I’d heard lots of early buzz about Yangsze Choo’s “The Fox Wife,” so I added it to my February BOTM box. I can confirm that this book is a masterful blend of mystery, fantasy, and folklore that had me captivated. From the beautiful prose to the intricate plot, this book is a true gem and unlike anything I’ve read in a long time.

The novel switches between the first-person point-of-view of Snow, a fox who has taken the shape of a woman and is in search of a man who killed her pup two years ago, and the third-person point-of-view of Bao, a detective who is investigating a recent string of murders that he fears may have been carried out by fox spirits. Bao has an uncanny ability to detect when people are lying, mainly due to a nanny from his childhood who summoned a fox spirit to help cure a young Bao of a mysterious ailment. Because of this, Bao has an affinity for foxes but doesn’t trust them due to their awful reputation for causing chaos. As one might suspect, Bao’s and Snow’s paths eventually converge, bringing things to light and culminating in a surprising and satisfying conclusion.

I was captivated by the world the author has drawn up. Choo brings to life a world where fox spirits roam among humans, blurring the lines between reality and myth. I also really loved the beautiful prose and lush imagery within the pages. The vivid descriptions of the snowy landscape and the rich cultural details transport the reader to 19th-century China, immersing us in a world of magic and intrigue.

The characters in “The Fox Wife” are complex and compelling, each with their own secrets and purpose. Bao, the determined detective, is a fascinating protagonist with a deep connection to the fox spirits he is trying to unravel. I also really loved Snow and wanted her to find vengeance. I also loved the side characters such as Shiro – a male fox disguised as a man with whom Snow shares a history – and the old woman with whom Snow finds employment and accompanies on a trip. They (and a host of other characters) all play a specific part in the story, and I loved watching all of their stories merge as their connections were revealed.

I also really liked that this book isn’t just a murder mystery married with mythology; it’s also a story about family, loyalty, and the power of love. The relationships between the characters are beautifully portrayed, from the tender bond between the fox wife and her friends to the fraught dynamics between Bao and his past. Choo’s exploration of these themes adds depth to the narrative, adding a lot of emotion and humanity to this fanciful tale.

What I loved most about the book was the seamless blending of folklore and reality. Choo weaves ancient Chinese myths and legends into the fabric of the story, creating a world that feels both familiar and utterly enchanting. The fox spirits are both captivating and terrifying, with their ability to shape-shift and manipulate the humans around them. As the mystery unfolded and we learned more about the characters, I found myself drawn deeper into their world, and that overimaginative part of me found myself wishing that I had the magical powers of the fox.

I think my only issue with this one (and it’s a very minor one) was that it took a while for me to settle in. There were a lot of characters to catalog in my head, and the pace was a bit slow at first. By about the halfway point, things picked up, and I had a good handle on the world and the characters, and the second half breezed by.

Overall, I found this to be a captivating and thought-provoking read. Choo’s imaginative storytelling makes this book a must-read for anyone looking for a truly unique and unforgettable reading experience. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a mix of magical realism, historical fiction, and a touch of mystery.