The Fox Wife

This book has triggers for SA, suicide, assault of the main character, death of a child, and others that I'm sure I've forgotten. I feel that these are tactfully handled, considering the time period and social standards for the culture at that time.

What a lovely, thoughtful read. I enjoyed learning about some Chinese history through this book's historical fantasy setting. The insights to Chinese fox mythologies were ones I've never had before, and the delightful, gentle narration of Snow topped this whole experience off with a wonderful resolution.

The author's note in my copy had reflections from the author on the research that she did to write this book. Her insights and literary sources are ones that I will be following up on to learn more about the culture, time period, and stories she drew this novel from.

I haven't read a book quite like this one before, and I hope to find another like it soon.

3/5. As cozy as a murder-detective novel can be, with insights to life, spirituality, and the human condition. I recommend for readers who enjoy folklore, can read about the typical failings of men and what they do to women, enjoy strong, steadfast female leads, and characters that are fully rounded with well-established flaws. I did feel that some portions/phrases were repeated a bit too often, and the entire plot of the story itself was not one I found particularly gripping. A nice book for a rainy evening.

Happy reading!

Subtle feeling mystery unraveling in a slight and mythical magic of historical China setting that meditates on friendship, vengeance, and moral obligation. Quite wonderful.

An odd mix of historical fiction, mystery , romance and fantasy with magic foxes (a clause which alone makes it clear why it was just a delightful book) that whisked me away from drab real winter and into the tumultuous last days of imperial China and turn of the century Japan. Characters like kind, elderly and determined detectives, determined and resolute vixens navigating a misogynist, violent world with fierce grace and mysterious sexy man-foxes with shady motives all play a part in a tale of reconciliation and revenge. I listened to it and the narration was just superb. It could have been edited a bit, the end is long in coming, but it was so imaginative that I found myself wanting fox spirits to take over and give these overdone vampires a break.