Hong Kong Detective Novel Recommendation: Chan Ho‑kei 13·67 Review

Introduction – Discovering Chan Ho‑kei 13·67 Novel

I usually read Korean and Japanese detective novels and enjoy works by Keigo Higashino, but I had never read books by Hong Kong or Chinese authors.

While browsing the mystery section on platforms I use for webtoons, web novels, comics, and e-books, I came across 13·67, newly updated. I started reading it without expectations, but I quickly became fully absorbed in the story.

Book Title Meaning and Hong Kong Historical Background

The title “13·67” refers to the period from 2013 to 1967 in Hong Kong, based on real historical events.

Although the novel draws on real history, the story does not feel too heavy. The events are blended naturally, so readers can enjoy the story without feeling bored.

The book is made up of six independent episodes, each telling a separate story that does not directly continue from the previous one.

Chan Ho-kei’s 13·67: Complete Episode Breakdown (Episodes 1–6)

📕Episode 1: The Truth Between Black and White – Hong Kong Murder Mystery

The story begins with wealthy businessman Yuen Man Bun found dead in his home.

Early evidence suggests that the murder was committed by someone inside the house, not an outsider. The main suspects are his two sons, one daughter-in-law, his long-time secretary, and the household staff.

Detective Sonny Lok leads the investigation and receives clues and advice through a device from the genius detective Kwan Chun-dok, who is nearly in a coma due to late-stage cancer but can still hear and think.

📕Episode 2: Prisoner's Morality – Hong Kong Drug Gang and Missing Singer

This episode focuses on Kwan Chun-dok’s past work as an advisor and events after his retirement.

Hong Kong police are running a large drug raid, and Cheuk Hon Cheung, Hong Kong’s top gangster, is the main drug supplier. Everyone knows who the top boss is, but it is hard to get concrete evidence, and Sonny Lok struggles with the operation’s failure.

After the raid fails, a singer in Cheuk Hon Cheung’s entertainment company and the son of another gangster, The Launderer, are involved in a troubling incident.

A video showing the singer falling from a footbridge while being chased is anonymously sent to the police, and her location was unknown.

The story explores how Kwan Chun-dok helps Sonny Lok and what effect the singer’s disappearance has on Cheuk Hon Cheung.

📕Episode 3: The Longest Day – Acid Attack Before Hong Kong Handover

Kwan Chun-dok takes on a case just before his retirement.

Set shortly before Hong Kong’s handover, this episode features the return of random acid attacks, putting the police on high alert. At the same time, prisoner Shek Boon-tim escapes, raising the tension even higher.

Kwan Chun-dok focuses on prioritising cases and analysing the motives behind the crimes while tracking the culprits.

📕Episode 4: The Balance of Themis – Hong Kong Internal Spy Investigation

This episode deals with the death of Shek Boon Sing, the brother of Shek Boon-tim, mentioned in the previous story.

Police launch a large-scale undercover operation in an old building to capture Shek Boon Sing. However, his gang notices the police presence and escapes, leading to casualties and death among hostages in the building.

Kwan Chun-dok discovers the possibility of an internal police spy and works to identify the spy, forming the central part of this story.

📕Episode 5: Borrowed Place – ICAC Kidnapping Case

The son of an ICAC (Independent Commission Against Corruption) officer from the UK is kidnapped.
This person is someone Kwan Chun-dok had met during his student days in the UK.

The story explores whether the kidnapping is financially motivated, whether the kidnapper is hiding their identity, and the meaning behind the kidnapper’s complex demands.

📕Episode 6: Borrowed Time – 1967 Hong Kong Leftist Riots

Set during the 1967 Hong Kong leftist riots, someone learns of a planned bomb attack by leftists and asks a police officer he knew for help.

They search for clues and try to prevent a large-scale disaster, creating a tense and gripping story.

Unique Appeal and Twists in 13·67

In the first episode, readers might assume Sonny Lok is the main character because Kwan Chun-dok is almost in a coma. However, the true protagonist is Kwan Chun-dok.

Thanks to the reverse chronological order, the protagonist appears younger as the episodes progress.

In the final episode, there is a major twist, and after finishing the book, readers are drawn back to the first episode.

Chinese names and police titles may be confusing at first, but the more you read, the more engaging and immersive the story becomes.

Conclusion and Recommendation – Must-Read for Hong Kong Detective Fiction Fans

This is a thrilling detective story centred on Kwan Chun-dok, a genius detective who does not hesitate to bend or break the law to achieve results.

Actual Hong Kong locations are used, but readers do not need prior knowledge to understand the story. Those familiar with the locations can enjoy the chase and investigation scenes even more vividly.

Despite its length, the book reads smoothly and keeps readers fully immersed.

With unexpected twists and solid storytelling, this is a highly recommended read for fans of crime and detective fiction. I want to try his other books.

👉If you enjoyed 13.67 and are curious about another detective novel by Chan Ho-kei, you can read my review of Second Sister.

*This review is based on my personal experience, and results may vary for others. Please take it as a friendly reference.