Genre: A mystery novel full of bizarre cases, told in a humorous style. This is not a beginner-friendly read! It has plenty of brain-teasing plots, so readers with an IQ below 100 should turn back.
Setting: The protagonist, Jia Wen, is the only child in a family of constables that has passed down its legacy for three generations. With a wealth of family detective techniques, he becomes the “rising star” of the National Police University. Unexpectedly, on the very day he receives his diploma, he runs away from home to pursue his dream of becoming a chef, apprenticing under a man who claims to be descended from a former imperial chef of the Qing court.
Unfortunately, things don’t go as he hopes. After three years of outsmarting his family, he is finally tricked into returning home by his mother’s message that she is “critically ill.” Then, when his father threatens suicide, he leaves the kitchen he loves and joins the police force in a northeastern border city near his family home, becoming a low-ranking criminal investigator.
As Jia Wen investigates cases, he remains obsessed with gourmet food and yearns for a life as a chef, so he is always causing jaw-dropping mishaps while solving crimes.
But who would have thought that a life meant to be peaceful and comfortable would be filled with blood and terror? A naked man hanging himself, revenge by poppies, writing about ghosts only to see them, the blood-soaked League of Legends, a magician who inspires dread, a deranged chemistry fiend, and more: one shocking incident after another unfolds in this small city. Behind every bloody case lies a tale that chills the heart.
Is the low rating due to few reviews? I clicked in by chance and found it's completely underrated. This is a crime thriller that blends fiction with real-world experience; each case is substantial and engaging, easily piquing the reader's curiosity. The protagonist and those around him are vividly portrayed, and I really enjoy the author's occasional humor.
It's been a long time since I've read a pure crime-solving novel without any special plot twists. It feels like many suspense novels these days have a supernatural element. While this one could work on some details, overall it's quite good and definitely worth reading.
Very good. A handsome policeman with flesh and blood and a sharp mind.
Five stars. The protagonist is a flesh-and-blood, tough guy, very realistic. There are many stories about the gray areas of police work, which are very authentic. The protagonist is also very wise. Police officers often cannot solve cases immediately. More often, they have to visit and investigate. I really like the protagonist's personality. He is calm and polite, and he does not have strong emotions about many things. He is not naive. The key is to keep the love line intact.
It's been a long time since I've read such a good book that I felt compelled to keep reading. The plot is intricately linked and never repeats itself. Jarvan is an all-powerful detective.
I love all the positive energy in this show. Especially the people! Jarvan's wit and decisiveness.
Absolutely fantastic! The story is bizarre and full of twists and turns, and the male protagonist is a truly flesh-and-blood character!
If I'm not mistaken, I shouldn't be able to continue writing, so this is the perfect ending.
Reading requires patience. At the beginning, everyone's personality traits are not very obvious, but the later parts of this book are very exciting and worth reading!
Excellent writing style and brilliant concept.