The Celebrated Cases of Judge Dee originates from China in the late 1800s, but its author remains unknown to this day. Judge Dee seems to be a serially popular fictional character whose fortunate inclusion in the world's literature shines some valuable light on the role of local law enforcement in China during that time period. In his role as judge, Dee is called upon to investigate any legal infringements in his district, prove guilt, and exact punishments. He's a well-respected and well-feared man in his community for good reason. His approach to interrogation involves brutal torture even to the point of death sometimes. He's unflinching.
In this compilation of cases, Dee investigates three cases composed of four murders. His time is valuable, so he cuts right to the heart of each situation, often working on multiple cases simultaneously. "The Double Murder at Dawn" features a couple dead merchants found outside the village gates who turn out to be the random victims of hatred and xenophobia. While working this case, Dee stumbles across "The Strange Corpse" which involves deeply buried family secrets which drive a widow to feel no emotions at all and her daughter to become mute and possibly deaf. In "The Poisoned Bride" Dee is forced to deal with social class among the local aristocracy to solve the murder of a bride on her wedding night, all the while teaching the prudish father that he's still subject to the rule of law.
Compared to western detective novels, this Chinese contemporary bears some unique features. Some common tropes which are mildly indulged in this book include testimony of the supernatural, a multitude of characters, graphic violence, and a healthy class struggle. Although Dee comports himself with the full severity of his occupation, he is not afraid to get himself into trouble while investigating a case. He seems to indulge in a little bit of narcissism when it comes to the consequences of his actions. After all, he solves a case after claiming to meet a ghost who tells him who the murderer is. Overall his investigative methods are intriguing and effective because he successfully tracks down all of the perpetrators and administers the full measure of justice.
