Sano Ichiro mysteries

In 17th Century Japan, Investigator Sano Ichiro probes a series of revenge killings connected to a century-old dispute. But how to bring the guilty to justice when they are powerful men? Part mystery, part personal drama as Sano--himself a samurai--tries valiantly to follow bushido, the way of the warrior in a society whose ancient noble ways have been all but forgotten. By the author of Shinju.

In 1693 Japan, veteran samurai-detective Sano Ichiro suspects an orphan girl, Haru, of a brutal triple murder and the burning of a cottage owned by the Black Lotus Temple--but Sano's wife, Reiko, believing Haru is innocent, does her own investigating against Sano's wishes and finds a hedonistic Black Lotus Temple sect that may be behind the crime.

The Snow Empress showcases author Laura Joh Rowland's deep understanding of 17th-century Japan and her impeccable gift of storytelling. This thrilling novel finds samurai detective Sano IchirO working to gain freedom for his son by investigating the murder of a lord's beloved mistress.

Japan, 1701. A woman is brutally attacked within a bamboo prison as clouds swirl around her head. Meanwhile, at Edo Castle, samurai detective turned chamberlain Sano Ichiro is suspicious of his old rival, Yanagisawa, who has been oddly cooperative since returning from exile. But just as Yanagisawa's true motives begin to emerge, Sano's estranged uncle comes to him for help. His daughter has disappeared, and he begs Sano and his wife-who once suffered...

When a massive earthquake devestates Japan in 1703, even the shogun's carefully regulated court is left teetering on the brink of chaos. This is no time for a murder investigation - except when a nobleman's daughters are found dead and their father threatens to topple the regime unless Sano Ichiro tracks down the killer. Sano and his wife strive to solve the case in a world that is crumbling around them.

"Japan, 1709. The shogun is old and ailing. Amid the ever-treacherous intrigue in the court, Sano Ichirō has been demoted from chamberlain to a lowly patrol guard. His relationship with his wife Reiko is in tatters, and a bizarre new alliance between his two enemies Yanagisawa and Ienobu has left him bewildered and wary. Yet, Sano's dedication to the way of the warrior--the samurai code of honor--is undiminished. Then a harrowing, almost inconceivable...