Forensic details

Readers of Qin's books will also learn about advances in the technology and techniques used in criminal investigations, and about the falling homicide rate in the country over the past 15 years or so.

Although Qin's forensic duties demand a considerable investment of time and effort, the part-time writer has been prolific and plans to remain so.

"My job as a forensic expert provides me with an endless supply of raw material for my novels. I have got many ideas for my future books," he says.

He will take notes during criminal investigations, some of which he uses as inspiration for his writing, while other forensic practitioners also share with him the details of unusual cases they have been involved with.

Qin adds that, sometimes, it's usual for him to reach the point of burnout, as he has to deal with a heavy workload on a daily basis. In these instances, writing helps him to declutter his mind and reflect on his forensic work, from which he can distill greater professional pride and motivate himself.

His latest novel, which focuses on crimes investigated by the police during the 1970s through to the early '90s, is scheduled for release this summer.

It will be the first of a trilogy inspired by the handwritten work summary of his father, a veteran policeman.

"My father wrote down more than 90,000 Chinese characters to sum up his career after his retirement. I read through it with mixed emotions," he recalls.

"Sometimes I was even moved to tears by the spirit of the police officers of his generation. I decided to write their stories."

He interviewed many of his father's colleagues to accumulate material for the trilogy.

For him, the life stories of police from different areas of law enforcement, such as the detention officers who rarely receive public acknowledgment, are worth telling. Future books will also delve into the history of forensic practices in China, he adds.