Quotes
“While the crimes (and punishments)
described here are vicious and the vision of life in Edo outside the shogun’s
gates is grim, the relationship between Sano and his mystery-loving wife,
Reiko, is cozily akin to that of Nick and Nora Charles--minus the cocktails and
repartee.” Washington Post
“Entertaining…Rowland creates a
well-crafted portrait of an exotic place and time.” Times-Picayune (New Orleans)
“Rowland’s masterful fourteenth historical
to feature Sano Ichiro…Established fans will be pleased by how Rowland has developed
Sano’s son, Masahiro, along with other secondary characters they have become
attached to, while newcomers should find the people, plot, and early eighteenth-century
Japanese setting hard to resist.” Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“In 1701 Japan, a young wife and
mother is raped and left on the streets of Edo. Chamberlain Sano Ichiro (The
Fire Kimono) is asked by his uncle to find the person responsible. The fact
that Ichiro's mother was declared dead by her family when she married his
father just adds to the antagonism Ichiro feels toward his uncle, and he must
also keep a sharp eye on his mortal enemy, Yanagisawa, who is gaining in
political strength and readying himself to destroy Ichiro. Verdict: With her
fourteenth series historical, Rowland continues to turn out beautifully
plotted, suspenseful mysteries.” Library Journal
“Multiple crimes challenge Chamberlain
Sano Ichiro, along with the return of a bitter rival…More crimes follow when
Sano’s probe takes him to Edo’s dangerous criminal underworld, but an even
greater challenge is keeping control of those around him, all with clashing
agendas. Gracefully written and replete with historical detail, more
character-driven and linearly plotted than most of its thirteen predecessors,
this is a fine entry point for series newbies.” Kirkus Reviews
“Reading this book is like being
transported back to Japan in the year 1701—and it’s a wonderful journey.
Rowland’s fourteenth mystery in this series comes alive with characters who are
larger than life. The imagery and historical descriptions are fresh and interesting,
but Rowland keeps the suspense at the forefront, where it belongs.” RT Reviews (4 stars)
