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A review by wildwolverine
Shinju by Laura Joh Rowland
5.0
This was a great historical mystery! Oh my gosh, it's so good! From the very first page, readers are immersed into the mystery as a mysterious somebody is depositing two murdered bodies into the river. The setting of medieval Japan jumps from the page, and it feels as real as the modern day. Rowland does a superb job of brining the unique setting to life. Readers won't be able to resist being swept away on this remarkable journey.
Despite resistance from his peers and superiors, Sano Ichiro knows something is fishy about deaths of high-born Niu Yukiko and lowly artist Noriyoshi. Previously a tutor, Sano's most valuable skill is his critical thinking, and he uses it to systematically solve the mystery that's before him. As you follow Sano around the city of Edo (before it was Tokyo), you meet a host of fascinating characters who are tenuously connected to the deaths. The Niu family is intriguing, and I always love reading about a powerful lady like Lady Niu. There's also the passionate courtesan Wisteria, the skilled kabuki actor Kikunojo, Sano's pretentious boss Ogyu, and spunky Midori. You will constantly be guessing and re-guessing who the murderer is, making it an entertaining read.
Sano is a great character. His pursuit for the truth while constantly trying to balance it with his family values. This allows him to act as a bridge for the modern reader who isn't used to more traditional Japanese values. It's extremely helpful, and it illustrated how complex the relationships and medieval society were. The supporting cast is truly unforgettable. While Sano interacts with people, the author can launch into an expositional info dump. This happens fairly frequently. However, they didn't slow down the narrative, and they were every much necessary.
The pacing of the mystery is great. Because there really aren't any subplots, the story-telling is straightforward, and the mystery is always front and center. Yet, as it unfolds, the reader is never bored. It's a very well thought-out plot. A word of caution to the wise: there are some gritty elements to the story, so if you get squeamish or want all the good people to be live happily ever after, then I would read something else. There were definitely moments when I needed to take a break, and I had needed to take a moment after I finished the book.
Edit: I initially docked this a star because it's a weak point of me for wanting a romance in my mysteries, as well. However, I have not been able to stop thinking about this book all year. That can only be the mark of a 5 star novel!
Despite resistance from his peers and superiors, Sano Ichiro knows something is fishy about deaths of high-born Niu Yukiko and lowly artist Noriyoshi. Previously a tutor, Sano's most valuable skill is his critical thinking, and he uses it to systematically solve the mystery that's before him. As you follow Sano around the city of Edo (before it was Tokyo), you meet a host of fascinating characters who are tenuously connected to the deaths. The Niu family is intriguing, and I always love reading about a powerful lady like Lady Niu. There's also the passionate courtesan Wisteria, the skilled kabuki actor Kikunojo, Sano's pretentious boss Ogyu, and spunky Midori. You will constantly be guessing and re-guessing who the murderer is, making it an entertaining read.
Sano is a great character. His pursuit for the truth while constantly trying to balance it with his family values. This allows him to act as a bridge for the modern reader who isn't used to more traditional Japanese values. It's extremely helpful, and it illustrated how complex the relationships and medieval society were. The supporting cast is truly unforgettable. While Sano interacts with people, the author can launch into an expositional info dump. This happens fairly frequently. However, they didn't slow down the narrative, and they were every much necessary.
The pacing of the mystery is great. Because there really aren't any subplots, the story-telling is straightforward, and the mystery is always front and center. Yet, as it unfolds, the reader is never bored. It's a very well thought-out plot. A word of caution to the wise: there are some gritty elements to the story, so if you get squeamish or want all the good people to be live happily ever after, then I would read something else. There were definitely moments when I needed to take a break, and I had needed to take a moment after I finished the book.
Edit: I initially docked this a star because it's a weak point of me for wanting a romance in my mysteries, as well. However, I have not been able to stop thinking about this book all year. That can only be the mark of a 5 star novel!