Three cases. One deadly trap. A maze of lies that only Judge Dee can unravel.

In The Chinese Maze Murders, Judge Dee takes up a new post in the troubled border town of Lan-fang—a place plagued by political unrest, secret societies, and a ruling family hiding dark secrets. No sooner does he arrive than he’s thrust into three baffling cases: the mysterious death of a general’s daughter, a secret message hidden in a painting, and the disappearance of a precious heirloom.

With the imperial court watching from afar and local power brokers ready to resist his authority, Judge Dee must solve the crimes before the entire region falls into chaos. His most formidable adversary may not be a criminal—but the labyrinthine palace itself, built with a maze designed to confuse and deceive.

Originally written in English and inspired by real Chinese historical records and ancient detective stories, The Chinese Maze Murders is a perfect introduction to the Judge Dee series, combining intrigue, intellect, and immersive cultural detail.