12/1/2015BookFilter | Evernote Web https://www.evernote.com/Home.action#n=5c46829c-d12c-4b0d-8b55-d6b7fd4940c5&ses=4&sh=2&sds=5&1/3HomeTop Picks: All BooksJade Dragon Mountain A Novel MoreJade Dragon Mountainby Elsa HartPrice: $26.99(Hardcover)Published: September 01, 2015Rating: 0.0/5 (0 votes cast)From the Publisher: On the mountainous border of China andTibet in 1708, a detective must learn what a killer already knows:that empires rise and fall on the strength of the stories they tell.</p><p> LiDu was an imperial librarian.</p><p> Now he is an exile.</p><p> Arriving in Dayan,the last Chinese town before the Tibetan border, he is surprised tofind it teeming with travelers, soldiers, and merchants.</p><p> All havecome for a spectacle unprecedented in this remote province: aneclipse of the sun commanded by the Emperor himself.</p><p> When aJesuit astronomer is found murdered in the home of the localmagistrate, blame is hastily placed on Tibetan bandits.</p><p> But Li Dususpects this was no random killing.</p><p> Everyone has secrets: theambitious magistrate, the powerful consort, the bitter servant, theirreproachable secretary, the East India Company merchant, thenervous missionary, and the traveling storyteller…Rate This Book|Rate/ReviewAdd To BookshelfGet This Book Go to your preferred retailer, click to choose a format and you' ll be taken directly to their site whereyou can get this book.BookFilter12/1/2015BookFilter | Evernote Web https://www.evernote.com/Home.action#n=5c46829c-d12c-4b0d-8b55-d6b7fd4940c5&ses=4&sh=2&sds=5&2/3 Personalize / Add More ChoicesWhat We SayIt's 1708 and disgraced librarian/scholar Li Du is reluctantly checking in with the local officials while travelingthroughout the outer regions of China.</p><p> He's been banished from the Forbidden City and long ago gave up the hopeor desire of returning.</p><p> Unfortunately for him, the Emperor is coming to this godforsaken corner of his empire towitness (and indeed "bring about") an eclipse.</p><p> It's all show to demonstrate the Emperor's potency and lay claim to thehearts and minds of a region barely under control.</p><p> When a Jesuit astronomer is murdered, Li Du must reluctantlyinvestigate in order to prevent any further complications during the Emperor's visit.</p><p> Naturally, Li Du faces a full arrayof suspects in this small town, including a representative of UK businessmen, local rebels unhappy with theEmperor's reign, a calculating consort of the head magistrate who may be unhappy about her man's advancementsince it would mean leaving her behind and many more.</p><p> Li Du must sort through the possibilities, with the nominalaide of a storyteller/Watson or sorts and needs all his wits to stay invisible (he is after all persona non grata), avoidruffling feathers, smooth the way for the Emperor and if possible see justice done.</p><p> Hart's debut in what is sure to be aseries is very strong on atmosphere and a Christie-like plot containing all the suspects in one specific settling whenthe murder takes place, complete with timelines, red herrings and the like.</p><p> Li Du's sidekick hasn't come into his ownhere but might well in future adventures.</p><p> It's already great fun and hopefully Hart will improve things even more thesecond time around.</p><p> Buffs who enjoy mysteries set in worlds and times they can learn about will find much to savor. -- MIchael GiltzLessWhat Others SayPerfectly melds history with the mystery genre for a lush look at China on the cusp of change.</p><p> Set in the early 1700s,Jade Dragon Mountain delivers a compelling look at Chinese politics, culture and religion, delivering the complexitiesof each with a character-rich story...One of the year's most engrossing debuts. - The Washington PostThis debut historical mystery deftly combines ingenious plotting and suspense with a subtle understanding of China,its culture, and its people.</p><p> The protagonist, Li Du, a librarian and intellectual, is well worth keeping an eye on. -Donna LeonJade Dragon Mountain is an amazing book-truly wonderful.</p><p> Stunning in its atmosphere, setting, the gift of language,and great writing.</p><p> Elsa Hart and her protagonist, Li Du, deserve a place in every collection.</p><p> If you like great books,you will love Jade Dragon Mountain.</p><p> I loved this book! - Louise PennyPart mystery, part exploration of a culture fading into history's shadows, Hart's novel is a fascinating, intelligentdebut...Think Agatha Christie writing Shogun...captivating. - Kirkus ReviewsWhat You SayFilter byNo Reviews Found .....
