En la antigua China, sólo los jueces más sagaces alcanzaban el codiciado título de «lectores de cadáveres» una élite de forenses que, aun a riesgo de su propia vida, tenían el mandato de que ningún crimen, por irresoluble que pareciera, quedara impune. Cí Song fue el primero de ellos. Inspirada en un personaje real, El lector de cadáveres narra la extraordinaria historia de un joven de origen humilde cuya pasión y determinación le condujeron desde su cargo como enterrador en los Campos de la Muerte de Lin’an a aventajado discípulo en la prestigiosa Academia Ming. Allí, envidiado por sus pioneros métodos y perseguido por la justicia, despertará la curiosidad del mismísimo emperador, quien le convocará para rastrear los atroces crímenes que, uno tras otro, amenazan con aniquilar a la corte imperial.

The Corpse Reader
By: Antonio Garrido, Thomas Bunstead (translator)
This book is based on China in the middle ages. It was pretty good at giving the reader the culture and society's life during that time. We follow a young man through one horrible situation in life to another. He continues to thrive despite all life throws at him. He is bright and works hard which lands him in a place to prove himself and save others. Very nicely done! ( )

Definitely a good historical fiction story. It had flaws and was a little too long I thought. However, I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline and did not guess the ending ahead of time. ( )

While this was an absorbing read, and in many ways very interesting, - I know nothing about medieval China - I didn't much care for the protagonist. On reading the historical note at the back I see that he was a real person, who wrote some of the earliest treatises on forensic science. It's a pity he wasn't written as a more sympathetic character. ( )

"The Corpse Reader" by Antonio Garrido is a historical mystery set in 13th-century China, with a hapless young hero whose fortunes start out poorly and just go down hill from there. Set within such a restrictive society, the young student has few opportunities and fewer lucky breaks.

I was disappointed that the author did not flesh out any of the characters, even the hero. Readers have no clue what most of the characters are thinking, so we have no idea why they take the actions they do. The poverty and injustice throughout the book were depressing, and unless you’re familiar with the Chinese medieval mindset, you can barely relate to the story. Descriptions are acceptable, but given this unusual setting, they could have been a real highlight for today’s western readers.

The book includes quite a few gory scenes (the hero works with corpses), some violence, but no foul language or sexual references. ( )