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Jamie Saintclaire #4
The Samurai Inheritance
An alternate cover edition can be found here.
April 1943 - A Mitsubishi transport plane plunges from the sky over the island of Bougainville.
On board is Admiral Isoruku Yamamoto, architect of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. In a document case chained to his wrist is the greatest secret of the Second World War - a revelation with the potential to change the world if it is ever revealed.
December 2011 - Art recovery expert Jamie Saintclair celebrates the return of a Vermeer painting to its rightful owner, and the day turns even better when he's offered a lucrative commission. Not much can surprise Jamie, but he blinks when mining tycoon Keith Devlin reveals the object he wants him to find. How did the preserved head of a Solomon Island warrior end up in a German museum? And how is he supposed to discover what happened to it in 1945?
The search takes Jamie from Berlin to Tokyo and with every turn the significance of the Bougainville skull becomes ever greater. Soon he realizes he's become involved in something much more important than finding a lost piece of history. Three thousand miles away, the answer lies in airless jungles that have already swallowed up one terrible conflict and are now being torn by a war the world isn't meant to know about . . .
April 1943 - A Mitsubishi transport plane plunges from the sky over the island of Bougainville.
On board is Admiral Isoruku Yamamoto, architect of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. In a document case chained to his wrist is the greatest secret of the Second World War - a revelation with the potential to change the world if it is ever revealed.
December 2011 - Art recovery expert Jamie Saintclair celebrates the return of a Vermeer painting to its rightful owner, and the day turns even better when he's offered a lucrative commission. Not much can surprise Jamie, but he blinks when mining tycoon Keith Devlin reveals the object he wants him to find. How did the preserved head of a Solomon Island warrior end up in a German museum? And how is he supposed to discover what happened to it in 1945?
The search takes Jamie from Berlin to Tokyo and with every turn the significance of the Bougainville skull becomes ever greater. Soon he realizes he's become involved in something much more important than finding a lost piece of history. Three thousand miles away, the answer lies in airless jungles that have already swallowed up one terrible conflict and are now being torn by a war the world isn't meant to know about . . .
480 pages, Paperback
First published August 28, 2014
167 people are currently reading
170 people want to read
About the author
James Douglas
4 books43 followersA pseudonym used by Douglas Jackson
Librarian note:
There is more than one auhor in the GoodReads database with this name
Librarian note:
There is more than one auhor in the GoodReads database with this name
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
July 11, 2015
Yet again Jamie Saintclair is in pursuit of a desirable artefact, though whether you or I would wish to own a shrunken head is very much a question of taste! On this occasion the love of his life is used as a bargaining tool by a greedy Australian mining magnate. His journey takes him to Germany, reconnecting him with previous adventures, Japan and finally the island of Bougainville, rich in minerals that a number of parties would like to get their hands on.
Again James Douglas carries us along at quite a pace, with Jamie's usual slices of luck playing quite a part, to say nothing of another glamorous lady, Dr Magda Ross, that he acquires along the way. The tortuous trek through the jungle is particularly well described, although I was amused by the fact that having reached his destination, the natives there were able to summon up a medevac helicopter within an hour!
This is the last in the series at the moment, though I hold out hope for more, especially considering the interesting ending to the novel. I have discovered, however, that James Douglas is a pseudonym for Douglas Jackson, quite well known for his novels about Ancient Rome, but he has just brought out what is at present a standalone called "War Games" - a mystery thriller which has had some very good reviews.
Again James Douglas carries us along at quite a pace, with Jamie's usual slices of luck playing quite a part, to say nothing of another glamorous lady, Dr Magda Ross, that he acquires along the way. The tortuous trek through the jungle is particularly well described, although I was amused by the fact that having reached his destination, the natives there were able to summon up a medevac helicopter within an hour!
This is the last in the series at the moment, though I hold out hope for more, especially considering the interesting ending to the novel. I have discovered, however, that James Douglas is a pseudonym for Douglas Jackson, quite well known for his novels about Ancient Rome, but he has just brought out what is at present a standalone called "War Games" - a mystery thriller which has had some very good reviews.
September 25, 2014
this book was given to me by netgalley for a honest review... I really enjoyed this book and its fast paced adventure thriller and was my first introduction to james douglas and didn't disappoint as the book flowed from Australia, berlin through Russia to japan and papua new guinea as in search of a shrunken head of a local chieftain also the missing documents lost during WW2 by the Japanese into this mix which will rock the world if they were found and disclosed.
September 27, 2020
Action Packed
Concentrated excitement with historical implications and modern day impact. Loved the travel to locations of power and the subtle romance. Wonderful compilation and a great job by the author.
Concentrated excitement with historical implications and modern day impact. Loved the travel to locations of power and the subtle romance. Wonderful compilation and a great job by the author.
September 4, 2014
The last time i reviewed a Jamie Saintclair adventure i said i would need to go and find a pole for the next book,as the quality bar had been raised so high,well i was wrong,it is not a pole i need ,it is a lift.The Samurai Inheritance has all the ingredient`s that the last three Saintclair outings had,a story that moves with pace,a mystery that has more turns than a corkscrew and at the climaxe of the story a twist that comes right out of centre field.James Douglas has for me moved into the premiership of the top mystery/thriller writer`s who now produce top quailty stories that are a joy to read and has you wanting more as you turn the last page.
May 19, 2016
Review
I have to admit that i have held on to this book for a couple of years. As soon as i discovered it would be the last Jamie Saintclaire i decided to save it for a rainy day thriller, when i needed something special.
I wasn’t disappointed,
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October 22, 2020The book was more interesting than I expected and I wasn't sure about the detour to Russia but it all came together in the end. I enjoyed the description of the jungle trek as you could feel the heat, humidity and difficulty. Jamie Saintclair is an interesting main character with an interesting background and I want to read the first book to better gage his him.
July 27, 2021
Exciting Adventure and Intrigue
I found this story very riveting and addictive. It is very well written and cohesive and always ties your questions back to logical answers so you aren't left wondering too !omg. The story's characters are many, varied and interesting as they flesh out the storyline.
I found this story very riveting and addictive. It is very well written and cohesive and always ties your questions back to logical answers so you aren't left wondering too !omg. The story's characters are many, varied and interesting as they flesh out the storyline.
December 14, 2020
Intriguing
Intriguing. Kept me on the wrong track as hadnt quite seen the end. Like the introduction of Magda and hope that we will read of more adventures with her and Jamie Saintclair. Definitely one to read
Intriguing. Kept me on the wrong track as hadnt quite seen the end. Like the introduction of Magda and hope that we will read of more adventures with her and Jamie Saintclair. Definitely one to read
January 5, 2022
The Samurai Inheritance
The author write with a keen sense of history and inserting the reader into an adventure that becomes believable. Searching for lost treasure is a dream harbored in most of us along with the dreams of adventures which James Douglas provides. Good read!
The author write with a keen sense of history and inserting the reader into an adventure that becomes believable. Searching for lost treasure is a dream harbored in most of us along with the dreams of adventures which James Douglas provides. Good read!
September 5, 2025
Epic Epic
What a marvellous read,!! A book that is full of twist and turns and excitement. Coupled with compassion for the planet ,people there way of life. Stopping greed taking over something beautiful. All in all a excellent book well done James Douglas
What a marvellous read,!! A book that is full of twist and turns and excitement. Coupled with compassion for the planet ,people there way of life. Stopping greed taking over something beautiful. All in all a excellent book well done James Douglas
November 7, 2020
Great book
Great book a good read lots of action and a great storyline .kept you interested the author is a very good
Great book a good read lots of action and a great storyline .kept you interested the author is a very good
March 15, 2021
Fourth of a series
The series is about the adventures of an a lost art recovery dealer with larger than life situations which are hard to imagine and thoroughly entertaining.
The series is about the adventures of an a lost art recovery dealer with larger than life situations which are hard to imagine and thoroughly entertaining.
July 4, 2021
Enthralling
Makes you want to keep reading to find out what happens next.
An excellent writer who keeps you on the edge of your seat.
Makes you want to keep reading to find out what happens next.
An excellent writer who keeps you on the edge of your seat.
May 29, 2016
(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)
April 1943 - A Mitsubishi transport plane plunges from the sky over the island of Bougainville. On board is Admiral Isoruku Yamamoto, architect of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. In a document case chained to his wrist is the greatest secret of the Second World War - a revelation with the potential to change the world if it is ever revealed.
December 2011 - Art recovery expert Jamie Saintclair celebrates the return of a Vermeer painting to its rightful owner, and the day turns even better when he’s offered a lucrative commission. Not much can surprise Jamie, but he blinks when mining tycoon Keith Devlin reveals the object he wants him to find. How did the preserved head of a Solomon Island warrior end up in a German museum? And how is he supposed to discover what happened to it in 1945?
The search takes Jamie from Berlin to Tokyo and with every turn the significance of the Bougainville skull becomes ever greater. Soon he realizes he’s become involved in something much more important than finding a lost piece of history. Three thousand miles away, the answer lies in airless jungles that have already swallowed up one terrible conflict and are now being torn by a war the world isn’t meant to know about...
The marketing blurb said "...a must read for the conspiracy thriller fan - from readers of Dan Brown and Sam Bourne to Chris Kuzneski and Raymond Khoury." I thought that sounded like the kind of thing I wanted to read. However, I ended up feeling a little let down at the conclusion of this book.
The story itself was interesting - these conspiracy-type stories usually have a far-out plot that does expect the reader to suspend belief and just enjoy the ride. And the ride is pretty good. Lots of action and adventure, as well as a mystery that keeps the reader turning the pages, waiting for the next twist or turn that is bound to come.
The location, the island of Bougainville, is a rather exotic setting that you don't necessarily come across every day. It added a certain flavour that I certainly enjoyed. It certainly beats the usual run-of-the-mill US or UK city. The author needs to be commended for that.
However, the biggest downside for me were the characters. Jamie Saintclair is a character, to me, who seems to be trying too hard to be someone he isn't. Images of Robert Langdon or Payne and Jones come to mind but just a lesser version of. The supporting cast weren't memorable and that is an absolute shame as I think with a stronger set of characters, this could have been a big one for me.
Paul
ARH
April 1943 - A Mitsubishi transport plane plunges from the sky over the island of Bougainville. On board is Admiral Isoruku Yamamoto, architect of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. In a document case chained to his wrist is the greatest secret of the Second World War - a revelation with the potential to change the world if it is ever revealed.
December 2011 - Art recovery expert Jamie Saintclair celebrates the return of a Vermeer painting to its rightful owner, and the day turns even better when he’s offered a lucrative commission. Not much can surprise Jamie, but he blinks when mining tycoon Keith Devlin reveals the object he wants him to find. How did the preserved head of a Solomon Island warrior end up in a German museum? And how is he supposed to discover what happened to it in 1945?
The search takes Jamie from Berlin to Tokyo and with every turn the significance of the Bougainville skull becomes ever greater. Soon he realizes he’s become involved in something much more important than finding a lost piece of history. Three thousand miles away, the answer lies in airless jungles that have already swallowed up one terrible conflict and are now being torn by a war the world isn’t meant to know about...
The marketing blurb said "...a must read for the conspiracy thriller fan - from readers of Dan Brown and Sam Bourne to Chris Kuzneski and Raymond Khoury." I thought that sounded like the kind of thing I wanted to read. However, I ended up feeling a little let down at the conclusion of this book.
The story itself was interesting - these conspiracy-type stories usually have a far-out plot that does expect the reader to suspend belief and just enjoy the ride. And the ride is pretty good. Lots of action and adventure, as well as a mystery that keeps the reader turning the pages, waiting for the next twist or turn that is bound to come.
The location, the island of Bougainville, is a rather exotic setting that you don't necessarily come across every day. It added a certain flavour that I certainly enjoyed. It certainly beats the usual run-of-the-mill US or UK city. The author needs to be commended for that.
However, the biggest downside for me were the characters. Jamie Saintclair is a character, to me, who seems to be trying too hard to be someone he isn't. Images of Robert Langdon or Payne and Jones come to mind but just a lesser version of. The supporting cast weren't memorable and that is an absolute shame as I think with a stronger set of characters, this could have been a big one for me.
Paul
ARH
November 15, 2014
Konnichiwa readers! I absolutely loved this book, loved it! Great characters, wonderful locations and a plot that will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end, if you’re like me then you’ll struggle to put this down even for a nanosecond.
I’ve always been a sucker for Japanese history, especially in the 1940’s, and although we only get a snippet of the historic events that occurred, James Douglas has blended fact and fiction incredibly well in the latest Jamie Saintclair adventure. I’ve not had chance to read any of his other books but on the strength of this one alone I have no doubt I will read his back catalogue.
The Island of Bougainville comes alive in so many ways and if you’re looking for a holiday destination that includes dense jungles, shark infested coastlines and idyllic beaches then look no further. I should also add that there are a number of armed men waiting to kill at a moment’s notice and an island full of snakes – surely that’s enough to make you want to go? If not, you can read about the island and her inhabitants from the safety of an armchair and avoid the pitfalls the island offers!
Saintclair is a terrific character and a protagonist you’d happily spend countless hours down the pub listening to his adventures and his knowledge. There’s nothing better than a protagonist that knows who he is and what’s important to him and his family. He’s strong, opinionated and his determination to succeed unrivalled. Add to the mix a vivacious and attractive partner and you have all the bases covered.
That’s about all I’m going to say about The Samurai Inheritance, an adventure this good really doesn’t need any publicity! Brilliant. 鮮やかな
I’ve always been a sucker for Japanese history, especially in the 1940’s, and although we only get a snippet of the historic events that occurred, James Douglas has blended fact and fiction incredibly well in the latest Jamie Saintclair adventure. I’ve not had chance to read any of his other books but on the strength of this one alone I have no doubt I will read his back catalogue.
The Island of Bougainville comes alive in so many ways and if you’re looking for a holiday destination that includes dense jungles, shark infested coastlines and idyllic beaches then look no further. I should also add that there are a number of armed men waiting to kill at a moment’s notice and an island full of snakes – surely that’s enough to make you want to go? If not, you can read about the island and her inhabitants from the safety of an armchair and avoid the pitfalls the island offers!
Saintclair is a terrific character and a protagonist you’d happily spend countless hours down the pub listening to his adventures and his knowledge. There’s nothing better than a protagonist that knows who he is and what’s important to him and his family. He’s strong, opinionated and his determination to succeed unrivalled. Add to the mix a vivacious and attractive partner and you have all the bases covered.
That’s about all I’m going to say about The Samurai Inheritance, an adventure this good really doesn’t need any publicity! Brilliant. 鮮やかな
January 3, 2018
Another excellent thriller by James Douglas!
November 10, 2014
Received ARC from netgalley for honest review.
Read out of sequence , but really enjoyed.Will get first 3 now
Read out of sequence , but really enjoyed.Will get first 3 now
March 3, 2016
Great read, Fast and doesn't let up. Looking forward to the next in the series. How many more crime gangs can Jamie upset!
March 1, 2018
Considering I had never read the author before nor heard of him, and picked it up only as it had a link to Japanese history, I quite enjoyed It. But it still wasn't exactly my cup of tea.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews