Whispers of Haitan Stone: Imperial Cat Zhan Zhao's Rat-Hunting Cases

Drawing on a century-old legend of cats and rats surrounding Haitan Island’s Suao Maoshan, Shenshu Mountain, and Quejiao Mountain, this book follows Zhan Zhao of Kaifeng Prefecture as he is ordered to Haitan Island to hunt down criminals. Starting in Suao’s central district, he gradually clears out bandits in the northern mountains, the southern commercial district, and the surrounding islands, pitting his wits against pirates, local bullies, con artists, and other “rats.” The plot twists and turns, with humorous scenes of Zhan Zhao verbally sparring with crooks, and culminates in his capture of the “Rat King” behind it all atop Cat and Rat Mountain. Blending Haitan Island’s mountains and seascapes with a tale of chivalry, the book gives a classic legend a fresh chapter for the ages.