🎯 Where Should I Start?
ⓘ About Qiu Xiaolong
Born in 1953 in Shanghai, China, Qiu Xiaolong is a prolific English language author. As well as working as an academic, he writes poetry, crime fiction, literary translations and works of literary criticism. For example, he has translated several poems from the original Chinese into English and published these in a volume entitled ‘Treasury of Chinese Love Poems’ and he has also written a sizeable series of detective novels which are often popularly called ‘The Detective Chen Novels’ (though each novel, of course, has an individual title). Qiu moved to the United States from China in the 1980s. He originally visited the US in 1988 with the aim of research and writing a book on the modernist poet TS Eliot (who was born in the US, though he later settled in Britain). Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Inspector Chen Books series, Qiu Xiaolong has since expanded their repertoire to include numerous successful works across various genres. Their writing style, characterized by compelling narratives and memorable characters, has earned them a dedicated global readership with millions of fans worldwide.
📚 All Book Series by Qiu Xiaolong
Death of a Red Heroine
A gripping mystery unfolds in Death of a Red Heroine as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Inspector Chen Books series showcases Qiu Xiaolong's mastery of suspense.
A Loyal Character Dancer
A Loyal Character Dancer continues the Publication Order of Inspector Chen Books story arc with Qiu Xiaolong's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
When Red is Black
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Inspector Chen Books with When Red is Black, another outstanding contribution from Qiu Xiaolong.
A Case of Two Cities
A Case of Two Cities continues the Publication Order of Inspector Chen Books story arc with Qiu Xiaolong's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Red Mandarin Dress
Red Mandarin Dress continues the Publication Order of Inspector Chen Books story arc with Qiu Xiaolong's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Mao Case
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Inspector Chen Books with The Mao Case, another outstanding contribution from Qiu Xiaolong.
Don't Cry, Tai Lake
Don't Cry, Tai Lake continues the Publication Order of Inspector Chen Books story arc with Qiu Xiaolong's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Enigma of China
Enigma of China is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Inspector Chen Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Qiu Xiaolong have come to expect.
Shanghai Redemption
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Inspector Chen Books with Shanghai Redemption, another outstanding contribution from Qiu Xiaolong.
Hold Your Breath, China
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Inspector Chen Books with Hold Your Breath, China, another outstanding contribution from Qiu Xiaolong.
Becoming Inspector Chen
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Inspector Chen Books with Becoming Inspector Chen, another outstanding contribution from Qiu Xiaolong.
Inspector Chen and the Private Kitchen Murder
A gripping mystery unfolds in Inspector Chen and the Private Kitchen Murder as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Inspector Chen Books series showcases Qiu Xiaolong's mastery of suspense.
Love and Murder in the Time of Covid
A gripping mystery unfolds in Love and Murder in the Time of Covid as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Inspector Chen Books series showcases Qiu Xiaolong's mastery of suspense.
Poems of Inspector Chen
Poems of Inspector Chen is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Inspector Chen Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Qiu Xiaolong have come to expect.
Inspector Chen and Me
Inspector Chen and Me is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Inspector Chen Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Qiu Xiaolong have come to expect.
The Shadow of the Empire
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Judge Dee Investigation Books with The Shadow of the Empire, another outstanding contribution from Qiu Xiaolong.
The Conspiracies of the Empire
The Conspiracies of the Empire continues the Publication Order of Judge Dee Investigation Books story arc with Qiu Xiaolong's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Lines Around China
Lines Around China continues the Publication Order of Short Story Collections story arc with Qiu Xiaolong's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Years of Red Dust
Years of Red Dust continues the Publication Order of Short Story Collections story arc with Qiu Xiaolong's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Disappearing Shanghai: Photographs and Poems of an Intimate Way of Life
Disappearing Shanghai: Photographs and Poems of an Intimate Way of Life continues the Publication Order of Short Story Collections story arc with Qiu Xiaolong's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Classic Chinese Love Poems
Classic Chinese Love Poems explores the depths of love and connection in this compelling entry of the Publication Order of Poetry Collections series by Qiu Xiaolong.
Poems of Tang and Song Dynasties
Poems of Tang and Song Dynasties is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Poetry Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Qiu Xiaolong have come to expect.
Treasury of Chinese Love Poems
Treasury of Chinese Love Poems explores the depths of love and connection in this compelling entry of the Publication Order of Anthologies series by Qiu Xiaolong.
Evoking Tang
Evoking Tang is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Qiu Xiaolong have come to expect.
Flash Fiction International
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Flash Fiction International, another outstanding contribution from Qiu Xiaolong.
? Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Qiu Xiaolong?
Qiu Xiaolong is a bestselling author known for 6 book series containing over 25 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Inspector Chen Books, Publication Order of Inspector Chen Collections, Publication Order of Judge Dee Investigation Books. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.
What is the best Qiu Xiaolong series to start with?
For readers new to Qiu Xiaolong's work, the Publication Order of Inspector Chen Books series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 13 books. Begin with Death of a Red Heroine to start from the very beginning.
How many books has Qiu Xiaolong written?
Qiu Xiaolong has written over 25 books across 6 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.
Should I read Qiu Xiaolong books in order?
Yes, reading Qiu Xiaolong's series in publication order is strongly recommended. Most series feature evolving character arcs, ongoing story threads, and references to earlier events that are most rewarding when experienced in sequence. Our complete reading order guides are listed above.
What genre does Qiu Xiaolong write in?
Qiu Xiaolong writes primarily in fiction. With 6 series across 25 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.
Are Qiu Xiaolong's books standalone or must they be read as a series?
Most of Qiu Xiaolong's books are part of ongoing series and deliver the most satisfying experience when read in order. However, several standalone novels and short story collections provide excellent entry points without requiring prior knowledge of other series.
What is Qiu Xiaolong's most popular book?
Based on reader reviews and sales data, Qiu Xiaolong's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Inspector Chen Books series. The first book, Death of a Red Heroine, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.