Set in 1908, Manchuria, The Fox Wife follows two different people: Snow and Bao. Snow is a fox that can turn into a woman and she is in a path for revenge. Bao is a private investigator who is hired to look into the death of a young woman; what makes him better than the others at his job is that he can hear when someone is lying.

I really liked the author's previous book, The Night Tiger. So, I was eagerly anticipating her next one. I love how Yangsze Choo writes. Although it's not flowery, I find it extremely captivating. I like how she paints the characters and the environment so vividly. The Fox Wife is a slow book. Although it has its stakes and there is stuff happening, the author takes her time in establishing the world, the characters, and everything that surrounds them. So, even though Snow has a particular goal, she is involved in other, let's say, side adventures and she is involved in other people's lives. The same can be said about Bao. His investigation moves slowly. But I liked what happened in his thread as well, even though I liked Snow's better.

I loved Snow. I particularly enjoyed how funny and quick witted she was; it really felt like she was an actual fox, whose thoughts I was privy to. I really liked her relationships with Kuro and Shiro; I really liked their characters as well. I enjoyed how the stories slowly came together and everything was in the book for a reason - every tangent is well thought out.

By the end, I do like The Night Tiger a little bit more. But this one I really enjoyed as well.

Thank you Netgalley, author, and publisher for the ARC.

This book surprised me with how much I enjoyed reading it. I loved Snow's perspective and the mischievous Shiro. I am happy with the ending!

I liked the writing style. The author is great at character development and writing descriptions. I also like Bao's ability to hear lies. That was an interesting concept.

However, it took a long time to tell the story. There is a good story under all the words. I was just overwhelmed by how much had to be said to tell this story. I will, however, read other novels by this author.

Thank you NetGalley and Henry Holt and Co. for a chance to review this book.

Link to Amazon review: https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/R25ZIVLZXTU9FH?ref=pf_ov_at_pdctrvw_srp

This is a beautiful book. It begins with a young woman (fox) whose child has been killed and her desire to track down the man responsible. She has been tracking his movements but always seems to be one step behind. A young boy (human) is assigned a playmate after his old nanny is sent away. He is a sickly child, the second son of the family. He and his playmate make a pretend shrine to the fox god in a bush in the yard. His name is Bao and from his illnesses has developed the ability to sense when people are lying. Bao becomes a detective and is call in to find out the identity of a young woman found frozen on the doorstep of a restaurant.
Though the two characters are in no way connected, they appear to be searching and following the same paths.
This is a beautiful blend of detective story and the folklore of foxes in Chinese society.Foxes are able to portray themselves as human and are very charming and persuasive. Is it a fox appearing as human who is leaving behind a trail of women frozen in the snow?
I started to read this and then I got availability to the audio-book which is read by the author. The book is stunning. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Readers who enjoy the folklore of the orient and a good detective story will love this book.

I really loved The Night Tiger and I was so excited for this one. Thankfully, it definitely lived up to the hype I had built up in my head! I think Yangsze's writing is exquisite and I think her characters are so compelling. I will say at the start, I wasn't sold on the two POVs, but as the story went along I couldn't stop reading because both stories were progressing and I needed to see when they would intersect. Magical and lyrical and gorgeous.

This is a great historical fantasy novel if you're willing to meander a bit and let the story lead (it's worth it, but it does require a little patience from the reader). Set in Manchuria in the early twentieth-century, where foxes can pass as mysteriously attractive humans, even foxes are dealing with rumors and change. There are two narrators, Snow, a fox woman (called Ah San in her guise as a human servant), who is seeking vengeance for the death of her daughter, and Bao, an elderly private investigator, who is seeking the identity of a young woman, probably a courtesan, who froze to death. Both of their searches have lead them to track a mysterious photographer, but their stories actually overlap even more though it will take them and the reader some time to begin to uncover the links. Both have long histories to remember as well.

Thanks to the publisher, the author, and Netgalley for my free earc. My opinions are all my own.

Thank you, NetGalley and Henry Holt & Company for a copy of this book for review. I also chose this book for one of my Book of the Month choices for February. I really enjoyed Choo’s 2019 book The Night Tiger, so of course, I had to pick up this one. I was not disappointed. I love stories mixed with historical folklore. This book brings in the Chinese lore of fox spirits and shows that you don’t mess with maternal love. The story is written with detail and mystery. I enjoyed this book and will read anything this author writes.

Unlike many in the book world, I was unfamiliar with Yangsze Choo. Or, at least, I thought I was — upon reading the author’s biography, I realized I’d actually seen the adaptation of The Ghost Wife produced by Netflix in 2020. Given how much I’d liked that series, as well as how much I enjoy Chinese mythology, it was really no surprise, then, that I ended up enjoying this read!

The Fox Wife follows two parallel narratives, told in alternating chapters: the fox wife, unnamed for the majority of the novel, whose daughter’s death has caused her to set off on a years-long search for revenge, and Bao, a detective, whose past experience with fox spirits has granted him the unusual ability to tell when anyone is lying. While I initially felt that the fox wife’s story was the stronger of the two, the resolution of Bao’s narrative dovetailed nicely into the fox wife’s own story in such a way that felt satisfying, rather than simply convenient.

While this slowburn historical mystery took time to pick up steam (at one point, I contemplated whether or not to finish the book), the payoff was immensely satisfying. If you’re the type of historical fiction reader who prefers worlds built with immense detail, this may not satisfy your craving for intricate world building, but if you, like me, prefer character-driven mysteries, this novel is absolutely one to take your time with. It will reward you in spades.

My favorite part of the novel had to be the unique voice of the fox wife. Her character, and the way she interacts with the world around her, was so fresh and unique without being overly anachronistic. I found myself absolutely fascinated by her, which was ironic, considering her characteristic abilities as a fox spirit included charisma and persuasion. It says something about the skill of Yangsze Choo that those traits were so clearly communicated to me as a reader.

Ultimately, I really enjoyed this one! I’ll definitely be picking up another Yangsze Choo in the future.

I will start with the ending. This is how an ending should occur. It wraps things up, resolves questions raised throughout, and hints at the near future when the last page is turned. It’s smart and not pat. It’s nuanced and not cutesy.

The second thing I must say is that I savored the story during the entire reading experience. I can easily have read the pages faster and finished sooner but I didn’t want to. Fox Wife was atmospheric. I wanted the read to deepen and to linger. I wanted the characters to continue living out their stories through the words.

Choo does meticulous plotting while crafting the more intriguing story…and weaves stories within stories. And the storylines intertwine in a fascinating way…a way that firmly holds the reader.

I thoroughly enjoyed the depiction of foxes and the location of Manchuria. She has a mix of Chinese, Mongolians, Manchurians, Koreans, Japanese, and Russians. The story is set during the era of the “last emperor” of the Qing dynasty, a Manchu one.

She writes simply but deeply and poetically. A sentence can assault or heal. The overall tone is gentle, coaxing one through the story. That grip is soft but steady. And I frankly did not want it to let go of me.

Having read her two previous titles, I can assuredly state that she cares for her readers—she cares for them by treating them intelligently. I will readily read any of her future titles and am impatient for their publication.

And I’ll add that in all three books, Choo has the most appealing male characters. They are the most appealing Asian men. (So, forget A. Tan or C. Ng and their pervasive misandry and internalized racism.)

I thank Henry Holt and Co. for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A few of my favorite quotes:

Since childhood, he’s been able to discern falsehoods. Nobody else seems to hear this mysterious sound, a faint warning when a lie leaves someone’s mouth and hovers, like a bee, before their lips.

There’s a hole in his chest the size of an inkstone.

Bao learned long ago that frequency is a good substitute for intimacy.

Foxes, while often blamed as ill-omened creatures, are the needle that lances the boil.

Many years ago, I spent a year working in Hangzhou, China, which is roughly halfway between northern and southern China. I was told that it was considered “the South” since it was located south of the Yellow River. However, when the water froze in the winter, it felt positively arctic to this Californian! During my time there, I wanted to see the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival in the far north of China. However, after seeing the sub-freezing temperature forecasts, I decided I to stay put in the “South.”

I’ve always regretted not experiencing the Ice and Snow Festival, so it was a lovely surprise when I discovered that Yangsze Choo’s newest book is set in wintery 20th century Manchuria! I loved the setting – the harsh winter of northern China pervades the novel, and this particular time and place was new to me historically speaking.

The Fox Wife brings Chinese folklore to life with its tale of a fox woman seeking revenge for her lost child, and a detective close on her heels. Snow (the fox wife) and Bao (the detective) narrate the novel in alternating chapters. Snow and Bao become involved with a large cast of characters and additional rumors of the supernatural as both protagonists edge closer to their respective targets. For all that this is a mystery, the pace is always a saunter and never breaks into a sprint. I wish The Fox Wife had managed to build up some more momentum. However, I found the clever and mischievous Snow and her fellow foxes charming as characters and felt that the audiobook was really well performed.

So long as they know not to expect a page turner, I think a number of my friends will also enjoy The Fox Wife, with its terrific premise, setting and folklore-inspired characters. Thank you to Henry Holt and Macmillan Audio for the gifted copies of the e-book and audiobook.

magical and intricate, the fox wife is an ideal book for a quiet winter evening. telling the story of snow, a fox spirit determined to avenge the death of her child, and bao, a detective investigating a mysterious murder, it effortlessly weaves together elements of fantasy and mystery to create a stunning story full of atmosphere and heart.

i really enjoyed the author’s debut novel, so i was super excited to hear that she had another book coming out in 2024. i like the fox wife for a lot of the same reasons that i like the ghost bride–the characterization is excellent, the storytelling is elegant and vivid, and the folklore that choo weaves into her writing is something that i’ll always be a fan of. in the fox wife specifically, it was intriguing to see how snow’s story connected with bao’s in so many ways. i also really loved snow–she’s such a fun and well-written character–and the tiny bits of romance we got between her and another fox spirit, kuro (their ending scene…yeah i died).

i will say that this book is pretty slow and it can take some time to get into if you’re expecting something that’s more fast-paced, especially since choo alternates between snow’s pov and bao’s every chapter (and their perspectives are very different). i don’t dislike bao, but i do like snow much more, so suddenly switching from her point of view to his could be super jarring at times, especially during more tense scenes. also, while i liked the mystery, it’s pretty predictable and resolves in a way that’s a little underwhelming, so i would recommend this book more for fans of historical fantasy.

all in all, i absolutely loved the fox wife and am endlessly grateful to have had the chance to read it early. it’s perfect for anyone looking for a slow-paced and beautifully written historical fantasy book that they can spend a long time with, and i can’t wait to read more of choo’s work.

thanks to netgalley and the publisher for providing this arc.

I really enjoyed this book! The mythology was great and it was fun to see two stories merge into one.

What a startling gorgeous book that’s both a little fantastical and intimately realistic at the same time. I honestly fell in love with these characters and this story, it moved me in unexpected ways. The writing is gorgeous and I recommend this wholeheartedly. Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for the eARC, it’s one of those books that I’ll be purchasing so I can have a copy in the house so I can glance at and remember the experience of reading it. Also I’ll be leaving out little pieces of tofu in hopes of running into a fox. ;)

The Fox Wife is not a typical detective story; at least not the kind I typically read. The story takes place in Mongolia and is about Bao, a detective, on a mission to find out a dead girl’s identity, and Snow (one of her many names) who is seeking vengeance for her daughter’s death.

There are many secrets, stories, and rumors about fox spirits, shadowless men, ghosts, and spirits intertwined along the way.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review The Fox Wife.

Another lyrical historical novel and sophisticated detective tale in the vein of Choo’s previous works The Ghost Bride and The Night Tiger, inspired by Japanese fox folklore and incorporating a strong mystery element.

A lush read, full of foxes, legends and bad weather. Here a reader will encounter mysteries within mysteries, murders, shapeshifting, flirting with intent, beautiful women, men, sexy foxes (worth a second mention), as well as many dinners and lots of tea, often with vaguely threatening digressions by the dinner guests, and occasional objects thrown. I recommend you stay jacketed, or have a warm covering and a cup of hot tea nearby as you read. And . . . have something fluffy available to pet, as well.

*A sincere thank you to Yangsze Choo, Henry Holt & Company, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for and ARC to read and independently review.* #TheFoxWife #NetGalley

I would like to thank NetGalley and Henry Holt & Co for providing me with an advance e-galley of this book in exchange for an honest review. Look for it now in your local and online bookstores and libraries.

This is beautifully written. I love Choo's writing. The story is just very, very slow. I was interested in the characters and their adventures. The setting and time period were fascinating. It just dragged for me. Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC

FOX WIFE is a tale of love and revenge woven with folklore and magical realism. Each chapter alternates between 2 perspectives — a detective named Bao and a fox named Snow — and each chapter ends in a cliffhanger that left me thirsting for more. Book reads like a thriller and I found the pacing impeccable; I could not put this down!
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When I think about how to tell a story and weave a engaging tale that captivates from start to finish, I think of Choo’s NIGHT TIGER and now THE FOX WIFE. Choo’s storytelling craft is 👌🏽 and I’m a fan.
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FOX WIFE is undoubtedly one of my faves of 2024. I hope you get your hands on this one so we can chitter about it like little foxy thangs.
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(Thanks @netgalley and @henryholtbooks for eARC.)

Book Review: The Fox Wife
By Yangsze Choo


The Fox Wife is a beautifully written, unputdownable historical fantasy set in Manchuria during the final years of the Qing Empire. It is a tantalizing mystery and enchanting folktale told through two entwined storylines.

Bao is hired to discover the identity of a woman found frozen in the doorway of a popular restaurant. The owner hires Bao, a scholar who has taken up detective work in his retirement. He is highly sought after for his preternatural ability to sniff out the truth. As the investigation ensues, whispers and rumors of fox spirits’ involvement in the young woman’s death have him intrigued. Bao will chase clues from northern China to Japan as the body count increases.


Snow arrives in Wu Village in search of her missing child. Upon discovering her child’s death, she is overcome with grief, despair and a fierce need for vengeance, even if it means giving up the thousand-year journey towards enlightenment. The mysterious Snow finds employment with the retired proprietress of a famous Chinese medicine shop, Madam Huang, whose grandson may hold the key to finding her child’s murderer.

The Fox Wife slowly unfurls, drawing the reader into parallel mysteries with just the right amount of magical realism and dramatic tension. As the story unfolds, we encounter family curses, revolutionaries, past loves and of course foxes! Is the fox a celestial creature, a cunning trickster or a beast with supernatural powers? You’ll have to pick up a copy of The Fox Wife and decide for yourself.


Many thanks to the author @YangszeChoo, @HenryHoltBooks and @NetGalley for the pleasure of reading this eARC in exchange for an honest review.