Shikumen Farewell Song

Author: Qiu Xiaolong / Ye Xujun (USA)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-02-01
Features: "Placing this novel on the detective fiction shelf might be a mistake—it showcases Qiu Xiaolong’s poetic literary style and sociological reflections, and presents a realistic examination of history." A reclusive single female writer, Yin Lige, is murdered—strangled in the courtyard of the stone-and-wood structure where she lived. Yin Lige had published a controversial novel titled The Death of a Professor, which made her a household name and drew international attention. Her brutal death quickly sparked numerous speculations and rumors both domestically and abroad, putting immense pressure on the H to solve the case. Detective Captain Chen Chao and his partner, Officer Yu Guangming, are assigned to apprehend the killer. They discover that almost every resident in the entire stone-and-wood complex has both the motive and the means to have murdered Yin Lige. At the crime scene, it’s as if a dense fog has descended, leaving them disoriented, while the deadline to close the case looms. Just when things are critical, Detective Captain Chen Chao secretly accepts a commission from Mr. Gu, a wealthy businessman, to translate the English version of the "Shikumen Townhouse Complex" commercial development plan. The other party promises to pay him a substantial sum and even assigns him a beautiful and open-minded female secretary, Bai Yun. Thus, Chen Chao retreats to the background, immersing himself in a future commercial blueprint and maneuvering with Bai Yun. Officer Yu Guangming fights alone, delving into the various suspects within the stone-and-wood complex. He faces the helpless "Xiaogu," the enigmatic Mr. Ren, and the delirious former "Work Propaganda Team" leader Wan Qiansheng, gradually unraveling the mysteries while also witnessing the hardships, frustrations, and hopes of ordinary people during the era of transformation. His heart is constantly agitated by his disillusionment. When the case appears to be on the verge of being cracked, he discovers that the situation takes an unexpected and sharp turn, leaving him trapped once again. The clever Chen Chao, in fact, holds back his strike and provides support. At the critical moment, he uncovers a startling clue hidden in Yin Lige’s novel The Death of a Professor. Through meticulous reasoning, he strikes a brilliant move, working with Officer Yu Guangming to apprehend the real culprit. This book is the work of renowned poet and novelist Qiu Xiaolong, following his previous success with The Death of a Red Flower in winning global acclaim for mystery fiction. Beyond the intellectual elements of a successful mystery novel, it also explores a profound and broad historical perspective and a direct humanistic dimension, making it an extraordinary and gripping detective thriller.