Shinjū

Shinju is a novel that introduces its reader to Sano Ichiro, a member of the shogun class who serves as a yoriki, investigating crimes in seventeenth-century Edo (Tokyo). It’s a position he’d rather not be in, since he gained his position through connections; and many of his contemporaries resent him for it. When the daughter of one of the most preeminent families in Edo turns up dead in the company of a lowly artist, everyone assumes that they were a double love-suicide, or Shinju. But Sano Ichiro suspects otherwise, and his search for a murderer leads him into dangerous territory—especially since the family of the dead girl would rather keep the matter closed.

This is a very strong start to what seems like an interesting series. show more Sano Ichiro is an unusual investigator—anyone else in his position would simply commit seppuku rather than live with the shame of what he’s done; but Ichiro persists in his investigation, driven by his sense of honor. His unconventional behavior makes him an intriguing character, one I want to read more about in future books. Rowland’s description of her characters’ emotions is a bit simplistic, and our hero is both astute and dense at the same time (how did he figure out the identity of the “watcher” who follows him along the Tokkaido so quickly?); but I was able to overlook these things because I enjoyed much of the rest of the book.

I loved the setting of the book, too; Rowland describes everything about late-17th century Japan in deep detail. I love historically detailed novels, and people who look for that kind of thing will enjoy this book. Not knowing much about the history of Japan, I can’t say if this is historically accurate, but everything Rowland writes about hangs together well. From sumo matches to 17th century crime and punishment (brutal at the very least), the author gives her reader an intimate view of Edo. show less

Delightful historical mystery set in feudal Japan of the 17th century. Yoriki [Police Commander] Sano Ichiro is confronted with a supposed shinju [double suicide of two lovers]. Sano, with the help of Dr. Ito, prison doctor, ascertains that there were two murders. Dr. Ito performs an autopsy, which is forbidden by Japanese law at that time, as "Western." Against orders of Sano's superior, Sano sets about finding the culprit. During his investigation, a conspiracy to assassinate the shogun is uncovered and Sano races to foil the plot. When Sano comes face to face with the villain, the ensuing struggle is heart-stopping.

Sano is an engaging character and is driven by the samurai code of Bushido which includes duty, filial piety, and show more searching out the truth at whatever cost. Rowland set out Japanese social mores and culture in her novel. We witness a funeral and a tea ceremony. Descriptions were rich and vivid. These were the best part of the novel and opened my eyes to an unfamiliar culture. We get an insight into the Japanese psyche. I am glad Sano has seventeen other cases that I plan to follow. The author has created an imaginative and creative series. show less

Sano Ichiro is a newly appointed yoriki (policeman) in 17th Century Feudal Japan. His father, now becoming old and sick, has called in a favor to get Sano an honored position in the police department. Sano is immediately disliked and resented by his colleagues. The story begins when the daughter of a powerful Edo family, Lady Yukiko, and a low born artist named Noriyoshi are found bound together in a double love suicide called a Shinju. Sano is assigned to do a cursory investigation of the dishonorable event. Something about the case doesn't seem correct to Sano, so despite orders from his bosses he continues his investigation.

Throughout the story Sano jeopardizes his career and family honor to solve the case. He's an idealist in a show more world of political corruption and feels a real conflict between obedience and honor. He's an unusual and unconventional man of his time, anguished by his sense of Samurai honor.

This mystery had a nicely complex plot that blended Japan's political rivalries and Samurai heritage and culture into a wonderfully readable story. I loved the very detailed atmosphere of Edo and Japan during the rule of Tokugawa Tsunayoshi. I thought it was a real page turner and I've already picked up the second of the series, Bundori. show less

This was a great historical mystery! Oh my gosh, it's so good! From the very first page, readers are immersed into the mystery as a mysterious somebody is depositing two murdered bodies into the river. The setting of medieval Japan jumps from the page, and it feels as real as the modern day. Rowland does a superb job of brining the unique setting to life. Readers won't be able to resist being swept away on this remarkable journey.

Despite resistance from his peers and superiors, Sano Ichiro knows something is fishy about deaths of high-born Niu Yukiko and lowly artist Noriyoshi. Previously a tutor, Sano's most valuable skill is his critical thinking, and he uses it to systematically solve the mystery that's before him. As you follow Sano show more around the city of Edo (before it was Tokyo), you meet a host of fascinating characters who are tenuously connected to the deaths. The Niu family is intriguing, and I always love reading about a powerful lady like Lady Niu. There's also the passionate courtesan Wisteria, the skilled kabuki actor Kikunojo, Sano's pretentious boss Ogyu, and spunky Midori. You will constantly be guessing and re-guessing who the murderer is, making it an entertaining read.

Sano is a great character. His pursuit for the truth while constantly trying to balance it with his family values. This allows him to act as a bridge for the modern reader who isn't used to more traditional Japanese values. It's extremely helpful, and it illustrated how complex the relationships and medieval society were. The supporting cast is truly unforgettable. While Sano interacts with people, the author can launch into an expositional info dump. This happens fairly frequently. However, they didn't slow down the narrative, and they were every much necessary.

The pacing of the mystery is great. Because there really aren't any subplots, the story-telling is straightforward, and the mystery is always front and center. Yet, as it unfolds, the reader is never bored. It's a very well thought-out plot. A word of caution to the wise: there are some gritty elements to the story, so if you get squeamish or want all the good people to be live happily ever after, then I would read something else. There were definitely moments when I needed to take a break, and I had needed to take a moment after I finished the book.

Edit: I initially docked this a star because it's a weak point of me for wanting a romance in my mysteries, as well. However, I have not been able to stop thinking about this book all year. That can only be the mark of a 5 star novel! show less

I enjoyed this enough to seek out and buy the whole series, and now I pre-order her work in this series. It's very authentic. I like the characters, and she really makes me hate the antagonists. I also rather enjoy the fact that it's not too "whitewashed", and there is quite a bit of grit here, throughout the series.

I'm more used to mysteries set in the USA or England in the 19th-21st centuries... so a 17th-century mystery set in Japan? Sounds good, sign me up!

And it certainly was a journey into another world. The protagonist does not have most of the tools that a modern-day or even 19th-century detective would have, and the social rules of this world are tricky to navigate. It certainly is a refreshing take on the detective mystery novel. Definitely recommended.

This was the first in the series and I'll try more.
It did a good job of balancing the samurai ethos with what would be palatable to a modern western audience.
The protagonist is motivated partly by obedience, duty and honor, but somehow, ultimately by a desire to know the truth. Is it plausible that a samurai steeped in the traditions of the time would make the choices Sano does, perhaps not, but, for the sake of the story, it works. Women and servants enter the rooms on their knees, only certain classes can ride a horse and a samurai can, without question,kill someone for a minor infraction. The author presents the reality, but creates a sort of internal world that still appeals with familial ties and personal honor helping to link a show more world that might otherwise be out of reach show less