interwoven with the everyday life of 14th century England. Just like the maze where the murder of Sir Maltravers takes place, the plot weaves and crosses itself to a satisfying conclusion. If you like Candace Robb's Owen Archer series, Kathryn Swinbrooke will be an enjoyable read.

4 out of 5 stars A good, sound medieval mystery.......2003-11-29

This is the fifth in the series of historical mysteries featuring medieval doctor Kathryn Swinbrooke and, while Kathryn herself is fictional, the concept of women doctors in medieval England is entirely true. Kathryn and her Irish warrior fiance Colum Murtagh are asked to investigate the disappearance of the fabulous ruby "Lacrima Christi" from a locked ans secure area in the Greyfriars Church in Canterbury. It had been lent tot the church by Sir Walter Maltravers who is beheaded in the heart of his private maze.

A deeply-religious ex-warrior, Sir Walter believed that vengeful Turkish "Athenatoi" had been tracking him but Kathryn looks at his household and sees that the evil came from much closer to home. His beautiful young wife, his secretary, his priest, the madwoman and her daughter that he had helped all bear him ill will. The list of suspects is long and the connection between the disappearance of the ruby and the death of Sir Walter is as complex as the maze itself.

The writer has a deft hand with character and plot and his depiction of medieval life is detailed and accurate. He brings this period to life as few writers have been able to do (and let's face it, he's had lots of practice, writing also under the name of P. C. Doherty).

This is a good addition to the Swinbrooke series; not only are the characters well developed but the social interactions - the gulf between rich and poor, educated and superstitious - work well in this setting.

4 out of 5 stars A good, sound medieval mystery.......2003-11-29

This is the fifth in the series of historical mysteries featuring medieval doctor Kathryn Swinbrooke and, while Kathryn herself is fictional, the concept of women doctors in medieval England is entirely true. Kathryn and her Irish warrior fiance Colum Murtagh are asked to investigate the disappearance of the fabulous ruby "Lacrima Christi" from a locked ans secure area in the Greyfriars Church in Canterbury. It had been lent tot the church by Sir Walter Maltravers who is beheaded in the heart of his private maze.

A deeply-religious ex-warrior, Sir Walter believed that vengeful Turkish "Athenatoi" had been tracking him but Kathryn looks at his household and sees that the evil came from much closer to home. His beautiful young wife, his secretary, his priest, the madwoman and her daughter that he had helped all bear him ill will. The list of suspects is long and the connection between the disappearance of the ruby and the death of Sir Walter is as complex as the maze itself.

The writer has a deft hand with character and plot and his depiction of medieval life is detailed and accurate. He brings this period to life as few writers have been able to do (and let's face it, he's had lots of practice, writing also under the name of P. C. Doherty).

This is a good addition to the Swinbrooke series; not only are the characters well developed but the social interactions - the gulf between rich and poor, educated and superstitious - work well in this setting.

4 out of 5 stars Compelling historical detail.......2003-02-09

Sir Walter Maltravers is haunted by the memory of his failure during the fall of Constantinople, and by his failure at the Battle of Towton. Despite his wealth, his beautiful wife, and the holy Lacrima Christi--a ruby said to have been formed from the blood of Jesus--he lives in agony and in guilt. When he is found dead and his jewel is stolen, Kathryn Swinbrooke is called in to administer the King's justice.

Danger, more murder, and more locked room mysteries confront Kathryn as she investigates. Maltravers was killed in the middle of a maze to which only he knew the secret. The jewel was kept in a locked room in a guarded monastery. A thief vanishs from a locked church. It seems that perhaps the avenging angels truly have stepped in. Certainly all of the suspects have alibies that cannot be shaken. Yet Kathryn diagnoses murder, not God's justice. She's determined to unravel the maze of death and murder and find the killer hiding in its depths.

Author C. L. Grace makes the middle ages come alive. Set during the English War of the Roses, A MAZE OF MURDERS convincingly describes English justice of the time, the (mixed) role of women, contemporary medicine, and the ambiguous nature of justice in a time when patriotism and treason are distinguishable only after a battle is fought and lost. Kathryn's dogged determination to solve a host of locked room mysteries is admirable and sympathetic.

I would have preferred to see better motivation for the final murder--which seems to exist only to give Kathryn the final clues she needs to the solution. Also, I suspect that Kathryn's mild flirtation with her fiance, Colum Murtagh, is intended to humanize Kathryn. Instead, it seemed cloying, distracting from the murder without adding anything to the story. Notwithstanding these flaws, A MAZE OF MURDER makes enjoyable reading.

A Maze of Murders: An Inspector Alvarez Novel
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • A good mystery in the European traition
 A Maze of Murders: An Inspector Alvarez Novel
Roderic Jeffries
Manufacturer: Thorndike Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

BritishBritish | World Literature | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books | 18th Century | 19th Century | 20th Century | Classics | Contemporary | General | Historical | Humor | Letters & Correspondence | Middle | Old | Poetry | Renaissance | Shakespeare | Short Stories
British DetectivesBritish Detectives | Mystery | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Mystery | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
Police ProceduralsPolice Procedurals | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
Literature & FictionLiterature & Fiction | Large Print | Formats | Books
Mystery & ThrillersMystery & Thrillers | Large Print | Formats | Books
Similar Items:
  1. An Intriguing Murder
  2. Definitely Deceased (Inspector Alvarez Novels)
  3. An Artful Death: An Inspector Alvarez Mystery

ASIN: 0786213817

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars A good mystery in the European traition.......1997-12-25

On a pleasure boat just off of Mallorca, four tourists spend the night drinking and partying as if the world is coming to an end. However, the next morning, three of them wake up to horrendous hangovers and the fact that the fourth member of their group, Neil Lewis is no longer on the boat. Inspector Enrique Alvarez is assigned to investigate the disappearance of the English tourist.

As Enrique digs deep into the case, his superiors strongly feel that he is wasting his time since Lewis was an obvious drunk who fell overboard. As he tracks the case to France and Spain, Enrique soon learns that Lewis is more than just another missing tourist. Even as his boss wants him to close the investigation, Enrique gets closer to the truth. Now if he can only have enough time to complete his inquiries.

The twentieth Inspector Alvarez adventure is the usual humorous affable who-done-it. The novel will be enjoyed by fans of the series and the TV audience who will love the European version of Columbo. The story line is fun and the sleepy Alvarez' has his brain working on all cylinders. Roderic Jeffries continues to keep the series fresh and fun to read. The Alvarez collection and the novels that Mr. Jeffries has written under the pen name of Jeffrey Ashford (see THE PRICE OF FAILURE, JUDGEMENT DEFERRED, and THE BITTER BITE, etc.) are all worth reading.

Harriet Klausner

Murder in the Maze
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Cleverly Written
 Murder in the Maze
Sarah J. Mason
Manufacturer: Berkley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

British DetectivesBritish Detectives | Mystery | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Mystery | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:
  1. Frozen Stiff
  2. Corpse in the kitchen
  3. Seeing Is Deceiving
  4. Dying Breath
  5. Sew Easy to Kill

ASIN: 0425137953

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Cleverly Written.......2002-02-13

I loved the Detectives in this book. The plot and turns keep you guessing until the end of the book. Highly recommended.
THE CHINESE MAZE MURDERS
Average customer rating: Not rated
    		THE CHINESE MAZE MURDERS
    GULIK
    Manufacturer: PANTHER
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Paperback
    ASIN: B000S6CLCQ
    THE CHINESE MAZE MURDERS
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      		THE CHINESE MAZE MURDERS
      ROBERT VAN GULIK
      Manufacturer: Panther PUBLISHING
      ProductGroup: Book
      Binding: Paperback
      ASIN: B000P95IF8
      The Chinese maze murders;: A Chinese detective story suggested by three original ancient Chinese plots (A Judge Dee mystery)
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        		The Chinese maze murders;: A Chinese detective story suggested by three original ancient Chinese plots (A Judge Dee mystery)
        Robert Hans van Gulik
        Manufacturer: W. van Hoeve
        ProductGroup: Book
        Binding: Unknown Binding
        ASIN: B0006AV8N2
        The Haunted Monastery and the Chinese Maze Murders: Two Chinese Detective Novels, With 27 Illustrations by the Author
        Average customer rating: Not rated
          		The Haunted Monastery and the Chinese Maze Murders: Two Chinese Detective Novels, With 27 Illustrations by the Author
          Robert Hans Van Gulik
          Manufacturer: NY : Dover (1977)
          ProductGroup: Book
          Binding: Paperback
          ASIN: B000KG07BG
          Murder in the Maze
          Average customer rating: Not rated
            		Murder in the Maze
            J.J. Connington
            Manufacturer: Little, Brown, and Company
            ProductGroup: Book
            Binding: Hardcover
            ASIN: B000M08ORO

            Books:

            1. The Courage of Marge O'Doone
            2. Six Hours Past Thursday
            3. Web of Deceit
            4. See the Monkey
            5. Murder in the Maze
            6. Dogtown Drifter
            7. The Coral Island
            8. Web of Deceit
            9. The Life and Deaths of Carter Falls
            10. When All Reason Fails

            Books