The story starts in Manchuria in 1908, a few years before the Xinhai Revolution topples the ruling Qing dynasty currently headed by the about-to-die Empress Dowager Cixi. But it isn't about royals or nobles in the least, and the looming Revolution plays out more like background music than an important plot. Instead, it's about Snow, domestically known as Ah San at the household she's a maid to an iron-willed elderly lady, a mysterious woman who arrives to the Manchu city of Dalian from the countryside in pursuit, we are told, of a photographer by the name of Bektu Nikan who has done her a grievous wrong she wants revenge for.

What the wrong she means to avenge is will slowly unravel as the plot advances, keyword being slowly. We first get a glimpse into what might've happened through the eyes of Bao, a detective past his prime that is investigating the murder of a courtesan. The photographer is the first connection of many that'll eventually lead him to link up with Snow and through her an old friend he thought lost. Is it an original mystery? No, it's simple, and those that read mysteries regularly will likely guess what happened even earlier than I did and the resolution to the wrongdoing is rather anticlimactic for my tastes. But that's not what's going to sell readers on this story.

Part mythology, part mystery, part magical realism, completely engrossing and gorgeous. Thanks so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this one in advance.

I’ve loved Yangsze Choo’s previous novels so I was really excited to hear about her next one! The summary sounded intriguing and atmospheric, and I was dying to read more of her gorgeous writing. Mysterious and mischievous, The Fox Wife unfolds a story of a mother seeking revenge in a world where fox spirits run amok.

In 1908 Manchuria, a private detective named Bao is hired to investigate a woman’s mysterious death that his instincts can’t help but point him in the direction of the fox spirits he’s been obsessed with ever since he was a child. Unbeknownst to him, one of these fox spirits, Snow, is looking into her own mystery, tracking down a photographer in revenge of her child’s death. Soon she crosses paths with an old friend-slash-enemy Shiro, who puts her in the path of Kuro, someone she had never wanted to see again.

As usual, I adored Choo’s prose! She has this way of writing that fully immerses you in a world and the character’s mind. The Fox Wife, in particular, reminded me of both of her previous works, with the mystery of The Night Tiger and the heart and levity of The Ghost Bride. I definitely want to reread the latter now after reading this book.

The dual point-of-view does leave a little to be desired, simply because Snow’s chapters are definitely the focus of the story. Bao is always two steps behind what we’ve learned from her character already, but his chapters do serve to show us other parts of Snow’s backstory that she either glosses over or doesn’t touch on initially. I don’t think his point-of-view weighed the story down too much though because I was interested in his backstory.

Bao’s story intertwines with hers even aside from the mystery he’s investigating, which ended up being really sweet. The juxtaposition between their two points-of-view, with Bao’s leaning toward a mystery while Snow’s was, for the most part, more lighthearted and fun, also kept me on my toes. She also gives us the firsthand insight on what it’s like being a fox spirit and living so long, compared to Bao’s veiled knowledge of the mythology.

However, again, to me, Snow is the heart of the story. She’s a mother bent on revenge, searching for a Manchurian photographer who is obsessed with white fox stoles, after he murdered her child while she slept. Her point-of-view read as very mischievous and mercurial, exactly the tone that you would think a fox spirit would have. I mourned with her character and yet I also had fun with her view on the world.

The other characters were also great additions to the story. I particularly loved Snow’s interactions with the other fox spirits, Shiro and Kuro. Shiro often drives her crazy due to his trickster nature and lack of concern for getting caught. Meanwhile, Kuro is someone she never wanted to see again, for reasons that soon become apparent. The three of them bumping up against each other with their own agendas was incredibly amusing to follow.

There also was a bit of romance that I really loved. Choo’s works include only a hint of romance, but that small amount is enough to make you obsessive over it. The ending was so sweet for all of the characters.

The Fox Wife was a thoroughly engaging novel that I couldn’t put down. I loved the gorgeous writing and the characters, as well as the fox spirits and the worldbuilding. If you’re a fan of Yangsze Choo’s previous novels or of thrilling historical fantasy mysteries, I definitely recommend The Fox Wife!

An interesting book, sort of. I enjoyed learning about China from this perspective, classes, money, poverty, food, dynasties, etc., and the mythology of foxes there, but the mystery was under-baked and overdone and not enough to hang 400 pages on. Indeed, there was a great deal of repetition as the book moves between the first person narrator, Snow, the fox woman seeking revenge, and Bao, the 60-something detective, whose life story is told in third person, as he tries to learn the name of a woman who has died. I would have much preferred to learn why some foxes are these supernatural beings and others, I assume, are simply actual foxes.

Thanks to Henry Holt & Company and Netgalley for the ARC.

I really liked both The Ghost Bride and The Night Tiger, so I was thrilled to receive a copy of Yangsze Choo's newest. I also really enjoyed The Fox Wife! It's a bit of a slow starter, but I actually didn't mind that, as it gave the characters time to develop. I was very invested in the two main characters' storylines. I loved the characterization of the foxes, from their shared "curious to a fault" character to the different ways they choose to act during their long lifespans.

The Fox Wife is one of the best books I have read this year. I was unfamiliar with the author. The description of the story and the title of the book pulled me in. I don't know what category it falls under. It is mythology, a mystery story, a beautifully written fable of being a mother, second chances, love, and revenge. I stayed awake one night until I finished it, it is that good. I will now look for more books by this author who writes as if she is Chinese but turns out to be born and bred American. Bravo to her.

I’ve kind of slowed down in my reading this year as I’m trying to take my time more and challenge myself with different genres and writing styles (120 books has already exceeded my expectations). I picked this ARC up because I liked the idea of Chinese folk tales in a literary, historical style.

I also saw lots of foreshadowing to the present, with the current Chinese Communist government’s fears of superstition and old faiths and mysticism. This book is set at the time of the last days of the Qing dynasty, with restless socioeconomic inequities and anxious young men fomenting revolution.

It probably also took me awhile to get through because of the author’s slow-paced, languid writing style. I actually appreciated it, but it won’t appeal to everyone. There was lots of telling in a non-Western-narrative style, but that suited the character of the book, told from the point of view of a fox lady shifter relating her misadventures in revenge.

I thought it was fascinating how the story changed POVs from first-person in the perspective of Snow, the fox lady estranged from her fox shifter husband who abandoned their child to an untimely murder. She’s now set on exacting revenge on the murderer, a photographer with mysterious revolutionary side hustles.

It also alternates between the third person POV of Bao, a detective with an uncanny ability to discern lies from truth, an old man who still nurses a childhood crush on a companion who could never be his, and a human whose shadow is disappearing after being touched by foxes in his youth to save him from a terminal illness.

Bao is hunting down the fox lady for a client who’s become obsessed with her, but even he is confounded by the chaos of bodies left frozen in doorsteps, revolution and betrayal left in the wake of a band of fox spirits hiding from humans.

Snow becomes wrapped up in the family of Bao’s childhood crush, posing as the old lady’s servant, as the family goes to Japan in pursuit of the photographer and an ill-fated revolutionary plot.

Chaos, regret and drama follow these sad characters with depth who somehow find peace in the end.

I loved these characters, especially Snow. She had a little of the reckless, emotional damsel in distress vibe around her husband, Kuro, that I usually find annoying in hetero romantic arcs, but overall I found her a strong, complicated character, a morally grey type with her own code of ethics that I respected. I also loved Bao’s forlorn love story and found his life very sad but also somehow hopeful in the end.

This story definitely has that Eastern tinge to it of life is suffering but we find hope in the end through the strength of our traditions, rituals and our belief that magic might not be entirely gone from a world that tries to modernize any wonder and mystery out of everyday life for the sake of convenience.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance review copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This is the first book I've read by author Yangsze Choo. This book starts out a bit slowly and the mystery aspect of it is predictable. The beauty in this novel, however, is the marriage of Chinese, Manchurian, and Japanese mythology with the setting and daily life of a place that is exotic and foreign to me.

This is one reason I love to read. I get to live in a different world, experience different times and places, and learn about other cultures through fantastic and fantastical storytelling. Well-written and fun, I definitely recommend this if you're interested in Asian cultures and mythologies!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced digital reader's copy (ARC) in exchange for an honest review!

I loved this story! I was completely immersed and loved the folk tale elements. I thought the characters were well crafted and felt very multidimenstional.

Set in Manchuria in 1908, This is a tale of mystery, mythology, and the intertwined destinies of humans and fox spirits. At its heart, the story revolves around a young woman found frozen in the snow, sparking rumors of foxes with the ability to transform into alluring humans. Bao, a detective with an enduring fascination for the elusive fox gods, is enlisted to unearth the woman's identity and uncover the enigma that surrounds her. Simultaneously, a family that runs a renowned Chinese medicine shop grapples with a curse, where their eldest sons perish before reaching twenty-four. With their only grandson on the brink of this ill-fated age, the arrival of a mysterious woman appears to alter their fortune. Yet, her true nature remains a mystery, leaving questions about whether she is a simple young woman or a vengeful fox spirit with her own hidden agenda.

The book delves into the intricate dynamics between humans and mystical beings, blurring the lines between myth and reality.
As a reader easily influenced by stories inspired by Asian folklore, I found this book to be a unique addition to the genre. The cultural elements and supernatural aspects added depth and uniqueness to the narrative.

While the story took a little time for me to fully immerse myself in, once I was engaged, it took root, drawing me deeper into its intricate web. The dual perspectives offered through different characters' points of view added an intriguing layer to the storytelling.

My primary qualm with the book was that it leaned heavily toward the main plot, leaving me yearning for more character development. A deeper exploration of the characters' backgrounds and emotions would have enhanced the overall experience.

Thank you, NetGalley and Henry Holt & Company for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I loved The Night Tiger so I was very happy to receive an advanced copy of The Fox Wife. It's both sad and magical, with two main POVs (Snow and Bao) that drifts between past and present. I always love story of foxes and Chinese folklore and this was really well done; between the elements of wistfulness rooted in actual sadness. The main driving mystery behind the second son doesn't get resolved though I do like how the story weaves between what is magic and what is just the human mind playing tricks.

Manchuria, 1908. A young woman is found frozen in the snow. Her death is clouded by rumors of foxes involved, which are believed to lure people by transforming themselves into beautiful women and men.

Beautifully written and highly recommended.

I really enjoyed this book. It is very beautifully written and I thought the main characters were easy and enjoyable to follow. It's a little slow moving but I really didn't mind because the language is so bewitching.

Huge thanks to netgalley and Henry Holt publishing whom I love, so much good content. This was another winner. The fox wife is a fast paced thrill ride between two people trying to get their hands on a photographer and one might be a fox. The lore is remarkable and the book is engaging and beautiful much like the author’s previous work on the night tiger this one was full of beauty, animals and magic.

A beautiful must read.

I love Yangsze Choo's storytelling, so I had to get my grubby hands on a copy of The Fox Wife (and by some miracle I did). I'm a lover of foxes (shapeshifters, spirits, etc..), so I knew this was going to be a perfect story for me. I loved all the fox characters, especially Shiro.

The only thing I could nitpick is the overall issue around the photographer. It was a little disappointing how he was dealt with...off page. I understand why, but it was a bit unfulfilling.

There are foxes that live among mortals - at least they did in Manchuria back in 1908. Set in China and partly in Japan, the book is a mix of mystery, fantasy, and historical fiction. The book traces the life of a mysterious young woman who seeks work in the household of a well-known family. Her new employer names her Ah San. But who is she and what is her agenda? A young woman is found dead in the snow and Detective Bao is called upon to investigate the death and identify her. He is no ordinary detective. As a young boy stories of foxes and fox spirits have swirled around him. The story is told through the voices of Ah San and Bao. I liked this approach. It gave the story dimension and depth. The personalities and styles of Ah San and Bao were in sharp contrast to each other and played out well. There’s intrigue, revenge, murders, humor, folklore, and an interesting cast of characters that made this book an enjoyable and fun read. Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

3.7/4.0

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*Received an eARC from netgalley for an honest review. Thank you!

I quite liked this book. It's rather slow paced, but for me, I was forgiving since the premise and setting attracted my attention. For one thing, I'm easily sold by the promise of folklore. I haven't had much of a chance to read East Asian folklore in awhile, so this really satiated my desire for it. The author's writing is very alluring, but also very straightforward. I think when writing the protagonist, Snow, the author put a lot of care and thought in how she would represent the life of a fox-human shifter. She considered the nuances of being one compared to a human or even just a normal fox. I love historical fiction with this touch of fantasy because it gives reason to inexplicable happenings that almost seem fantastically plausible. If I were living in the early 1900's, I also would probably be beguiled into thinking foxes cured my illnesses, or stole my money when it was locked away from the hands of people.

While the actual mystery didn't grab my attention much, I still felt compelled to dig deeper into these characters' stories. Admittedly, I was mostly interested in the trio of fox-human characters and I was more excited by their chapters. I admired Snow's journey to grapple with the aftermath of her losses and to live anew. I think most of the mystery, for me, was unraveling her life story, her journey to seek revenge, and her connection to the other fox-human characters.

Now, I think this book could have been shortened because some events felt repetitive and drawn out. As mentioned previously, the pacing is slow in general and there really isn't that much suspense.

I would consider this a cozy read and for those interested in folklore about foxes and their affairs in the lives of humans.

What I liked: the author paints a beautiful picture with her descriptive writing style, I felt like I could picture all the places throughout the book.


What I didn’t like: This book is folktales, and mystery? I feel like the mystery/investigation aspect was lost on me because I already could guess what was happening for the most part. This also felt very drawn out and a lot of unnecessary information. Almost like two books were being mashed together. I feel like the book was missing a plot twist like I was waiting for it and maybe I ruined it by being able to discern something’s myself.

This was a very slow build, and it was hard to stay in the story, but once is picked up - I was able to enjoy it much more. I loved all of the magical realism in the story, and while at times it was tough to keep track of who was talking due to the constant point of view shifts, it was fun to chime in on everyone's thoughts.

This is a beautifully cozy mystery wrapped up in Chinese folklore. Beautifully written scenes pull you in and have you standing there in the snow with the character as you try to figure out what's going to happen next. A story of motherhood and revenge that warms your heart. It's not the fast paced fantasy adventure I'm used to reading but it's so beautifully written I found it hard to put down. You just have to know what's going to happen next.