The year is 1085 in China. The Sheriff and Fu Chen arrive at the home/village of the war lord Baba Yan, in Sichuan Province, China. One of Baba Yan’s concubines has been murdered. The Sheriff and Fu Chen, his assistant, perform the autopsy and announce murder. The Sheriff can’t stay, he has another investigation to perform, so he leaves Fu Chen to investigate. Fu Chen moves into the women’s quarters and begins to establish a timeline.. when more women in the family are murdered.

Though Fu Chen is new to his role as investigator this doesn’t stop him from taking his job seriously and thoroughly following the clues as they develop. Following where he needs to follow, slowly understanding the victims and developing his theory of what has happened and waiting for the Sheriff. He has put himself in danger until the murderer is named.

A look at ancient China and early forensics. Strong characters but they can be confusing at times. ( )