Once again re-reading the books dealing with, fictitiously, the life and times of 'Judge Dee" told in the fourth book of the series by VanGulik:
Robert_van_Gulik
I first came across one of the books in about 1962 at a USN base library. Wasn't till the early 3rd Millennium that I found the rest.
Dee is an historical figure of early China. The books are well set and the characters firmly drawn. As detective, Judge,and jury, the Chinese Magistrate was a force to be reckoned with.
I would start with the book of shorter stories:
"Judge Dee at Work" which also has the only listing of the other books in proper order at the back of the book.

Again, I will suggest Alibris, a bookstore that handles books from many small dealers and has been a wonder for finding unusual books that of which I have heard at a very reasonable price.
Alibris - Buy new and used books, textbooks, music and movies

Enjoy the beach and a good book!
~Richard