It's a prime example of historical fiction where some of the most outrageous events that take place are the ones that most closely cleave to historical fact. The true story of Crown Prince Sado, who was a real and very tragic figure, was the inspiration behind this whodunnit, and the historical detail that threads throughout is both brutal and intriguing. The device of a police officer and a civilian joining forces to solve a complicated mystery is one of the most common tropes of the genre, and yet, The Red Palace's setting and specificity make it feel unique. It soon becomes clear that the mystery runs far deeper than they could have anticipated, and in solving it, they may destroy the fragile balance that holds a royal dynasty in power. The more they attempt to unravel the events that led to the death of the four women, the more it seems as though the Crown Prince and his absence from the palace that night are at the center of a conspiracy.
Forced to respect each other's abilities, they form an uneasy partnership to solve the murders together. Eojin is young, dangerously unconcerned with social class, and just as eager to uncover the true killer as Hyeon. Her covert investigation soon draws the attention of the new police inspector, Eojin. Desperate to prove that her mentor is innocent and prevent her from being tortured by the police, Hyeon decides to track down the real killer. Then, later that same night, Hyeon discovers that four women have been murdered at the facility where she received her medical training – and her beloved mentor has been accused and imprisoned. For the Crown Prince and his father are often at odds, and scheming courtiers are always poised to fan the flames of conflict within the royal family. But it soon becomes clear that she isn't there to nurse the Crown Prince at all, but rather to be an alibi for his illicit absence from the palace. One night, she is summoned for an unprecedented task: to tend to the Crown Prince himself.
Born the unwanted daughter of a concubine, she longs to make something of herself and prove her worth to her dismissive courtier father. Hyeon has worked very hard to become a palace nurse, tasked with tending to the medical needs of the ladies of the court. A nurse becomes a detective in this gripping YA mystery set in 18th century Korea's royal court.
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