If this plot was transferred to London and Master Li was changed to Sherlock Holmes this would make a five star murder mystery; the whole mythological Chineese setting just makes this book, and the others in the series, stand out from the crowd.


Steven Spielburg take note...   June 30, 2002
 5 out of 5 found this review helpful

"Monsters, mandarins and murder..."
Eight Skilled Gentlemen, like the others in the Li Kao series would make a great film. Dreamworks should take note (expecially after the sucess of Mulan!"
Currently the last in the series of "memoirs of Number Ten Ox" "when's the next one coming out?" is the plea from fans.
Number Ten Ox who we met in "Bridge of Birds" is now Master Li's trusted assistant, and this case is their most dangerous yet.
Starting off with an encounter with a Vampire Ghoul in broad daylight, devious mandarins perverting old techology in a sumggling scandal, several very messy murders when this goes wrong, and all leading to the most important boat race in history.
Once again Barry Hughart seems to keep several seperate levels of reality interacting within the story until the last chapter when they are all revealed to be one and the same. There may be some accusations of purple mice from the purists of literature; but those of us who just enjoy a good tale, well told, will rate this a cracking good read.
The only problem is that after this one, where do Ox and Li Kao end up next?


Worth reading with Bridge of Birds and Story of the Stone   November 3, 2001
Having read, re-read, and thoroughly enjoyed "Bridge of Birds" and "Story of the Stone" I really looked forward to reading "Eight Skilled Gentlemen"...

Master Li and Number Ten Ox start off by investigating a murder from idle curiosity. This leads them on to a mystery in which it is up to them so save the world from drought, plague and famine. Will they do it? On route, they encounter Ghouls, Gods and Demons, and Ox falls in love. Will he ever find a love that stays with him? There are some fascinating characters, such as the Puppeteer and we are taken deep into the heart of China's Forbidden City.

If you have read Bridge of Birds and Story of the Stone you will want to read the final book of the trilogy. Barry Hughart weaves his magical pictures of the Far East with fascinating details. I have no idea how accurate these are, but they are good to read. Sadly I have to confess that I didn't find it quite such a good read, but that may well be because I had been looking forward to it for so long - the build up of anticipation robbing me of the full enjoyment. I will be reading it again, probably after reading Bridge of Birds and Story of the Stone so I am fully in the mood. I understand Barry did not write any other books after Eight Skilled Gentlemen, so although the end of the book is open, it looks like we'll see no more of Master Li and Number Ten Ox.