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From the outset, Parker creates a fast-paced and exciting narrative which keeps the reader interested both in the action and in the revelations of eleventh century culture and tradition. In the first fifty pages, the reader experiences the murder of a beautiful noblewoman, the gruesome death of a prostitute, the attempted robbery of Akitada and subsequent fight to the death with robbers, the attempted assault of a young deaf-mute woman by several Buddhist monks, and a violent attack on a member of Akitada's party by a female martial artist of enormous skill.
Though this novel is the most recent Parker novel to be published, the story line occurs chronologically earlier than both The Rashomon Gate and The Hell Screen, two previous mysteries in the same series. Akitada is a young bachelor here, meeting Tora, who figures in the action of both the previous books, for the first time. As Akitada tries to discover the fate of the tax convoys, he investigates the death of the retired governor of the province, observes the behavior of "monks" who seem unfamiliar with traditional ceremonies, prowls through the storerooms of a monastery, discovers a mysterious group of imprisoned monks, and falls in love. The action develops gradually, and the conclusion, filled with fireworks, is fully rewarding.
The cultural separation between noble and commoner, the tension between the Buddhist and Shinto religions, and details about government and cultural traditions are included very naturally within the story. Parker develops her characters realistically, allowing her readers to identify with them, including unusual characters whose idiosyncrasies make them memorable--the Rat, a beggar-informer; Higekuro, a former member of the nobility who is now the paralyzed director of a martial arts school; and Otomi, the deaf-mute artist whose sketches of a monastery figure in the investigation. Often humorous, Parker develops the mystery gradually, tying everything together in a stunning conclusion. A new series which deserves to draw many new readers, the Akitado Sugiwara mysteries are fascinating, exciting, and completely different! Mary Whipple
Yes, this book was a `quick' read, but only on account of not being able to put it down as the intricate and gripping plot unravelled and took hold. I am still amazed that these books are not held in higher esteem, they are amazing!
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