Shanghai, 1927. Shen Yanzhi, a forensic doctor educated overseas, investigates his father’s case with a scalpel in hand and crosses paths with Lu Zhengnian, a “self-made detective” in a long gown.
One believes in science, the other relies on his underworld connections; one is immaculate in a suit, the other conceals his sharp edge beneath a traditional gown.
The Blood-Red Cheongsam case forces them to work together. From the neon lights of the French Concession to the shadowy alleys of the Chinese-administered districts, one strange case follows another, while a conspiracy becomes entangled with old grudges.
“Dr. Shen, don’t put too much faith in your microscope.”
“Detective Lu, don’t keep using your pipe to knock clues out of people, either.”
Amid flashing blades and clashing swords, they trade barbs and test each other. But when they stand back to back, they entrust each other with their lives, hidden in the shadows of an era.
(A Republican-era mystery with two male leads, a series of standalone cases tied to the main plot, and a formidable partnership between a man in a long gown and a man in a suit.) This is a long-running story, and many questions will be answered later.
