"Chen Cao has been removed from his chief inspector role, but that doesnt stop him investigating a private kitchen murder that has similarities to a Judge Dee story. No longer a chief inspector, Chen Cao finds himself as director of the Shanghai Judicial System Reform Office. To outsiders its a promotion, but Chen knows hes being removed from the spotlight as hes immediately placed on involuntary convalescence leave to stop him interfering with any cases. However, with various high-profile crimes making headlines and fears escalating over vigilante reprisals, Chens superiors know he must at least appear active. One case revolves around Min Lihau, a mingyuan, who runs a private kitchen for powerful figures in Shanghai. Mins accused of murdering her assistant, yet Chen is struck by its similarities to a historic case involving the famous Judge Dee. When an acquaintance of his is murdered in connection with Min, Chen knows he cant stand idly by . but he must act in secret, under the cover of writing a Judge Dee novel.

"--Publisher.