Death on an Autumn River

Sugawara Akitada #9

by I.J. Parker

On a river journey to Naniwa to unmask officials selling information to pirates, Akitada witnesses the recovery of a body. The image of the drowned child prostitute follows him as his own problems and disasters multiply. Someone is sabotaging his investigation. His young clerk disappears, Akitada is attacked by two thugs, and armed men brutalize his family in the capital. When Tora joins his master, they both fall into the hands of the pirates and must fight a battle to the death to escape. But ultimately it is the tragic story of the dead girl that will haunt Akitada most.

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Ebooks, Japan, Mystery Thriller, Fiction, Historical

392 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 2011

Reviews

[TXGAL1 · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this 2011 Akitada Mystery from I J Parker, Sugawara Akitada is on a river journey to Naniwa at the behest of the Ministry of Justice where he is a Senior Secretary. Akitada’s assignment is to look into the possible piracy of government goods, etc. He is accompanied by his clerk, Sadenari, who will assist him in the review of documents at the Trade Office and the writing of reports back to the Japanese government.

This all takes place near the end of the Heian era in 1024 which predates the shoguns and samurais. Boats carried goods from the country’s provinces and from countries outside of ancient Japan to the port of Naniwa.

As Akitada and Sadenari’s water voyage takes them through Eguchi, they come upon a dead body in the river. Akitada questions the death and handling of the inquiry by officials; however, he cannot be slowed down and distracted from his assignment. Akitada resumes the water trip disturbed.

Upon arriving in Naniwa, Akitada immediately begins to notice things are not right. Sadenari is eager to cement his place with Akitada and takes matters into his own hands which causes another set of issues. All the while, the death in Eguchi weighs on Akitada’s mind.

Will Akitada solve the piracy problem for the Ministry of Justice? Will Sadenari prove himself to Akitada? Will questions surrounding the river death in Eguchi be answered?

This 9th book in the Akitada Mysteries series is another twisting mystery path through ancient Japan sharing the wonders of living in 1024 while enjoying the rich characters in Akitada’s life.

I did enjoy this story, but I felt it a bit slow—maybe, it was the influence of a slow journey down a river. In any event, I rate this 3.5 stars. Parker’s writing style is not to be missed.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this Kindle book up back in November 2013 and was determined to read it this fall so I have caught up on the series during the year using the library to fill in the gaps. And I am glad that I did end up reading them in order as some of the impact of this one would have been lessened if the reader wasn't aware of the history and relationship between the main characters.

[Wallaby Wharton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can never help but binge these I.J. Parker Akitada novels. And I can't help but give them all 5 stars. I love our righteous, fierce-browed hero and his little family. Ms. Parker, if you see this review, I officially offer to help edit the spelling and grammar errors that can be found all throughout the Kindle edition for free. These historical fiction novels are so well-researched that the world building is phenomenal and transports the reader to Japan a thousand years ago. Yet for all the consideration to these details, no one had time to check for typos. I don't even care. I'm going to read all 22 of these. I'm trying to take it slow, I am afraid of the series hangover I'll have when I finish the last one.

[Jim Bogue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another in Parker’s intriguing series on the Japanese official/detective Sugawara. He stumbles (well, actually, drifts) into a murder on his way to a new posting. This murder is connected to other problematic events. This requires the best efforts of our hero and his loyal, if frequently rash, aide Taro.
As usual, the mysteries themselves are entertaining. Even more so is the author’s well researched information on a little known (at least to me) period in Japanese history.

[Joe Slavinsky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally caught up with Akitada, and it was worth the wait. I just recently found out why this series wasn't published in book form. Now that Covid-19 has relegated me to e-books, or friends and family books, I was glad to buy this at Amazon. The story was as good as remembered. I love the characters, and the way Ms Parker writes. Looking forward to catching up on the rest of the series.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I so enjoy this series..historical footnotes enhance the stories.....Parker's descriptions are delightful and her use of modern dialog makes this an easy read about an historic era

[Jack · Rating 4 out of 5]

Criminal investigation in 11th century Japan, with themes that still resonate today.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of my favorite series, I had stopped reading as the author (I'm assuming) lost her publisher and had self-published in e format only. Such is no longer the case. This series is set in 11th Century Japan and involves a nobleman whose exposure to all facets of society engenders in him some empathy for the poor. As an imperial investigator Akitada once again finds himself on the road in unfamiliar surroundings investigating piracy and thievery along the Inland Sea. On the way there he discovers the body of a young girl floating in the river. This ignoble discovery is a portent of much danger and intrigue to come. Akitada quickly finds that government agent is incompetent and possibly involved in dealings with the pirates. Akitada also suspects other local officials in a conspiracy. He's pretty sure of himself even though it's not proven. His unknown opponents go after him and also his family back in Edo. His assistant disappears as well. Much intrigue and suffering in this tale but Akitada like a cat has nine lives and loyal servants who are there for him when needed most.

[Betty · Rating 4 out of 5]

On a river journey to Naniwa to unmask officials selling information to pirates, Akitada witnesses the recovery of a body. The image of the drowned child prostitute follows him as his own problems and disasters multiply. Someone is sabotaging his investigation. His young clerk disappears, Akitada is attacked by two thugs, and armed men brutalize his family in the capital. When Tora joins his master, they both fall into the hands of the pirates and must fight a battle to the death to escape. But ultimately it is the tragic story of the dead girl that will haunt Akitada most.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book but then I have enjoyed all of Ms Parker's Akitada mystery novels. She immerses the reader into the world of 11th century Japan, and it is a fascinating place. Highly recommend this series

[Harley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another great Akitada Novel set in 11th century Japan. Full of action and mystery. I would recommend to others.

I just finished my second reading 10 years later and still enjoyed the novel.

[Sharon Stine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love I.J. Parker

[Mark Bruce · Rating 4 out of 5]

More Japanese goodness from Parker. This one concerns prostitutes and pirates. Fun and satisfying.

[Debra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I.J. Parker's books set in 11th century Japan are always a treat, opening up that world as they do. There is also a mystery, but that is not why I read them.

[Dorothy M. Nakatsuji · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent. highly recommended.

Well written. Historical information realistic and seemed authentic. I highly recommend this book. Lots of action with suspense about the outcome.

[Lorraine Rankin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keep enjoy reading the Akitada mysteries. Keeps my interest!

[Katheyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

TBA