Qiu writes in a lyrical style . . . Poems become clues, even evidence, in the far-from-cursory probe he conducts-- "Wall Street Journal on The Shadow of the Empire"

An elaborate and satisfying souffle of mystery, history, and poetry-- "Kirkus Reviews on The Shadow of the Empire"

Qiu's rendition [of Judge Dee] is just as approachable and good-natured as his contemporary murder mysteries-- "The Asian Review of Books on The Shadow of the Empire"

Judge Dee and Yang are an endearing duo for this delightful series-- "The Historical Novels Review on The Shadow of the Empire"

While series fans will be delighted at the background Qiu provides, this is an accessible starting point for newcomers ... in his superior 11th novel featuring Shanghai policeman and poet Chen Cao-- "Publishers Weekly Starred Review of Becoming Inspector Chen"

Qiu's stylish hybrid is half fictional literary memoir and half crisp whodunit-- "Kirkus Reviews on Becoming Inspector Chen"

The latest Chen is both a scathing indictment of contemporary China and an explanation of how poet Chen came to be Chief Inspector Chen. Gripping-- "Booklist on Becoming Inspector Chen"

Fans of mysteries about honest cops working for compromised regimes won't want to miss this one-- "Library Journal Starred Review of Hold Your Breath, China"

Outstanding-- "Publishers Weekly on Hold Your Breath, China"

Balances a passion for literature with a measured, character-driven investigation-- "Kirkus Reviews"