Judge Dee has been appointed emergency governor of the plague- and drought-ridden Imperial City. As his guards help the city fend off a popular uprising, an aristocrat from one of the oldest families in China suffers an 'accident' in a deserted mansion. In "The Willow Pattern", the illustrious judge uses his trademark expertise to unravel the mysteries of the nobleman, a shattered vase, and a dead bondmaid. Along the way he encounters a woman who fights with loaded sleeves, a nearly drowned courtesan, and an elaborate trap set for a murderer. Packed with suspense, violence, and romance, "The Willow Pattern" won't disappoint Judge Dee's legions of loyal fans.

About the Author
Robert van Gulik (1910-67) was a Dutch diplomat and an authority on Chinese history and culture. His many works include sixteen Judge Dee mysteries, a study of the gibbon in China, and two books on the Chinese lute.

Reviews
"Entertaining, instructive and oddly impressive." - Times Literary Supplement "A tense and exotic mystery." - Publishers Weekly"



Book Information
ISBN 9780226848754
Author Robert van Gulik
Format Paperback
Page Count 192
Imprint University of Chicago Press
Publisher The University of Chicago Press
Weight(grams) 255g
Dimensions(mm) 21mm * 13mm * 1mm