I enjoyed this! I am a big Sherlock fan, and I usually like any adaptation of the canon. This was an enjoyable, action packed mystery with Chinese main characters in 1920's London. I appreciated the non-sugarcoated description of their treatment by the Londoners, it is not enjoyable to read but we can't always just pretend it isn't true to make people feel more comfortable. I (as always) did not guess who the murderer was.

Audio review: the narrator did an excelllent job and I appreciated having his pronunciations. The audio quality was great too!

Thank you NetGalley and RB Media for the ALC.

I really loved this book. I loved the time period that it's set in, the 1920s. It's set slightly after the end of World War I. And I am currently really interested in all things dealing with Asian protagonists. The protagonist really remind me of Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson. The authors did a fantastic job creating the characters and developing their personalities. I really enjoyed the plot and the mystery involved and I hope that this turns into a series! The narrator did a wonderful job distinguishing the different voices of the characters.

Amazing book, the book was well written. I listened to it on audio and loved the character development. It was a perfect book to learn about Chinese history in addition to solving a murder. Highly recommend!

Thank you NetGalley and RB Media Recorded Books for this ARC Audio Copy!

I enjoyed this book and I think that the narrator did a great job with the story, but I also feel that I may have missed out on the depth of the story by listening on audio.

This is a gritty historical mystery set in 1920s London that at times reminded me of A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab. It focuses on a mystery with where Chinese immigrants are being target by a killer. It does a great job showing the effects of racism and discrimination against immigrants as well as the impacts that the opium trade and addiction.

Overall I think it is a great book, I just may have not been for me, or at least not the right time, but if you like Guy Ritchie, Sherlock Holmes, or a mystery that is not afraid to make you uncomfortable then this may be for you.

I truly enjoyed this book. It feels like a classic investigation mystery book, written in such a formal way with such a great narration that immerses one in the 1920's era. The hints of Chinese culture, with culinary, history and martial arts, make it even more interesting to read. If this is the start of a series, I can't wait for the next book.
The narration was spectacular, the diction, the formality, the pronunciation. I enjoyed so very much.

Wow, this one emerges as a breath of fresh air.

Thanks to NetGalley and RB Media who provided me with the audiobook. This review reflects my honest opinion and experience with this interesting story.

John Shen Yen Nee and SJ Rozan skillfully blend 1920s London and Chinese immigrant culture in this exciting start to a new series, creating a story that feels both refreshingly new and comfortably familiar. Set against the backdrop of post-World War I London, the novel introduces me to Lao She, a shy academic whose life takes a thrilling turn upon meeting the dynamic Judge Dee Ren Jie. The duo finds themselves entangled in a series of murders targeting Chinese immigrants, propelling them into a high-stakes race against time through London's shadowy lanes and bustling streets. The story moves quickly, each chapter revealing more about a complicated plot, keeping listeners glued to its audio rendition without pause. The novel's charm comes from its characters, especially the unique team of Lao She and Judge Dee. Their partnership adds new energy to the classic detective duo formula, with Lao She's quiet reflection balancing Judge Dee's daring. This mix pushes the story along. The other characters, ranging from the rich to the poor, also enrich the story's world. Authors John Shen Yen Nee and SJ Rozan skillfully blend literary conventions from Holmes and Watson with inspiration from the Chinese literary figure Detective Dee. This serves to broaden our cultural understanding within the context of the British Empire during that era. However, the novel is not solely educational; it also delivers cinematic action and thrills. With martial arts displays, and descriptions of Chinese medicine, and cuisine, the story immerses readers in a vibrant world. There's also enjoyment in comparing and contrasting characters with their Sherlockian counterparts, particularly in their divergent portrayals of issues like opium addiction and war trauma. This book starts a series that's sure to attract fans of historical mysteries with its engaging plot and rich setting, making it a must-read for anyone interested in a thrilling journey through London's past.

Audiobook Commentary:
Daniel York Loh, the narrator of the audiobook brings the story to life with exceptional skill, capturing the essence of each character and the atmosphere of 1920s London brilliantly. His delivery is engaging, bringing me into the heart of the mystery and holding my attention with his every word. With a perfect blend of pace and emotion, the narrator adds depth to the narrative, enhancing the overall experience and making this audiobook a truly captivating listen.

This review will be posted on GoodReads and Storygraph

The Murder of Mr. Ma is a classic whodunnit that takes place in London, 1924. Our narrator, Lao She, is a reserved scholar who is just trying to make the most of his life as a Chinese professor living in London. But, when he meets charismatic Judge Dee Ren Jie, Lao's tranquil world of academia swiftly transforms into a whirlwind of thrilling chases and harrowing escapes. When Lao and Dee begin to work together in the hopes of solving a recent murder of a fellow Chinese man living in London. they quickly realize that this mystery might be bigger than they originally thought as more Chinese men mysteriously die by the same cut of a butterfly sword. Can Lao and Dee untangle the web of these murders, or will they themselves become targets in this deadly game of cat and mouse?

While I was originally drawn to the cover of the novel, the description of a “Sherlock Holmes” like story really sold me on reading this book and I was not disappointed. Full of adventure, action, mystery, and humor, this book entertained me from start to finish. While I honestly did not find the plot to be anything to write home about, I did find the characters endearing and loved the new take on Dee’s Sherlock Holmes to Lao’s John Watson. Also, I was unable to predict the mystery/killer behind the murders so I was definitely surprised when all was revealed. Lastly, as I listened to this on audiobook, I have to say that much of my enjoyment of this book came from listening to Daniel York Loh’s narration. If you can listen to this book, I high recommend doing so as his British accent really adds to the authenticity of the story.

Thank you to RB Media and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to an advanced audiobook of The Murder of Mr. Ma in return for my honest review.

Many thanks to NetGalley and RB Media for an ARC of this audiobook.

Lao She is an unassuming and exquisitely respectable young scholar from China who, thanks to having been baptized as a child, was assisted by missionaries to emigrate to London. Despite a professed longing for the food of his home country, he has acclimatized well. He teaches Chinese language at Oxford, wants to write a novel, and boards with a highly respectable widow and her very attractive daughter. Lao nurtures a crush for the young lady. Despite his full knowledge that a Chinese person in 1920s England is either a matter of curiosity or fear, and always an outsider, he clings to the hope that he can win her over.

Into his tidy life is catapulted a distinctly untidy new acquaintance and with him a never imagined turn of events. He is summoned by one of his icons, the illustrious philosopher Bertrand Russell, who unceremoniously requests that he assist in breaking a friend, Judge Dee Ren Jie, out of jail. A vocal advocate of Chinese rights, which is the reason for his trouble, Dee was a supervisor for the much-abused Chinese Labour Brigade that had served the Empire during the Great War. Their story of inhumane, unjust and brutal treatment is just now beginning to be told. Subjected to many beatings by his superiors at the front for speaking out, he suffers from both PTSD and the opium that got him through it.

Literally thrust into each other’s company, the mild-mannered scholar and the seemingly fearless judge set out together to solve a mystery that begins with the murder of Mr Ma, former Labour Brigade member and owner of an antiques store in the Chinese district. Dee is convinced that a series of other murders of Chinese men are connected. Because the London police are unmoved by these murders, he takes their investigation in his own hands. And he persuades the reluctant, often flabbergasted, but always logical Lao to assist him. Dee’s impetuousness, not to mention his martial arts and sword fighting skills, are met by Lao’s diplomacy and sensitivity. There are definite echoes of the Holmes and Watson relationship, which the authors plumb deliciously. The plot involves the secrets of a small circle of Chinese men who had the war experience in common.

This is, put simply, a delicious read, filled with all kinds of literary tidbits and any number of surprises. The racist views of the times are no surprise, of course, but the British are not portrayed as a mass of evildoers. There is never any doubt that the Chinese are victimized, but their own entrenched hierarchies mean that they do not necessarily form a common front even though the British see them as all alike. Their ancestral and personal stories shape their relationships with each other and the British. Dee and Lao share a privileged Chinese background. Both are aware of stepping carefully in British society to uphold images that do not offend, even if they can never impress. But Dee is far harsher in his judgment because of his Great War experiences. Lao, who accepts Christianity while rejecting its outward trappings, is much more congenial.

Fans of classic mystery writing will enjoy this book, but its Chinese lead characters, grappling with a “strange culture” while also trying to get to the bottom of a deadly crime wave, gives it an update that Conan Doyle would never have conceived. The infusion of Chinese history and legend, as seen in the character of Judge Dee himself, is very effective. He is based on the real historical figure of the renowned 7th century magistrate Di Renjie, who, in various iterations, has been celebrated in literature across many centuries. So popular is the evil-fighting Dee figure that he now has his own Chinese-produced Netflix series! This is a very visual novel, and the audiobook narration Daniel York Loh is superb. This is a five-star read for me and I’m going to be reading everything these authors put out!

It’s London 1924 and the shy academic Lao She gets pulled into a chase of a murderer. He encounters Judge Dee Ren Jie, who’s arrived the city to investigate the murder of a man he served with under WWI. Dee has just interviewed the grieving wife when another man is found dead, and then another, and another. It’s clear someone is targeting Chinese men, but why? Will Lao and Dee find the killer or will they end up as the next victims?

I really liked the historic setting and all the rich cultural components. The story is so much more than just the murder mystery, it delves into the discrimination of Chinese in London, Chinese culture, politics, family, religion and substance abuse. The latter was interesting, the discussion of opium and what is does to people. I hadn’t expected it, but enjoyed the representation. Alongside the mystery aspect, this made a dynamic and well-crafted story.

Additionally I thought the narration was cool. How the reader sometimes is addressed and the narrator straight out says «and this is where I once again enter the story» etc. I found that this breaking of the fourth wall brought another layer to the story, which I found delightful.

The only minus was the listening experience. The audiobook kept skipping back and forth so I was confused when I heard some chapters again and again. Because of this I sometimes thought the story repeated itself, while that wasn’t the case.

Thank you to NetGalley and RB Media for the arc of this 1920-Chinese spin on Sherlock Holmes in exchange of an honest review

⭐️ 3,5

This book was so well written and brought up so many uncomfortable truths of the Chinese experience in Britain/the US around the turn of the last century. TW for racism and micro-aggressions against Asians, specifically the Chinese as well as Opium use and addiction.

This was a fun little mystery that put perspective on things about the culture in the late 1800s for Asian immigrants. The descriptions that show the emotional damage done, and how people can believe in the racist system even when they are the race the system is hurting, were so well sculpted and really what sticks out to me most in this book. Lao She is the epitome of a British gentleman, but can't be accepted as such due to his Chinese heritage. Over his adventures with Judge Dee Ren Jie and the ways the bias and injustice present themselves during their hunt for Mr. Ma's murderer, he discovers them as the readers do. It's so well done, and shows him coming to realizations about how he is persecuted through a genuinely first person lens that makes the reader feel all of his emotions as his sight of it all becomes clearer.

The mystery was well done too, I enjoyed the introduction of Black Jack Rackham as a disguise, and loved the ways that he was used to not draw attention to characters and pass in places the characters would not traditionally be respected. The use of a well-known folk hero to help them solve the murder was an excellent choice.

This book was fantastic, highly recommend it.

I really, really enjoyed this book. I liken it to Hercule Poirot and his assistant Hastings. The story is being told from the point of view of "Hastings" and he is working with the "detective Poirot".

There was a good bit of humor in this book combined with a lot of information given about how the Chinese were treated during the 20s in Great Britian. It was eye opening, but also not surprising that they were overlooked and treated poorly.

The mystery was very well done, and the book was very well written.

Do yourself a favor and give this book a listen!

Books based on Judge Dee, an actual figure in seventh-century China, have a long history. Now S. J. Roman follows in the tradition of Robert Van Gulik, who translated an eighteenth-century novel he found in a used book store and went on to write more than fifteen tales of his own, all featuring Judge Dee. I have read and enjoyed several of them over the years. Now, S. J. Rozan brings the considerable skills she's applied to the Lydia Chen and Bill Smith series to take up the challenge of writing a Judge Dee novel. And, for the most part, she succeeds. One has to suspend reality a bit as Dee exhibits near-superhuman powers, both physical and intellectual, to solve the case of a series of murders in London of the 1920s. Narrating the novel is Lao, a Chinese academic who is introduced to Dee by Bertrand Russell (Ezra Pound also plays a minor role) and who plays Watson to Dee's Sherlock. The action rarely stops and the mystery, although quite solvable, is complex enough to keep the listener (or reader) engaged. John Shen Yen Nee does a wonderful job of narrating the story. The Murder of Mr. Ma will appeal to listeners and readers who are fans of Rozan, Judge Dee, Sherlock, and historical mysteries.

Fans of Sherlock Holmes mysteries and gong'an crime fiction will revel in this perfect blend of the two. Instead of Holmes and Watson, we have Dee Ren Jie and Lao She. This delightful first in a new series brings something new to the table while remaining faithful to the original formula. Daniel York Loh's narration is icing on the cake.

This book was from the perspective of a Chinese detective. There aren’t many books that I have read that have this viewpoint. It was based in the 20’s in London and gave you a sense of what the temperature was of the Chinese culture. The story has the flavor of Sherlock Holmes and Agatha Christie. I would highly recommend this book to everyone.

When I was in elementary school my go to author was Agatha Christie. I love a murder mystery. I was intrigued by this book immediately. Plus I loved the cover.

This book takes place in the 1920s in London. It feels like an Sherlock Holmes riddled with challenges faced by Asians living in London at the time. The main character is Asian and one of the most interesting parts of the book, to me, was him dealing with racism. He would have to cleverly think of how to deceive people to get what he wanted or not say anything at all.

Just like Sherlock Holmes most of the book two men are trying to solve a murder. I did not guess the murderer!

#TheMurderofMrMa #NetGalley

I really enjoyed this read. It read like the Golden Age of mystery works but with a lot more action. Judge Dee and Lao She were flawed but like-able characters and they made for a fantastic crime-solving duo.

I also appreciated all the history that got packed into the novel. It really painted the picture of life for Chinese immigrants in the time period and the effects of the WWI on their lives.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #SohoCrime for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

For fans of Guy Ritchie’s Sherlock Holmes, London, 1920’s, swashbuckling, two Chinese investigators trying to find a killer going after Chinese immigrates with a sword. Sounds freaking perfect.

It starts out great with the narrator being approached with an odd request, a prison break. The blurb and the beginning are good but then things slows down. Not much of a mystery, more action and or main character the academic Lao She is often sidelined and retells part of the story to us after he has been told the story… why not have us in the mids of the action?

Spring Heeled Jack in a nice spice in the story and I couldn’t help thinking of Bruce Lee in “The Green Hornet” but the idea of Bruce Lee fighting crime in 1920’s London is a lot better than whatever this was.

Didn’t care for the characters and then there were more bible quotes than I cared for.

3.5 stars rounded up to 4

Thank you, NetGalley, RB media, John Shen Yen Nee, and SJ Rozan for early access to the audiobook of The Murder of Mr. Ma.

The Murder of Mr. Ma is a mystery book following Lao She and Judge Dee in 1920s England as they investigate the murder of Chinese immigrants throughout the city. If you enjoy Sherlock Holmes you will definitely enjoy this start to this upcoming series.

This series does not shy away from the prejudices faced by the Chinese men in the series, and integrates it very well into the plot, showing the day-to-day ignorance faced by our character by both people intentionally being bigoted, and those who think they are being well-intentioned. I admit that my American education left me personally ignorant of the contributions of the Chinese Labour Corps during WWI, and I appreciate that this book took the time to honor those men.

The cast of side characters is really fun and colorful. Each person has a unique role in the story, and distinct personalities. The narrator of the audiobook does a great job giving each a distinct and fitting voice. I hope that many of these characters will make reappearances in future additions to this series. I think Lao She feels a little bland at times especially next to the colorful cast of side characters, but hopefully, as the story goes along he will become more distinct.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
The Murder of Mr. Ma follows 3 Chinese gentlemen in London, 1920's. It read like a Robert Downey Jr./Sherlock Holmes movie, but for the stuntpeople. Loads of descriptive, ancient Chinese hand fighting and acrobatics. Plot was just okay.

The description of Guy Ritchie's Sherlock Holmes films was spot on! There was lots of action but still felt like a Sherlock Holmes story during the 1920s in London. I enjoyed the story of the plight of Chinese Immigrants and how the English treated them. This story took so many twists and turns it kept me on my toes.

While this book was good, I felt a little lost about certain characters and how they fit into the storyline. I also felt like some of the action scenes were used as fillers and didn't really move the story along.

I listened to the audiobook and think the performance by Daniel York Loh was well done and helped bring this story to life.