A stand-alone continuation to Jade Dragon Mountain and The White Mirror, City of Ink continues Elsa Hart’s satisfying adventure stories set in China in the 1700s. Li Du, a scholar who has returned to Beijing after being banished, purposely keeps a low profile as assistant to a chief inspector so he can investigate his mentor’s execution.

A murder in a tile factory is cause for Li Du’s suspicions, and he delves deeper into the mystery than his supervisor wishes, learning that not only are his Jesuit friends involved but also other respected ministers. In addition, Li Du must contend with the fact that life in Beijing is even more complicated than usual, what with the expected arrival of the long-absent first-born prince and the additional press of students who have come from all over China for the days-long civil-service exams.

While unravelling all of these threads, Li Du enlists the help of his storyteller friend Hamza to finally clear his mentor of guilt in an assassination plot. These neatly told mysteries come vividly to life through the wonderfully detailed descriptions of the people and city of Beijing. An intriguing historical mystery.

Li Du, a former Imperial librarian, is back in Beijing after being pardoned from exile by the Emperor. He leads a quiet, unobtrusive existence working as a clerk to Chief Inspector Sun in the North Borough office, transcribing reports on the petty crimes investigated by the office, composing letters and speeches, and other such duties, while giving him access to investigate the execution of his friend and mentor, Shu. One morning, two bodies are found in the office of a local tile factory- Madame Hong, the factory owner's wife, and Pan Yongfa, the Ministry of Rites official in charge of an audit on the factory's accounts. Sun and Li Du are called to the scene, and while Sun believes it is a crime of passion, the husband killing the two of them after finding them together, Li Du thinks there's more to the story, and decides to investigate on his own. With the help of his trusted friend, Hamza, Li Du does just that, uncovering a much more complicated story than what appearances suggest happened.
This is the third book in the series, but thanks to the author's careful inclusion of pertinent backstory from the first two books, it can be read alone without feeling like something is missing. References back to the previous books were blended in well with the current story; there wasn't a distracting, "here's some exposition!" feeling to it, but I'm definitely intrigued and will be picking up the earlier books! Elsa Hart's writing is gorgeous, and the setting really comes alive with rich detail. The characters are very well fleshed out, and feel like real people. The tension of the story stays even, with tantalizing clues dropped like breadcrumbs to keep one immersed in the plot. The conclusion is satisfying, wrapping things up while leaving some threads dangling, promising to resurface in future books. the book ends with clear hints of more books to follow, and I look forward to them!

I am so glad that I discovered Elsa Hart and her Li Du Novels series. Ms. Hart brings Dynastic China to life through her vivid descriptions and characters. I picked up the first book in the series, Jade Dragon Mountain: A Mystery - simply because the cover of the book was to beautiful to pass on. What I found, was a bright and humble librarian turned inadvertent detective. Li Du reminds me of some of my favorite mystery heroes, such as Hercule Poirot and Armand Gamache. I love a good old-fashioned mystery, whether it is contemporary or historical, as long as the character truly navigates the mystery through good old-fashioned methods. But what probably draws to me to Li Du, more than anything, is that he loves his books more than anything, and is a true librarian and scholar beneath it all. Yet, he rises to the challenges that he meets without fear, because at the heart, he wants to do what is right. This series is so wonderfully written. I cannot wait to see what adventures Li Du will go on next!

CITY OF INK by Elsa Hart is the third title (after Jade Dragon Mountain and The White Mirror) in her historical mystery series which is set in the early 1700s in China and features imperial court librarian Li Du. In the latest novel, Li Du has returned from exile and is striving to keep a low profile by working as a secretarial assistant in the North Borough Office of Beijing. In that role, he and his boss are asked to investigate the murders of Pan Yongfa, a bureaucrat, and Madame Hong, wife of the owner of the Black Tile Factory. This leads Li Du and his storytelling friend, Hamza, on a series of adventures as they discover there are many secrets and much corruption which both lowly workers and influential ministers wish to keep hidden. I have been wanting to read Elsa Hart's often praised mysteries for quite a while; this was the first I read although readers may wish to start with the earlier titles since their events are referenced as Du is simultaneously attempting to understand an old case involving his mentor. Hart builds on her time spent in Southwest China near Lijiang and displays a very creative imagination in her writing. The unusual setting is extremely well-developed with soldier, scholar and artisan characters from the time period, combined with an intertwined set of stories, filled with complexity and surprises. I have been avidly recommending CITY OF INK and Booklist, Kirkus and Publishers Weekly all gave Hart's latest starred reviews.
4.5 stars

Intriguing!

First up I am a huge fan of historical mysteries set in earlier times in China and other parts of Asia.
I have not read Hart's previous novels featuring Li Du, but I am now hooked and will remedy that mishap very soon.
The title 'City of Ink' is so fitting as one becomes aware of the novel's setting, with the frenzied hoards of scholars that have descended on the city of Beijing.
It's the early 1700's and Li Du, a scholar of some note, previously exiled from Beijing, returns to investigate his mentor's demise. His mentor was executed for conspiracy. Working as a humble clerk, the assistant to the Chief Inspector Sun of the North Borough Office, Li Du becomes involved with the murder inquiries into the death of a local factory owner's wife. As the investigation continues Li Du feels there is more to the death than it appears on the surface. However the city officials want things solved quickly. The husband is their obvious choice--but not necessarily Li Du's.
Beijing is swamped with candidates for the upcoming Civil Examinations. An occasion that can make or break a scholar and their family's future. Highly competitive, the city is rife with all sorts of high jinks and suspect practices. The Civil Examinations are the background that are part of the mix, part of the path of the investigations of the deaths and of the mystery around Li Du's private investigations. As Li Du references, "The paths to which I refer are not made of dirt and stone, but of paper and ink."
Bai Chengde an eminent scholar later says, "One cannot write the whole truth, even with an ink pot as deep as the sea.” I love that image! And the whole truth of these murders and what happened to Li Du's mentor will bring so much into the fore, into point and counterpoint. The depths of the truth are indeed multilayered.
Add to this the behaviour of various other parties that seem to touch on the subject, including the foreign priest, and Li Du finds himself walking on eggshells as past and present collide.
A captivating read!

A NetGalley ARC

A way different take on the historical mystery! Set in China in the 1800s, it features Li Du, the imperial librarian turned sleuth, who in this installment in the series has taken as job as a clerk hoping to work on answers to why his mentor Shu was executed for a crime Li Du is sure he did not commit. Shortly after, however, he finds himself drawn into a current and ugly situation involving the deaths of two people- the wife of a tile factory owner and the construction manager presumed to her lover. As he unwinds the mystery, there's a fascinating thread about civil service exams of the time. Wonderful. What makes this so special is what you'll learn about China during the period. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC- I had not read the first two books but that did not hamper my enjoyment of this one. I'm looking forward to the next one!

I was contacted by Ariana Carpentieri with Minotaur Books because I had read and reviewed a previous novel in this series and received an ARC advance copy from the publisher through NetGalley—so thanks to all involved and here is my honest review.

I read Jade Mountain—the first in the series, a while ago and was impressed by the faithful creation of the historical and cultural setting of 18th century China. I missed the second in the series, which I will find and read, but can say that I do not think that it lessened my enjoyment. These stories are true stand-alone novels much like Agatha Christie mysteries.

Too often novels of this type (historical novels) fall into one of two traps. They are either too heavy on the history to the detriment of a really compelling story. Slogging through these novels requires enduring endless “information dumps” that scream “Look how much research I have done!” The characters are often wooden and the stories less than compelling. On the other hand, you sometimes have novels in which the story could really be set anywhere and authenticity is hardly a priority and more of a gimmick.

It is a rare treat when you have a historical novel that tells a story that could only exist at a certain place in a certain time and drops you down so deep into the rabbit hole that it leaves you feeling the shift into a fully realized world. Such is the case with 18th Century Beijing in this very fine historical novel that is also a very well plotted mystery. I think it takes a special kind of writer—a historian who is also a storyteller, to pull this off. The atmosphere is finely rendered and the characters are compelling, with my favorite being Li Du’s loyal associate Hamza—the consummate storyteller and comic foil to Li Du’s intellectual purity. I read the last 40% of this e-book in one sitting because I had to find out how the many storylines resolved—and I was not disappointed.

China, 1711. Former librarian Li Du works as a clerk in the North Borough Office of Beijing’s Outer City where petty crimes are investigated. Because of his reputation for being a detective, he is enlisted by Chief Inspector Sun to help solve this case. Two murder victims have been found at the Black Tile Factory. One of the victims is Madame Hong, the wife of the factory owner. She is found there with the suspected body of her lover. The suspects are many as is the fact that this could be a crime of passion and adultery. As Li Du struggles to solve the mystery, he unearths volumes of corruption with just as many suspects.
This is the third book in the series. I have not read the others, but most certainly will. Ms. Hart has given us the opportunity to visit 18th century China with its fascinating history. This is a wonderful novel and one I would highly recommend.
My thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

The publisher approved me for City of Ink on Net Galley because I had reviewed the first novel of the Li Du mystery series, Jade Dragon Mountain. I praised the first book for its unusual 18th century China setting. When I received this third novel, I realized that I should have gotten seven lashes with a wet Chinese noodle for neglecting to read the second book in the series, The White Mirror. Last month I corrected that shortcoming and reviewed Li Du #2. I thought The White Mirror was fascinating because of it's 18th century Tibet setting. It was the best novel that I read in the first half of 2018. My honest review of City of Ink is below.

In City of Ink Li Du returns to Beijing from exile. He had been exiled for his association with Shu who had been executed for conspiring against the Emperor. Shu had been Li Du's mentor and friend. He couldn't believe that Shu could have been guilty of such a terrible crime. So Li Du's main goal in returning to Beijing is to clear Shu's name.

I believe that Li Du's effort to vindicate his dead friend could have made a compelling short story. It was certainly the strongest aspect of City of Ink, and provided a powerful ending to the novel.

Unfortunately, a great deal of narrative space was taken up with an investigation that didn't interest me nearly as much as the drama of Li Du's personal crusade to clear Shu. There were murders at a tile factory. Li Du diligently followed the clues and came to a slightly unexpected conclusion. Yet this was the sort of case that could have taken place anywhere. It was a classic mystery with the requisite plot twist, but after the extraordinary goings on in Tibet during The White Mirror I expected more.

The Imperial exams for government positions were an event in the foreground of City of Ink. It didn't surprise me that corruption had crept into the exam process. It would have astonished me far more if all the examiners and applicants were completely honest. Bureaucratic corruption adds realism, but I considered it a routine element in this novel.

Li Du's friend, the storyteller Hamza was entertaining as usual. I continue to regard him as the most interesting character in this series. I hope that Elsa Hart includes Hamza in Li Du's future adventures.

I admit to having been disappointed by the mystery aspect of City of Ink, but I am optimistic about the possibilities that could develop for Li Du and Hamza in upcoming novels.

Hart has created a wonderful and fully dimensional historical thriller with great characters and plot. A definite worthwhile addition to the series!

This is one of my favorite series and the latest book doesn't disappoint. The setting is 18th century China and you can feel the world around you. I always read these books slowly because I want to savor this setting. Li Du is always a smart character. This time there are many different mysteries to solve. The ending leaves me hope that there will be more of the series.

Like Louise Penny, Elsa Hart writes thoughtful mysteries with deep characters whose backstories develop through the series. In City of Ink, the third book in the series, she once again presents an intricate yet seamless plot with wit and humor. Her "detective," Li Du, was a librarian in the Imperial library in China in the early 1700s. If that sounds simply intellectual or sedate, think again, because the complications of his life are complex. His friend Hamza is a storyteller with an incredible imagination - all credit to Elsa Hart for spinning multiple stories within her book.

This series reminds me of the writings of Pearl S. Buck, in which the history of China is women into the plot and narrative, leaving the reader enriched after closing the book.

In the case of Els Hart's writing, a murder-mystery with a librarian as the sleuth, is plotted in which the reader is invited to share the life and memories of Li Du in his quest to solve an old case, which many years ago had him banned from the Emperor's court and left his best friend dead. But as fate would have it, a double murder in a tile factory leads to another present investigation he did not contemplate, yet unexpectedly and finally solved the mystery in the Emperor's library so long ago.

The novel is filled with Chinese folklore, history, and cultural events while the drama enfolds around Li Du, his friends and colleagues. Apart from all the tunnels winding through the closed-in cities and the over-populated streets, there is also the maze of intrigue heading towards the final denouement.

The story is richly textured, but without the gut and gore of brutal realism. A gentle, intriguing, fascinating account of a Beijing community in the eighteenth hundreds. An excellent historical fictional account of life in China.

A wonderful read.

I want to thank Minotaur Books and Netgalley for the opportunity to review this book. Expected publishing date August 2018.

Thanks St. Martin's Press and netgalley for this ARC.

Elsa Hart has that magic touch as a author to make each book fresh, nostalgic , and zingy. I'll follow this series til the end of days.