Black Lotus

Another in the series of our Japanese detective from the Samurai period. I'm enjoying the series, though they move rather slowly. I can't imagine the pace any faster, as that wouldn't be true to the period, where everything involves ceremony, patience, protocol and more patience. I empathize with Ichiro's wife who simply chomps at the bit to be able to help in the detections, but can't. Women just don't do that. Oy. And when she does it anyway, she suffers the societal consequences, which is certainly accurate, but still irks me.

Sano must solve a murder involving a member of the Black Lotus sect but all is not what it seems at the Black Lotus compound.

Fans of historical mysteries might find this installment of the Sano Ichiro series "blah" if they want their historical mysteries to totally take them to another time and place because it definitely was a story in which the author could have placed at any time and place (even modern-day) with little changed.

That being said, I am of the opinion that those who do not pay heed to history will repeat it. There is much in the book about religion and cults with how they tend to operate that rings true with some religious groups today.

This book is not the average Laura Joh Rowland in that Sano is not forced to deal with show more his arch-enemy Chamberlain Yanigisawa and as a result the danger is somewhat unpredictable in that the dangers might come from an unforeseen direction. show less

A "romance" book masquerading as a mystery, written (evidently) for adolescent girls? Mediocre writing masked and driven by action of violence and sex.

The plot of Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom set in Tokugawa Japan. An enjoyable read.

Mystery novel set in 1693 Japan, bringing back the same samurai detective as in her other books. Fascinating setting for a mystery.

I just couldn't get into this book, not sure why.

Una luminosa mañana de septiembre de 1693, los habitantes de Tokio son despertados por la campana de incendios. El fuego ha prendido en una cabaña del Loto Negro, un templo budista situado en las proximidades del castillo de Edo, desde donde el sogún Tokugawa Tsunayoshi gobierna Japón. Y cuando una de las víctimas resulta ser el jefe de la policía, el caso recae en Sano Ichiro, el muy honorable investigador de sucesos, situaciones y personas.