Inspector Chen Books in Order
Below you'll find the complete list of Inspector Chen books in publication order. This is generally the recommended reading order for the series.
Reading order verified: January 2026
Publication Order
Death of a Red Heroine
Buy on Amazon2000
A Loyal Character Dancer
Buy on Amazon2002
When Red is Black
Buy on Amazon2004
A Case of Two Cities
Buy on Amazon2006
Red Mandarin Dress
Buy on Amazon2007
The Mao Case
Buy on Amazon2009
Don't Cry, Tai Lake
Buy on Amazon2012
Enigma of China
Buy on Amazon2013
Shanghai Redemption
Buy on Amazon2014
Hold Your Breath, China
Buy on Amazon2020
Becoming Inspector Chen
Buy on Amazon2021
Inspector Chen and the Private Kitchen Murder
Buy on Amazon2021
Love and Murder in the Time of Covid
Buy on Amazon2023
Poems of Inspector Chen
Buy on Amazon2016
Inspector Chen and Me
Buy on Amazon2018
The Secret Sharers (With: Xiaolong Qiu)
Buy on Amazon2026
Frequently Asked Questions
The recommended reading order for the Inspector Chen series is publication order: 1. Death of a Red Heroine (2000), 2. A Loyal Character Dancer (2002), 3. When Red is Black (2004), 4. A Case of Two Cities (2006), 5. Red Mandarin Dress (2007), and 11 more. This is generally the best way to experience the story as the author intended.
The Inspector Chen series by Qiu Xiaolong contains 16 books. The series began in 2000 and continues to be a popular choice for readers.
The Inspector Chen series is written by Qiu Xiaolong. You can find more books and series by this author on our website.
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