Today I'd like to feature a book that is special to me becuase this is the first ARC I received in physical form.
Christmas came early for me when Laurence Westwood was kind enough to send me a paperback copy of his novel The Balance of Heaven and Earth all the way from England. I immediately added this beauty to my January TBR.
Synopsis:
I have been unable to
write a judgement that does not seem to offend my conscience, or indeed
Heaven, in some manner. Because I do not wish to influence your thinking
unduly, I have destroyed all my personal papers and notes in regard to
this dispute, preferring you to start afresh. Forgive me for this. All I
ask is that you consider and examine Jade Moon most carefully before
coming to a decision. I find her fascinating and unsettling in equal
measure, and fear the consequences of a wrongful judgement. I will say
no more.
My sincerest best wishes to you and your family,
Magistrate Qian
Fifth District, Chengdu Prefecture
1st day of the 2nd Moon, 1085
So
ends the letter of welcome (and of warning) to Magistrate Zhu, newly
arrived in the remote border town of Tranquil Mountain. He has travelled
far from his extensive family estates on the outskirts of Kaifeng – the
glorious Song Dynasty capital – hoping to find atonement for past
mistakes.
Yet he quickly discovers that Tranquil Mountain is
anything but tranquil. The town is beset with simmering tensions since
the death of his predecessor. Before Magistrate Zhu even has time to
accustom himself to his inexperienced and wayward constabulary and the
lowliness of his new surroundings, there is a mysterious murder, rumours
of ghosts and blood-thirsty bandits out on the streets, and a
disturbing kidnapping to solve – as well as the tragic and tangled legal
circumstances of the local heroine Jade Moon to unravel.
For
the balance of Heaven and Earth to be maintained, and to prevent
catastrophe coming to Tranquil Mountain, Magistrate Zhu is well aware
that not a single injustice can be allowed to stand. As he struggles to
reach the correct judgements, he realises he has no choice but to offer
up his career and perhaps even his own life for the greater good. And,
in so doing, he discovers that as Jade Moon’s fate rests in his hands,
so his fate ultimately rests in hers.
I haven't read many books set in China, let alone 11th century China, so I'm looking forward to dive into this mystery piece, which I'm sure will be a rare treat.
Review to come in January...
