The Ninja's Daughter

Shinobi Mystery #4

by Susan Spann

Autumn, 1565: When an actor's daughter is murdered on the banks of Kyoto's Kamo River, master ninja Hiro Hattori and Portuguese Jesuit Father Mateo are the victim's only hope for justice. As political tensions rise in the wake of the shogun's recent death, and rival warlords threaten war, the Kyoto police forbid an investigation of the killing, to keep the peace--but Hiro has a personal connection to the girl, and must avenge her. The secret investigation leads Hiro and Father Mateo deep into the exclusive world of Kyoto's theater guilds, where they quickly learn that nothing, and no one, is as it seems. With only a mysterious golden coin to guide them, the investigators uncover a forbidden love affair, a missing mask, and a dangerous link to corruption within the Kyoto police department that leaves Hiro and Father Mateo running for their lives.

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Japan, Fiction, Historical Mystery, Japanese Literature, Cozy Mystery

240 pages, Paperback

First published July 19, 2016

About the author

Author of the Hiro Hattori Novels (Shinobi Mysteries), featuring ninja detective Hiro Hattori and his Portuguese Jesuit sidekick, Father Mateo.

CLAWS OF THE CAT (Minotaur Books, 2013)
Library Journal Mystery Debut of the Month
Silver Falchion Finalist: Best First Novel

BLADE OF THE SAMURAI (Minotaur Books, 2014)

FLASK OF THE DRUNKEN MASTER (Minotaur Books, July 2015)

THE NINJA'S DAUGHTER (Seventh Street Books, August 2016)

BETRAYAL AT IGA (Seventh Street Books, July 2017)

Reviews

[OpenBookSociety.com · Rating 4 out of 5]

http://openbooksociety.com/article/th...

The Ninja’s Daughter
A Shinobi Mystery, Book #4
By Susan Spann
ISBN#9781633881815
Author’s website: http://www.susanspann.com
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Daniele

Synopsis:

Autumn, 1565: When an actor’s daughter is murdered on the banks of Kyoto’s Kamo River, master ninja Hiro Hattori and Portuguese Jesuit Father Mateo are the victim’s only hope for justice.

As political tensions rise in the wake of the shogun’s recent death, and rival warlords threaten war, the Kyoto police forbid an investigation of the killing, to keep the peace–but Hiro has a personal connection to the girl, and must avenge her. The secret investigation leads Hiro and Father Mateo deep into the exclusive world of Kyoto’s theater guilds, where they quickly learn that nothing, and no one, is as it seems. With only a mysterious golden coin to guide them, the investigators uncover a forbidden love affair, a missing mask, and a dangerous link to corruption within the Kyoto police department that leaves Hiro and Father Mateo running for their lives.

Review:

The Ninja’s Daughter, the fourth installment in the in finely written Shinobi Mystery series by Susan Spann, brings heroes Hiro and Father Mateo to their most dangerous investigation yet. It is an informative, enjoyable tale of culture and intrigue.

Following the death of the shogun, life for Shinobi Hiro and his charge Father Mateo is getting harder by the day. A merchant apprentice named Jiro arrives at Father Mateo’s home in the early morning hours seeking their help. He has awakened after a night of sake overindulgence to find his love Emi dead on the river banks. He does not think that he committed the crime himself but cannot remember and implores Hiro and the priest to investigate. When the pair arrives at the river, they do indeed find the young woman strangled. However, the local police are claiming there is no crime committed since the girl is the daughter of an actor and thus considered unworthy, even of foul play. Hiro is surprised when they encounter the girl’s “actor” father for he is another shinobi in disguise and has a personal connection to Hiro. Hiro and Father Mateo agree to look into the crime at the behest of the fellow shinobi but must be on their guard since the police have warned them not to investigate and are watching their every move. Thus begins a course of the investigation that will endanger Hiro and Father Mateo (as well as housekeeper Ana and merchant Luis).

I have enjoyed all of the books in the Shinobi Mystery series, and though The Ninja’s Daughter may not be the strongest of the four books so far published, it is still a solid, enjoyable mystery. I always find the sixteenth-century world of Japan infinitely fascinating. Spann does an admirable job of making this foreign culture and tea accessible and understandable. The importance of etiquette and the class system is mind boggling, the subtle meaning of every word, action, and mannerism interesting. Reading Spann’s books are like stepping into a beautiful, conflicting realm of cherry blossoms and katana swords.

The characters are well drawn and continue to grow with each installment. Hiro’s dedication and honor bound code are admirable, and I appreciate his steadfastness and cool head regardless of the situation. My favorite character is probably Father Mateo. We learn more about his past in The Ninja’s Daughter and why he is so drawn to finding justice for Emi. I cried along with him when I read about his sister. The supporting characters, including Ana, the brew master Ginjiro, and the Portuguese arms merchant Luis, bring color to the story. The troupe of actors central to the mystery is varied and add dimension to Hiro’s investigation. The local police are devilishly corrupt, and I looked forward to seeing them get what they deserved.

The mystery surrounding Emi’s death is well thought out and revealed logically bit by bit. Hiro’s discovery of clues is realistic and piecing everything together makes sense. There are plenty of suspects and viable motives, and I kept changing my mind throughout as to the killer’s identity. The reveal is heartbreaking.

I really enjoyed The Ninja’s Daughter and recommend it to fans of historical mysteries, smart heroes, and those interested in feudal Japan.

*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review as part of their ongoing blog tour*

[Marlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally published at Reading Reality

The world portrayed within the pages of Susan Spann’s Shinobi Mysteries is endlessly fascinating. Not just because it is the past, but because it is set in the history of an area that those of us in the West do not know well. In this setting, we are even more fishes out of water than Father Mateo, one of the author’s two protagonists.

This series takes place in Feudal Japan, not long before the time period of James Clavell’s famous novel (and TV miniseries) Shōgun. But the circles in which Father Mateo and his bodyguard and translator Hiro Hattori travel are not the rarefied courts of the Emperor and the Shogun, but rather the streets where regular people live, and where being hauled into the local Magistrate’s Court is always a constant threat.

At the same time, like so many historical mysteries, this series is set at a time when the world is in flux. In 1575 one Shogun has fallen, and powerful families are jockeying for position. Most people are just trying to stay out of the way. But the Portuguese Jesuit priest Father Mateo is one of the few Westerners admitted to the country, and his position is always under threat, as is his life.

It is Hiro Hattori’s job to keep the Jesuit alive at all costs. His life is forfeit if he does not, as is his honor. But as much as he respects this man from another place and another faith, they do not always see eye-to-eye, either about life in general, or hanging onto theirs in particular.

In the story of The Ninja’s Daughter, Father Mateo involves himself in the case of a young woman who has been murdered. Because Emi was an actor’s daughter, the Magistrate has declared there is no crime to be investigated. But Emi’s father Satsu is a hidden warrior like Hiro. They are both shinobi, as we say in the West, ninjas. To complicate matters further, Satsu is Hiro’s uncle, making the murdered girl his cousin.

Father Mateo does not believe that Hiro is willing to let the matter rest in injustice. Hiro runs himself ragged, trying to solve the crime so that he can spirit his charge away from Kyoto ahead of assassins that he has been warned are on their way.

He needs all the help he can get.

Escape Rating A-: The Ninja’s Daughter is a story about masks. Both literally, as the theft of a famous Noh mask is one facet of the investigation, and figuratively, as all of the players in this drama are hiding important pieces of who they really are.

Hiro himself always wears a mask. He is a shinobi, one of the hidden warriors. But his disguise is as a ronin, a masterless man, who has taken on a job that should be beneath his dignity, serving as translator to the foreign priest.

Father Mateo also wears a mask. He speaks Japanese well, and understands the culture much better than anyone except Hiro gives him credit for. He pretends to bumble, when all the while he sees much more than anyone expects.

And then there are the players in this little drama, dead Emi, her father Satsu, her sister Chou, and Chou’s fiance Yuji. Everyone is lying about something, the question is about what. Everyone has something to hide. And everyone believes that they knew the dead girl much better than she knew herself. The mess caused by her death proves that they didn’t.

In the midst of political upheaval, we have what turns out to be a relatively simple murder, obscured by a bunch of actors each playing the part they think they should.

For those who love historical mystery, this series is a treat. While these stories could be read as stand alones, the immersion in this world works better if the reader begins at the beginning, with the lovely Claws of the Cat.

Hiro’s cat Gato is an adorable little scene stealer.

And for those who have gobbled up this series and are waiting for the next, Jade Dragon Mountain by Elsa Hart, although set in China rather than Japan, has much of the same feel.

[Heather Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've never been much of a Japanophile, but Spann's novels have continued to not only entrench me in the world of ninjas and samurai, tea houses and opium dens, and the fascinating political intrigue of 16th century Japan, but she has left me with a newfound yearning to visit this beautiful country. In reading THE NINJA'S DAUGHTER, I was once again rapt by a facet of Japanese culture--Noh theater. Add extra-juicy fighting scenes and some entertaining verbal sparring between priest and ninja, and you have a wonderful read. This book is Susan's best yet. I look forward to what's next!

[Lelia Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each time I read a new book in Susan Spann’s series featuring a pair of most unusual private investigators, I find more to like and that’s the case this time, too. Father Mateo and Hiro Hattori have completely solidified their status among my very favorite sleuths. A more likeable and appealing duo would be hard to find.

Also, once again, Ms. Spann has broadened my knowledge of the culture and mores of 16th-century Japan, most especially in the way class distinctions were viewed. I doubt that today’s actors would appreciate knowing that the murder of one of their own would evoke absolutely no interest or concern in the eyes of the law but that’s the rigidity of the class system in place at the time. When the Kyoto police consider that the clearly murdered Emi was not murdered simply because no one cares about an actor’s daughter, the Portuguese Jesuit priest is understandably outraged. His samurai companion, on the other hand, discovers an even more compelling reason to investigate, quietly and, he hopes, without alerting the authorities.

Political machinations are also at play and I find this aspect of the series, and this book, to be just as interesting as the murder investigation. I always learn something when I read one of these books and, in The Ninja’s Daughter, I picked up bits about the particular kind of Japanese theater called Noh as well as the societal class distinctions, not to mention some of Hiro’s own family history and, of course, there’s a cracking good mystery and highly intelligent sleuthing.

A cast of characters and a glossary of Japanese words are highlights and make this even more enjoyable while secondary characters Ana, Luis and Gato feel like family to me as they must to the priest and the shinobi. A reader new to the series will be comfortable starting mid-stream since the author gives enough background information to allow the book to work as a standalone.

I had a hard time sleeping while I was reading because I just didn’t want to put it down. Susan Spann has one of the very best historical mystery series being written today and The Ninja’s Daughter has earned a spot on my list of favorite books read in 2016. I’m already anticipating Hiro’s and Father Mateo’s next adventure.

[Mieneke · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Ninja’s Daughter is the fourth book in the Shinobi Mystery series and it is a reunion with the regular cast and some of my favourite background characters, such as Ana, Gato, Ginjiro, and Suke. I really enjoyed the previous two books I’ve read in this series, Blade of the Samurai and Flask of the Drunken Master , and I was looking forward to discover what would happen next for Hiro and his charge Father Mateo. What I found in The Ninja’s Daughter was both an interesting murder mystery and a great development of the overarching story.

There are two distinct arcs to the novel: the murder plot, where Hiro and Father Mateo try to figure out who murdered Emi, and the overall series arc, which focuses on the conflict to claim the Shogunate after the death of the Shogun in the second book and the mystery of Hiro’s employer. To start with the latter arc, I really enjoyed this one. The increasing tension in Kyoto and the clearly tightening of the current warlord’s grip on the city makes for an interesting backdrop to the murder investigation, but it also influences the progress of the investigation, as Hiro and Mateo’s movements are watched and curtailed because of it. I do hope that we will start to find out more about Hiro’s mysterious employer in future books, because I really want to know who has arranged such iron-clad protection for Father Mateo and why.

The murder mystery is another complicated one, where once again the class differences and intricacies of feudal-era Japanese social graces play an important role. It’s not just the complications that accompany trying to investigate a murder that isn’t seen as a crime by the ruling classes — actors are seen as standing outside of the social order and so beyond the concern of the law — but also the difficulties of trying to move between the different social strata and navigating the enmity of the local assistant magistrate without getting in trouble. Father Mateo’s status as a foreigner is a device Spann uses deftly to circumvent some of the stricter social mores as a foreigner’s missteps are more easily forgiven. As noted for the previous book, Hiro consciously uses this fact to find out details they wouldn’t otherwise be able to winkle out. The eventual killer and their motivations as well as the reason Hiro and Matteo were called in to investigate, were unexpected and I enjoyed the twists and turns of the story.

While the murder to solve is the plot of the novel, the heart of the narrative is the friendship between Hiro and Father Mateo and the way they have to navigate around their very different world views. With each novel they grow to better understand each other and learn to overlook the other’s to them incomprehensible quirks. Mateo reveals some of his past and the reason he was called to the cloth, while we also learn more about Hiro’s family and clan. Their mutual trust keeps on growing and it’ll be interesting to see how their bond will stand the stress that it will no doubt endure in the next novel, given the denouement of The Ninja’s Daughter.

Susan Spann delivers a great new instalment of the Shinobi Mystery series and with The Ninja’s Daughter moves the arc of the series in a new direction. Hiro remains a fascinatingly complex hero, with a very sympathetic companion in Father Mateo. For fans of historical crime fiction, the Shinobi Mystery series is one to definitely pick up. The Ninja’s Daughter stands alone well enough to serve as an entry point though I’d advise you to go back to Blade of the Samurai to pick up the story there.

This book was provided for review by the publisher as part of a blog tour.

[Patricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very easy and short chapters. I enjoyed the very beginning but start to lose me in the middle (slow). I liked the mystery but kind of figured it out before the end.
Young Emi comes from a family of actors in the late 1500’s. Women are not allowed to be actors so Emi works in a tea house and hates it. She plans to escape and leave to pursue her own dreams and lifestyle. She develops a reputation and is strangled. Her closest friend is Jiro who was with her the night of the murder but fell asleep on her down by the river late at night. He had to much sake.
When he woke up she was dead next to him. He became afraid and thought maybe he did it. So he ran to the home of a Portuguese Jesuit priest, Mateo. He asked for help in solving her murder. Mateo is protected and guarded by a Samarui, Hiro. Together they try to solve the murder of Emi.
Of course there is a political upheaval in Japan and both Fa. Mateo and Hiro are face with threats of imprisonment and execution for their involvement.
It was a cute story. It is the fourth book in a series and I may look into reading the first.

[Reader's Hollow · Rating 5 out of 5]

**We received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**

The whole mystery of the death was almost a parting gift when it came to the new direction that the characters were about to take. I felt the killer to be more obvious this round but, it wasn't exactly the murder I was interested in.

Revisiting Hiro and Father Mateo was a delight. Their comfort with each other and how they play off one another is still fantastic. They are a curious duo and with some of the colourful side characters such as Ana and Luis, the story is always entertaining.

Like I said before it wasn't the murder that I was interested in. Sides are starting to shift within the city and when Hiro and Father Mateo were ordered to not go on with their investigation into the death of a strong-willed young woman, I knew right away that something was up. Since the last book I knew that this one would likely be a transition into a new setting. The murder took front and center, but for me, it was almost a subplot. It also pushed the two into a new stage of the story. Maybe I'll finally understand why Father Mateo is so important and needs the protection. I look forward to finding out later.

The mystery was well played out and I liked how we got to see a new side to the Japanese culture -- this time it was about actors. They seem to abide different rules than some of the other people we'd met in books previous. Also, they made to be terrific liars, and Hiro has always been very good at sniffing them out. This time, he had some trouble now and then.

CONCLUSION

I have enjoyed this series very much. The brilliant mysteries that Spann puts into play are always a giant puzzle that keeps the reader's interest. She also has a way of creating a unique setting with her characters. The research that goes into each of the novels is always astounding and I always find that I learn something new. I can't wait for the next book!

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

See my other reviews at Never Enough Books

It is autumn in Kyoto in the year 1565. When a young woman is found murdered on the shores of the Kamo River, the local police aren’t interested in investigating. The girl is an actor’s daughter, one of the many of low social status in the city.

Master Ninja Hiro Hattori learns the girl is the daughter of a fellow ninja and feels obligated to avenge her. He enlists his friend and charge, a Portuguese Jesuit named Father Mateo, and the two soon find themselves embroiled in a very dangerous plot. In the world of theater nothing and no one is as it seems and the only clue they have to help them is a single gold coin.

I generally don’t start a series in the middle but this was one of the times it couldn’t be helped. My library only had this part of the series and I was unable to find the earlier books. Considering how much I enjoyed this book, I am hoping to find the previous stories.

The Ninja’s Daughter is set in a time of change for Japan. Long isolated from the outside world, Japan was an insular society and viewed outsiders with distrust. This kind of culture clash is used to great effect in the story as what Hattori takes as normal, Father Mateo often finds puzzling or even unthinkable. For the police to not investigate the murder of a girl is horrifying to the priest.

Spann shows how good research can go a long way with a story by bringing 16th century Kyoto to life with her words. She shows how different cultures can clash but can also come together when the time is needed. As much as I enjoyed The Ninja’s Daughter, I likely would have enjoyed it more had I started with the first book.

While it does have potential to stand on its own, readers will likely want to start with the first book of the Shinobi Mystery series. Personally, I’ll be keeping an eye out for earlier books as well as later books of this series.

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actual 3.5 Review written for TLC Book Tours
Disclaimer: I received a free digital copy of the book for my honest opinion.

The Ninja's Daughter by Susan Spann is the latest novel in the Hiro Hattori detective mystery series set during 16th century Japan. Having not read any of the other books in the series, I don't think this detracted any from my enjoyment or understanding of the characters or their history together, as Susan supplies the pertinent information without going overboard to understand what is going on within the context of current storyline.

The case the duo are investigating is that of a young girl who shows definite signs of having been murdered. However, being from the low born status of an actress she is classed as 'a nobody' and therefore 'nobody' has been killed and no crime committed. To complicate matters further the victim happens to be the niece of Father Mateo's bodyguard. The formidable duo, Father Mateo and Hiro Hattori his bodyguard and translator certainly have their work cut out for them in solving this mystery.

An enjoyable quick satisfying read with a little Japanese cultural history to boot, 'The Ninja's Daughter' is an engaging story with a likeable and quirky cast of characters from the main duo, to Ana the very cranky landlady, and Gato the adopted cat. I really liked this one and will definitely look at the previous books in the series.

Highly recommended for fans of the cosy crime genre and wanting or maybe willing to try something a little different, and exotic blended into the mix. Fabulous fun, great for book group reads too.

A glossary of the cast of characters and Japanese words are included to enrich the readers experience and understanding.

[Ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Before I sat down to start this review, I went back and reread my review for the second book in this series, Blade of the Samurai. I could cheat, copy and paste that review here, with maybe a few edits, and call it a day. For the most part, it would be an honest review of this book, but blogger ethics are kicking in. I figure I better get to writing a fresh review to convince you that no matter what, this is a book, and a series, worth reading.

I should start with the similarities, just to get them out of the way. I love Hiro and Father Mateo. I would gladly spend the rest of my life hanging out and talking with them. I have a preference for Father Mateo, but it's a slight one as both are well written and fascinating to read. Despite my love for the two protagonists, I'm still wishing I could get lost in the setting more. While I think the author builds a realistic, and three dimensional world for the reader to explore, I still don't get the impression that Hiro and Father Mateo belong exclusively to feudal Japan. I could just as easily see them in modern day New York, and while I love them both, I wish that wasn't so.

The biggest difference between the two books for me was the atmosphere of the book. This was one just a tad bit darker, a little heavier, and I loved it. I want a mystery book to envelope me when I'm delving into it's pages, and this one did. It had enough twists and turns to keep me guessing, and I had to force myself to put it down when my attention was needed elsewhere. I'm really needing to go back and read the two books I've missed in this series, since hanging out with Hiro and Father Mateo is quickly becoming one of my favorite pastimes.

[Terry Ambrose · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Ninja's Daughter" is Susan Spann's fourth Shinobi Mystery. The series gives readers insight into a society that is long gone. A fascinating read, "The Ninja's Daughter" is filled with lies, deceit, and the inherent unfairness of a class society. Spann portrays well a society in which only some murders are considered worthy of investigation.
HIro and Jesuit Father Mateo are dogged pursuers who must unravel a puzzle that will keep readers guessing until the end. Interactions between the two main characters allow Spann to let the characters explain the societal mores rather than having to do so herself.
The political instability of the time builds an atmosphere of tension, which escalates as the lives of the protagonists become endangered. Spann sets up a ticking clock in the beginning of the novel, which she uses well to propel the story to a conclusion that itself illustrates the importance of honor in 16th Century Japan.
FTC Full Disclosure: A review copy of this book was provided by its publisher.

[Phair · Rating 4 out of 5]

So happy to have won a copy of this newest Shinobi mystery as a GR giveaway and it didn't disappoint. I love how each book in this series introduces us to a different aspect of 16thc Japanese culture. We also continue to learn more of the background of Hiro and Father Matteo. Coming to know the characters is, for me, more important to my enjoyment of a series than the mystery aspect.
It appears the author has found a new publisher. Let's hope this series continues! I so look forward to a new and very different adventure to follow upon the major change that ends this book. And as always Ms. Spann has not forgotten little Gato, the cat who brings such sweet humanity to our ninja hero. Here's hoping the series has at least nine lives or more.

[Heather Fineisen]

Fans of historical fiction and mysteries will be drawn to the Hiro Hattori Novels. Spann captures the essence of 1565 Kyoto through the characters of a master ninja and a Portuguese Jesuit Priest. I haven’t read the previous three novels and was able to follow along easily. I will be reading the other books in the series. Although I guessed the murderer in this one, Spann deftly lays out the suspects and the case for each being the culprit and the reader is right along with the investigation. The politics and the history of the time period is a bonus. For a slim and satisfying read, pick this one up.



Copy provided by publisher and TLC Book Tours

[Veronica · Rating 2 out of 5]

The background story seems to take over this mystery which also takes forever to move anywhere. But then the Japanese society at this time are polite so never really answer the questions asked.
Hiro and Father Mateo are contrasts with how each deals with this mystery which is also hampered with political tensions.

[Brin Murray · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an entry into increasingly common genre of historical crime fiction, whereby the author takes a certain period in history and then works on a mystery plot, usually involving solving a murder in the traditional way.
I’ve always thought this was rather a daft way to set about reading/finding out more about a particular period in history: if you want to know, why not simply read about Japan in the 16th century? Silly me: for the obvious reason, that it’s much more fun to read a story, and if that story has interesting historical stuff thrown in along the way, then all the better, because it’s fresh and fascinating. And this is a very entertaining story. Not least because Hiro is a great character, sort of an undercover super-assassin working security: that is, he’s a Shinobi, or Ninja warrior, member of the Hattori clan, who has been tasked with protecting Portuguese catholic priest Father Mateo with his honour and his life. Father Mateo, for his part, is a rather more complex character than he at first appears, and definitely not the fish out of water in Japanese culture that he pretends.
I think the setting here is a little before Shogun, if you know that whopping tome, and it’s more amongst the ordinary folk rather than the Emperor and Shogun types. In this story, the murder victim is from an actor’s guild, and as such is beneath the notice of the official legal system, which in any case has its corrupt members. Plus there is the backdrop of political unrest in Kyoto at the time, as the old Shogun is dead, a new has risen up but is likely to be challenged, and the new guy doesn’t especially like Hiro or Mateo. Which translates to, is likely to have them assassinated.
So a good story, interesting characters, and very importantly in a novel such as this, the author clearly has an in-depth understanding of Japanese culture and history at this period, which gives the setting great interest and authenticity.
For more of my reviews go to:
http://www.brinmurray.com/review-blog...

[Rusty Dalferes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I continue to love this series. Spann has a knack for creatively presenting a murder mystery, with a cast of characters full enough of possible suspects -- some who elicit the reader's sympathy, some who are immediate antagonists, some who are even familiar (or familial) -- that until the final exposition, the murderer could have been any of them, yet the explanation doesn't rely on off-page deductions or last-minute information of which the reader was not previously aware.

The cast increases in this fourth novel set in medieval Kyoto, in which Hiro and Father Mateo get embroiled in an investigation of the death of an actor's daughter, a member of a caste of society considered so beneath the other ranks that her murder isn't even considered to be a crime by the authorities. Our mystery-solving duo has tense run-ins with arrogant and corrupt samurai and other government officials who try to block the investigation, all while the warlord who controls Kyoto attempts to consolidate power to ensure that the emperor names him Shogun over his threatening rivals. Setting the mystery in the middle of a tense (and historically true) political situation serves wonderfully to heighten the tension of every scene, as politics becomes another possible motive in addition to love, lust, money, the quest for independence, revenge, or family honor. Spann has us riding this wave of tension through to the end, while also giving us more backstory on Hiro, his family, and Father Mateo's history.

This gets my full recommendation for lovers of mysteries and historical fiction (and ninja stories!). I hope the author writes more quickly, because at the rate I'm devouring these books, I'll be finished with all of the books currently in the series in the next few days.

Thanks to Seventh Street Books for providing me with a copy of this book.

[Madhulika Liddle · Rating 3 out of 5]

A beautiful young woman, Emi, is found murdered by the riverside in Kyoto. A merchant, who knew her somewhat and fears that he may have murdered her in a drunken fit which he now cannot remember, runs to the Portuguese priest Father Matteo and his Japanese interpreter (who is actually a shinobi, a 'ninja' charged with protecting the priest) Hattori Hiro for help. Hiro and Father Matteo realize that the dead girl has been strangled with the help of a gold coin threaded on a leather thong she wears round her neck: and that she, by virtue of being the daughter of a no theatre actor, is considered too lowly to have her death investigated. But, even as an ambitious warlord tries to make a grab for the shogunate and Kyoto becomes unsafe for Father Matteo, the priest and the shinobi secretly carry on their investigation anyway.

I had read the first Hattori Hiro mystery, Claws of the Cat, and hadn't been impressed enough to want to continue with the series. But I'm glad I gave The Ninja's Daughter a try, because it proved an engrossing and enjoyable read. The story was good, the mystery fairly interesting. Most of all, the main characters are endearing, and the relationship between Father Matteo and Hiro is heartwarming without being melodramatic or soupy. Or even, really, the standard Holmes-Watson type of detective-side kick relationship: no, these two are partners, yet not quite, and both bring a different set of qualities to the table, each complementing the other.

And yes, the glimpse into late medieval Japan and its society is very interesting. I learnt a lot I hadn't known.

[Murray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Japanese theater in the 1500s

The mystery element is fine but my pleasure comes from immersing myself in a Japan of the samurai. It is a romanticized era yet a savage era too, though no more savage than what was taking place everywhere in what we call the 16th century, including China, Europe and the Americas. In this book, the author introduces us to the world of traditional and ritualized Japanese theater. Enjoy.

I will say that Hiro’s swords are not discussed sufficiently. Such swords are collected as precious antiques today and they are still made in Japan and fetch a high price. Though the swords are made elsewhere, notably China, the ones crafted in Japan are called Nihonto. There is a whole history behind the steel used in the samurai era the author does not touch on but which Hiro would have known. After each of his fights, especially where blades made hard contact with other blades, Hiro would have checked his katana or wakizashi for dings and chips and smoothed those out with a whetstone, in addition to resharpening them. He would have cleaned them thoroughly and oiled them as well. They were his life and death. If the author talks about this in the final three books of the series, thank you.

I bow to Gato the kitten.

[loretta · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the first Shinobi mystery which turned out to be #5 in a series. The mystery set in 16th century Japan, has at its core a relationship between a Shinobi and a Jesuit priest from Portugal. The Shinobi has been hired, by an unknown benefactor, to protect the life of the priest with his own. I so enjoyed this fifth novel that I decided to begin with book one. Having long been fascinated with Asian Art, culture and customs, this series has been enlightening. It captures the juxtaposition of fine beauty and impeccable manners, and, to the western mind, unspeakable violence. Those who suffer most, as in all cultures, are the poor and these novels highlight that well.
The mysteries seem to take long to unfold but that actually serves to emphasize a culture of deflections and diversions. Questions are never asked outright and the truth is maddeningly slow to reveal itself. This 5th novel surrounds the death of an actors daughter and as the mystery is being solved, we learn about the drama Nô and the place of actors in feudal Japan.
I’m loving this series and recommend it.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this.
That's all I can really say about this book.
It had everything that I was looking for; mystery, political intrigue, sword fighting, secrets, ninjas, and above all set in JAPAN. DURING THE SENGOKU PERIOD.
What else can I say?
It was beautiful and I loved every word, I adored the characters: Hiro and Father Mateo are such great pairs and I loved their friendship. As this is the 4th in the series (I had no idea), I'm looking forward to reading the next and am most definitely checking out the earlier works.

If this is the kind of story that you enjoy, then please check out Shinobi Mysteries.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Set in 16th century Japan, Portuguese Jesuit Father Matteo and his (covert ninja) translator Hiro Hattori come across a young murdered woman. Since she is the daughter of an actor, she is declared worthless and the duo are forbidden to investigate. The setting is well researched but a little tough to take. As in most feudal societies, the culture portrayed in the book is filled with injustice and casual cruelty. The plot is satisfyingly complex and Hiro an intriguing character.

[Lindsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Still loving the relationship between Father Mateo and the shinobi Hiro- their interactions highlight the differences in Japanese and European culture and manners. This time, the mystery itself fell a little short for me and the story itself seemed like it was there just to set up their exit from Kyoto. I will definitely be looking for #5 as I'm curious about Hiro's background at the shinobi school in Iga.

[Brett Bydairk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting plot developments this time around - political tensions rise with the recent death of the shogun, and rival factions threaten war. Father Mateo is ordered by his Church to leave Kyoto before opposing forces arrive to lay siege to the city. The daughter of an actor is murdered, and her father begs Hiro to find her murderer, since the samurai police have no interest in justice for commoners.
The characters are engaging, and the plot moves right along, with a couple of nice twists.

[Paula Montgomery · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in Japan, Hiro Hattori guards the Jesuit priest while also solving crimes. The book has special glossary in the back for terms used. This is a great way to learn about customs in other places. In this volume, Hiro figures out the culprit who has murdered a young girl who is part of an actor troupe. The setting in 1565 in Kyoto amidst the threat of war.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent as always!

Very enjoyable, as are all of the others I’ve read. The author had me biting my lip in nervousness to find out if everything would turn out alright. Looking forward to the next one!

[Deana Fagan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating story that gives examples of the very rigid social classes in 16th century Japan as well as providing a good mystery. You learn more about Hiro and the conflicts his training and his growing attachments are bringing to his life.

[Laurence Hidalgo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this story because it revealed more about both Father Mateo's past and Hiro's family relationships. And I enjoy the bad guy getting his comeuppance, courtesy of Hiro's sword. The identity of the murderer was, as always, a surprise to me. There are so many suspects!

[Robert · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been enjoying this series of Sherlock/Bro Cadaefel/Mary Russell/ Hercule/et al in Shoganate Japan. They are more accurate socially than some of the silly stuff Clavell wrote in his Taipan series. I'll finish the series.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

as usual, a good read in this series.

[Гери · Rating 4 out of 5]

За сега най-добрата от поредицата, чакам следващата с нетърпение. Радвам се, че с нея затварям страницата на 2018.