Back in the Sixties, I binged on Robert Van Guiik’s Judge Dee mysteries. The Judge Dee mysteries were just appearing in paperback. I loved the Chinese sensibility of these books and the clever detection by Judge Dee to solve the crimes. The format of these mysteries features Judge Dee working on three cases at the same time. In The Chinese Bell Murderers, Judge Dee investigates “Rape Murder in Half-Moon Street,” “The Secret Door in the Buddhist Temple,” and “The Case of the Skeleton Under the Bell.” The Chinese Maze Murders presents even more baffling cases: “Murder in the Sealed Room’ (a locked room puzzle), “The Hidden Testament,” and “The Girl With the Severed Head” which involves a solution of a maze puzzle. Judge Dee operates a lot like Rex Stout’s Nero Wolfe: he sends his agents out to collect evidence and information and then he solves the cases. These books delight me!
George, I had no idea of Robert van Gulik and his Judge Dee mysteries. Thanks for writing about the author. That’s a fine cover of THE CHINESE BELL MURDERS.
Prashant, when you discover Judge Dee you’ll have a dozen great reading experiences ahead of you!
Also, a lot of the books (like the ones you’ve pictured) have terrific covers. I read a couple of them years ago.
There was a very good TV movie of JUDGE DEE AND THE MONASTERY MURDERS made in 1974 starring Khigh Dhiegh (the original Wo Fat) as Dee.
In 2010 there was a big budget Chinese movie of DETECTIVE DEE AND THE MYSTERY OF THE PHANTOM FLAME with Andy Lau, also worth seeing.
Jeff, I agree with you on DETECTIVE DEE AND THE MYSTERY OF THE PHANTOM FLAME. Impressive movie!
I saw the movie of a few years ago. The special effects were spectacular but the movie didn’t stay with me much.
Patti, you’re right about the special effects in DETECTIVE DEE AND THE MYSTERY OF THE PHANTOM TEMPLE. I was hoping they would make some sequels!
Though I have been aware of the character and the books for a long time, I haven’t read any of them, nor do I seem to have bought and stashed any away over time. I must correct that.
Ah! A quick check of the library shows 10 or more Judge Dee books, including one of short stories. Cool.
Rick, you will really enjoy those Judge Dee books!
I remember reading these when they first came out; they were a personal favorite. I’m almost afraid to pick one up again as much fiction I used to love I don’t care for now.