Celebrated Cases of Judge Dee (Dee Goong An)

An Authentic 18th-Century Chinese Detective Novel

By: Robert van Gulik

Narrated by: Mark Bramhall, Stefan Rudnicki, Lorna Raver, Yuri Rasovsky

Long before Western writers had even conceived the idea of writing detective stories, the Chinese had developed a long tradition of literary works that chronicled the cases of important district magistrates. One of the most celebrated of these was Judge Dee, who lived in the seventh century.

This book, written anonymously in the 18th century, interweaves three of Judge Dee's most baffling cases: a double murder among traveling merchants, the fatal poisoning of a bride on her wedding night, and the suspicious death of a shop keeper with a beautiful wife.

The crimes take him up and down the great silk routes, into ancient graveyards where he consults the spirits of the dead, and through all levels of society, leading him to some brilliant detective work.

Public Domain (P)2009 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Judge Dee

For those who appreciate the translations of van Gulik, this current work will please and satisfy. Very well narrated, the listener will be transported to an era long ago expired. The morals and lessons if the story fit both ancient times and current life. The listener will be left satisfied and wanting the story to go on.

listen to the afterword first

I would have enjoyed this book more if I had understood it's history and how Chinese works of this genre are formulated. I approached this book as if it were a normal mystery and was prepared to enjoy it, but found many of it's features unenjoyable. the afterword specifically discusses this phenomenon amongst western readers. if you know more of what to expect you will likely enjoy it more. it was very well narrated

Cases of Judge Dee

I first read Judge Dee back on the 80's when I was looking for something different. These stories did not disappoint. I do not enjoy the tourture aspects, however, (even the U.S. Has recently practice tourture for ways and means, unfortunately). But these stories do show the wisdom of the Judge Dee in solving each problem and keep one in suspense in how he will eventually solve each case. I truly recommend these stories to anyone interested in something a little different and new.
These stories are well written, placing the reader in the culture of the time.
I encourage any mystery reader to give Judge Dee a try, I don't believe you will be disappointed.

Van Gulik is a treasure

Love his series, wish more were on audible. Judge Dee is a wonderful character and the series reveals insights into the life of an imperial magistrate.

love it

narration excellent. plot captivating, as the epilogue states this isn't you typical western detective novel but it's still wonderful in its uniqueness