Ancient Chinese Crime Novel - Judge Quan’s Revenge From Beyond
Background
More than ten years ago I started to write a Chinese Crime Novel set in ancient Chinese period. My inspiration came from reading books by Robert Van Gulik when I was studying in University. I’d found his books extremely captivating and interesting especially when I have interests in ancient Chinese culture, myths and legends.
Robert Van Gulik was a diplomat in both China and Japan. I shall create links on the web next time once I get permission to do so.
While I do not have the same caliber as him, I decided to write my own ancient Chinese crime novel because:
- My former flatmate and I decided to write a similar novel and that just spur me on.
- I always had an interest in Chinese culture, myths and legend.
- My University had a large collection of Eastern Collection, which I read during my past times while studying for my exams.
- I have a deep interest in Buddhism and thought its teachings blended well into the novel.
- I’d wanted to promote Chinese culture, myths and beliefs to readers.
Revenge From Beyond
My novel title ‘Judge Quan’s Revenge From Beyond’, set in the ancient Tang Dynasty and the central character is Judge Quan himself. Please note that ‘Quan’ in Mandarin means Magistrate. So, it is that Judge Quan in my novel is the Magistrate of Sui-chou a small district in the Ch’eng-tu Prefecture. A Judge in ancient China are your equivalent of our modern day Governor. His role is to ensure the district managed justly. As such, his duties includes tax collections, health care, public works and most importantly, crime and punishment. It is obvious, a Judge’s duties in ancient China is all encompassing and it is within this backdrop of hectic schedule, Chinese belief and crime that my novel; ‘Judge Quan’s Revenge From Beyond’ is all about.
Judge Quan had just graduated from the Chinese Judiciary Examinations and had been assigned his first post in Sui-chou. He have had to overcome his own inexperience, lack established resources, win the hearts of the towns folks and at the same time, fight and resolve three successive murders right after assuming his post.
‘Judge Quan’s Revenge From Beyond’ tells how Judge Quan through the use deduction battles these crimes. It also provides insights of life in ancient China, her culture, beliefs, traditions and inventions. It is my hope the readers will be brought back in time and enjoy a by-gone period.
Next Steps
‘Judge Quan’s Revenge From Beyond’ is complete! As it stands it is around 22 chapters, complete with Character List, general layout of Sui-chou and various sketches.
However, it requires considerable editing and that is where I need suggestion from the general public regarding the next steps in the novel process. Grammar aside, I believe it is a good read and those who had reviewed the novel found it captivating.
In my next post, I will upload Chapter 1 free for all to review. I would really appreciate any feedback regarding next steps or whether the novel has enough to persevere further. So, please stay tune and I will post Chapter 1 in the next few days.