I’ve just finished Elsa Hart’s debut mystery, Jade Dragon Mountain.
Mystery queen Donna Leon blurbs it, “This debut historical mystery deftly combines ingenious plotting and suspense with a subtle understanding of China, its culture, and its people. The protagonist, Li Du, a librarian and intellectual, is well worth keeping an eye on.”
No doubt.
For me pretty much everything I might want. China at the beginning of the eighteenth century. A librarian as hero. Jesuits. Representatives of the East India Company. A vivid portrayal of the Chinese and Tibetan border in an era with which I have no familiarity. And one rip snorter of a mystery.
Mystery writer Louise Penny says, “Jade Dragon Mountain is an amazing book – truly wonderful. Stunning in its atmosphere, setting, the gift of language, and great writing. Elsa Hart and her protagnoist, Li Du, deserve a place in every collection. I loved this book!”
Me, too. Totally agree.
The only downside is that it was released this year, and it might be a bit of a wait for the next installment.
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