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Jeannie Lin’s Lotus Palace Mysteries hit a trifecta of unusual setting, richly drawn characters, and engaging plots. The Hidden Moon, book four in this series, continues this record, and I’m happy to be able to recommend it.
Who would dare assassinate a chancellor on the very steps of the Chinese capital? Bai Wei-ling (Wei-wei to her intimates) may be merely the sister of the man tasked with investigating the chancellor’s death, but for three very good reasons, she can’t stand aside. First, her brother can’t possibly handle the task alone in just six days. Second, Wei-wei has a wild streak, and sneaking about the capital in disguise is precisely the kind of action she secretly craves. And lastly, involving herself in this enquiry is her only way to justify encountering Gao, an impoverished street enforcer who holds far too much appeal for the aristocratic Lady Bai.
I enjoy settings which explore a different mindset. Wei-wei lives within a culture where the opportunities for upper-class women are limited and she must prioritize her usefulness to her family. She was given an education so that she could tutor her brothers, and she manages to justify her personal desire for adventure with the fact that it’s in service to her brother Bai Huang’s career. Despite the fact that any romance reader knows that she and Gao will come together despite their class difference, the author makes us see that they are truly different, in a way that the authors of many historicals don’t (Gao is illiterate, for instance). Gao broke my heart with his decision to propose to Wei-wei, not out of hopes for success, but because “I just wanted to ask.”
While admitting that I’m not well-versed in mysteries, I’d describe this as a procedural (following an investigation), with a negligible violence factor. I always prefer that to mysteries which place me in the heads of brutal serial killers.
Cheers to the author for bringing in protagonists of the previous books in the series without them being even vaguely annoying. Both Yueying and Mingyu are content, but they are realistically living with their choices. Bai Huang and Wu Kaifeng play roles in this book (especially Bai Huang) but without being a superman and often being an obstacle to Wei-wei.
My all-time favorite Jeannie Lin is another of the Lotus Palace Mysteries, The Jade Temptress. However, The Hidden Moon is also an excellent and transportative read. It’s always nice when a series you’ve enjoyed maintains its quality. I have thoroughly enjoyed every installment, and this book is no exception, so if you haven’t started the series yet, do – there’s a lot of great reading ahead.
Buy it at: Amazon or shop at your local independent bookstore
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Grade: A-
Book Type: Historical Mystery
Sensuality: Warm
Review Date: 27/10/20
Publication Date: 08/2020
Recent Comments …
Yep
This sounds delightful! I’m grabbing it, thanks
excellent book: interesting, funny dialogs, deep understanding of each character, interesting secondary characters, and also sexy.
I don’t think anyone expects you to post UK prices – it’s just a shame that such a great sale…
I’m sorry about that. We don’t have any way to post British prices as an American based site.
I have several of her books on my TBR and after reading this am moving them up the pile.
I'm a history geek and educator, and I've lived in five different countries in North America, Asia, and Europe. In addition to the usual subgenres, I'm partial to YA, Sci-fi/Fantasy, and graphic novels. I love to cook.
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This sounds great! It seems like this could work as a standalone – can I just jump right in with this book or should I start the series from the beginning?
I suggest you read all three in order. (the fourth is a novella, which is tangential and skippable). The only spoilers are that the previous couples end up together, and what social class they migrate towards, because they are all cross-class romances. Still, that’s a lot of the tension and the interest, so I think in order is best. The first is The Lotus Palace, then The Jade Temptress, then The Hidden Moon.
Also they’re all great so why not??!
Excellent point. :)
I’m excited to hear that all the novels in the series are cross-class romances – that’s a bit of catnip for me. Sounds like I’d benefit significantly from reading the books in order so that’s what I’ll do, starting with The Lotus Palace. Thank you for your advice and for taking the time to answer me.
Seconding what Caroline said, although I actually do think the novella (Liar’s Dice) should be included if you can find it (I think it has been released as a standalone). It describes Wei-wei and Gao’s first meeting and, although the events are summed up at the beginning of Hidden Moon for those who missed the novella, Liar’s Dice felt like a direct prologue to Hidden Moon to me.
You’re right – now that The Hidden Moon is out, Liar’s Dice feels more purposeful and connected. I read it before their story was finished so it didn’t feel as connected but that would definitely change for someone who could go straight into The Hidden Moon. I hadn’t thought of that!
Good to know! I’ve decided to start the series from the beginning but I will make certain to read Liar’s Dice (I checked and it is indeed available as a standalone) before The Hidden Moon. Thank you for your advice and for taking the time to answer me.
Nice to know the author has returned to this series. Will definitely seek this out.
This sounds lovely – will put it on my TBR pile!