We discuss stories 4-6 of Sherlock in Shanghai by Cheng Xiaoqing, translated by Timothy C Wong. Beginning with the lighthearted and thoroughly charming “The Examination Paper”, this stretch of the collection seeks to explore the relationship between Huo Sang and Bao Lang. From the quaint, simple story of a missing sheet of paper to the grim ransom of a young child, Cheng Xiaoqing shows incredible range with his characters while maintaining the swashbuckling feel of his inspirations in Sherlock and Watson. We’re also joined by Benjamin Stevenson to talk the world of the modern thriller, as well as his new book Either Side of Midnight.

Check out Part One and Part Three here!