Not quite as good at the first one, but still loved it. I completed reading it in one day! The murder plotline was more obvious, but I honestly didn't mind guessing, there are always some extra details I don't guess. In this installment, the specific Chinese history focus was the history surrounding the Terracotta warriors, the Cultural revolution, and the 'One Child Policy'. The relationship between Li and Margaret I feel is the main storyline, while the murders are the sub-plot line, so if you're not into romance mixed in with your murder, this might not be the series for you. I was rooting for them the entire way through and very much enjoyed the ending, despite it being abrupt. Many parts of s tory are unbelievable and has some holes you can poke, but it's just so enjoyable to read. The only bit I was disappointed with was that not once was

the death of Yongli from the first book mentioned. Yifu was mentioned many times. But Li Yan has miraculously forgotten about his only friend that died to save his girlfriend who was so lovely and had helped Li out?! Li has endless grief for his uncle but not his only, now deceased, friend?!