Coroner's Diary

It Started Great, Until......

the mistery cases are good.
the story pace is good, not draggy.
the flaws i noticed so far (i'm currently at ep 16) are Landy Li's acting. why is she always so stiff with romance scene? i've watched her several times and notice she cant bring her good acting at the the roamance scenes. her previous drama i watched was A Love of Nirvana with Ren Jia Lun and she is so stiff when involving romance scenes. i feel no chemestry coming from her. the "love expressions" only come from the male leads. other than romance, she's good. hopefuly she can improve.
as for Au Rui Peng, his acting is good. even his expression is always on point.

if i can criticise one thing to the writer, please stop pairing FL's personal maid with ML's personal guard. it's boring. let the ML's personal guard be paired with second FL. or let the FL's maid be paired with another prince. create something new. thankyou

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problems with the narrative

SPOiLERS

This drama was a very interesting viewing experience for me. I am not so much critiqueing the drama as explaining how my experience of watching this may have been different from others. I like to offer a different viewpoint for those who are wondering whether to watch this drama or not.

My dissatisfaction with this drama had to do mostly with the narrative. I only realized at the end that this drama was based on the novel and I think that was some of why it felt disjointed to me. The drama took the beginning of the novel and changed it into a different Story in the second half. The abstraction of the themes from the cases was admirably translated into Political intrigue so there was a level of cohesion. So kudos to the screen writers And the viewers who could see that. Maybe it was necessary to get past censorship.


I expected the initial crimes and clues to be more pertinent to the finale. That said, the last few episodes did live up to the foreshadowing and the symbolic meanings of the clues. How the vigilante group was led by someone who wanted power and revenge more than moral reckoning was a great twist. The level of corruption of the emperor and some of his family is exposed. This made for a unique competition for the throne plot.



However, I did feel like certain balls were dropped that could have led to some intriguing plot lines. That was the direction I was going with the initial forensic findings related to syphilis and its treatment with mercury and cinebar which are also poisons. I should have known better. After all this is a historical c drama subject to censorship. I understand that novels are less subject to censorship.

For example, one hypothesis I had was that those little girls in the well had been infected with syphilis.And that's why they were there. That would have been a big cover up had it been known by the powers that be. I think the drama suggested they were all killed because they were going to be discovered? There was also mention of someone who was trafficking the girls.

I did not even know there was a novel initially. Apparently Syphilis and its treatment with mercury and cinebar were thematic throughout the Novel. There was additional intrigue to do with the girls in the well. There was a suggestion that the emperor was also committing his crimes using syphilis as the means.

So I would have been reading the right novel but I was not watching the right drama😁 for the story line I was imagining.

I have told myself to be cautious about watching dramas that are based on novels but not for the reason I was disappointed here.


I can value this drama as it was presented but still feel like I would have enjoyed the drama more if it had taken a different route. I won't be reading the hundred plus or five hundred plus or however many chapters in the novel though😄!

I hope this is a helpful review.

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The best detective costume drama

Since I started watching C-drama in 2019, this is the best detective drama I have ever seen, and also the best costume drama in 2 years that I can rate 10/10 for every part of the drama. The cast is well selected and all of them portrayed their role very well. Initially, I watched this drama just for Ao Rui Peng because the genre is not my favorite. However, after finishing watching this drama I also like the female lead and many other support cast. Ao Rui Peng strongly proved to be a versatile actor. He perfectly performed his different types of characters in 4 different dramas airing this year including Coroner’s Detective. The story, costume, production, visual… are all perfect. I did not expect that a thriller, detective drama would have very beautiful cast, costume, and set up with great story and script. For those who like detective costume drama, this is a must watch!!!

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Welcome to the Coroner's Spooky Diary

Coroner’s Diary has been my long-awaited drama during a dry spell, and though it may not have huge buzz or ratings, it’s definitely a hidden gem worth supporting. The story follows Shen Wan, daughter of a Ministry of Justice official, who escapes an assassination attempt that kills her family. To survive, she impersonates her deceased uncle’s daughter, Qin Wan, and becomes a coroner in Jingzhou, solving bizarre murder cases while navigating dangerous family politics. Along the way, she gains the trust of Yan Chi, heir of Prince Rui and commander of Shuoxi Army.

The drama shines through its well-crafted murder mysteries, palace intrigue, and rich character development. Each case is carefully detailed with accurate forensic science woven into complex emotional and political contexts. The morally grey characters add unpredictability—no one is purely good or evil, and motives are layered and nuanced.

Unlike typical revenge-driven leads, Qin Wan seeks justice through law and intellect, which adds a refreshing depth to her character. Yan Chi complements her perfectly, with his green-flag boyfriend traits and hidden emotional wounds that echo her own struggles, creating a compelling dynamic.

The acting is stellar across the board, especially from Landy Li and Ao Ruipeng, whose chemistry is palpable even in subtle moments. Production values are high, with impressive costumes, props, and OST that enhance the storytelling without waste.

Notably, the secondary couple adds humor and heart, providing lightness amidst the tension. Their playful antics are a highlight, especially their boisterous brothel scene.

Overall, Coroner’s Diary is a thoughtfully written drama blending thriller, mystery, and historical elements. It’s far superior to many contemporaries and perfect for fans who enjoy suspense and layered storytelling. Highly recommended as an underrated treasure.

Happy watching!

For the full-length review, please click on this link yes...
https://myreviewforcdrama-bycv58.blogspot.com/2025/08/welcome-to-coroners-spooky-diary-truth.html

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Uncovering Truths Beneath the Silence of the Dead

A Gripping Tale Where Death Speaks and Secrets Unfold!!!
A riveting Chinese drama that merges mystery, forensic investigation, and poignant romance against the backdrop of a historical setting. With meticulous storytelling and layered performances, it delivers a dark yet emotionally compelling narrative that keeps viewers on edge from beginning to end.

Some died with Regrets, Some lived with Regrets.......
The Empress Dowager sent the frailer twin away from the palace, believing her stronger son would survive the struggle for power. Yet in the end, it was the exiled son who returned, killed his brother, and took the throne as a false emperor.
Both the Empress and the Noble Consort spent their lives scheming for their sons to claim the crown—but in the end, both sons perished because of that very ambition.
To shield Yan Chi from the Emperor's suspicion, Prince Rui buried his love deep within. He never expected he would die before ever revealing his true feelings to his son.
Qin Zhaoyou, the most brilliant woman in the capital, finally married the man she loved. Then she set herself ablaze in a desperate bid to save him—but even in death, her plan failed to protect him.
Qin Xiang spent her life calculating each step, believing she'd secured power through marriage. But in the end, she became a victim of her own schemes.
Feng Chenbi once had the chance to live a life of wealth and status, but she met her end by the sword in Prince Cheng’s residence.
Yan Ze spent over a decade meticulously plotting revenge, only to die at the hands of the very person who had murdered his parents.
The Emperor spent his life orchestrating control—but in the end, he died full of regret.
The Empress Dowager tried to save one son. In the end, she lost them all—even her grandsons—because of a single choice made long ago.
Eight Cases -:
1st Case: (The Case of the Headless Bride) (Episodes 1–5) | Culprit: 1 ✅
I truly felt for Miss Song. She gave her heart completely to Wei Yan Zhi—willing to abandon her family, reputation, and everything she had, just to be with him. All she longed for was a quiet, peaceful life by his side. But in the end, that love cost her everything.
Wei Yan Zhi wanted something entirely different, and his betrayal led her to a tragic end. 😪

2nd case: (The Case of the Body Buried in the Well) Episode (6-11) Culprit= Qin Family (3rd Branch)✅
One of the most repulsive families I’ve seen. The 3rd branch of the Qin family was truly rotten. Old Madam Qin failed to teach her son any morals—letting him "play" without consequence, even as his actions harmed those around him.
Qin Chen was utterly despicable: indifferent to his wife and child, unfaithful, and spineless. 🤢
I felt deep sympathy for Cai He. Her pain was real, and her revenge felt justified given how she was treated. But I couldn’t support her decision to target Xin Lan and her unborn child—they were innocent and didn’t deserve to be caught in the crossfire.

3rd case: (The Case of the Hundred Herbs Garden) Episode (12-15) Culprit= 2/3 ✅
Wan’s senior brother was a tragic yet dangerous figure—blinded by grief and consumed by selfish desperation. In his obsession to bring back a wife who was already gone, he committed horrific crimes, taking the lives of innocent villagers.
Loving someone deeply is beautiful—but when that love becomes a reason to harm others, it turns dark. One life, no matter how precious, should never justify destroying countless others. Love should never burn the world to keep one person warm. There are many out there who still fight to live for the ones they love.

4th case: (The Case of the Opera Actor Ghost Murder) Episode (16-19) Culprit=1 ✅
This case truly broke my heart. The culprit wasn’t driven by greed or hatred—but by the need to seek justice for her master and her wronged family.
Episode 19 left me speechless. It was deeply emotional and sorrowful. Knowing that the law would never punish those responsible for such cruelty, she took justice into her own hands.
It’s heartbreaking because, though what she did was wrong by the law, her pain was born from a truth no one else dared to face.

5th case: (The Case of the Girl in Brocade Clothes) Episode (20-21) Culprit= 1✅
6th case: (The Case of the Hunting of the Prince) Episode (22-24) Culprit= 2✅
7th case: (The Case of the Heavenly Blood Punishment) Episode (25-29) Culprit=?✅
8th case: (The Murder Case of the Cold Shadow in the Deep Palace) Episode (30-38) Culprit=?✅

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This Drama Hooked Me—And It’s Not Just Another Revenge Plot

I absolutely loved this drama from start to finish. Aside from *The Double*, this is one of the rare dramas I watched entirely for the compelling plot and the brilliant female lead. While it begins with the familiar "family betrayed by politics and the emperor, must seek vengeance" storyline, it quickly evolves into something much deeper and more engaging.
Landy Li delivers a stunning performance as the lead—her character remains remarkably level-headed throughout, which was refreshing. What stood out most was the beautifully paced development of the main couple’s relationship. Their mutual understanding grows gradually, naturally, and meaningfully. I’m not usually a fan of the “love at first sight” trope, but here, it felt genuinely right and perfectly placed.
Ao Rui Peng, the male lead, is equally captivating—supportive, never disrespectful (even during moments of suspicion), and fully invested in his partner. Together, they form a power couple who lift each other up in every way.
The side plots and cases are intelligently crafted, too. I’ve always been curious about how forensics worked before fingerprinting and modern technology, and this show does a brilliant job of exploring that—without ever feeling dragged out.
The ending felt just right. Without a doubt, this drama ranks in my top 10 C-Dramas of all time.

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A well-written drama with intelligent leads, minimal clichés, and engaging character dynamics.

A series with strong leads & secondary leads, no love triangle, no green tea, no unnecessary misunderstandings, no stupid side plots. A story that justifies the title, it sticks to the plot. After a long time, watch a drama where 2nd leads aren't in love with the leads or trying to break them apart.

Yan Chi is smart, calculative, sometimes cunning, a good general. He constantly found himself trapped between politics and his father’s principles, torn between making a choice and protecting his father and his army from political schemes. I liked Ao Rui Peng here more. He played Yan Chi really well.

Qin Wan is smart, mature and judges everything according to law. I loved Landy Li here. Her character was the totally opposite of "The Starry Love"(the only drama that I have watched of hers) character. There she played a carefree, childish, fun-loving but smart FL here she played the opposite of it: mature, patient, smart. 

Yue Ning & Yan Li were fresh of breath air in the series. Loved their banter and carefree nature.  

A reunion of Fan Yue & Mu Jiu. Loved Yan Chi & Mu Jiu relationship. There consent teasing each other about their love lives.

Another best thing about the series is the limited story or zero involvement of annoying supporting characters. Liked that Qin Xiang had zero involvement in Qin Wan, all she could do was to get jealous of Qin Wan. Otherwise, in maximum C-Dramas, her character would be doing a lot of scheming to make the FL life living hell. She deserved that ending of hers.

Yue Ning & Yan Li as well as Mu Jiu & Fu Ling love to disturb our Yan Chi & Qin Wan romantic time, which they rarely get.

One of the best things is that Yue Ning brought the maid to recognize the person who saved her grandmother. Otherwise, in maximum series, it always ends up recognizing the wrong person.

Loved how Yue Ning shut down those Qin bitches by saying my grandma doesn’t even know why you need to visit her. A nice slap to her face.

Loved how Yan Chi secretly observed Qin Wan examining the death body in the carriage as well as arraigning her to examine without her knowledge.

The way Yan Chi prevented Yue Ning from asking to marry Qin Wan by proposing that them be siblings was funny.

Overall, loved watching it.

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Worth Watching

This drama was straight to the point; it was not long-drawn-out boring episodes like many dramas out there. The romance was also straight to the point, no childish games played, no manipulative hidden agendas, just sweet and simple. It was nice to be able to watch a drama without having to fast forward thru episodes like some dramas who fill their episodes with many unnecessary drawn-out scenes just so they can extend the number of episodes their drama has so that they have more air time which equals more money.
The cast was good, I'm a fan of Ao Ruipeng, I feel he has improved his acting skills a great deal lately with every drama he has taken on. Overall, this drama is definitely worth watching every episode to the very end if you like investigative thriller with some sweet simple romance.

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