The Story of the Stone

Master Li and Number Ten Ox investigate the murder of a monk and theft of a manuscript from a monastery in the Valley of Sorrows. The case leads them to suspect the involvement of the Laughing Prince Liu Sheng, a figure who died over 750 years ago. The duo's quest takes them across ancient China as they encounter poets, criminals, and supernatural forces. To uncover the truth, they must navigate both the physical world and realms beyond, including a journey into Hell itself. The Story of the Stone combines elements of classical Chinese literature, folklore, and detective fiction. The novel explores themes of power, knowledge, and the complex relationship between history and truth in Chinese culture.

Readers appreciate Hughart's unique blend of Chinese mythology and detective story elements. Many note the witty dialogue between Master Li and Number Ten Ox, with one reviewer calling their banter "the heart of the book's charm." The historical details and mythological elements receive praise for feeling authentic while maintaining accessibility. Readers cite pacing issues in the middle section and find some plot threads become tangled. Several reviews mention confusion about the multiple names and Chinese terms. A few readers found the narrative style too meandering compared to the first book. Ratings: Goodreads: 4.13/5 (3,400+ ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (200+ ratings) From reviews: "Less focused than Bridge of Birds but still enchanting" - Goodreads user "Cultural details feel well-researched but natural" - Amazon reviewer "Gets bogged down in its own complexity" - LibraryThing review "The Master Li/Ox dynamic carries even the slower parts" - Fantasy Literature review

Bridge of Birds by Barry Hughart The first book in the same series follows the same characters through ancient China with equal measures of mythology, mystery, and wit.

The Grace of Kings by Ken Liu This silkpunk novel draws from Chinese history and mythology to tell a tale of rebellion and friendship in a reimagined ancient empire.

Under Heaven by Guy Gavriel Kay This historical fantasy set in a world based on Tang Dynasty China weaves court intrigue with supernatural elements and poetic storytelling.

The Ghost Bride by Yangsze Choo A tale set in colonial Malaya follows a woman's journey through the Chinese spirit world while investigating a mysterious death.

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🔍 The Story of the Stone is actually the second book in a trilogy, known as The Chronicles of Master Li and Number Ten Ox, but can be read independently. 📚 The book's title references an ancient Chinese literary classic, "Dream of the Red Chamber," which is also known as "The Story of the Stone." 🏆 Barry Hughart worked as a technical writer for Hughes Aircraft Company before becoming a novelist, and won the World Fantasy Award for his first book in the series, "Bridge of Birds." 🐉 The series uniquely blends elements from Chinese folklore with the detective genre, creating what Hughart called "a novel of an ancient China that never was." 🖋️ Despite the series' critical acclaim, Hughart stopped writing after the third book, citing frustrations with publishing industry practices and marketing decisions that pigeonholed his work.