Inspector Chen Cao is tasked with investigating a major case of corruption, which is no easy feat given the involvement of individuals at the highest levels of Chinese politics. During his investigation, he is sent to the US as the head of a literary delegation. There, he will reunite with US Marshal Catherine Rhon and realise that their love is impossible. This fourth instalment in the Chen Cao series is highly political and also makes frequent references to food and poetry. Perhaps there is a little too much poetry for my taste. I also felt that the case ended quite abruptly, leaving things unresolved. Nevertheless, enjoyable.
“As people have sorrows and joys,
meeting or parting,
as the moon waxes and wanes
in clear or cloudy skies,
things may never be perfect.
May we all live long,
sharing the same fair moon,
though thousands of miles apart.”