Yangsze Choo creates a fascinating story that mixes folklore with true history that reminds me of a fantasy laden take on Pachinko. Overall Choi crafts a story of murder, curses and Fox gods that allow readers to see Manchuria and the culture of the time and how folklore can truly affect the way of life.

Set in Manchuria in the early 1900s, Snow, a mysterious fox woman, is looking for a photographer to avenge a murder.

On the other hand, a very successful detective named Bao is following a case of a woman who was found dead and people speculate that her death has to do with foxes. He has always been interested in foxes and someone suggests to him to look for the photographer Bektu Nikan who knows about those creatures.

The novel has a dual narrative, the first one is narrated from Snow’s perspective, and the second one which follows Bao is narrated in the third person.

Yangsze Choo’s storytelling is very immersive, she can take the reader to those mystical places full of traditional Chinese culture, history, and mythology.

I appreciate how the author gives an overview of the situation of other Asian countries during the Imperial Qing dynasty such as Japan, Korea, and Malay, creating a well-set and enthralling novel rich in history.

Yangsze Choo is not only a great storyteller but also an excellent audiobook narrator. After finishing reading The Fox Wife I noticed the audiobook was narrated by the author so I decided to listen to the novel starting all over, leveling up my reading experience and I ended up loving it even more. Also, the audiobook includes the author’s note that I missed in the digital ARC.

I highly recommend the book and audiobook. I read and loved as well The Ghost Bride so The Fox Wife was one of my most anticipated books. I thank Negalley, Henry Holt and Company and Macmillan audio for this e-ARC and audiobook.

Pub date: February 13th, 2024

This is a heavy read, in the best way possible. The pace is slower than I anticipated but it is rich with Chinese mythology and culture. Yangsze Choo's storytelling is immaculate, albeit melancholy. It reminds me of a collection of essays, sort of like how Anne Fadiman wrote The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down: A Hmong Child, Her American Doctors, and the Collision of Two Cultures (which is another 5 star read). I did admittedly have to switch between this read and lighter ones, but I have no regrets. This book is beautifully woven and I can't say enough about the imagery and dialogue.

Meh - this one wasn't for me. I wanted to love it, and I was so excited to be granted an ARC of it. It just didn't keep my interest. The story was so repetitive, and I lost interest pretty quickly. Regardless, I pressed on, hoping for something redemptive, but it just didn't come through for me. I would say that the writing is lovely and atmospheric, and I liked the characters and the setting, but the plot took far too long to get anywhere for me.

In Chinese mythology, fox spirits are immortal creatures with the power to shape shift; tricksters that could be a portent of good or evil. Female foxes are depicted as wicked and capable of draining out the life force (Qi) of men. In The Fox Wife by Yangsze Choo, it is China, 1908. Snow Hu is a beautiful, young fox/woman from the north region in search of the man whom she holds responsible for the brutal death of her daughter. During her journey, she encounters the misogyny and dangers of a lone, self-sufficient woman.

“Neither are safe forms in a world run by men.” (about being a fox and a woman)

“Women who run around willfully doing whatever they please are bound to be censured. A handsome,
cunning man is a different matter”

(the difference between being an independent woman and being a man)
“Money is very important. If you don’t have money, you get sold.”
(an observation from a little girl working at a brothel)

In alternating chapters, we shift between her story and that of Bao, a private detective with the ability to know when people lie. He has found his life to be somehow tied to fox spirits. As he investigates the death of a young woman, he finds that he may get the answers to the existence of Hujing (fox spirits), and to an incident from his childhood that he can’t quite remember. It is inevitable that Snow and Bao’s stories become intertwined
.
I found this story to be poignant and beautifully written, with eye-opening revelations about the human condition. I highly recommend this book.

I would like to thank NetGalley and Henry Holt and Co. Publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.

"An old fox understands the trap." (Unknown)

Han Chinese believe in Huxian, the fox spirit or goddess. Foxes are known for their adaptability, their cleverness, and their cunning. It is these shapeshifters who are subtle and can transform themselves into humans in a nano second. Foxes can be feared or revered. According to mythology, people say that foxes are evil women. That's for you to decide as Yangsze Choo's story unfolds brilliantly.

The year 1908 unfolds as treacherous times in Manchuria. There has been over 350 years with the Qing Dynasty, a non-Chinese dynasty for that matter. The Dowager Empress rules with an iron fist while the Russians and the Japanese have taken a heavy foothold in the northeast. People are weary and trust no one.

Snow falls over the tracks leading to the body of a young woman crouched in a doorway. She's dressed in a beautifully embroidered gown. There are no signs of who she was or why she was there. The restaurant owner only wishes to be rid of the body and its trail of bad luck for his business. He calls upon Detective Bao, a sixty-three year old "fixer" who relishes the work after becoming a widower.

Bao is aging, but his cleverness and fortitude are not. We'll follow him as he makes his inquiries and uncovers buried secrets that people do not want revealed. As a sideline, I hope that Choo taps into this remarkable character and continues with a storyline of his own in her next book.

The female character of Hu, also known as Snow, will make her entrance. She is mourning the loss of her child with every breath that she takes. She is diligently trying to find a man by the name of Bektu Nikan who she holds responsible for the death of her child. Bektu is a successful photographer who is constantly on the move.

Snow finds herself without any options. Desperate, she takes a position at a medicine shop for the care of the Elderly Mistress. This family has been plagued with bad luck when it comes to their male heirs. Elderly Mistress decides to accompany her grandson to Japan. Snow will go as well. It seems that Bohai will study Western medicine in Japan. The last place that Bektu was spotted was in Japan. And here's where our story takes on an intense life of its own.

Yangsze Choo is a superb writer. Her credentials are stellar. But it is an absolute art to be able to convey and transfer all that to the written page. And she does and she triumphs through The Fox Wife. With Chinese history and folklore brimming through her, Yangsze Choo has delivered a memorable novel that will become a must read.

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Henry Holt and Company and to the talented Yangsze Choo for the opportunity.

This is a fairytale that turns into a mystery that turns in to a romance and it is so awesome! I read half on Kindle and listen to the second half as an audiobook narrated by the author and I’m so glad I did because at the end of the book she explains the myths in the book all about the fox in the stables the journey of 1000 years and so much more and I absolutely adore this book. A fox shifter goes to the city looking for a photographer she is out to kill she uses her Giles to get where she needs to go but never gives up anything that causes her to lose her self-respect or tarnish her journey of 1000 years. through luck she becomes the companion/servant to an elderly woman whose family owns a pharmaceutical clinic she is also suffering the loss of her baby daughter and she is married but we don’t find out to who until almost the end of the book. The grandson of her ladyship, who she is a companion to is into photography which is new at the time this book is written and so the fox wife thinks he can help find the photographer. We learn throughout the book the photographer is a blackmailer and much more. In a different part of the book we meet detective bow he is investigating the frozen lady that was found in the doorway of a restaurant. She was sitting up with a big smile on her face which is a sign she was a fox. During detective bows investigation he The choir‘s a photograph of the foxwives I’m thinking she has something to do with the murder he looks for her. Detective bow also is the truth seeker of sorts when someone tells a lie he knows if someone is up to no good innocent telling the truth he gets a grimace on his face in those who know him know what it means. He also has an assistant name Hong and Hong will be the one that brings these two POBs together but trust me when I say there is a lot of story before that happens an OMG this whole book is awesome I absolutely loved it I haven’t even told one third of the story there is so much to this book and it’s all good I wish I could wax poetic to convince everyone they should read this book Or be like the fox shifters and could persuade you long enough to go and buy the book because once you start reading it you’ll be so glad you did. Especially if you love fairytales mysteries and a slight death of romance and there’s more than one Kinda sorta romance because can I just say OMG her ladyship and Bow… Love it! You’ll have to read the book to see what all that means I hope you got this for this long discombobulate a review and I hope I have convinced you just took it so worth buying. I want to thank the publisher and NetGalley for my free arc copy please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

The Fox Wife is set in Manchuria 1908. A woman is found frozen to death in the snow. An elderly man named Bao, who has the ability to hear lies, is hired to find her name, to give proper religious rites. His interviews yield repeated mention of foxes, which are believed to possess magical powers including the ability to transform themselves into beautiful, but tricky, women. The story is told with alternating chapters between Bao and a young woman, Snow, who is searching for a photographer. As the plot unravels, the fates of our two main characters become increasingly intertwined, in a story of revenge, fate, and of course, foxes.

I was so excited to be approved for this book on NetGalley! The plot immediately drew me in, as I’ve always loved books based on folklore, its such a unique perspective into the particular culture and always leads to me going down different rabbit holes to learn more. The story telling was rich, full of vivid details of the culture in the different areas that are mentioned in the book, but at the same time, I didnt feel burdened with overly descriptive passages.

I wouldnt call the story particularly complex, or the narrative dense, but I found this a positive aspect, as it reminded me of how folklore stories are traditionally told. Snow was my favorite of the two narrators, likely influenced by her chapters being written in first person (vs the third person for Bao). Her emotions were more tangible and she was surprisingly funny, especially her interactions with Shiro and Kuro.

The one thing I didnt like about the book is I felt there were still a lot of questions at the end, especially in regard to why are certain “unnatural” things occurring. These weren’t answered very clearly, and I found that to be a bit of a let down because I’ve always loved when things come together very smoothly.

I would like to thank the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

What is there not to like about Yangsze Choo’s latest novel “The Fox Wife”? For me, this book pushed all the right buttons! A dazzling piece of historical fiction, taking place in Manchuria in the early 1900’s. It’s filled with Chinese folklore, an element of magical realism, and a cast of characters that are unique, well-developed, and who may or not actually be a fox! A page turning tale of mystery and fantasy not to be missed!

Review scheduled for 1/31/24.

THE FOX WIFE is a story of grief and reconnection, telling a small section in the life of a fox named Snow whose child was killed for the sake of a photographer's art.

Snow is a thoughtful narrator, relaying her contemporaneous thoughts as best as she can, but sometimes hinting at the trajectory of events that haven't quite transpired in the narrative. She is grieving her child, and leaves the grasslands to track down the photographer who desired a fox pelt as a prop for his photos. Snow's perspective is alternated with that of an amateur investigator, Bao, who has been able to sense lies ever since his nanny prayed to a fox spirit during a childhood illness of his. Contrasting with Snow's chronological telling of events, the sections following Bao connect pieces of the narrative on a thematic level. Some deal with his childhood, particularly his friendship with a courtesan's daughter. Others follow him in his twilight years, contemporaneous to Snow's telling, with a whole life and marriage behind him, using his lie-sensing abilities to solve mysteries for people. What begins as an attempt to identify a dead woman turns into a meandering quest into rumors of foxes, and one particular woman who disappeared from a walled garden.

The worldbuilding is relayed through conversation and Snow's observations, as well as Bao's thoughts. Snow tends to explain a fox's perspective on human things a contemporaneous reader could be expected to know, which works neatly to give insights into both Snow and the historical setting. There's an attention to the ways that women and girls are restricted for the sake of men's whims. The narrative is filled with wives, concubines, courtesans, and even girl-children who are treated according to their future matrimonial prospects (or lack thereof). Even Snow is most often called a nickname based on being the third servant to work for her eventual mistress. She is wary of male foxes, as human sexism translates into easier lives for them and more danger for her if she's caught up in their schemes.

The three narrative strands weave together to tell a complete story. I was able to figure out many connections and identities by having access to all three perspectives. Bao, the detective was usually the last one to figure out exactly what fox-related thing was happening, but that's because he doesn't know if transforming foxes (like Snow) are real. Snow, for her part, isn't ready to talk about the more painful aspects of her recent history, so the reader must piece together what happened before the book started by combining what Bao finds with what Snow tells of foxes. It had a mystery feel without being an outright whodunnit for the reader.

I know a book is great when it heavily features a theme I dislike or personally don't relate to but I love it anyway. Anyone who can make me love a book about being a grieving mother has done something very special. It handles this topic with care, gradually saying more of what happened to her child as Snow is able to process her grief. I was drawn back to it, finishing it in less than a week as I needed to know what would happen next. A third of the way in there was a plot point that in other books would have been wrapping things up, but instead the narrative blossomed in unexpected and very welcome ways. I would happily read more with Snow (or any other foxes) if the opportunity presented itself, but this story feels complete and is very satisfying.

I was intrigued as soon as I saw the synopsis for this novel. I love non-Eurocentric fantasy and Choo definitely delivers, painting a rich world of folklore and magic for the reader. THE FOX WIFE follows a private detective named Bao in the early 20th century. He begins investigating a woman’s mysterious death and stumbled into the world of fox spirits. What follows is a magical mystery with a touch of romance.

I loved the dual POV narration and especially the character of Snow, a fox spirit with plenty of secrets of her own. Choo does an excellent job of weaving the threads of the story together. I highly recommend this book and look forward to seeing what the author does next!

Thanks to the publisher and to NetGalley for an early copy of this book.

Another great novel by Choo. I have loved her past books, but I believe this is my new favorite. Just the right amount of folklore and magical realism. Loved it.

A beautifully written book incorporating Chinese mythology and history all in one, as well as themes about family. I'll definitely be looking for more from this talented author!

This was excellent. There was only one area early in the book that needed separation of the paragraphs to avoid confusion in the character voice switch. The other switches were clearly separated. I also wanted to say that the footnotes were greatly enjoyed and I loved the break in the "fourth wall" feeling it provided.

Thank you for allowing me to read an advance copy and provide a review.
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The following review is posted to Goodreads and Librarything.
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Stellar. Yangtze Choo has once again produced a novel that should climb on top of your TBR and impel you to read it. I lingered over this novel savoring its lyrical resonance - a rare experience for me.

That’s my short review.

The longer review contains spoilers - open at your own risk. The review can be read with out and not miss anything vital.

While the story is a slow build, the overall payoff is worth it. The story is told mostly from the main characters POV <spoiler> the main character it a female fox, a culturally mythological creature</spoiler> and develops over the duration of the novel. The story line shifts between the main character, and another who is a detective who is investigating several things, including a death, a missing person, and the possibility of fox spirits existing, while recollecting their own past. The ending is satisfying and in many ways happy.

The inclusion of regional folklore, historical perspectives of these fox spirits, along with examples of what different mundane things mean within the culture the story is set in (example in spoiler) <spoiler> the explanation of what certain plants along a walking path in one of the compounds subtlety illuminates the story, and provides insight into the culture and time period </spoiler>, along with the occasional footnote makes this a joy to read — and learn.

This is Historical Fantasy done superbly. The writing style is fluid and engaging. The addition of other genres only enhances the story. Add this to your list and get ready to have an amazing read.

Thank you to Henry Holt and Co, and Netgalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest and unpaid review.

Genres: Historical Fantasy, Mystery, Folklore

It’s 1908 in Manchuria, China and Snow is a beautiful woman who is grieving her infant girl. She vows revenge on the hunter that killed her. In another part of China, a young boy is sad that his nanny was fired and he has no-one to talk to. Then his mother finds a smart young girl his age to befriend him. This starts the beautiful story of foxes that take human form and how far they will go for the ones they love. Thank you to net galley for the opportunity to read this book before it hits the bookstores. The Fox Wife by Yangsze Choo is a 5 star read!

The Fox Wife, Yangsze Choo’s third book, is a charming story about a fox seeking vengeance for the death of her child, intertwined with that of an investigator who is destined to cross paths with her. The story beautifully explores the mythology of foxes in Asian culture while bringing a poignancy to the protagonist as a mother devastated by the loss of her child. Two other foxes are a part of the story, showing that just like people these creatures defy standards, having personalities all their own. Not realizing the impact of foxes on his life as a child, Bao is looking for Ah San in an investigation of his own, following her tracks in her own search for closure. But doing so might end up providing Bao with closure of his own and a chance to reconnect with the person he can never forget. By focusing on a particularly tragic event in a fox’s life, Choo manages to perfectly bring together the immortal and mortal in a way that’s believable and fulfilling-a difficult challenge.

I knew I would like this book - I've enjoyed all of Yangsze Choo's previous books, and I have a very soft spot in my heart for fox spirit stories - but I loved this from start to finish.

It has all the hallmarks of Choo's other stories - a headstrong female heroine who straddles various identities finding her place in her world, set against the idea of a mystery that is deeply shaped by the changing political landscape of the city it takes place in. The sense of time and place is so rich - the snowy streets of Mukden and Dalian, the grass of the steppes, the forested hills of Kyushu - and while Snow, White, and Black exist outside of human politics, the feeling of a society at a tipping point is one threaded through the story, from the young revolutionaries to the multicultural characters and locales. Much like the world had become much more interconnected, it's also clearly harder for the three foxes to keep the delineation between their existence and human lives. And that's what gives the story so much charm. For all the stories and tales tend to be about foxes tricking or taking advantage of humans, we see that foxes are just as drawn to us as we are to them.

I loved the balancing of Snow's hunt for revenge and a lancing of her grief with Bao's calmer unraveling of the mystery set before him and the way it reveals just as much about human nature when left to our own devices (even if the switch from first person past to third person present was always a little jarring).

My only complaint would be that there wasn't a great explanation for why it was just the three foxes (and then from that, since they're a group of three, between the longevity and the depth of feeling, why it wasn't a poly relationship, but that's just me), but it hardly detracts from the enjoyment of watching all of these lives trace their paths.

Really enjoyed this! The folklore of foxes in China - a story with multiple characters that weaves together for a very satisfying conclusion. The story is set in China in the early 1900's, and told through the perspective of "Snow" (also known as Ah San) - a mysterious young women on a vengeful quest and Bao, an older gentleman detective who pines for his lost love, and is fascinated by the folklore of Fox spirits. Ah San is seeking a famous photographer, whom she blames for the death of her only child. She finds herself serving an older matron who is also hiding some secrets, and hoping to help her young grandson. I was interested in the story as soon as it started, but I love a good fairy tale or myth retelling. It did lag a bit in the middle, but the ending is worth the wait.
Thank you to Netgalley for an Advanced Reader copy.

I received a copy of "The Fox Wife" by Yangsze Choo. The Fox wife takes place in Manchuria 1908. It is written through the eyes of two characters. and goes back and forth between the characters "Snow also known as Ah San" in the first narrative. And Bao, an elderly man.
Through Snow's eyes she wants revenge on Betku and gets a job as a domestic for an elderly woman. to try and get to Betku. In the second story an elderly man named Bao is a detective trying to solve a case where a teenaged girl who was a prostitute, was found dead in a doorway. She was found frozen. the book describes Bao as looking back on his childhood when he was a teenager and loved a young girl who was already spoken for in an arranged marriage. Decades later, he still pines for her.
The book goes back and forth to the two different stories. It is not a surprise that eventually the two characters will come together. The book also focuses on the "Fox" where there is mythology of how foxes can turn into human girls and live among people. Depending on the color of the Fox depicts if it is good or bad. Different characters claim they can see the foxes that are hiding in human form.
This book takes awhile to get started. The author takes her time with her book. As already mentioned the two characters stories mesh together. A good story. Found the mythology part with Foxes interesting.

A mysterious vixen seeks revenge in this mystical tale of love, forgiveness, and second chances, where things aren’t what they seem and contentment is found in the most unexpected places.

Bao, a lonely, aging private detective, is hired to investigate the death of a young courtesan, believed to have been lured to her end by a cunning fox. Bao has always been curious about foxes and the lore surrounding them so is immediately intrigued by the case. His investigation leads him on a path towards a mysterious and beguiling woman who always seems one step ahead of him. As he closes in on her, he seems to have more questions than answers about her involvement in his case.

Devastated by a recent loss and seeking revenge, Snow, a sly and ancient fox, finds herself traveling around Manchuria on the hunt for a murderer. As she attempts to track him down, Snow becomes caught up in a bizarre scheme where she poses as the servant of an elderly woman whose family is plagued by a curse of their own. When she is unwittingly reunited with friends from her past, Snow fears they will thwart her efforts to track down her prey. As she comes closer to confronting the murderer, Snow learns there are other more personal obstacles that she must overcome first.

As Snow and Bao’s paths merge, a series of the most unexpected events help both of them to find the resolution and contentment they’ve been searching for all along. Stunning, vivid, and magical, this book is a heartfelt, enthralling adventure that is simpler to experience than it is to describe. Choo captivates the reader in the intricate way she merges folklore and an unusual love story that is utterly unforgettable and shouldn’t be missed! 🌟🌟🌟🌟 (4/5)

Thanks @yangszechoo @netgalley and @henryholtbooks for the digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.