Murder at the Peking Opera

# Murder at the Peking Opera

## Setting and Context
- Qing Dynasty China
  - Historical period of social change
  - Empress's decree allowing women to perform in Peking opera
  - Conservative backlash against female performers
- Peking Opera
  - Cultural significance of traditional Chinese theater
  - Role of "dan" (female roles traditionally played by men)
  - First public performance by a female performer

## Characters
- Lady Li
  - Protagonist and amateur sleuth
  - Connections to Prince Kung and Inspector Gong
  - Passion for solving mysteries
- Inspector Gong
  - Professional investigator
  - Struggles with personal issues (betrothal to Concubine Swan)
  - Partner to Lady Li in solving crimes
- The Actress (Prime Suspect)
  - First woman to play the "dan" role
  - Accused of murdering her co-star
  - Symbol of progress and resistance to tradition
- Supporting Characters
  - Prince Kung: Political figure involved in international affairs
  - Empress: Advocate for social reform
  - Opera Patrons: Conservative audience members

## Plot Overview
- Introduction
  - Lady Li attends the opera to relax after recent events
  - Inspector Gong seeks distraction from personal troubles
  - Murder occurs on stage during the performance
- Investigation
  - Lady Li pleads with Inspector Gong to delay arresting the actress
  - Search for the real killer begins
  - Exploration of the hidden world behind the opera
- Conflict
  - Tension between tradition and modernity
  - Risk of executing an innocent woman
  - Threat to the future of Chinese theater
- Resolution
  - Discovery of the true murderer
  - Preservation of the actress's life and career
  - Implications for social change in Qing Dynasty society

## Themes
- Social Change
  - Empowerment of women in traditional roles
  - Resistance to cultural reforms
  - Progress versus conservatism
- Mystery and Deception
  - Uncovering truth behind masks and costumes
  - Complexity of human motives
  - Collaboration between amateur and professional detectives
- Romance and Relationships
  - Lady Li and Inspector Gong's partnership
  - Inspector Gong's betrothal dilemma
  - Emotional stakes intertwined with the mystery

## Genre and Style
- Historical Mystery
  - Blend of historical fiction and detective storytelling
  - Rich depiction of Qing Dynasty culture
- Female Sleuths
  - Lady Li as a strong, intelligent protagonist
  - Representation of women challenging societal norms
- Traditional Mystery Elements
  - Whodunit structure
  - Clues and red herrings
  - Focus on justice and fairness

## Keywords and Comparisons
- Related Genres
  - Historical fiction
  - Mystery & Detective
  - International Crime & Mystery
- Comparable Authors
  - Victoria Thompson
  - Anne Perry
  - Lisa See
  - Amy Tan
- Target Audience
  - Fans of historical mysteries
  - Readers interested in Chinese culture and history
  - Enthusiasts of strong female protagonists