title: A Loyal Character Dancer (An Inspector Chen Investigation)
author: Qiu Xiaolong
description: Another wonderful novel featuring Inspector Chen of the Shanghai Police Bureau.<br /><b>Maureen Corrigan, NPRs Fresh Air and </b><i><b>Washington Post Book World</b><br /></i><br /> A luminescent synthesis of a thriller and a literary novel.<br /><b><i>The Independent</i> </b><br /><br /> A sequel that in many ways is even more impressive [than the original] . . . we begin to realize that Chen is ideally suited not only to police work but also to the fine art of political survival. [Qiu] has moved from the poetic, exotic milieu of his first book (although plenty of both elements remain) into a tougher, wider, probably more commercial and modern vision of China as seen by America.<br /><b></b><i><b>Chicago Tribune<br /></b></i><br /> Qiu's second mystery is a treat.<br /><b></b><i><b>St. Louis Post-Dispatch</b><br /></i><br /> Enchanting . . . Shanghai under the masterful literary talents of Qiu Xiaolong, is described with breathtaking realism.<br /><b><i>Tampa Tribune</i> </b><br /><br /> The travelogue aspects of this novel don't overwhelm its critical intelligence. The murder and mayhem provide a cover story for a larger investigation of social mysteriesin this case the fate of educated Chinese, many of whose lives were made a waking nightmare by the cultural revolution, and the future of Chinese communism itself.<br /><b></b><i><b>Chicago Sun-Times</b><br /></i><br /> The combination of ancient and modern Chinese history with modern police work has produced an excellent procedural novel, filled with atmosphere and carefully illustrating life in China today. Inspector Chen is likeable, thoughtful, and appealing.<br /><b></b><i><b>Dallas Morning News</b><br /></i><br /> With strong and subtle characterisation, Qiu Xiaolong draws us into a fascinating world where the greatest mystery revealed is the mystery of present-day China itself.<br /><b>John Harvey </b><br /><br /> Qiu's books carry satisfying characterisations and a ring of authenticity about life in China.<br /><b></b><i><b>Japan Times<br /></b></i><br /> Unusual in [its] vivid sense of an author exploring an alien genre, fusing it with Chinese literary traditions and taking it with him to strange new places . . . Chen's life is a delicate dance between trying to be an honest cop and trying to stay on the right side of the party.<br /><b>January Magazine</b><br /><br /> Intriguing . . . Gang wars, rampant prostitution (even in karaoke clubs!), and the slavish greed and trend-sucking of China's rising entrepreneurial class almost overcome the erudite, but never pedantic, detective's belief in his country's ancient wisdom and current potential.<br /><b></b><i><b>Raleigh News and Observer</b><br /></i><br /> An unlikely but very likable pair of strangely assorted copsShanghai police inspector Chen Cao and U.S. Marshal Service Inspector Catherine Rohn. There are lurking triads and international intrigue-mongers, there's exotic background and history . . . The plot is wonderfully complex.<br /><b></b><i><b>The Courier-Gazette</b><br /></i><br /> Intriguing . . . The characters manage to achieve an engaging realism and charm, even while showing the underside of China in transition.<br /><b></b><i><b>Publishers Weekly</b><br /></i><br /> Likeable, admirable Chen makes a sturdy protagonist, but it's China in transition - always interesting, often bewildering - that gets the star turn here.<br /><b><i>Kirkus Reviews</i></b><br /><br />Solid and eventful.<br /><b></b><i><b>Library Journal</b><br /></i><br /> Engrossing insights into contemporary China in an intricate mystery.<br /><b></b><i><b>Booklist</b><br /></i><br /> A Knockout.<br /><b>Poisoned Pen Booknews</b><br /><br /> When I read Qiu Xiaolong's <i>Death of a Red Heroine</i>, I was enchanted . . . Now, with <i>A Loyal Character Dancer</i>,<i> </i>Qiu has given us an even more lyrically written, wide-ranging, bittersweet story.<br /><b>S.J. Rozan, Mystery News<br /></b><br /> The sequel to <i>Death of a Red Heroine</i>, which won the Anthony in 2001 for best debut novel, Qiu Xiaolong's latest mystery is another winner . . . If you like mysteries with both a brain and heart, read<i> A Loyal Character Dancer</i>.<br /><b></b><i><b>Rocky Mountain News</b><br /></i><br /> What a relief! Book two in the Inspector Chen saga meets the high expectations aroused by Qiu Xialong's first . . . A damn good mystery.<br /><b><i>The Midwest Book Review</i><br /></b><br /><br /><br /><i>From the Hardcover edition.</i>
zlib_text: Ch.890
  
  As the hall’s depressing silence made breathing feel like arduous labor, a
  Huwang Clan Manor disciple ran into the hall, reporting with enthusiasm, “Clan
  Head, Madame, Eldest Young Master is back!”
  
  Eldest Young Master!
  
  Huwang Peng, Su Yan, Huwang Min, Huwang Xiaohai, Shi Xiaofei, and the others
  in the hall quivered as happiness rushed through them.
  
  “Xiao, Xiao’s back!” Su Yan flew to her feet in excitement.
  
  That disciple respectfully replied, “Yes, it is said that Eldest Young Master
  has just stepped out from the transmission array and is flying back here.”
  
  Hearing this confirmation, Huwang Peng, Su Yan, and the rest, especially Shi
  Xiaofei, smiled at each other brightly, sweeping away the heavy gloom from
  moments ago. Everyone hastened their steps, leaving the hall. Just as they
  were close to the Huwang Clan Manor’s main entrance, they could see a lone
  silhouette flying in their direction.
  
  Naturally, it was Huwang Xiao!
  
  “Xiao!”
  
  “Big brother!”
  
  Huwang Peng, Su Yan, Shi 