What do you think?
Rate this book
The Samurai Detectives #2
The Killer on the Streets
The stakes are raised in the extraordinary second volume of Shotaro Ikenami's multi-million copy bestselling series of crime fighting samurai.
In the months since their last perilous quest, a fragile calm has settled over Edo. Daijiro dedicates his days to training his first pupil at his quiet riverside dojo, while his father Kohei – the famed swordsman whose name still inspires awe – wanders through an uneasy retirement, his razor-sharp mind too restless for leisure. But such peace never endures long in the shogunate.
One chill autumn night, Kohei is set upon by a band of tsujigiri – lawless ‘street slashers’ who test their blades on the innocent. To his astonishment, the gang’s leader proves to be no mere rogue, but one of the most important officials in the land. What begins as a chance encounter soon unravels into a deadly game of pursuit and vengeance, dragging father and son into the city’s pitch black heart. Other adventures soon follow, including the task of bringing to justice their most evil adversary yet, a villain of monstrous proportions…
The second instalment in Shotaro Ikenami’s bestselling historical fiction series, The Samuari Detectives: The Killer on the Streets is both tightly coiled mystery as well as a haunting portrait of honour, justice, and survival in the twilight of the Shogun’s world.
In the months since their last perilous quest, a fragile calm has settled over Edo. Daijiro dedicates his days to training his first pupil at his quiet riverside dojo, while his father Kohei – the famed swordsman whose name still inspires awe – wanders through an uneasy retirement, his razor-sharp mind too restless for leisure. But such peace never endures long in the shogunate.
One chill autumn night, Kohei is set upon by a band of tsujigiri – lawless ‘street slashers’ who test their blades on the innocent. To his astonishment, the gang’s leader proves to be no mere rogue, but one of the most important officials in the land. What begins as a chance encounter soon unravels into a deadly game of pursuit and vengeance, dragging father and son into the city’s pitch black heart. Other adventures soon follow, including the task of bringing to justice their most evil adversary yet, a villain of monstrous proportions…
The second instalment in Shotaro Ikenami’s bestselling historical fiction series, The Samuari Detectives: The Killer on the Streets is both tightly coiled mystery as well as a haunting portrait of honour, justice, and survival in the twilight of the Shogun’s world.
176 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1973
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
April 14, 2026
The second instalment in Shōtarō Ikenami’s classic detective series. Once again legendary, retired samurai Kohei, son Daijiro and expert swordswoman Mifuyu unite to solve mysteries unfolding in their corner of 1770s Japan. Vivid, episodic, sometimes densely descriptive, the seven stories in this collection build on meticulous research into the Edo era. As before, the gender dynamics can be slightly troubling, although they also reflect notions of what was appropriate for men and women of the era. Carefully grounded in Japanese history, drawing on poetry, mythology and samurai lore, Ikanami’s iconic narratives exhibit a marvellous sense of place and acute awareness of the possible interplay between people, nature and the elements. Ikenami’s Japan is a place of stark contradictions, rigid social codes and hierarchies undermined by bursts of troubling violence; poverty cheek-by-jowl with wealth and privilege. It’s a time of comparative peace yet oddly turbulent.
In “The Room of Orchids in Fujiro” an elaborate plot is dismantled while in “The Missing Daughter” Mifuyu takes the lead in tackling a bizarre kidnapping case. In the fast-paced “The Killer on the Streets” Kohei takes advantage of ageist assumptions to thwart a gang of street slashers aka tsujigiri who launch random attacks on civilians in order to practice their fighting skills. Compared to other entries “The Monster That Comes with the Rain” with its references to rape and torture is arrestingly gruesome, an unusual play on rumours about yōkai, strange, supernatural beings best avoided. My personal favourite was “A Bad Worm” featuring a timid eel seller in need of assistance which includes a fascinating digression on changing trends in cooking eels. Overall, entertaining and illuminating. Translated by Yuj Kijata.
Thanks to Netgalley and publisher Penguin for an ARC
Rating: 3/3.5
In “The Room of Orchids in Fujiro” an elaborate plot is dismantled while in “The Missing Daughter” Mifuyu takes the lead in tackling a bizarre kidnapping case. In the fast-paced “The Killer on the Streets” Kohei takes advantage of ageist assumptions to thwart a gang of street slashers aka tsujigiri who launch random attacks on civilians in order to practice their fighting skills. Compared to other entries “The Monster That Comes with the Rain” with its references to rape and torture is arrestingly gruesome, an unusual play on rumours about yōkai, strange, supernatural beings best avoided. My personal favourite was “A Bad Worm” featuring a timid eel seller in need of assistance which includes a fascinating digression on changing trends in cooking eels. Overall, entertaining and illuminating. Translated by Yuj Kijata.
Thanks to Netgalley and publisher Penguin for an ARC
Rating: 3/3.5
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5
The Samurai Detectives is not a conventional detective novel by any stretch of the imagination. Rather it is a series of incidents all linked to the breakdown of the ruling class in Japan, which leads to many samurai becoming ronin (masterless warriors).
Thankfully Sensei Kohei, an honourable master swordsman is there to right the wrongs of those who take the law into their own hands.
Killer on the streets has several short stories where Kohei or his son, Daijiro, either see or find out about criminal activity in their area and go about discovering the perpetrator and bringing them to book.
If you enjoy short stories with a high moral content and don't mind a bit of bloodthirsty sword play then you'll enjoy this. It is well written, Kohei and all the good guys are very likeable characters and I enjoyed it very much, despite it not being anything like a conventional detective novel.
Thankyou to Netgalley and Penguin General UK for the digital review copy.
The Samurai Detectives is not a conventional detective novel by any stretch of the imagination. Rather it is a series of incidents all linked to the breakdown of the ruling class in Japan, which leads to many samurai becoming ronin (masterless warriors).
Thankfully Sensei Kohei, an honourable master swordsman is there to right the wrongs of those who take the law into their own hands.
Killer on the streets has several short stories where Kohei or his son, Daijiro, either see or find out about criminal activity in their area and go about discovering the perpetrator and bringing them to book.
If you enjoy short stories with a high moral content and don't mind a bit of bloodthirsty sword play then you'll enjoy this. It is well written, Kohei and all the good guys are very likeable characters and I enjoyed it very much, despite it not being anything like a conventional detective novel.
Thankyou to Netgalley and Penguin General UK for the digital review copy.
April 18, 2026
2nd in the Samurai Detectives and having read the first this just works as you know the cast of characters. Once again each chapter is a short story and is set in the Edo period of Japan. Great stuff.
March 4, 2026
A very good opening to the story with characters that are well devised and interesting to follow. The scenes are very descriptive, making it feel as though you are really there as the events unfold. The atmosphere and detail help bring the mystery to life, making it an engaging read from the start.
March 8, 2026
This collection of stories is more entertaining than the ones in the first volume. It's really cosy, reading, riddled with exciting action, charming descriptions, and dialogue. I've already pre-ordered Vol. 3.
March 31, 2026
The book throws you headlong into the Japanese world, the writing is so steeped in traditions I can almost taste the sake. It is a series of adventures featuring Kohei and his son Daijiro as they right wrongs and injustices. Every story exudes honour and tradition and I found it fascinating to read as I've not read any Japanese works before.
Kohei is a man of honour and that compels him to help others who need assistance and to delve into mysteries. Sometimes he happens across them and other times they come to seek him out.
You could easily dip in and out of this book as it's a series of stories.
Thank you to Penguin for my copy, I've thoroughly enjoyed getting to try a new to me author and visit a previously unknown world. I will be reaching for further books to learn more.
Kohei is a man of honour and that compels him to help others who need assistance and to delve into mysteries. Sometimes he happens across them and other times they come to seek him out.
You could easily dip in and out of this book as it's a series of stories.
Thank you to Penguin for my copy, I've thoroughly enjoyed getting to try a new to me author and visit a previously unknown world. I will be reaching for further books to learn more.
March 1, 2026
If you are looking for a historical mystery that cuts as cleanly as a Masamune blade, The Samurai Detectives: The Killer on the Streets is an absolute must-read. Shotaro Ikenami, a master of the genre, returns us to the atmospheric, shadow-drenched alleys of Edo-era Japan in this gripping second installment of his bestselling series.
A Masterclass in Tension and Character
The strength of this novel lies in the dynamic between its protagonists: the aging, restless legendary swordsman Kohei and his more settled son, Daijiro. Ikenami excels at depicting the "twilight of the Shogun’s world," where the rigid codes of honour begin to fray against a backdrop of urban lawlessness. The inciting incident—a chance encounter with tsujigiri (street slashers) that implicates a high-ranking official—is handled with superb pacing. What starts as a localized skirmish rapidly spirals into a high-stakes "deadly game of pursuit" that feels both intimate and epic.
Style and Substance
While the core of the story is an "entertaining and gripping" historical thriller, readers should be aware of the translation's unique flavour. The narrative is accessible and fast-moving, though the English rendition occasionally leans into modern American colloquialisms. While purists might find phrases like "clued him in" a bit jarring against the 18th-century setting, these choices do succeed in making the dialogue feel punchy and immediate for a contemporary audience.
Why You Should Read It
Atmospheric World-Building: You can practically feel the autumn chill of the riverside dojo and the pitch-black heart of old Edo.
Compelling Mystery: The perfectly coiled plot keeps you guessing, culminating in a villain that is truly monstrous.
Emotional Depth: Beyond the swordplay, it is a profound portrait of honour and the complex relationship between a father and son. A thrilling adventure that balances the sharp edge of a detective novel with the weight of historical epic.
Despite the occasional linguistic quirk in translation, the sheer momentum of Ikenami's storytelling carries the day. It is a vivid, high-octane journey into a vanished world that feels remarkably alive.
A Masterclass in Tension and Character
The strength of this novel lies in the dynamic between its protagonists: the aging, restless legendary swordsman Kohei and his more settled son, Daijiro. Ikenami excels at depicting the "twilight of the Shogun’s world," where the rigid codes of honour begin to fray against a backdrop of urban lawlessness. The inciting incident—a chance encounter with tsujigiri (street slashers) that implicates a high-ranking official—is handled with superb pacing. What starts as a localized skirmish rapidly spirals into a high-stakes "deadly game of pursuit" that feels both intimate and epic.
Style and Substance
While the core of the story is an "entertaining and gripping" historical thriller, readers should be aware of the translation's unique flavour. The narrative is accessible and fast-moving, though the English rendition occasionally leans into modern American colloquialisms. While purists might find phrases like "clued him in" a bit jarring against the 18th-century setting, these choices do succeed in making the dialogue feel punchy and immediate for a contemporary audience.
Why You Should Read It
Atmospheric World-Building: You can practically feel the autumn chill of the riverside dojo and the pitch-black heart of old Edo.
Compelling Mystery: The perfectly coiled plot keeps you guessing, culminating in a villain that is truly monstrous.
Emotional Depth: Beyond the swordplay, it is a profound portrait of honour and the complex relationship between a father and son. A thrilling adventure that balances the sharp edge of a detective novel with the weight of historical epic.
Despite the occasional linguistic quirk in translation, the sheer momentum of Ikenami's storytelling carries the day. It is a vivid, high-octane journey into a vanished world that feels remarkably alive.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Click here for my full review.
Thank you to Penguin for sending me this advance copy.
“There are many ways to learn the art of sword fighting, but in my case, getting cut was the first step.”
It’s fitting that volume two of THE SAMURAI DETECTIVES features villains who resemble yokai, the monsters of Japanese folklore—the book is about an era where samurai are practically myths themselves.
Ikenami’s protagonists are Kohei, a master swordsman trying to enjoy retirement, and his son Daijiro, busy starting his own dojo. Under the rule of the Tokugawa shogunate, the capital city of Edo buzzes with business. But simmering beneath that quiet surface are threat after threat—street gangs, rival swordsmen, vengeful killers—in the seven stories this volume collects.
This book is the second English translation from Ikenami’s 1973-89 novel series KENKAKU SHŌBAI (literally, “Swordsman Business”). Ikenami places as much emphasis on conjuring the atmosphere of the Edo period as the mysteries being investigated. In the story “A Bad Worm” the only detective work depicted is a conversation with a waitress, while most of its plot involves giving a street vendor impromptu combat training. It’s my favourite story in the book.
We spend enough time in Kohei and Daijiro’s world to see why they’re keen to protect it. Like the homeyness of Sherlock Holmes’ 221B Baker Street, Ikenami’s well-crafted settings give his stories cozy charm, and make their brief flashes of violence all the more memorable...
“There are many ways to learn the art of sword fighting, but in my case, getting cut was the first step.”
It’s fitting that volume two of THE SAMURAI DETECTIVES features villains who resemble yokai, the monsters of Japanese folklore—the book is about an era where samurai are practically myths themselves.
Ikenami’s protagonists are Kohei, a master swordsman trying to enjoy retirement, and his son Daijiro, busy starting his own dojo. Under the rule of the Tokugawa shogunate, the capital city of Edo buzzes with business. But simmering beneath that quiet surface are threat after threat—street gangs, rival swordsmen, vengeful killers—in the seven stories this volume collects.
This book is the second English translation from Ikenami’s 1973-89 novel series KENKAKU SHŌBAI (literally, “Swordsman Business”). Ikenami places as much emphasis on conjuring the atmosphere of the Edo period as the mysteries being investigated. In the story “A Bad Worm” the only detective work depicted is a conversation with a waitress, while most of its plot involves giving a street vendor impromptu combat training. It’s my favourite story in the book.
We spend enough time in Kohei and Daijiro’s world to see why they’re keen to protect it. Like the homeyness of Sherlock Holmes’ 221B Baker Street, Ikenami’s well-crafted settings give his stories cozy charm, and make their brief flashes of violence all the more memorable...
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5
An enjoyable series of short mysteries from a father and son duo. The focus of these stories is on Kohei, a retired swordsman in Edo-era Japan, and Daijiro, his son. Having not read the first instalment of this series, the narrative is not too unforgiving of this. There were a few instances where references were made to, presumably, some of the characters and events of the first book, although this did not hinder my understanding or enjoyment much at all.
Our main characters remained quite similar in their attitudes and behaviours, I suppose this is to be expected of a collection of short stories, however if you are looking for a plot/plots with heavy character development, then you won't find it in these collections.
I enjoyed each of these bite sized mysteries and found myself reading one or two in a single sitting, which I found nice to break up the day. There were elements of these stories where I felt the speech and actions of the characters was slightly animated; I do think these tales would be great adapted into a series one day, perhaps there already is something of this sort in Japanese media.
In all, I did like these short stories a lot, they aren't detail ridden, but the short descriptions of the landscape, weather, customs and history of the period were a nice touch and I think without them, I would have felt much less immersed in these tales as a whole.
Thank you NetGalley and Penguin General UK for the ARC edition to read and review!
An enjoyable series of short mysteries from a father and son duo. The focus of these stories is on Kohei, a retired swordsman in Edo-era Japan, and Daijiro, his son. Having not read the first instalment of this series, the narrative is not too unforgiving of this. There were a few instances where references were made to, presumably, some of the characters and events of the first book, although this did not hinder my understanding or enjoyment much at all.
Our main characters remained quite similar in their attitudes and behaviours, I suppose this is to be expected of a collection of short stories, however if you are looking for a plot/plots with heavy character development, then you won't find it in these collections.
I enjoyed each of these bite sized mysteries and found myself reading one or two in a single sitting, which I found nice to break up the day. There were elements of these stories where I felt the speech and actions of the characters was slightly animated; I do think these tales would be great adapted into a series one day, perhaps there already is something of this sort in Japanese media.
In all, I did like these short stories a lot, they aren't detail ridden, but the short descriptions of the landscape, weather, customs and history of the period were a nice touch and I think without them, I would have felt much less immersed in these tales as a whole.
Thank you NetGalley and Penguin General UK for the ARC edition to read and review!
May 7, 2026
A Rich Tapestry of Cases:
This was another effortless 5-star read for me. Rather than a standard "whodunit," this volume functions as a brilliant compilation of cases for Kohei and his son, Daijiro. What I love most is how the story progresses; we meet a mix of new and returning characters, and getting to see their lives evolve slowly across each chapter makes the world feel lived-in and real.
Atmosphere and Historical Depth:
This book is an absolute treasure for anyone who loves atmosphere. The historical detail is so vivid that you are immediately transported to the Edo period. Even if you’ve never stepped foot in modern-day Japan, the writing allows you to visualize the streets and the era perfectly. It is clearly a high accomplishment for the translator as well—the prose is fluid, natural, and incredibly easy to sink into.
A Rewarding Experience:
What makes this series special is how it caters to different types of readers:
- For the Researcher: It’s a delight for those who, like me, love to dive into the historical facts mentioned in the text.
- For the Casual Reader: It can be read quickly as a thrilling adventure, or savored slowly for its atmospheric moments.
Final Verdict:
I truly can’t wait for Book 3. I’m ready for another adventure with Kohei and Daijiro and another chance to lose myself in the history of the time. This is a rewarding, educational, and deeply enjoyable series.
This was another effortless 5-star read for me. Rather than a standard "whodunit," this volume functions as a brilliant compilation of cases for Kohei and his son, Daijiro. What I love most is how the story progresses; we meet a mix of new and returning characters, and getting to see their lives evolve slowly across each chapter makes the world feel lived-in and real.
Atmosphere and Historical Depth:
This book is an absolute treasure for anyone who loves atmosphere. The historical detail is so vivid that you are immediately transported to the Edo period. Even if you’ve never stepped foot in modern-day Japan, the writing allows you to visualize the streets and the era perfectly. It is clearly a high accomplishment for the translator as well—the prose is fluid, natural, and incredibly easy to sink into.
A Rewarding Experience:
What makes this series special is how it caters to different types of readers:
- For the Researcher: It’s a delight for those who, like me, love to dive into the historical facts mentioned in the text.
- For the Casual Reader: It can be read quickly as a thrilling adventure, or savored slowly for its atmospheric moments.
Final Verdict:
I truly can’t wait for Book 3. I’m ready for another adventure with Kohei and Daijiro and another chance to lose myself in the history of the time. This is a rewarding, educational, and deeply enjoyable series.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The second outing for our sleuth Kohei with his sidekicks Daijiro and Mifuyu in another set of 7 short stories where they investigate various goings on and right various wrongs outside the justice system.
As with the first volume, it's worth noting that these stories were originally published in the 1970s when 60 year old men having a 20 year old wife was not unacceptable. In C21 west, this would be far more likely to raise eyebrows.
A light read for a couple of evenings and the translator's preface does a good job of introducing 1770s Japan so that the stories themselves are not bogged down with explanatory footnotes/references.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
As with the first volume, it's worth noting that these stories were originally published in the 1970s when 60 year old men having a 20 year old wife was not unacceptable. In C21 west, this would be far more likely to raise eyebrows.
A light read for a couple of evenings and the translator's preface does a good job of introducing 1770s Japan so that the stories themselves are not bogged down with explanatory footnotes/references.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 29, 2026
I haven’t got much to say about this short book of short stories. I came across this in a selection of best sellers in chennai and decided to pick it up. Unsure how they have gained such popularity to have ended up on best seller lists but the simplicity of the language (it is a translation after all) and the stories may have mass appeal. And of course the setting ( historical samurai fiction) may have something to do with it as well. My only advice is to not get fooled by the “detectives” in the title. There isn’t much detection that happens in these stories other than of the most basic kind. Other than that these are a good way to spend a flight with.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The second book of The Samurai Detectives. It's a direct continuation from the first book.
Here we have 7 short stories of the samurai world. Again we follow Kohei, his son Daijori and his newly wedded wife Oharu who investigate deaths, murders and mysterious happenings in Edo, Japan.
Each story is unique, and this time easy to follow compared to the first book. Although there are still many characters, each of the stories have fewer characters to follow and they become quite enjoyable to understand.
Love the second book! Thanks to Netgalley and Penguin General UK for this ARC!
Here we have 7 short stories of the samurai world. Again we follow Kohei, his son Daijori and his newly wedded wife Oharu who investigate deaths, murders and mysterious happenings in Edo, Japan.
Each story is unique, and this time easy to follow compared to the first book. Although there are still many characters, each of the stories have fewer characters to follow and they become quite enjoyable to understand.
Love the second book! Thanks to Netgalley and Penguin General UK for this ARC!
April 1, 2026
Retains a lot of the strength and weaknesses of the first book in the series, whilst failing to build on it in any real way.
At its best when storylines and characters from the previous book return for a reprise, but the ongoing chapter-long-tale format gets a bit tiresome by the end.
I was also left wanting to see more of the relatively minor characters, like Mifuyu, or Kohei's son Daijiro.
At its best when storylines and characters from the previous book return for a reprise, but the ongoing chapter-long-tale format gets a bit tiresome by the end.
I was also left wanting to see more of the relatively minor characters, like Mifuyu, or Kohei's son Daijiro.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
“‘Never mind, dear. How about we drink tonight, just you and me? It’s been a while. And let’s get thoroughly drunk.’ ‘Oh! Finally. You just smiled for the first time in four days, sensei.’”
I want to start by thanking NetGalley, Shotaro Ikenami, and Penguin General for providing this eARC in exchange for an honest review. The Killer on the Streets (Samurai Detectives: Volume 2) will be out February 26, 2026!
Perfect for fans of Sherlock Holmes, this was filled with an encouraging good humored nature and really thrives off of its main character Akiyama Kohei, a detail oriented and well-liked samurai who in his retirement is drawn towards strange plots only he can unravel. Each chapter surrounds a different mystery that challenge honor, loyalty and justice.
This was a quick read for me with each mystery tying up quite neatly, with the third chapter being the most satisfying story to me. I found it to be a fun, non-challenging read and definitely something I would recommend to readers who want something a bit familiar in terms of structure yet informing, especially for readers not familiar but interested in dipping their toes into a Japanese historical fiction.
I want to start by thanking NetGalley, Shotaro Ikenami, and Penguin General for providing this eARC in exchange for an honest review. The Killer on the Streets (Samurai Detectives: Volume 2) will be out February 26, 2026!
Perfect for fans of Sherlock Holmes, this was filled with an encouraging good humored nature and really thrives off of its main character Akiyama Kohei, a detail oriented and well-liked samurai who in his retirement is drawn towards strange plots only he can unravel. Each chapter surrounds a different mystery that challenge honor, loyalty and justice.
This was a quick read for me with each mystery tying up quite neatly, with the third chapter being the most satisfying story to me. I found it to be a fun, non-challenging read and definitely something I would recommend to readers who want something a bit familiar in terms of structure yet informing, especially for readers not familiar but interested in dipping their toes into a Japanese historical fiction.
March 25, 2026
I am loving these tales of crime and mischief in feudal Japan.
Things must be done that are lawful and respectful to the Shogun or Daimyo without causing too much upheaval.
I wish that the House of Randy Penguins would release more of Mr. Ikenami's books
Things must be done that are lawful and respectful to the Shogun or Daimyo without causing too much upheaval.
I wish that the House of Randy Penguins would release more of Mr. Ikenami's books
April 23, 2026
i do love the characters and story telling BUT these were almost identical stories to the last book which is a shame
April 27, 2026
More Koku than you could shake a bushel of rice at. For fans of warm and/or cold sake. Four stars!
May 4, 2026
Preferred this one to the first. Fun.
February 21, 2026
Finished in three days. Less enjoyable than the first one because Kohei is a bit too OP so there’s the expectation of victory to every fight. There are definitely scenes that caught me off guard (in the bestest way). Can’t wait for Volume 3!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews