Death of a Red Heroine
Death of a Red Heroine
Book Brief
408
Novel • Fiction
•
Horror & Suspense•
Chinese LiteratureShanghai, China • 1990s
2000
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Death of a Red Heroine by Qiu Xiaolong follows Chief Inspector Chen of the Shanghai Special Case Squad as he investigates the politically charged murder of Guan Hongying, a celebrated model. Set in Shanghai in the early 1990s, the novel explores the intersection of crime, politics, and shifting cultural values. The case consumes Chen's life, revealing deep-seated corruption and challenging his dedication to both poetry and police work. The story contains themes of infidelity, political corruption, and murder.
Mysterious
Suspenseful
Dark
Gritty
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
7,250 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Death of a Red Heroine by Qiu Xiaolong is praised for its intricate plot and rich cultural context, providing a gripping glimpse into 1990s China. Critics commend its nuanced characters and vivid depiction of societal tensions. However, some find the pacing slow and the translation uneven. Overall, it’s a rewarding read for those interested in crime fiction and Chinese history.
Who Should Read Death of a Red Heroine?
Fans of crime fiction with a sociopolitical twist will enjoy Death of a Red Heroine by Qiu Xiaolong. It appeals to readers of Henning Mankell’s Faceless Killers and Donna Leon’s Death at La Fenice, weaving together a compelling mystery with rich, cultural insights into 1990s Shanghai society.
7,250 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Death of a Red Heroine by Qiu Xiaolong was the first in a series featuring Inspector Chen Cao, a poet and detective, offering a unique blend of crime fiction and poetry.
The novel is set in 1990s Shanghai and provides a vivid depiction of the socio-political climate in China during the post-Mao era, highlighting the tensions between traditional values and modernity.
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Qiu Xiaolong, a poet and translator himself, infuses the narrative with his insights into Chinese culture, making the book distinctive for its rich literary and cultural references.
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408
Novel • Fiction
•
Horror & Suspense•
Chinese LiteratureShanghai, China • 1990s
2000
Adult
18+ years
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