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Susan Spann

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Susan Spann

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Born
in Santa Monica, CA, The United States
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March 2012

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Author of the Hiro Hattori Novels (Shinobi Mysteries), featuring ninja detective Hiro Hattori and his Portuguese Jesuit sidekick, Father Mateo.

CLAWS OF THE CAT (Minotaur Books, 2013)
Library Journal Mystery Debut of the Month
Silver Falchion Finalist: Best First Novel

BLADE OF THE SAMURAI (Minotaur Books, 2014)

FLASK OF THE DRUNKEN MASTER (Minotaur Books, July 2015)

THE NINJA'S DAUGHTER (Seventh Street Books, August 2016)

BETRAYAL AT IGA (Seventh Street Books, July 2017)
...more

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Susan Spann I've actually considered writing that part of the story, and probably will at some point. Mainly, I haven't decided whether to write it as a novel-len…moreI've actually considered writing that part of the story, and probably will at some point. Mainly, I haven't decided whether to write it as a novel-length work, a novella, or a series of linked short stories. One way or another, though, I almost certainly will tell that part of the story in time! (less)
Susan Spann I'm so sorry I'm just now seeing this!! I've loved feudal Japan since I saw the SHOGUN miniseries back in 1980 (I can't believe it's been over 30 year…moreI'm so sorry I'm just now seeing this!! I've loved feudal Japan since I saw the SHOGUN miniseries back in 1980 (I can't believe it's been over 30 years...). The inspiration for the series came from a combination of my love for Japan and an idea that popped into my head one morning while I was getting ready for work. Out of nowhere, I thought: "most ninjas commit murders, but Hiro Hattori solves them." I knew immediately that was such a cool idea, I just had to write it. From there, I picked the time period because the mid-16th century was the height of real ninja activity in Japan, and also the time when the Jesuits were present - allowing me to create a Holmes and Watson feel to the books.(less)
Average rating: 4.07 · 2,914 ratings · 657 reviews · 12 distinct worksSimilar authors
Claws of the Cat (Shinobi M...

3.88 avg rating — 936 ratings — published 2013 — 13 editions
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Blade of the Samurai (Shino...

4.08 avg rating — 461 ratings — published 2014 — 5 editions
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The Ninja's Daughter (Shino...

4.13 avg rating — 338 ratings — published 2016 — 4 editions
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Betrayal at Iga (Shinobi My...

4.26 avg rating — 301 ratings — published 2017 — 2 editions
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Flask of the Drunken Master...

4.02 avg rating — 301 ratings — published 2015 — 5 editions
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Trial on Mount Koya (Shinob...

4.18 avg rating — 245 ratings — published 2018 — 3 editions
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Ghost of the Bamboo Road (S...

4.18 avg rating — 160 ratings — published 2019 — 3 editions
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Fires of Edo (Shinobi Myste...

4.45 avg rating — 130 ratings3 editions
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Climb: Leaving Safe and Fin...

4.06 avg rating — 34 ratings4 editions
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Betrayal at Iga: A Hiro Hat...

4.75 avg rating — 4 ratings
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More books by Susan Spann…

Nakasendo Day 11: Miyota to Mochizuki (Post Towns 21-25)

On March 2, 2025, I left home (in Tokyo) at 6 a.m. and took a bus, the metro, and a pair of trains to Miyota Station, where I finished the Day 10 walk. I’d hoped to do Day 11 either as a day trip, or as part of the multi-day hike to and over the Wada Pass, but the logistics in this part of Japan are difficult (read: almost complete lack of buses, complete lack of railroad stations, and near imposs Read more of this blog post »
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Published on February 01, 2026 19:16
Claws of the Cat Blade of the Samurai Flask of the Drunken Master The Ninja's Daughter Betrayal at Iga Trial on Mount Koya Ghost of the Bamboo Road
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The Branson Beauty
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Gilded Lives, Fat...
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Kansai cool: a jo...
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Susan Spann wrote a new blog post

Nakasendo Day 11: Miyota to Mochizuki (Post Towns 21-25)

On March 2, 2025, I left home (in Tokyo) at 6 a.m. and took a bus, the metro, and a pair of trains to Miyota Station, where I finished the Day 10 walk Read more of this blog post »
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Quotes by Susan Spann  (?)
Quotes are added by the Goodreads community and are not verified by Goodreads. (Learn more)

“If your imaginary friends are at all like mine, they’re better off dead.”
Susan Spann

“Small-minded men had large opinions that left no mental room for any ideas but their own.”
Susan Spann, Trial on Mount Koya

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The Life of a Boo...: July is, 'All Things Japanese' Month 16 45 Jul 18, 2017 12:46PM  
The Seasonal Read...: This topic has been closed to new comments. Completed Tasks: PLEASE DO NOT DELETE ANY POST IN THIS THREAD 2921 513 Aug 31, 2017 09:01PM  
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