The Emperor has brutally murdered one of his concubines, something which, everyone admits, he has every right to do.... Or did he? In the bitterly cold North China winter of 1153, the Eunuch Gett senses there is something more to this concubine's murder. But when he is ordered by the Emperor to investigate, he is trapped. With all clues pointing towards the Emperor himself, Gett knows that any misstep will mean his very own death by execution. As he carefully makes his way through the maze of harem sexual politics, invisible and ferocious court wars, and the seething city outside the palace walls, he must answer one question: Why frame a man who is above punishment? This gripping novel by Jonathan Kos-Read, China's top foreign actor with over a hundred films to his credit, delves deep into the imperial past, its machinations and superstitions, and sexual customs that remain alive even today. Customs that can kill a woman. Or bring down an Empire... Review "An intriguing read, and fascinating insight into Jin Dynasty history." -- Susan Barker, author of "The Incantations" "Atmospheric, ingenious, and hard to put down, The Eunuch pulls you in from the first page with its mystery and details of Imperial China. Chief Imperial investigator Gett joins the ranks of the great noir detectives." -- Jonathan Kaufman, author, "The Last Kings of Shanghai" "Absolutely fascinating read, full of twists and turns." -- Ying Da, Director, Joy of Spring