3.5
I suppose I should have known from the line "if you're a fan of guy richie's sherlock Holmes films" (or whatever it says), that this would be a little more of an action adventure situation than a classic mystery. Wait, no, it is a classic mystery, it just...well it reads a bit like a screenplay, or at least vibes that way.

I genuinely wasn't expecting to love this story as much as I did. I was worried it was going to be a knockoff Sherlock Holmes & Doctor Watson set-up, and to a certain extent, it is - however the so-called Holmes and Watson characters are well-developed and interesting enough to stop the story from feeling like a carbon copy of Doyle's original series. The secondary characters were also fascinating and the plot kept me on the edge of my seat. There were plenty of plot twists as well, which is always a bonus in a murder mystery, and on top of all of that, the novel gave me a perspective I'd never seen before of how Chinese immigrants in England were treated before and after the world war.

Interesting new series that takes place in 1924 London with Chinese protagonists. Looking forward to more in this series. Good narrator on the audio version.

Lao She is an unassuming, respectable young scholar from China who has emigrated to London and now teaches Chinese language at Oxford and wants to write a novel. Then he is called to the home of philosopher Bertrand Russell who needs his assistance – in breaking a friend out of jail. It’s during this errand that Lao meets Judge Dee Ren Jie. I do have to say it’s an interesting meeting and sets the tone for the rest of the book. Judge Dee is in London to investigate the death of Mr. Ma, a fellow member of the Chinese Labor Corps who served in France during the First World War and was allowed to come to London afterward. Lao, who is more familiar with the city, offers to help Dee, but soon another Chinese man is found dead and the whole situation becomes more complicated.

Lao is our Watson to Dee’s Sherlock. I listened to the audiobook, which worked well. Most of the story is from Lao’s point of view and when he is not present or knocked out for scenes, he tells the reader directly. The narrator did a good job with all the accents, and I appreciated hearing the Chinese names and words.

The mystery itself was well done as was the setting. It was appropriately complicated and while I did guess part of the solution, there was a lot more going on. London in 1924 is not a friendly place for Chinese men.

I will say there is a lot of fighting in this book with descriptions of stances and hand positions and punches. Too much detail in my opinion. I ass

As a fan of detective fictions such as Sherlock Holmes, I felt this book was directly in my line of interest. I enjoyed the 1920's London setting with Chinese main characters. It often seems we don't get this perspective and I, personally, thought it was well done and clever. The characters are engaging and the story has just enough twists and turns that I was fully drawn in,
We start the story with a jail break and we end the story with wrapping up the "Murder of Mr. Ma" I know it seems pretty obvious based on the name of the novel but so much is going on throughout the pages, but we do get everything wrapped up in the end. This was definitely a fun read moving into the spring season when I tend to look for poolside options and books to work through while drinking coffee on the patio.

For once it’s not the western spies are going to other countries solving murders. It’s the Asian investigators coming to the UK to figure out who is killing all these Chinese people. These investigators are Sherlock Holmes of their country.

When Chinese immigrants were dropping one after another on London streets, an academic and a judge decided to chase the culprit. They knew the people in the community and if anyone can get anything out of them, it was them. While they were questioning folks, they realized that the knife cutting people’s throats was getting too close to their necks

I liked the fast pace of the story and the role reversal for once. I also appreciated how topics like opium addiction was weaved into the story and cultural reaction to it was described.

This was so much fun: the same vibe as classic mystery novels, with an interesting cultural twist. Recommended.

Review copy provided by publisher.

Ok story, good narrator. Contains some Chinese history. In ways reminiscent of Charlie Chan. Chinese men are dying, but why? In the end it is for multiple reasons.

2.75
this book wasn’t my normal cup of tea, but let me explain. I went into this book, thinking it was more like a thriller instead of being a mystery similar to Sherlock Holmes, and for this reason I was not that invested with the story.
Additionally I would also say that the cast of characters was too diverse for an audiobook and I couldn’t keep up with it, read it physically, maybe it could’ve been better.
Thank you to RB Media and NetGalley for a digital listening copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

🎧THE MURDER OF MR. MA by John Shen Yen Nee, SJ Rozan & narrated by Daniel York Loh was a cinematic story with action and intrigue!

This is a start to a series that looks to be quite fun! Lao and Dee are quite opposites, and it was really fun to see how they came together and in the most spectacular way. I wasn't expecting the grittier fight scenes that were described and it lent it a very theatrical presence, especially through narration. I did enjoy how it was read and how each character was very distinct in personality. I didn't expect them to have a British accent, but there you are. My expectations revealing more about me and happily brushed aside. Once I got my head wrapped around the style of this book, I did enjoy it.

I would recommend this story to those who enjoy a historical crime novel with fresh characters and lots of impressive fight scenes!

Thank you @recordedbooks & @netgalley for giving me this ALC and letting me share my thoughts! This book publishes on April 2nd.

Thanks to RB Media, NetGalley, John Shen Yen Nee, SJ Rozan, and narrator Daniel York Loh for the wonderful opportunity to listen to this advance audiobook in exchange for a honest review. I loved the atmosphere of this book—it felt as though I stepped into a cross between Charlie Chan and Sherlock Holmes style mystery—and they are a pair of my favorite characters. The heroes Professor Lao and Judge Dee are on the hunt for the killer of Chinese men in 1920’s London. The men are desperately trying to stop the killings but they are running out of time. Love that Judge Dee uses the fear of Spring-Heel Jack to try to ferret out the culprit. I look forward to reading more from these authors and look forward to more in this series. Highly recommend this to fans of amateur mystery.

I loved the premise of this book. A 1920s mystery with Sherlock Holmes meets Judge Dee has a lot of incredible possibilities. It also shows a part of London's history that isn't always highlighted. I enjoyed our two main characters, though I do think Lao can drag on at times. It echoes the historic voice of the old Watson narrative, but with a modern audience in mind, I do think it can hinder the reading experience rather than help. I also thought there were parts of the mystery that seemed to be pushed to the back burner for action/fighting scenes. Very in-line with some Judge Dee depictions in pop culture, but again, it might not be for everyone. I loved the world-building and characters more than the plot at times, so I do think I'd enjoy future books (should this be adapted into a full series) a bit more.

I enjoyed this! I am a big Sherlock fan, and I usually like any adaptation of the canon. This was an enjoyable, action packed mystery with Chinese main characters in 1920's London. I appreciated the non-sugarcoated description of their treatment by the Londoners, it is not enjoyable to read but we can't always just pretend it isn't true to make people feel more comfortable. I (as always) did not guess who the murderer was.

Audio review: the narrator did an excelllent job and I appreciated having his pronunciations. The audio quality was great too!

Thank you NetGalley and RB Media for the ALC.

I really loved this book. I loved the time period that it's set in, the 1920s. It's set slightly after the end of World War I. And I am currently really interested in all things dealing with Asian protagonists. The protagonist really remind me of Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson. The authors did a fantastic job creating the characters and developing their personalities. I really enjoyed the plot and the mystery involved and I hope that this turns into a series! The narrator did a wonderful job distinguishing the different voices of the characters.

Amazing book, the book was well written. I listened to it on audio and loved the character development. It was a perfect book to learn about Chinese history in addition to solving a murder. Highly recommend!

Thank you NetGalley and RB Media Recorded Books for this ARC Audio Copy!

I enjoyed this book and I think that the narrator did a great job with the story, but I also feel that I may have missed out on the depth of the story by listening on audio.

This is a gritty historical mystery set in 1920s London that at times reminded me of A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab. It focuses on a mystery with where Chinese immigrants are being target by a killer. It does a great job showing the effects of racism and discrimination against immigrants as well as the impacts that the opium trade and addiction.

Overall I think it is a great book, I just may have not been for me, or at least not the right time, but if you like Guy Ritchie, Sherlock Holmes, or a mystery that is not afraid to make you uncomfortable then this may be for you.

I truly enjoyed this book. It feels like a classic investigation mystery book, written in such a formal way with such a great narration that immerses one in the 1920's era. The hints of Chinese culture, with culinary, history and martial arts, make it even more interesting to read. If this is the start of a series, I can't wait for the next book.
The narration was spectacular, the diction, the formality, the pronunciation. I enjoyed so very much.

Wow, this one emerges as a breath of fresh air.

Thanks to NetGalley and RB Media who provided me with the audiobook. This review reflects my honest opinion and experience with this interesting story.

John Shen Yen Nee and SJ Rozan skillfully blend 1920s London and Chinese immigrant culture in this exciting start to a new series, creating a story that feels both refreshingly new and comfortably familiar. Set against the backdrop of post-World War I London, the novel introduces me to Lao She, a shy academic whose life takes a thrilling turn upon meeting the dynamic Judge Dee Ren Jie. The duo finds themselves entangled in a series of murders targeting Chinese immigrants, propelling them into a high-stakes race against time through London's shadowy lanes and bustling streets. The story moves quickly, each chapter revealing more about a complicated plot, keeping listeners glued to its audio rendition without pause. The novel's charm comes from its characters, especially the unique team of Lao She and Judge Dee. Their partnership adds new energy to the classic detective duo formula, with Lao She's quiet reflection balancing Judge Dee's daring. This mix pushes the story along. The other characters, ranging from the rich to the poor, also enrich the story's world. Authors John Shen Yen Nee and SJ Rozan skillfully blend literary conventions from Holmes and Watson with inspiration from the Chinese literary figure Detective Dee. This serves to broaden our cultural understanding within the context of the British Empire during that era. However, the novel is not solely educational; it also delivers cinematic action and thrills. With martial arts displays, and descriptions of Chinese medicine, and cuisine, the story immerses readers in a vibrant world. There's also enjoyment in comparing and contrasting characters with their Sherlockian counterparts, particularly in their divergent portrayals of issues like opium addiction and war trauma. This book starts a series that's sure to attract fans of historical mysteries with its engaging plot and rich setting, making it a must-read for anyone interested in a thrilling journey through London's past.

Audiobook Commentary:
Daniel York Loh, the narrator of the audiobook brings the story to life with exceptional skill, capturing the essence of each character and the atmosphere of 1920s London brilliantly. His delivery is engaging, bringing me into the heart of the mystery and holding my attention with his every word. With a perfect blend of pace and emotion, the narrator adds depth to the narrative, enhancing the overall experience and making this audiobook a truly captivating listen.

This review will be posted on GoodReads and Storygraph

The Murder of Mr. Ma is a classic whodunnit that takes place in London, 1924. Our narrator, Lao She, is a reserved scholar who is just trying to make the most of his life as a Chinese professor living in London. But, when he meets charismatic Judge Dee Ren Jie, Lao's tranquil world of academia swiftly transforms into a whirlwind of thrilling chases and harrowing escapes. When Lao and Dee begin to work together in the hopes of solving a recent murder of a fellow Chinese man living in London. they quickly realize that this mystery might be bigger than they originally thought as more Chinese men mysteriously die by the same cut of a butterfly sword. Can Lao and Dee untangle the web of these murders, or will they themselves become targets in this deadly game of cat and mouse?

While I was originally drawn to the cover of the novel, the description of a “Sherlock Holmes” like story really sold me on reading this book and I was not disappointed. Full of adventure, action, mystery, and humor, this book entertained me from start to finish. While I honestly did not find the plot to be anything to write home about, I did find the characters endearing and loved the new take on Dee’s Sherlock Holmes to Lao’s John Watson. Also, I was unable to predict the mystery/killer behind the murders so I was definitely surprised when all was revealed. Lastly, as I listened to this on audiobook, I have to say that much of my enjoyment of this book came from listening to Daniel York Loh’s narration. If you can listen to this book, I high recommend doing so as his British accent really adds to the authenticity of the story.

Thank you to RB Media and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to an advanced audiobook of The Murder of Mr. Ma in return for my honest review.

Many thanks to NetGalley and RB Media for an ARC of this audiobook.

Lao She is an unassuming and exquisitely respectable young scholar from China who, thanks to having been baptized as a child, was assisted by missionaries to emigrate to London. Despite a professed longing for the food of his home country, he has acclimatized well. He teaches Chinese language at Oxford, wants to write a novel, and boards with a highly respectable widow and her very attractive daughter. Lao nurtures a crush for the young lady. Despite his full knowledge that a Chinese person in 1920s England is either a matter of curiosity or fear, and always an outsider, he clings to the hope that he can win her over.

Into his tidy life is catapulted a distinctly untidy new acquaintance and with him a never imagined turn of events. He is summoned by one of his icons, the illustrious philosopher Bertrand Russell, who unceremoniously requests that he assist in breaking a friend, Judge Dee Ren Jie, out of jail. A vocal advocate of Chinese rights, which is the reason for his trouble, Dee was a supervisor for the much-abused Chinese Labour Brigade that had served the Empire during the Great War. Their story of inhumane, unjust and brutal treatment is just now beginning to be told. Subjected to many beatings by his superiors at the front for speaking out, he suffers from both PTSD and the opium that got him through it.

Literally thrust into each other’s company, the mild-mannered scholar and the seemingly fearless judge set out together to solve a mystery that begins with the murder of Mr Ma, former Labour Brigade member and owner of an antiques store in the Chinese district. Dee is convinced that a series of other murders of Chinese men are connected. Because the London police are unmoved by these murders, he takes their investigation in his own hands. And he persuades the reluctant, often flabbergasted, but always logical Lao to assist him. Dee’s impetuousness, not to mention his martial arts and sword fighting skills, are met by Lao’s diplomacy and sensitivity. There are definite echoes of the Holmes and Watson relationship, which the authors plumb deliciously. The plot involves the secrets of a small circle of Chinese men who had the war experience in common.

This is, put simply, a delicious read, filled with all kinds of literary tidbits and any number of surprises. The racist views of the times are no surprise, of course, but the British are not portrayed as a mass of evildoers. There is never any doubt that the Chinese are victimized, but their own entrenched hierarchies mean that they do not necessarily form a common front even though the British see them as all alike. Their ancestral and personal stories shape their relationships with each other and the British. Dee and Lao share a privileged Chinese background. Both are aware of stepping carefully in British society to uphold images that do not offend, even if they can never impress. But Dee is far harsher in his judgment because of his Great War experiences. Lao, who accepts Christianity while rejecting its outward trappings, is much more congenial.

Fans of classic mystery writing will enjoy this book, but its Chinese lead characters, grappling with a “strange culture” while also trying to get to the bottom of a deadly crime wave, gives it an update that Conan Doyle would never have conceived. The infusion of Chinese history and legend, as seen in the character of Judge Dee himself, is very effective. He is based on the real historical figure of the renowned 7th century magistrate Di Renjie, who, in various iterations, has been celebrated in literature across many centuries. So popular is the evil-fighting Dee figure that he now has his own Chinese-produced Netflix series! This is a very visual novel, and the audiobook narration Daniel York Loh is superb. This is a five-star read for me and I’m going to be reading everything these authors put out!