The Magistrate: An Inspector Lu Fei Mystery

In Northern China, a group of high-level civil servants known as the Nangang Benevolent Society is involved in graft and corruption. The Magistrate is an unseen figure who is targeting them, kidnapping and threatening members. Deputy Chief Inspector Lu Fei is called to investigate a brutal murder and a series of attacks on illegal cyber-sex operations. He must uncover the threads that connect these events and face pressure from all sides that could ruin his career and endanger his life.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 19 June 2023
Publisher: Minotaur Books,US

In Northern China, a loosely organized group of high-level civil servants holds a tight grip on the rampant graft and corruption in the Nangang district. For years, the behind-the-scenes activities of this group, known as the Nangang Benevolent Society, have been highly profitable for its members, but they have now caught the attention of a mysterious figure, an unseen figure referred to as The Magistrate. As a result, these same members are now becoming targets, with some of them boldly kidnapped off the streets and subjected to threats, beatings, and even worse.

In a gruesome turn of events, Deputy Chief Inspector Lu Fei is called to investigate a brutal murder. The victim is a foreign gangster, whose body is found mutilated and burned beyond recognition. At the same time, someone is systematically targeting illegal cyber-sex operations, disposing of the operators and quietly freeing sex trafficked teens from North Korea. Inspector Lu Fei must unravel the threads that connect these seemingly disparate events, while facing immense pressure from all sides that could jeopardize his career and even endanger his life.

As he delves deeper into the investigation, Lu Fei discovers that the Nangang Benevolent Society is not as benevolent as it claims to be. The group is involved in various illegal activities, including drug trafficking, human smuggling, and extortion. Its members use their positions of power to protect their interests and maintain their grip on the district.

Meanwhile, The Magistrate is a shadowy figure who operates outside the law. He is a master of manipulation and has a network of informants and allies that he uses to carry out his operations. The Magistrate's motivation is unclear, but he appears to be determined to expose the corrupt practices of the Nangang Benevolent Society and bring them to justice.

As Lu Fei works to unravel the mystery, he encounters numerous obstacles and challenges. He faces resistance from his colleagues, who are reluctant to cooperate with him due to his involvement in a previous scandal. He also encounters threats from the Nangang Benevolent Society, who are willing to do anything to protect their interests.

Despite these obstacles, Lu Fei is determined to uncover the truth and bring the corrupt members of the Nangang Benevolent Society to justice. He uses his skills as an investigator and his connections in the police force to gather evidence and build a case against the group.

As the investigation progresses, Lu Fei becomes increasingly aware of the danger he is in. He receives anonymous threats and is followed by unknown individuals who seem to be watching his every move. He also realizes that he is becoming increasingly involved in a web of corruption that extends far beyond the Nangang district.

In a climactic confrontation, Lu Fei confronts the leaders of the Nangang Benevolent Society and exposes their corrupt practices. The group is arrested, and many of its members are sentenced to long prison terms. The Magistrate, however, remains at large, his identity and motives still a mystery.

Despite the victory, Lu Fei knows that the fight against corruption is far from over. He knows that there are still many other groups and individuals who are involved in illegal activities and who are willing to do anything to protect their interests. He also knows that he must continue to be vigilant and dedicated to his work, to ensure that the people of Northern China can live in a safe and prosperous environment.

In conclusion, "The Magistrate" is a thrilling and suspenseful novel that takes readers on a journey through the dark underbelly of Northern China. It explores the corrupt practices of high-level civil servants and the mysterious figure who is determined to bring them to justice. The novel is filled with action, drama, and intrigue, and it leaves readers wondering what will happen next in the ongoing fight against corruption.

Weight: 498g
Dimension: 166 x 246 x 34 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781250855015