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Secret of the Samurai Sword
The Ghost of Kyoto
When Celia and her brother Stephen arrive in Kyoto to spend the summer with their book-writing grandmother, they are only looking forward to a pleasant summer vacation abroad. But they soon find themselves involved in a strange Japanese mystery. Celia awakens one night to discover the ghost of an ancient samurai warrior haunting their garden. Is it a real ghost or an elaborate hoax? What is the phantom seeking? And why does its presence so upset the old Japanese artist who lives across the street?
Celia is determined to solve the riddle of the phantom warrior, but first she must uncover some long-forgotten secrets that were not meant for any American to know. . .
When Celia and her brother Stephen arrive in Kyoto to spend the summer with their book-writing grandmother, they are only looking forward to a pleasant summer vacation abroad. But they soon find themselves involved in a strange Japanese mystery. Celia awakens one night to discover the ghost of an ancient samurai warrior haunting their garden. Is it a real ghost or an elaborate hoax? What is the phantom seeking? And why does its presence so upset the old Japanese artist who lives across the street?
Celia is determined to solve the riddle of the phantom warrior, but first she must uncover some long-forgotten secrets that were not meant for any American to know. . .
176 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1958
1 person is currently reading
203 people want to read
About the author
Phyllis A. Whitney
191 books569 followersPhyllis Ayame Whitney (1903 – 2008) was an American mystery writer. Rare for her genre, she wrote mysteries for both the juvenile and the adult markets, many of which feature exotic locations. A review in The New York Times once dubbed her "The Queen of the American Gothics".
She was born in Japan to American parents and spent her early years in Asia. Whitney wrote more than seventy novels. In 1961, her book The Mystery of the Haunted Pool won an Edgar Award from the Mystery Writers of America for Best Juvenile novel, and she duplicated the honor in 1964, for The Mystery of the Hidden Hand. In 1988, the MWA gave her a Grand Master Award for lifetime achievement. Whitney died of pneumonia on February 8, 2008, aged 104.
She was born in Japan to American parents and spent her early years in Asia. Whitney wrote more than seventy novels. In 1961, her book The Mystery of the Haunted Pool won an Edgar Award from the Mystery Writers of America for Best Juvenile novel, and she duplicated the honor in 1964, for The Mystery of the Hidden Hand. In 1988, the MWA gave her a Grand Master Award for lifetime achievement. Whitney died of pneumonia on February 8, 2008, aged 104.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
February 7, 2025
“Perhaps she dozed for a while. She could not be sure. Then, quite suddenly, she was awake again and there was the same prickling that had run through her before, warning her that all was not well. Beyond the paper shoji she heard a faint sound that was like someone crawling very softly along the veranda. So Stephen and Hiro were awake and listening too.” — Secret of the Samurai Sword
I had fond memories of this book from my youth. Receiving it from a friend as a Christmas gift this past year, it did not disappointment. Phyllis A. Whitney’s Secret of the Samurai Sword is as magical now as it was as a child. Discovering her books in my youth made me fall in love with reading, so without her, I would not have discovered Robert Nathan’s Portrait of Jennie later on, or John D. MacDonald’s Travis Magee series, which took me further, turning that love of reading into a love for writing and telling stories.
Whitney was unlike most who penned books for children, because she also wrote award winning gothic romance/mysteries for adults. But even beyond that distinction, no one came close to the magic she created within her mysteries for young adults. Whether they were in their very early teens or late teens, she had an uncanny understanding of the human heart at that age, and it came across beautifully but gently as she weaved her mysteries around real young people, capturing perfectly what it was like to be young. But she made her adults ring true as well, bridging the gap between youth and adulthood.
Samurai Sword is a clean read, full of understanding and laced with the life lessons always so gently present in Phyllis Whitney’s young adult mysteries. Reading this again after all these years made me wish that today’s kids and young adults had a Whitney to read, rather than the social agenda propaganda being shoved down their throats, or the darkness and gruesomeness so prevalent even in books marketed toward their age group.
When Celia and her older brother Stephen travel from America to Japan to spend summer with their somewhat young and vibrant grandmother, it proves to be the adventure of a lifetime. Because it was Whitney writing this, it is also a learning and growing adventure, but so deftly eecuted that a young reader will barely realize they are learning so much about Japanese culture and customs; and in essence learning deeper truths which they will take with them on their journey into adulthood :
{There were tears in Celia’s eyes. It was as if she herself had been to Hiroshima and stood before the tomb, weeping as many who came there wept, American as well as Japanese.
“Japanese believe those dying in violence do not sleep well,” Hiro said. “But in Hiroshima we tell them to sleep, for this shall never happen again.” He looked at her earnestly, almost pleadingly. “Japan makes error. America makes error. But these words do not mean to apologize for wrong. By ‘we’ monument means mankind. It is man who must never make error again. You understand Ceriasan? It is not for fighting my grandfather wants sword.”}
Hiro is Stephen’s age, the older brother of Celia’s new friend, Sumiko. Sumiko is a nisei, both American and Japanese. Having come to live with her famous artist grandfather in Kyoto, she is more than a little reluctant to embrace her Japanese roots, and feels an outcast. Her grandfather, who lives across from where Celia and Stephen and her grandmother are staying, and used to own that house as well, was once famous for painting pictures of warriors and battle, but after the war, and the loss of a son, he now only paints nature. Sumiko explains to Celia :
“He says that the beauties of nature have grown more dear to him than ever, for they contrast with the suffering Japan has known. He hopes that one day all nations will live at peace with the beauty about them and not try to destroy it.”
Celia has a talent for drawing too, and this is noticed by Sumiko’s grandfather. But noticed by both is the ghostly figure of the wounded Samurai who appears late at night in the garden between the two houses, near the ancient bomb shelter. Celia’s complicated relationship to her photo-bug brother, her growing friendship with Sumiko, a ghostly samurai, a hidden lacquered box containing a key of sorts and something artistic which may be part of a missing/destroyed sword of great spiritual value, make for a wonderful mystery full of both excitement, and learning moments.
Whitney balances beautifully all the cultural excursions and family turmoil as seen both from the eyes of Celia and Sumiko, and the adults of the story, who have their own very important parts to play in the narrative. A visit to a movie set is especially fun, and you will never forget the casket filled with slips of paper, or Kiyomizu. Both fun yet gently substantive, this is childhood perfection that no one writing today could ever equal.
"Around midnight the quiet was broken by the mournful notes of the soba man’s flute, as he went his rounds offering bowls of hot buckwheat noodle soup to any who might be up at that hour. Always, always, Celia thought, no matter how far away from Japan she might be, she would remember those few haunting notes piercing the lonely quiet of the night. The flute and the sound of geta — these she would remember and they would always mean Japan to her."
Children will learn a lot about Japan, but also about life. Mostly they will come away with warm and tender feelings, and will have grown up in some small but important ways simply by reading Secret of the Samurai Sword. This wonderful story has a marvelous uplifting ending which takes place at the Daimonji Festival in Kyoto, and the story has my highest recommendation.
I’ll leave you with these words from the author herself :
“In Kyoto I was introduced to a well-known artist and visited his home, where he painted a lovely picture for me, just as the artist in the story does for Celia. The visit to the movie studio was another real adventure, although it was not so exciting in real life as it could be made in a story. Perhaps that is the most satisfying thing about writing fiction. I am able to live again the wonderful experiences I have had in distant places, and yet I can make them doubly exciting through the adventures of my characters.” — Phyllis A. Whitney (September 9, 1903 - February 8, 2008)
I had fond memories of this book from my youth. Receiving it from a friend as a Christmas gift this past year, it did not disappointment. Phyllis A. Whitney’s Secret of the Samurai Sword is as magical now as it was as a child. Discovering her books in my youth made me fall in love with reading, so without her, I would not have discovered Robert Nathan’s Portrait of Jennie later on, or John D. MacDonald’s Travis Magee series, which took me further, turning that love of reading into a love for writing and telling stories.
Whitney was unlike most who penned books for children, because she also wrote award winning gothic romance/mysteries for adults. But even beyond that distinction, no one came close to the magic she created within her mysteries for young adults. Whether they were in their very early teens or late teens, she had an uncanny understanding of the human heart at that age, and it came across beautifully but gently as she weaved her mysteries around real young people, capturing perfectly what it was like to be young. But she made her adults ring true as well, bridging the gap between youth and adulthood.
Samurai Sword is a clean read, full of understanding and laced with the life lessons always so gently present in Phyllis Whitney’s young adult mysteries. Reading this again after all these years made me wish that today’s kids and young adults had a Whitney to read, rather than the social agenda propaganda being shoved down their throats, or the darkness and gruesomeness so prevalent even in books marketed toward their age group.
When Celia and her older brother Stephen travel from America to Japan to spend summer with their somewhat young and vibrant grandmother, it proves to be the adventure of a lifetime. Because it was Whitney writing this, it is also a learning and growing adventure, but so deftly eecuted that a young reader will barely realize they are learning so much about Japanese culture and customs; and in essence learning deeper truths which they will take with them on their journey into adulthood :
{There were tears in Celia’s eyes. It was as if she herself had been to Hiroshima and stood before the tomb, weeping as many who came there wept, American as well as Japanese.
“Japanese believe those dying in violence do not sleep well,” Hiro said. “But in Hiroshima we tell them to sleep, for this shall never happen again.” He looked at her earnestly, almost pleadingly. “Japan makes error. America makes error. But these words do not mean to apologize for wrong. By ‘we’ monument means mankind. It is man who must never make error again. You understand Ceriasan? It is not for fighting my grandfather wants sword.”}
Hiro is Stephen’s age, the older brother of Celia’s new friend, Sumiko. Sumiko is a nisei, both American and Japanese. Having come to live with her famous artist grandfather in Kyoto, she is more than a little reluctant to embrace her Japanese roots, and feels an outcast. Her grandfather, who lives across from where Celia and Stephen and her grandmother are staying, and used to own that house as well, was once famous for painting pictures of warriors and battle, but after the war, and the loss of a son, he now only paints nature. Sumiko explains to Celia :
“He says that the beauties of nature have grown more dear to him than ever, for they contrast with the suffering Japan has known. He hopes that one day all nations will live at peace with the beauty about them and not try to destroy it.”
Celia has a talent for drawing too, and this is noticed by Sumiko’s grandfather. But noticed by both is the ghostly figure of the wounded Samurai who appears late at night in the garden between the two houses, near the ancient bomb shelter. Celia’s complicated relationship to her photo-bug brother, her growing friendship with Sumiko, a ghostly samurai, a hidden lacquered box containing a key of sorts and something artistic which may be part of a missing/destroyed sword of great spiritual value, make for a wonderful mystery full of both excitement, and learning moments.
Whitney balances beautifully all the cultural excursions and family turmoil as seen both from the eyes of Celia and Sumiko, and the adults of the story, who have their own very important parts to play in the narrative. A visit to a movie set is especially fun, and you will never forget the casket filled with slips of paper, or Kiyomizu. Both fun yet gently substantive, this is childhood perfection that no one writing today could ever equal.
"Around midnight the quiet was broken by the mournful notes of the soba man’s flute, as he went his rounds offering bowls of hot buckwheat noodle soup to any who might be up at that hour. Always, always, Celia thought, no matter how far away from Japan she might be, she would remember those few haunting notes piercing the lonely quiet of the night. The flute and the sound of geta — these she would remember and they would always mean Japan to her."
Children will learn a lot about Japan, but also about life. Mostly they will come away with warm and tender feelings, and will have grown up in some small but important ways simply by reading Secret of the Samurai Sword. This wonderful story has a marvelous uplifting ending which takes place at the Daimonji Festival in Kyoto, and the story has my highest recommendation.
I’ll leave you with these words from the author herself :
“In Kyoto I was introduced to a well-known artist and visited his home, where he painted a lovely picture for me, just as the artist in the story does for Celia. The visit to the movie studio was another real adventure, although it was not so exciting in real life as it could be made in a story. Perhaps that is the most satisfying thing about writing fiction. I am able to live again the wonderful experiences I have had in distant places, and yet I can make them doubly exciting through the adventures of my characters.” — Phyllis A. Whitney (September 9, 1903 - February 8, 2008)
February 20, 2025
I love Grand Master Of Mystery, Phyllis Ayame Whitney, a heroine of my childhood. Living past 104 years, her work is genuine historical fiction. We cannot call natural age “outdated”. Millions choose made-up fiction for sounding old. 1958 should sound like 1958, with authentic nuances that are exotic to us.
Her gift of a time snapshot is unusually profound. “Secret Of The Samurai Sword” brings us centre stage of postwar Japan. It does not entail the largest city, nor are we in the hands of a tourist. Phyllis was born there! Like Margaret Laurence told stories of Africa to Canadians, this authoress knew precisely what North Americans would find peculiar or alluring. What better way to imagine what it would be like to visit Japan?
Were a tantalizing family legend not woven into this thought-provoking trip, it would be no less enthralling. Children visited their Grandma in Kyoto, who had worked there awhile. Celia befriended an American her age, who struggled to like to her old-fashioned Grandpa, a revered painter. Since Celia was an artist herself, he offered to teach her the Japanese style. It healed the pain of countries who had opposed each other in war. Visiting Hiroshima and its message of remembrance, that atrocities never happen again, was sobering.
You can count on dear Phyllis to combine world history and mystery with humour! I loved the tradition that I wonder if they still practise, similar to summer city activities our childhood neighbourhood had, of taking up skills. The lady they hired for doll-making was a riot, who waggled her eyebrows and proudly treated the girls to speaking a little English!
Scoring these out of print novels is a triumph. The writing is superb and the adventures, all original. Find them wherever you can. Phyllis was a colourful treasure.
Her gift of a time snapshot is unusually profound. “Secret Of The Samurai Sword” brings us centre stage of postwar Japan. It does not entail the largest city, nor are we in the hands of a tourist. Phyllis was born there! Like Margaret Laurence told stories of Africa to Canadians, this authoress knew precisely what North Americans would find peculiar or alluring. What better way to imagine what it would be like to visit Japan?
Were a tantalizing family legend not woven into this thought-provoking trip, it would be no less enthralling. Children visited their Grandma in Kyoto, who had worked there awhile. Celia befriended an American her age, who struggled to like to her old-fashioned Grandpa, a revered painter. Since Celia was an artist herself, he offered to teach her the Japanese style. It healed the pain of countries who had opposed each other in war. Visiting Hiroshima and its message of remembrance, that atrocities never happen again, was sobering.
You can count on dear Phyllis to combine world history and mystery with humour! I loved the tradition that I wonder if they still practise, similar to summer city activities our childhood neighbourhood had, of taking up skills. The lady they hired for doll-making was a riot, who waggled her eyebrows and proudly treated the girls to speaking a little English!
Scoring these out of print novels is a triumph. The writing is superb and the adventures, all original. Find them wherever you can. Phyllis was a colourful treasure.
September 2, 2013
This was one of my favorite YA novels when I was a teenager, and after re-reading it, I think it still is. It's a bit dated -- teenagers today would think Celia acts young for her age. There is also a lot more "teaching" from the adult in the novel (Gran) than would be tolerated in a YA novel today. For that reason, I think it's more suitable for middle school readers, but that was probably the intended age range anyway.
This was a time period (the 1970s) in which Japan was often romanticized in American books and films. The author lived in Japan for several years and loved the culture, so her depiction of it is respectful, but perhaps a bit "quaint." As an American, it's difficult for me to judge, but hopefully the novel isn't insulting to a Japanese reader. I've always loved Asian culture and history, and this novel is one of the ones that instilled that love in me.
The story reads well. Ms. Whitney's writing was always top-notch. Her prose style flows easily and I believe it serves as an excellent model for writers today. (She wrote a number of very helpful books and articles on the craft.) But more than that, the novel is very entertaining. Even after having read it several times by now, I still enjoy it. And I found the resolution of the conflict between Celia and her older brother, Stephen, as we as the conclusion of Sumiko's character arc emotionally affecting, if a bit corny.
With the caveats I've mentioned in mind, I still recommend the book. And you may come away wanting to learn more about a fascinating culture!
This was a time period (the 1970s) in which Japan was often romanticized in American books and films. The author lived in Japan for several years and loved the culture, so her depiction of it is respectful, but perhaps a bit "quaint." As an American, it's difficult for me to judge, but hopefully the novel isn't insulting to a Japanese reader. I've always loved Asian culture and history, and this novel is one of the ones that instilled that love in me.
The story reads well. Ms. Whitney's writing was always top-notch. Her prose style flows easily and I believe it serves as an excellent model for writers today. (She wrote a number of very helpful books and articles on the craft.) But more than that, the novel is very entertaining. Even after having read it several times by now, I still enjoy it. And I found the resolution of the conflict between Celia and her older brother, Stephen, as we as the conclusion of Sumiko's character arc emotionally affecting, if a bit corny.
With the caveats I've mentioned in mind, I still recommend the book. And you may come away wanting to learn more about a fascinating culture!
March 28, 2024
A great childhood read that started my love of Japan!
July 12, 2016
This is the book that truly started me as a reader - I first read a portion in my 6th grade reader and loved it! Went to the library and started voraciously racing all her books, then to Mary Stewart and Victoria Holt.
February 11, 2008
One of my favorites of Whitneys juv series.
Celia and her brother travel to japan with their aunt and find a mystery in their own backyard.
Celia and her brother travel to japan with their aunt and find a mystery in their own backyard.
June 10, 2015
A childhood favorite. Lived in Japan as well, and got to visit many of the places mentioned in this book. Fond memories.
February 3, 2021
This was an excellent book with an adventure in Kyoto, Japan. I would guess that it takes place in the 1960's. There are still many of the old traditions taking place, most people remember the bombing from WWII, and American attitudes are from that era. We are introduced to the living conditions of every day life, along with the tourist side as the story unfolds. The book may seem ancient to today's young readers who may have no idea what a photography light meter is used for, or why the main character doesn't use a cell phone for a flashlight, camera, texting a friend, or to call for help. So it's two histories in one - history of Japan and history of the 1960's as a teen. Then there's a mystery to solve, and things about oneself to discover, and relationships with others. So yes, a great read overall.
October 11, 2012
I remember reading this (and a lot of the author's other juveniles) back in the eighties in my teens and pre-teens. This one is the one that really stood out in my mind, for the stranger in a strange land aspect, and, strangely enough, the art lessons the heroine gets from the old Japanese man (I was into art at the time, although I was very bad at it)
I wonder if I can find a copy anywhere. The author is dead, and the books are, no doubt, long out of print.
I wonder if I can find a copy anywhere. The author is dead, and the books are, no doubt, long out of print.
March 28, 2024
I went into reading this book not knowing what I would find within it. I was impressed by what I found - a nuanced portrait of a new Japan. Had I known what a dear treasure this book was, I would have picked it up much sooner. I would like to thank the woman who encouraged me to read it, for she is my everything.
August 30, 2021
As always rereading books from my childhood make happy as they did when I first read them. I now own most of these mysteries written as only Phyllis Whitney can. If you find one of these book read it with a youthful heart.
September 10, 2019
Set in Japan, Celia, visiting American teenager, solves the mystery of the Samurai sword.
May 22, 2023
A fun quick read. Makes me want to go back to Japan again, but then again everything does.
August 24, 2013
Cute YA story. Quick read...
August 25, 2016
Engaging story-telling for the YA, part mystery and part introduction to how one can embrace cross-cultural experiences.
June 3, 2022
This was a nostalgic reread from a series I loved as a kid. Overall, it's still a good story. American kids go to Japan for the summer with their grandmother. They meet and make friends with some locals, solve a mystery, and bring some peace to an older neighbor. The book was published in 1958 so some of the writing is a bit dated.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews