A Stellar Historical Mystery Debut with a Difference

JADE DRAGON MOUNTAIN 
Elsa Hart
Macmillan Minotaur
June 1, 2015

JadeDragon Mountain takes place on the border between China and Tibet in 1708, ninety-second year of the Qing Dynasty under Emperor Kangxi. The previous Ming Dynasty was overthrown by tribes from Manchuria, the "Manchu". Even though the Qing lasted until 1912, at this point not all subjects are reconciled to Manchu rule, especially in this remote province. Emperor Kangxi plans to visit the city of Dayan to preside over a solar eclipse. The prediction of eclipses has historically been the responsibility of the Emperor, quietly aided by Jesuit astronomers at the court in Beijing. What better way to impress the restive peasants than with a solar eclipse brought to them by the all-powerful Emperor?

Into the swirl of preparations to a festival welcoming the Emperor steps Li Du, a wandering scholar. Once a librarian at the Imperial Library in the Forbidden City, Li Du was exiled five years earlier for consorting with traitors. He narrowly escaped execution and has been wandering ever since. He plans to visit his cousin, Tulishen, the provincial magistrate, and then continue into Tibet. He has absolutely no desire to come to the notice of the Emperor.  Among others visting the magistrate are two Jesuits; one elderly and one young; a representative of the British East India Company; and a traveling storyteller. When the elderly Jesuit is poisoned, Tulishen wants to sweep it under the rug in deference to the Emperor's visit. It is much easier to blame the murder on Tibetan bandits who might have had a grudge against the Jesuit. But Li Du is above all a seeker of truth, determined to uncover the murderer.

I found Jade Dragon Mountain an absolutely fascinating look at a time period and culture that I know very little about with the bonus of a mystery to puzzle out. The innkeepers, merchants, servants and peasants of Dayan spring into vivid life along with the courtiers in a glorious pageant of color and opulence. I can only hope for more travels with Li Du, even though his circumstances have changed dramatically by the novel's end. Most highly recommended!

Thanks to Macmillan and netgalley.com for an advance digital copy in return for an honest review.

RATING- 5 Stars