Good murder mystery set in 1700 feudal Japan. ( )

Before I put my review in, I have a question, and someone might know the answer- that's what I'm hoping anyway. In a series, why do authors feel compelled to recap what happened in previous adventures? And if they do, why not put is as part of a prologue, so that an individual not familiar with the characters can get a quick update or not and let this novel stand on its own? I unfortunately skipped 2 books when I picked this up, and now don't really feel the need to go back and read them as I already know what happened. I mean if someone has anxiety about an issue just allude to the subject of why, but not spell it out - sure be overprotective of an arm or person (for example), but please don't tell me what happened! Okay, back to the review.

Interesting to learn about Sano's past, though the Shogun's whims are becoming tiresome and his mother's (Sano's) reticence was irksome- I was with Reiko on that one. The 30 year (plus) mystery was fine and the tension with Lord Matsudaira and various others within and outside of his contingent - well, to be honest with you, it was starting to give me (the reader) anxiety. (Though of course, that could also be studying for my finals.)

Simply put, this book had all that one should expect from a San Ichiro novel.

( )

My first book by this author, most enjoyable tale of a Japanese investigator and his wife. This was set in the time period of feudal Japan, with a really incompetent shogun. The main character was called on to determine who killed one of the shoguns relatives 34 years prior, at the time if the great fire.
I listened to this, and the names gave mr some trouble at first, but it was a fun read, if a little long. ( )

Just when I began to grow tired of LJR's formulaic mysteries...this one brought psychological twists and turns! How did the shogun act so out of character (which I loved)? How did events transpire with Lord Matsudaira and Yanagisawa? And from a feminist perspective, what does it mean that Reiko has been relegated back to a traditionally passive role?

Now I cannot wait for the next book! ( )