The Crane Pavilion

Sugawara Akitada #12

by I.J. Parker

After the loss of his wife and newborn son, Akitada returns home, ostensibly to care for his motherless children, but really to withdraw from the world into his grief. When his friends and family join in an effort to draw him out of his seclusion by tempting him with a mystery, he responds halfheartedly until he becomes intrigued by the young woman's alleged suicide and the slipshod way in which the police investigated. But more serious problems arise: he faces dismissal and punishment for having left his last post without permission. Then Tora and Saburo are arrested for the murder of a gambler. Their dilemma forces Akitada to delve into the world of a gangster boss who controls gambling and prostitution, and this time Akitada will not escape. Praise for the Akitada series: "Elegant and entertaining . . . Parker has created a wonderful protagonist in Akitada. She puts us at ease in a Japan of one thousand years ago." The Boston Globe "Parker's research is extensive and she makes great use of the complex manners and relationships of feudal Japan." Globe and Mail "Parker's series deserves a wide readership." Historical Novel Society "Convict's Sword is a superb piece of literature set against the backdrop of 11th -century Kyoto." The Japan Times "Terrifically imaginative" The Wall Street Journal

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Japan, Fiction, Historical Mystery

243 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 7, 2014

Reviews

[TXGAL1 · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE CRANE PAVILION takes place in mid-11th century Japan and is the 12th book in the Sugawara Akitada mystery series.

Akitada has resigned his position as Governor of Kyushu and immediately returned to his home after a death in the family.

Time passes and the entire household is mourning the unexpected death. Retainers of the household as well as friends of Akitada are concerned about the length of his mourning and devise a way to bring him “back to life” through his involvement in the case of a mysterious noble Lady who has committed suicide.

As Akitada begins his investigative process, he learns that his superiors are most unhappy with his having left his post in Kyushu to be with his family. Things look dire on the job front with the Ministry of Justice.

In the meantime, two of Akitada’s retainers try to right a wrong done to a blind masseuse that works in the entertainment quarter. Again, it is thought that this case will bring Akitada out of his doldrums and back to his normal self.

Each case has its challenges and stumbling blocks. Will the cases be resolved and justice be served? Will Akitada ever be the strong-willed, ethical investigator again? Things look dicey, but one should always have faith.

I enjoy reading this series. There are always tidbits of history to learn and at the end of each story, a “Historical Notes” section that describes more in depth the practices of the time, etc. to add more “flavor” to the enjoyment of the reading.

However, to be fair, I would rate this book 3.75 stars rounded up to 4 stars. I was just a bit dissatisfied with some of the character development. BUT, it was definitely an entertaining read.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Akitada is in a dark place, thoroughly depressed after the death of his soulmate and infant son. He’s returned home from Kyushu without authorization and not checked in with his superiors. Almost two months snapping at his children and retainers until an intervention occurs. He’s asked to look into a suicide. Meanwhile a blind girl is arrested for the murder of a loan shark and captures the attention of his retainers. Akitada is running low on money and his job could be in jeopardy. Lots of injustice and he’s almost reunited with his wife.

[Harley · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading Death of a Doll Maker where on the last page Sugawara Akitada receives news that his wife, Tamako has died, I immediately purchased the next book, The Crane Pavilion, to see what happened. The next book opens several months later with Akitada still deep in grief. These two books need to be read back to back.

I.J. Parker is skilled at telling stories where Akitada not only solves mysteries but also has to cope with the challenges and pain of living. This series remains one of my favorites.

I reread in 2025 and still enjoyed the novel.

[George D. Massey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Akitada book was tough going because of his depression after wife Tamako's death and eventual discovery he's lost his Senior Clerk position, but once again Toro helps him come back, solve two crimes, and even gain enough support in high places to protect children and friends at home and put him back on track. I rank this one of the better books of the series.

[David C Ward · Rating 3 out of 5]

Akitada tries to recover from family tragedy and work problems. A good continuation of the worthwhile historical mystery series - the solution to the main murder, of a mysterious woman living in seclusion, is a bit disappointing.

[Mary]

This has been a great series to read during the lockdown. I enjoy Akitada's and his friends' journey. This is my treat for not being able to visit Japan in April 2020.

[Katheyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

TBA

[Wpn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seems like someone else is writing this. Narrator's voice is distinctly different from the beginning.

[Stephen Winemiller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maybe the best so far! 2 mysteries

[Zala · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't really like Akitada's story in this one, but I loved the story about the blind girl!

[Michael · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found detective Akitada wasn't very interesting nor was the story much of a mystery. In fact the author pretty much telegraphs what's happening well before any of the action. And there is little action. Parker seems one of those authors who spend a lot of time telling you what's going on rather than inviting you along. I liked the idea of a "detective" in medieval Japan. As the story begins he is grieving for his departed wife. I expected his grieving to give way to an emerging interest in solving a crime. However, he continued his tear-stained grieving, disengaged, throughout the entire book. Other characters emerged as more key to solving the crime.

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fine addition to the series. In this one, Akitada is mostly recovering from tragedy and therefore much investigation of two murders is done by his retainers. This makes for lots of character development in supporting cast members, particularly Saburo and some of Akiko. She is becoming a fave of mine... There is always some development of long term story arcs in this series, and I'm looking forward to seeing where Saburo and his girlfriend go, as well as how Akiko may get more involved...

[Liz Maddox · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm going to admit an addiction to the historical mystery genre and especially to IJ Parker's Akitada Sugawara series. The Crane Pavillion was the 12th in the series, and ones the best. Akitada is mourning the loss of his wife and son while also investigating the death of an apparent suicide of Lady Ogato. The author is a professor of ancient Japanese history so the settings are historically accurate. At the end of each novel, she talks about the research she's done and how it fits into the accuracy of the plot. The author's notes are almost as fascinating as the story itself.

[Jonathan Westbrook · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is getting more thriller genre than mystery. But I'll read everyone she puts out.