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Samurai Detective #5
Samuraji se ne boje smrti
Roman čija je radnja smještena u 18. stoljeće, djelomično je baziran na stvarnim, povijesnim događajima i osobama. Seikei, samuraj i usvojeni sin poznatog suca Ooka, vraća se u rodni grad nakon što je duže vremena izbivao. Nervozan zbog povratka, tamo zatiče sumnjive bratove poslove, sestru koja negoduje što ga vidi te dva ubojstva u kazalištu lutaka koja ga uvuku u komplicirane načine rješavanja zločina, za što mu trebaju osobne, istražiteljske i samurajske sposobnosti i vještine.
144 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2007
3 people are currently reading
232 people want to read
About the author
Dorothy Hoobler
115 books55 followersDorothy and Thomas Hoobler, a married couple who have written numerous books together, were drawn to this story of great writers inspiring each other collaboratively. Their most recent novel, In Darkness, Death, won a 2005 Edgar Award. They live in New York City.
Series:
* Samurai Detective
* Century Kids
* Her Story
* Images Across The Ages
* American Family Album
Series:
* Samurai Detective
* Century Kids
* Her Story
* Images Across The Ages
* American Family Album
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
March 15, 2021
Easily the best sequel up to this point, rivaling the first book.
I'd been wondering whether Seikei would ever see his birth family again, and how they would interact. Unfortunately, we don't get a reunion of Seikei with his birth parents (I'd have been especially interested to see him with his father, who is the only family member we've met before, and with whom Seikei had a strained relationship), but his older sister and younger brother are introduced. His sister Asako is a really interesting character.
This is probably the best mystery of the series; I didn't guess it at all, and didn't even have a good working hypothesis.
I'd been wondering whether Seikei would ever see his birth family again, and how they would interact. Unfortunately, we don't get a reunion of Seikei with his birth parents (I'd have been especially interested to see him with his father, who is the only family member we've met before, and with whom Seikei had a strained relationship), but his older sister and younger brother are introduced. His sister Asako is a really interesting character.
This is probably the best mystery of the series; I didn't guess it at all, and didn't even have a good working hypothesis.
January 10, 2020
Jako zanimljiv krimi detektivski roman smješten u Japanu za vrijeme samuraja. Mislim da mi se upravo zbog mjesta gdje je smješten roman ovoliko svidio. Uvijek sam bio impresioniran Japanskom kulturom i samim samurajima, pogotovo njihovim kodeksom i naćinom života. Tako da je za mene ovo bio pun pogodak.
December 6, 2020
This fifth installment in the Samurai Detective series sees Seikei return to his hometown of Osaka, and takes us, the reader, along for the ride to explore a new part of 1700s Japan.
The cultural backbone of this mystery is the art of ningyo joruri --a type of puppet show peculiar to Japan. In particular, we're introduced to the play 'The Five Men of Naniwa', written by Monzaemon Chikamatsu.
Unlike in the previous installments of the series, the stakes in A Samurai Never Fears Death felt much lower. We get to meet Seikei's siblings, and it was interesting to explore that part of his background, but it didn't feel like very much was done with it.
Our time was split mostly between the theater and his family's tea shop, leaving less time for development of either, though as in all the novels, the fleshing out of Osaka overall is vivid and distinct.
The mystery itself, in addition to having lower stakes, felt much more straightforward than in the previous stories, and in the end nothing of consequence really happens other than the criminal being brought to justice, though this is largely 'off-screen'.
Seikei, despite being confronted with his past, doesn't seem to develop at all as a character in this adventure, and all-in-all it feels like a filler episode rather than a continuation of the series more broadly.
Still, it was a quick, fun read, and I always enjoy returning to this world and I always walk away having learned some new tidbits about the Japan of Judge Ooka's day.
The cultural backbone of this mystery is the art of ningyo joruri --a type of puppet show peculiar to Japan. In particular, we're introduced to the play 'The Five Men of Naniwa', written by Monzaemon Chikamatsu.
Unlike in the previous installments of the series, the stakes in A Samurai Never Fears Death felt much lower. We get to meet Seikei's siblings, and it was interesting to explore that part of his background, but it didn't feel like very much was done with it.
Our time was split mostly between the theater and his family's tea shop, leaving less time for development of either, though as in all the novels, the fleshing out of Osaka overall is vivid and distinct.
The mystery itself, in addition to having lower stakes, felt much more straightforward than in the previous stories, and in the end nothing of consequence really happens other than the criminal being brought to justice, though this is largely 'off-screen'.
Seikei, despite being confronted with his past, doesn't seem to develop at all as a character in this adventure, and all-in-all it feels like a filler episode rather than a continuation of the series more broadly.
Still, it was a quick, fun read, and I always enjoy returning to this world and I always walk away having learned some new tidbits about the Japan of Judge Ooka's day.
July 7, 2020
This entry in the Samurai Detective series was *almost* as good as the first one, which is our family's favorite in the series. #1 should get six stars, because #5 is definitely a 5 star book, and I think it's probably unfair to judge the others relative to the first one. There's a tight plot that deals with issues of class and family, doesn't shirk violence and stakes as in traditional, adult mysteries and thrillers, and includes a fascinating amount of historical detail without drowning the reader or wasting any words.
Also, Seikei, Judge Ooka, and Bunzo are great characters. I read 2-3 chapters a night, and all my kids usually try to demand more.
Also, Seikei, Judge Ooka, and Bunzo are great characters. I read 2-3 chapters a night, and all my kids usually try to demand more.
December 17, 2021
Seikei is still an idiot but not insufferably so - it was more about how he talks the talk but is unable to walk the walk regarding samurai behavior.
I enjoyed that this one was a true who-done-it; kept me guessing until the end. And because I couldn’t guess it, Seikei’s adventure doesn’t seem as silly.
Wish there was more explored re: Seikei and his family. His brother seems annoying, sister interesting, but most importantly, I found Seikeis talk about his parents so abnormal both for a child and for a childrens book. He rejects his parents so completely in the beginning portion it’s like he was abused.
I enjoyed that this one was a true who-done-it; kept me guessing until the end. And because I couldn’t guess it, Seikei’s adventure doesn’t seem as silly.
Wish there was more explored re: Seikei and his family. His brother seems annoying, sister interesting, but most importantly, I found Seikeis talk about his parents so abnormal both for a child and for a childrens book. He rejects his parents so completely in the beginning portion it’s like he was abused.
September 21, 2017
If you're into mysteries/detective books, this is the book for you. This book involves a murder that happened at a theatre and a samurai (Seikei) that left his tea merchant parents for a Judge Ooka (High Classment). To persue his dream as a Samurai. Now he has to find the murderer to save his sister's boyfriend that was innocent.... or was he ?
March 21, 2018
Seikei's adventure as an adopted son in a samurai family continues in this fifth book. I love reading this series and seeing Seikei's adventures. In each book, Seikei grows and,learns and becomes a better samurai.
May 30, 2018
It's a really good book, it has an amazing mystery and how the courage of one person doesn't let people get the upper hand. He does his best to follow the law and stay true to his beliefs and practices. I highly recommend this book if you are looking for a mystery.
November 6, 2018
This is book 5 in the Samurai Detective series.
It is a great story, and I gotta tell you that the cover does not do it justice, and it frustrates me that it is even on the book. The writing of the book is well done. Don't let the cover hinder you.
It is a great story, and I gotta tell you that the cover does not do it justice, and it frustrates me that it is even on the book. The writing of the book is well done. Don't let the cover hinder you.
April 2, 2020
Love this series book 5 out of 7.
June 1, 2020
Lagana, čitka, neopterećujuća. Idealna za jedno popodne :)
Ocjena: 3,5
Ocjena: 3,5
August 18, 2020
A Samurai Never Fears Death isn't the best in the series, but it is still excellent.
December 30, 2010
This is the fifth book in the Samurai Mysteries series by the Hooblers. There are six books total in this series. This was another good book in this series although I didn't like it quite as much as the previous book "The Sword that Cut the Burning Grass".
In this book Seikei ventures back to his home town of Osaka. The Judge sends him on a mission to find a good place to eat Fugi (poisonous puffer fish). Seikei stops by home and finds his brother in charge of the family business. They go to a puppet show and one of the cast members is murdered. Seikei takes it upon himself to solves this horrible crime, hoping that he can figure out who the killer is before the facts to Judge Ooka. Inadvertently Seikei finds that the puppet theater murders may be part of an even bigger smuggling scheme.
It was great to get some more history about Seikei's family and meet his sister and brother. Each of these books has focused on some aspect of Japanese history and this book focused on Japanese puppet theaters. There was a lot to learn about how Japanese puppet theaters were run. There was also some focus on trading and importation laws.
There wasn't as much action and adventure in this book as in previous ones. It all takes place in Seikei's home town. It was novel that Seikei felt confidant enough to take this case on himself without the Judge's guidance, so from that aspect Seikei grows some as a character. While the mystery was interesting it wasn't as desperate or engaging as the last couple books have been.
Overall an okay read. Learning about Japanese puppet theater was interesting. Seikei grows some as a character and takes the initiative on this investigation. But there is a lot less action and adventure and parts of the book were kind of slow.
In this book Seikei ventures back to his home town of Osaka. The Judge sends him on a mission to find a good place to eat Fugi (poisonous puffer fish). Seikei stops by home and finds his brother in charge of the family business. They go to a puppet show and one of the cast members is murdered. Seikei takes it upon himself to solves this horrible crime, hoping that he can figure out who the killer is before the facts to Judge Ooka. Inadvertently Seikei finds that the puppet theater murders may be part of an even bigger smuggling scheme.
It was great to get some more history about Seikei's family and meet his sister and brother. Each of these books has focused on some aspect of Japanese history and this book focused on Japanese puppet theaters. There was a lot to learn about how Japanese puppet theaters were run. There was also some focus on trading and importation laws.
There wasn't as much action and adventure in this book as in previous ones. It all takes place in Seikei's home town. It was novel that Seikei felt confidant enough to take this case on himself without the Judge's guidance, so from that aspect Seikei grows some as a character. While the mystery was interesting it wasn't as desperate or engaging as the last couple books have been.
Overall an okay read. Learning about Japanese puppet theater was interesting. Seikei grows some as a character and takes the initiative on this investigation. But there is a lot less action and adventure and parts of the book were kind of slow.
January 6, 2010
"A Samurai Never Fears Death" is a crime/mystery novel by Dorothy and Thomas Hoobler. The story itself is fairly simple and it is not a incredibly deep book. What is on the surface is what one gets. Even though, the book combines a good mystery with some comedy that is actually funny, action, and interesting characters quite well. The mystery itself isn't predictable and the authors added some excellent twists. The book also incorporates Japanese culture to a point where the book seems accurate. The actual writing in the book is not complicated. It seems that the Japanese words were forced because after the Japanese words the authors would immediately tell the definition of the word. The book should have used them and put a glossary in the back, or just have left out those Japanese words completely. Overall the book is a good light read and it shows what life in ancient Japanese culture was like while still telling a good mystery.
February 17, 2015
I loved The Ghost in the Tokaido Inn and The Demon in the Teahouse growing up. They were some of the earliest books I read and reread. In that sense, A Samurai Never Fears Death felt like a treat to me. Old friends, new plot.
That said...I forgot how clunky the writing is. Plot was interesting but occasionally struck an odd note....like the entire character of Asako.
It's a good novel for juvenile and young adult readers. Recommended.
That said...I forgot how clunky the writing is. Plot was interesting but occasionally struck an odd note....like the entire character of Asako.
It's a good novel for juvenile and young adult readers. Recommended.
March 7, 2015
The Tokugawa period is always an entertaining setting, but I felt like this plot reached an uninteresting conclusion. There were so many elements that could have been more fully explored,
I still find the series to be engaging and well-suited for the younger side of the YA spectrum. It's also good to see that the authors did their research on Japan, and don't treat it as a mystical exotic space for escapism as so many other western adaptations do.
I still find the series to be engaging and well-suited for the younger side of the YA spectrum. It's also good to see that the authors did their research on Japan, and don't treat it as a mystical exotic space for escapism as so many other western adaptations do.
March 17, 2012
Once again, i really thought of the book very enjoyable, but felt stupid in a way, to not think that the one who was guilty was already from the start. I really like the twist of about giving off smuggling information to merchants through theater plays. The story kind-of goes away from the Japanese-fictional historical story by slightly a bit, because it almost seems pretty unreal for it to happen, though, I think it might happen still today. Now it really wants me to watch the puppet play of the 5 men of Naniwa.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 17, 2008
Another chapter in the story of Seiki, a young merchant turned samurai when he's adopted by the famous samurai judge Ooka. As always, the period details are interesting - and the real-life samurai are scarily willing to find anyone guilty just so long as they can close their case - but the ending to this one felt a little too pat.
November 13, 2009
Fifth in The Samurai Series, I really do enjoy this series. In this episode Seikei returns to Osaka and his birth family and also falls in with a puppet theater. As always we learn the inside story of a traditional Japanese art. And I was engrossed in the mystery. Looking forward to the next one.
September 15, 2011
Seikei was adopted into the samurai class by the famous Judge Ooka, but now he is back in Osaka, visiting his former brother and sister. On a visit to a puppet theater, a narrator is murdered, and Seikei feels he must find the killer. Is it the apprentices, the theater owner, or the band of thieves who have assumed personas from the play?
November 28, 2012
A fun mystery set in 18th century Japan where Seiki has to solve a murder in a puppet theatre. With dogged determination, his hard head and his sister's assistance there was a happy ending for most characters. Enjoyable addition to the series.
January 28, 2015
Seikei finally seems to be growing up a bit, this is the first case he's done completely by himself with minimal harm his own body. Always entertaining, still a series where I read the book in one sitting.
December 19, 2008
Next in the Japanese mystery series.
July 15, 2009
Serves its purpose as a light detective novel. A one-afternoon read.
August 20, 2009
Awesome! I even got my friends to read it after this one!
Read
March 27, 2010F HOO seikei bk. 5
April 29, 2010
This series is great. It is Young Adult fiction.
May 29, 2013
I really like this series! Who cares if it's for pre-teens! The plot is good and the characters are interesting. I'd LOVE for a t.v. or web series!
Read
June 11, 2014puppets and theater. cant wait for the next book.
August 17, 2015
I just have to read the entire series, I love this book, love the series, there's just so much love :D
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews