The Chinese Bell Murders (Judge Dee Mysteries)

Robert van Gulik

Editorial: University of Chicago Press • 1992

• The Chinese Belle Murders" describes the Judge's exploits in the tribunal of Poo-yang early in his career. He has one case left over from his predecessor--the brutal rape-murder of Pure Jade, the daughter of Butcher Hsai who lived on Half Moon Street. Her lover has been accused and is on the verge of being convicted, but Judge Dee senses that all is not right and sets out with his lieutenants to find the real murderer. He also wrestles with the problem of the Buddhist Temple of Boundless Mercy, run by the abbot "Spiritual Virtue." Rumor has it that the monks, who effect marvelous cures for barren women, are not as virtuous as they seem.