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There are currently 21 member reviews
for Jade Dragon Mountain
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Harriette W. (Raleigh, NC)
Jade Dragon Mountain
What a fascinating read! This pivotal time in 18th Century China paints the backdrop for the intrigue and machinations at the Emperor's far outpost and adds to our appreciation of Chinese porcelains, books, and silks today. The poisoning of a Jesuit priest presses an exiled librarian to detect the murderer when officials eye the librarian for the crime. The Emperor's impending visit and festival compresses the action and excitement into those few days with clever twists and turns along the way. Realistic characters, amazing research, and a rewarding historical "who-dunit"! A book worth saving like prized antiques.
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Carol C. (Troy, NY)
Jade Dragon Mountain
I loved this book! While ostensibly a mystery - and a nice one at that - the book uses the mystery to effortlessly provide information regarding early 18th Century Chinese history, culture and politics. The protagonist, Li Du, is an enigmatic figure at odds with his government, and while we learn something of his background and character, by book's end, there is clearly more to discover. Most interesting, however, was the rich background and detail set forth in the book, such as the description of a bustling town preparing for an imperial visit, the fog creeping over the mountain, or a simple tea set - not to mention the political mindset of the day. Absolutely fascinating... I can't wait for the next installment!
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Florence K. (Northridge, CA)
Jade Dragon Mountain
A tale of long ago and far away; a saga juxtaposing history and mystery -- this is the essence of JADE DRAGON MOUNTAIN. It's a sensuous book: I could indeed see, hear, feel, even taste the vivid descriptions and I am in awe of the tremendous amount of research and attention to detail about eighteenth century China done by the author. Although the mystery parts of the book were overshadowed for me by the history parts, Ms. Hart kept me guessing until the very end. All in all, a most worthwhile read!
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Linda P. (Medford, WI)
A Chinese Mystery
Elsa Hart's debut novel was a delight. I enjoyed the atmosphere, the characters, & the 1700's setting of Jade Dragon Mountain. I sense a series starting, & it will be one on my radar. Li Du & the people he encounters on his journey at the outer section of China entwine & deliver a most satisfying tale. My cup of tea!
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Esther L. (Newtown, PA)
Old China
Thanks to BookBrowse for giving me the opportunity to preview this book. I enjoyed the story, a murder mystery set in 18th century China. I like reading books set in other times and places. The main character, Li Du, is an exiled librarian and intellectual that is tasked with finding the murderer by his cousin, the magistrate. I wouldn't mind reading other novels with Li Du as the main character. I will pass along the book to my book sharing friend.
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Mary A. (Lake Nebagamon, WI)
Good Read
This book touches on many subjects, Chinese history, philosophy, culture and politics of the 1700's. Interesting views the Chinese had of the foreigners and what the foreigners wanted from the Chinese. An intelligently written mystery that kept me guessing. My favorite character is the entertainer storyteller Hamza. He would create his stories to fit the situation at that time. Toward the end of the book when I thought the climax was over, I was hit with a several more surprises at the end.
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Anna S. (Auburn, AL)
Jade Dragon Mountain
Li Du is a worthy addition to a long line of unlikely amateur detectives. A librarian and scholar, he has been exiled by the Emperor and is making his way on foot out of China. At a stop along the way he finds himself attempting to discover the murderer of a Jesuit priest.
Aside from a couple of improbable coincidences, Jade Dragon Mountain is a satisfying mystery, and I hope to hear more of this very appealing scholar/detective!
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