In Japan of the 1670's, Sano Ichiro's elderly, ailing father has pulled some strings to get him appointed yoriki (which seems to be much like a police sergeant). However, from the very start, Sano finds himself in conflict at his job - his superior orders him to quietly bury the embarrassing discovery of the bodies of a wealthy young noblewoman and a commoner known for his erotic artworks - apparently a double suicide based on their doomed love. But Sano has a feeling that this was not suicide but murder - and with the evidence gained through an illegal autopsy and a bit of investigation, his hunch grows even stronger.
However, even as Sano turns up more evidence pointing at a web of blackmail, pornography and prostitution, sadism and even treason, his personal situation grows more and more precarious, as he stands in danger of losing his position, his patron, and even his family honor.
Rowland has jam-packed her book with details and anecdotes of Japan, making for a colorful background - but the story itself seems to be a very modern murder-mystery overlaid against this background, rather than a story that naturally emerges from the time period, characters and culture she has chosen.
Also - it may be a quibble, but her description of a sushi bar at one point in the story describes a style of cuisine and its presentation which I truly believe would not have been present in Japan until around 1800 - over 100 years after the setting of this story. Although I am not an expert on the details of Japanese history, this throws doubt on many of her other historical details. I also have doubts about the women's Sumo sex show.
However, even as Sano turns up more evidence pointing at a web of blackmail, pornography and prostitution, sadism and even treason, his personal situation grows more and more precarious, as he stands in danger of losing his position, his patron, and even his family honor.
Rowland has jam-packed her book with details and anecdotes of Japan, making for a colorful background - but the story itself seems to be a very modern murder-mystery overlaid against this background, rather than a story that naturally emerges from the time period, characters and culture she has chosen.
Also - it may be a quibble, but her description of a sushi bar at one point in the story describes a style of cuisine and its presentation which I truly believe would not have been present in Japan until around 1800 - over 100 years after the setting of this story. Although I am not an expert on the details of Japanese history, this throws doubt on many of her other historical details. I also have doubts about the women's Sumo sex show.
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