Read this book and step back into seventeenth century Japan. Rowland gives the reader glimpses into the life of samurais, kabuki theater and tea ceremonies in this first mystery series featuring detective Sano Ichiro.
Two bodies, a man and a woman, are discovered in a river and the first instinct is to label these as Shinju, or double love suicide but as Sano begins to write his official report he sees more inconsistencies and attempts to get to the truth even if it could cost him his life and honor.
Sano is being told by his boss and the woman’s family to drop the investigation but deep down he just can’t let the injustice go on even if it means he could be bringing shame on his family’s name.
I found Sano to be an interesting detective in that he was a scholar first but since he was appointed Police Commander he knows he must do his best to make his family proud. I thought Ms. Rowland did a credible job of showing us Sano’s inner struggle with these two issues.
This is a book to be read at a slow pace. Drink in the atmosphere and imagine the characters that are introduced. I don’t think the mystery was too complicated but nevertheless I enjoyed Sano’s character enough that I want to read more into this series.
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