<p/><br></br><p><b> About the Book </b></p></br></br>The sequel to Bridge of Birds and The Story of the Stone, this fantasy tale is the equivalent of Holmes and Watson in an ancient China that never was. Master Li and Number Ten Ox investigate a strange case of murder in a book that is equal parts Chinese folklore, sly parody, adventure, horror and fun.<p/><br></br><p><b> Book Synopsis </b></p></br></br><b>The third book in the Chronicles of Master Li and Number Ten Ox series</b> <p/>When a resepcted mandarin is murdered in the heart of the Forbidden City, Master Li and his sidekick, Number Ten Ox, are called in to investigate. Thus begins a Sherlockian adventure that takes Master Li and Number Ten Ox--accompanied by a scarred puppeteer and his shamanka daughter--on a wild chase across China. With murder, mayhem, and magic aplenty, and Chinese folklore and literary references thrown into the mix, <i> Eight Skilled Gentlemen</i> is a hilarious romp through Ancient China.<p/><br></br><p><b> About the Author </b></p></br></br><b>Barry Hughart</b> is a widely acclaimed writer whose first novel, <i>Bridge of Birds</i>, won the World Fantasy Award for best novel. The other novels in The Chronicles of Master Li and Number Ten Ox series include <i>The Story of the Stone</i> and <i>Eight Skilled Gentlemen</i>.