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Shinobi Mystery #5
Betrayal at Iga
Autumn, 1565: After fleeing Kyoto, master ninja Hiro Hattori and Portuguese Jesuit Father Mateo take refuge with Hiro s ninja clan in the mountains of Iga province. But when an ambassador from the rival Koga clan is murdered during peace negotiations, Hiro and Father Mateo must find the killer in time to prevent a war between the ninja clans.
With every suspect a trained assassin, and the evidence incriminating not only Hiro s commander, the infamous ninja Hattori Hanz, but also Hiro s mother and his former lover, the detectives must struggle to find the truth in a village where deceit is a cultivated art. As tensions rise, the killer strikes again, and Hiro finds himself forced to choose between his family and his honor.
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With every suspect a trained assassin, and the evidence incriminating not only Hiro s commander, the infamous ninja Hattori Hanz, but also Hiro s mother and his former lover, the detectives must struggle to find the truth in a village where deceit is a cultivated art. As tensions rise, the killer strikes again, and Hiro finds himself forced to choose between his family and his honor.
"
256 pages, Paperback
First published July 11, 2017
78 people are currently reading
564 people want to read
About the author
Susan Spann
12 books218 followersAuthor 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)
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)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
November 12, 2021
I won an ARC of this in a Goodreads giveaway. Fair warning.
I was delightfully surprised by this. I mean, I was expecting it to be reasonably good or I wouldn't have entered the giveaway in the first place. But I would have been happy if it were merely good, and it's better than that. This is a mystery novel set in historic Japan, back when Oda Nobunaga was a force to be reckoned with. Hiro Hattori is a ninja assigned to the protection of Jesuit priest, Father Mateo. They arrive in the mountains of Iga where Hiro's clan is just sitting down to negotiate a treaty with a rival clan. One of the visiting clan members is poisoned, and it's up Hiro and Father Mateo to find the murderer before peace negotiations turn to outright war.
This is the fifth novel in a series, but it's quite newbie friendly. Although I've not read any of the previous books, I never felt like I was missing out on anything. Hiro and Mateo make a good team. There's a real sense of friendship between them. The period details seem authentic enough to me. These are real ninjas, not magical ones like one sees in Naruto and other media. This book has fun characters and a solid sense of place and era. What more could you ask for from a historical mystery? Recommended!
I was delightfully surprised by this. I mean, I was expecting it to be reasonably good or I wouldn't have entered the giveaway in the first place. But I would have been happy if it were merely good, and it's better than that. This is a mystery novel set in historic Japan, back when Oda Nobunaga was a force to be reckoned with. Hiro Hattori is a ninja assigned to the protection of Jesuit priest, Father Mateo. They arrive in the mountains of Iga where Hiro's clan is just sitting down to negotiate a treaty with a rival clan. One of the visiting clan members is poisoned, and it's up Hiro and Father Mateo to find the murderer before peace negotiations turn to outright war.
This is the fifth novel in a series, but it's quite newbie friendly. Although I've not read any of the previous books, I never felt like I was missing out on anything. Hiro and Mateo make a good team. There's a real sense of friendship between them. The period details seem authentic enough to me. These are real ninjas, not magical ones like one sees in Naruto and other media. This book has fun characters and a solid sense of place and era. What more could you ask for from a historical mystery? Recommended!
May 29, 2017
Although this is the fifth book in the series, it is the first one I've read and I enjoyed it very much. It is set in Japan in 1565 and features master ninja Hiro who is the bodyguard of a Portuguese priest, Father Mateo. I plan to go back to the beginning to see how this partnership evolved but in this book they have a very comfortable relationship. They come to Hiro's hometown to participate in peace negotiations with his clan and the rival Koga clan.
It turns out this is a town of trained ninja assassins including Hiro's mother, grandmother and former lover. Even a member of the Koga party is a female. Were women really this active back then? I'd like to think this is true but I don't know. One of the Koga delegation is poisoned and Hiro is given the responsibility of finding the murderer before the peace talks are stopped. There are plenty of suspects in a town of trained assassins. Then more bodies start to pile up and it becomes more and more important to stop a cold blooded killer.
I really liked the description of Japan at that time. I loved reading about the houses and how they were set up. I particularly enjoyed the descriptions of the kitchen and how it was designed to avoid fires. I liked reading about someone's grandmother who is trained a killer. I really enjoyed the story and plan to read the other books in the series.
It turns out this is a town of trained ninja assassins including Hiro's mother, grandmother and former lover. Even a member of the Koga party is a female. Were women really this active back then? I'd like to think this is true but I don't know. One of the Koga delegation is poisoned and Hiro is given the responsibility of finding the murderer before the peace talks are stopped. There are plenty of suspects in a town of trained assassins. Then more bodies start to pile up and it becomes more and more important to stop a cold blooded killer.
I really liked the description of Japan at that time. I loved reading about the houses and how they were set up. I particularly enjoyed the descriptions of the kitchen and how it was designed to avoid fires. I liked reading about someone's grandmother who is trained a killer. I really enjoyed the story and plan to read the other books in the series.
August 6, 2017
Susan Spann’s Shinobi mystery series immerses the reader in medieval Japan, culturally and physically. Her plots twist and surprise. They are always excellent reads, but Betrayal at Iga surpasses even Spann’s high standards. She throws Hiro and Father Mateo into Hiro’s childhood village—an unusual place populated by trained assassins. Hiro questions the trustworthiness of those nearest and dearest to him in this book, which raises the stakes to utterly glued-to-the-page levels. And just when you think you’ve got these terrifyingly intimate betrayals sorted, watch out. Not only does this setting create a stirring plot, but it allows Spann to bring her readers in close to Hiro, closer than we’ve been before, and to show how deeply influenced he has been by his friendship with the foreign Mateo. Spann explores in depth the conflict between Mateo’s values and the traditional medieval Japanese values of clan and family loyalties. All this rich character and plot writing, and a setting you can taste, smell and see with a deeply satisfying vividness. In the opening chapter Spann offers this glimpse of the first setting: “Carved stone lanterns stood on either side of the wooden steps leading up to the covered veranda that surrounded Hanzo’s home. In the gathering darkness, their flickering light illuminated a row of crimson maples, dwarfed by pruning to prevent intruders from using them to scale the roof. The maple leaves glowed like coals, surrounding the house with living flame.” How’s that for lurking menace combined with beauty? And the meal the characters are about to eat? Here’s a taste: “Hiro inhaled the fragrant steam, which carried a briny tang along with the slightly musty scent of mushrooms that floated atop the pale broth. A piece of fish sat half submerged in soup, its flesh pale white beneath a paper-thin layer of crispy skin.” Ready to consume? You should be. Spann’s Hiro Hattori novels are a must-read for all historical mystery lovers.
July 20, 2017
This was a fun and intriguing read. It hooked me early on and I enjoyed every turn the mystery took. I also loved the setting and how authentic things felt to the culture. Its the fifth book in a series and I haven't read any of the other ones, but it was easy to follow because they all follow a different mystery even though it looks like they all connect somehow. I'm definitely going back and reading the first books because I feel like that will give me a better sense for the larger story and help me connect with the characters better. Other than that, it was a great story filled with so much political intrigue that I was easily absorbed in the story.
July 5, 2017
I have loved all of the adventures of Hiro Hattori and Father Mateo so far - but this book kicks it all up a notch onto a whole new level. For starters, the stakes are higher. The political regime in Japan is shifting and treacherous. Hiro and Father Mateo journey to Iga, finding themselves immersed in treachery, intrigue and murder. But my favorite thing is that some of the most potentially dangerous players this time around are women - including Hiro's mother, his grandmother, and a beautiful Shinobi assassin. Hiro's life - and his heart - are in danger in this fantastic installment in the Shinobi Mystery series
August 3, 2017
http://openbooksociety.com/article/be...
Betrayal at Iga
Hiro Hattori Novel #5
By Susan Spann
ISBN#9781633882775
Author Website: http://www.susanspann.com/
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Daniele
Synopsis:
Autumn, 1565: After fleeing Kyoto, master ninja Hiro Hattori and Portuguese Jesuit Father Mateo take refuge with Hiro’s ninja clan in the mountains of Iga province. But when an ambassador from the rival Koga clan is murdered during peace negotiations, Hiro and Father Mateo must find the killer in time to prevent a war between the ninja clans.
With every suspect a trained assassin, and the evidence incriminating not only Hiro’s commander, the infamous ninja Hattori Hanzo, but also Hiro’s mother and his former lover, the detectives must struggle to find the truth in a village where deceit is a cultivated art. As tensions rise, the killer strikes again, and Hiro finds himself forced to choose between his family and his honor. (Goodreads)
Review:
Betrayal at Iga is the meticulously written and vastly entertaining fifth book in the Hiro Hittori Shinobi mystery series. Full of historical accuracy and a strong sense of time and place, the unlikely investigating duo of Hiro and his charge Father Mateo face their most personal mystery to date.
After barely escaping the Kyota province with their lives (The Ninja’s Daughter), Hiro and Father Mateo find themselves summoned to Hiro’s home province Iga to attend treaty negotiations between rival clans, Iga and Koga. However, things take a deadly turn when the leader of the Koga emissaries expires during dinner, obviously the victim of poison. In a room full of opposing assassins, there is no shortage of suspects. Could Hiro’s cousin Hanzo, the leader of Iga, have ordered one his own to murder Yajiro? These suspects hit Hiro a little too close to home since they include his mother, grandmother, and former lover. Could one of Yajiro’s own entourage be responsible for his untimely end? Hiro and Father Mateo are given three days to unmask the guilty party. If they fail to meet their deadline, the peace treaty efforts with fall apart, thus starting a war. In addition, Hiro’s mother Midori has agreed to take the blame, and Hiro just cannot allow that. With the clans near battling over who will be the next shogun, and the personal ramifications of the mystery, Hiro and Father Mateo are desperate to find the truth.
I really enjoyed Betrayal at Iga. It might even be my favorite of the series to date. There is a much greater sense of urgency this time around with so much more at stake for Hiro and his family. We get a much more personal look at Hiro since the action takes place in his home province. I relished getting a peek at his family home, meeting his mother and grandmother, and watching as he deals with the ghosts of his past concerning his former lover’s betrayal. We still do not know who the mysterious benefactor who funds Hiro’s protection of the Portuguese priest is, but I think we are getting much closer to a revelation. Hiro and Father Mateo have settled into a true friendship at this point, and I adore their repartee. They make an unusual team, but it feels right. The contrasts of their respective cultures serve as advantages as they look at the puzzle before them from different perspectives.
Spann’s love of Japanese history and culture shines in her concise, informative writing. The style is somewhat spare, beautiful and fascinatingly edifying. Spann’s punctilious research and attention to detail combine with strong characters and a solid mystery to make a thoroughly enjoyable read. Recommended to fans of historical mysteries and fiction, lovers of Japanese culture, and those looking for a unique detective team.
Betrayal at Iga
Hiro Hattori Novel #5
By Susan Spann
ISBN#9781633882775
Author Website: http://www.susanspann.com/
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Daniele
Synopsis:
Autumn, 1565: After fleeing Kyoto, master ninja Hiro Hattori and Portuguese Jesuit Father Mateo take refuge with Hiro’s ninja clan in the mountains of Iga province. But when an ambassador from the rival Koga clan is murdered during peace negotiations, Hiro and Father Mateo must find the killer in time to prevent a war between the ninja clans.
With every suspect a trained assassin, and the evidence incriminating not only Hiro’s commander, the infamous ninja Hattori Hanzo, but also Hiro’s mother and his former lover, the detectives must struggle to find the truth in a village where deceit is a cultivated art. As tensions rise, the killer strikes again, and Hiro finds himself forced to choose between his family and his honor. (Goodreads)
Review:
Betrayal at Iga is the meticulously written and vastly entertaining fifth book in the Hiro Hittori Shinobi mystery series. Full of historical accuracy and a strong sense of time and place, the unlikely investigating duo of Hiro and his charge Father Mateo face their most personal mystery to date.
After barely escaping the Kyota province with their lives (The Ninja’s Daughter), Hiro and Father Mateo find themselves summoned to Hiro’s home province Iga to attend treaty negotiations between rival clans, Iga and Koga. However, things take a deadly turn when the leader of the Koga emissaries expires during dinner, obviously the victim of poison. In a room full of opposing assassins, there is no shortage of suspects. Could Hiro’s cousin Hanzo, the leader of Iga, have ordered one his own to murder Yajiro? These suspects hit Hiro a little too close to home since they include his mother, grandmother, and former lover. Could one of Yajiro’s own entourage be responsible for his untimely end? Hiro and Father Mateo are given three days to unmask the guilty party. If they fail to meet their deadline, the peace treaty efforts with fall apart, thus starting a war. In addition, Hiro’s mother Midori has agreed to take the blame, and Hiro just cannot allow that. With the clans near battling over who will be the next shogun, and the personal ramifications of the mystery, Hiro and Father Mateo are desperate to find the truth.
I really enjoyed Betrayal at Iga. It might even be my favorite of the series to date. There is a much greater sense of urgency this time around with so much more at stake for Hiro and his family. We get a much more personal look at Hiro since the action takes place in his home province. I relished getting a peek at his family home, meeting his mother and grandmother, and watching as he deals with the ghosts of his past concerning his former lover’s betrayal. We still do not know who the mysterious benefactor who funds Hiro’s protection of the Portuguese priest is, but I think we are getting much closer to a revelation. Hiro and Father Mateo have settled into a true friendship at this point, and I adore their repartee. They make an unusual team, but it feels right. The contrasts of their respective cultures serve as advantages as they look at the puzzle before them from different perspectives.
Spann’s love of Japanese history and culture shines in her concise, informative writing. The style is somewhat spare, beautiful and fascinatingly edifying. Spann’s punctilious research and attention to detail combine with strong characters and a solid mystery to make a thoroughly enjoyable read. Recommended to fans of historical mysteries and fiction, lovers of Japanese culture, and those looking for a unique detective team.
August 11, 2017
The main characters are stellar. This is my first Hiro Hattori novel, but it is the fifth in the series, and it didn't bother me a bit. A shinobi, Hiro is tempered like steel; quick-witted, too. His companion, a Portuguese priest called Father Mateo, is exactly how I remember the priests I grew up with in church: thoughtful, often cheery, and warm if not a little headstrong. Their interactions are written so beautifully that through them you get to know these men. And, like all good detective novels, they'll feel like old familiar friends by the end of the story. Based on that, I wouldn't worry as to where you enter into this particular novel set.
I've read mysteries, and I know those, but the setting here was entirely exotic and unfamiliar. And deadly. Taking place in Iga, in a village full of trained assassins and quiet warriors, it's impossible to point fingers without having them cut off.
That level of danger is palpable on every page of this book, to the point where when a character ventures out into the dark with only a lantern, it will make you shiver. To make it worse (because in these books, you have to make it worse) this is Hiro's family village, and many implicated in the mysterious murder of a clan representative are his own loved ones.
The details are everything, which is to be expected from a historical writer, but really the characterization here was just amazing, and it's that which will transport you across the world and across time into this beautiful, dangerous setting.
I'll be looking for the rest of these books by Susan Spann, and I'd recommend "Betrayal At Iga: A Hiro Hattori Novel" to any mystery lover.
I've read mysteries, and I know those, but the setting here was entirely exotic and unfamiliar. And deadly. Taking place in Iga, in a village full of trained assassins and quiet warriors, it's impossible to point fingers without having them cut off.
That level of danger is palpable on every page of this book, to the point where when a character ventures out into the dark with only a lantern, it will make you shiver. To make it worse (because in these books, you have to make it worse) this is Hiro's family village, and many implicated in the mysterious murder of a clan representative are his own loved ones.
The details are everything, which is to be expected from a historical writer, but really the characterization here was just amazing, and it's that which will transport you across the world and across time into this beautiful, dangerous setting.
I'll be looking for the rest of these books by Susan Spann, and I'd recommend "Betrayal At Iga: A Hiro Hattori Novel" to any mystery lover.
August 1, 2017
'Betrayal at IGA' is a fantastic historical mystery that fans old and new are going to love. This is the fifth installment in the Shinobi Mystery series, but I don't think you really need to read any of the previous books to enjoy this one. I haven't read any of the other ones, but I had no problem keeping up with the characters and the plot. I would like to get to know the characters better and to see how their relationship began and grew to where they are at in the series. There are several great aspects to this novel and not much of any negatives for me. The only thing I want to mention is the author's use of the third person, which is not one of my favorite styles. It seemed to work well in this story though, and didn't really bother me once I got used to it. I definitely recommend this book for fans of historical fiction, mystery, suspense, and cultural fiction - specifically Japan.
Characters: The main characters - Hiro and Father Mateo - are wonderful and have a great dynamic. Each one has their strengths and weaknesses, but they seem to complement one another. I love that they are so different - Hiro is a master ninja from Japan and Father Mateo is a priest from Portugal, but they share a love of solving mysteries and crimes, getting to the bottom of things, and fighting for justice. Both are smart, strong, determined, brave, and attentive to detail. I liked watching their partnership and friendship deepen throughout the book.
Setting: The setting is 1565 Japan, which I found fascinating. I don't know much about Japan's history, so getting to learn about it from the story was great. I never would have thought I could "see" this interesting place, but the author managed to bring it to life in front of my eyes. There is such attention to detail - vivid imagery and descriptions - that I could easily picture myself beside Hiro and Father Mateo. This is a hard skill to master, but the author did it with ease and imagination.
Plot: Political intrigue, murder, and lots of suspects come together to create a suspenseful and thrilling mystery. I love the genre and always try to figure things out before the characters do, but I couldn't quite pin it down with this one. There were twists and turns I didn't see coming, which made things all the more confusing until the ending revealed the truth.
Disclosure: I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Characters: The main characters - Hiro and Father Mateo - are wonderful and have a great dynamic. Each one has their strengths and weaknesses, but they seem to complement one another. I love that they are so different - Hiro is a master ninja from Japan and Father Mateo is a priest from Portugal, but they share a love of solving mysteries and crimes, getting to the bottom of things, and fighting for justice. Both are smart, strong, determined, brave, and attentive to detail. I liked watching their partnership and friendship deepen throughout the book.
Setting: The setting is 1565 Japan, which I found fascinating. I don't know much about Japan's history, so getting to learn about it from the story was great. I never would have thought I could "see" this interesting place, but the author managed to bring it to life in front of my eyes. There is such attention to detail - vivid imagery and descriptions - that I could easily picture myself beside Hiro and Father Mateo. This is a hard skill to master, but the author did it with ease and imagination.
Plot: Political intrigue, murder, and lots of suspects come together to create a suspenseful and thrilling mystery. I love the genre and always try to figure things out before the characters do, but I couldn't quite pin it down with this one. There were twists and turns I didn't see coming, which made things all the more confusing until the ending revealed the truth.
Disclosure: I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
April 22, 2019
One of the most delightful private eye duos is back! I know it’s only been a year since their last appearance but it seemed like eons because I love them so much.
Hiro and Father Mateo are a most unusual pair, this Japanese shinobi and Portuguese priest that are linked together by contract. Hiro was assigned the task of protecting the Jesuit from all the dangers that can befall a foreigner in the midst of feudal Japan and he has done so with honor and careful attention to the things that could get Father Mateo in trouble. A very large pitfall is the culture and societal demands of this world of shoguns and samurais and Hiro is particularly concerned that the priest understand how to behave as they approach Iga, Hiro’s home. It’s Father Mateo’s first visit and Hiro himself hasn’t been home in some time.
Adding to the potential problem is the enormous tension that’s palpable in the feasting room when they arrive slightly late. A group of delegates from the Koga clan has come, supposedly to seek common ground with the Hattori clan to prevent war but at least one in the visiting group is overtly hostile and suspicious. Fuyu’s attitude of extreme distrust seems warranted when another member of his clan falls over, clearly dying from poison moments after beginning the feast.
In what is essentially a locked room mystery, in this case a locked compound, Fuyu immediately accuses the Hattori clan of murder and hostilities escalate until this room full of trained assassins are all prepared to kill each other. Hattori Hanzo, host and commander, suggests that Hiro and Father Mateo be appointed to solve the crime and bring the killer to justice but they have only three days to do so. The prime suspect? Midori, the woman who prepared the feast, Hiro’s mother.
This entry in the series is my favorite so far for a lot of reasons. Emotions run high, the tension is at breaking point and the pressure on Father Mateo and Hiro has never been so intense but we also get a good look at Hiro’s background and family, the forces that made him who he is. Family and an old love are at the core of the story and the closed community of medieval Japan is immensely interesting but, as always with this pair, the investigation is enlightening in many ways, especially considering the lack of modern-day crime solving forensics. The intriguing 16th-century setting and Ms. Spann’s knowledge of the era and place are the icing on the cake for this addition to my list of best books read in 2017.
Hiro and Father Mateo are a most unusual pair, this Japanese shinobi and Portuguese priest that are linked together by contract. Hiro was assigned the task of protecting the Jesuit from all the dangers that can befall a foreigner in the midst of feudal Japan and he has done so with honor and careful attention to the things that could get Father Mateo in trouble. A very large pitfall is the culture and societal demands of this world of shoguns and samurais and Hiro is particularly concerned that the priest understand how to behave as they approach Iga, Hiro’s home. It’s Father Mateo’s first visit and Hiro himself hasn’t been home in some time.
Adding to the potential problem is the enormous tension that’s palpable in the feasting room when they arrive slightly late. A group of delegates from the Koga clan has come, supposedly to seek common ground with the Hattori clan to prevent war but at least one in the visiting group is overtly hostile and suspicious. Fuyu’s attitude of extreme distrust seems warranted when another member of his clan falls over, clearly dying from poison moments after beginning the feast.
In what is essentially a locked room mystery, in this case a locked compound, Fuyu immediately accuses the Hattori clan of murder and hostilities escalate until this room full of trained assassins are all prepared to kill each other. Hattori Hanzo, host and commander, suggests that Hiro and Father Mateo be appointed to solve the crime and bring the killer to justice but they have only three days to do so. The prime suspect? Midori, the woman who prepared the feast, Hiro’s mother.
This entry in the series is my favorite so far for a lot of reasons. Emotions run high, the tension is at breaking point and the pressure on Father Mateo and Hiro has never been so intense but we also get a good look at Hiro’s background and family, the forces that made him who he is. Family and an old love are at the core of the story and the closed community of medieval Japan is immensely interesting but, as always with this pair, the investigation is enlightening in many ways, especially considering the lack of modern-day crime solving forensics. The intriguing 16th-century setting and Ms. Spann’s knowledge of the era and place are the icing on the cake for this addition to my list of best books read in 2017.
August 15, 2017
First Sentence: Hiro Hattori leaned into the wind that swept down the hill and across his face.
Master ninja Hiro Hatori and Jesuit Father Mateo have come to the house of Hattori Hanzō where a gathering of Koga emissaries have come for peace negotiations. When one of the Koga clan dies an unnatural death at dinner, Hiro and Father Mateo are given three days to identify the murderer.
One may feel there is one rather significant fault to the formatting of the book. There is a very needed and useful Cast of Characters provided. However, it is at the very end of the book, rather than the beginning where it would be most apparent and useful.
There is no waiting for someone to die. Spann kills off the victim very shortly, and dramatically, into the story. The three-day deadline to solve the crime immediately adds a sense of ticking-clock pressure.
Dialogue is so important to the enjoyment of a book. It is that, more than anything, which brings characters to life. From the first page, we are treated to wonderful dialogue which also tells one quite a bit about the relationship of the two protagonists. It also serves to tell us a bit about the relative heights of characters themselves—“we left our winter kimono in Kyoto.” … “What about you?” the Jesuit asked Hiro. “Mother left my old ones in the cabinet, but they’d barely reach your knees.” The wry humor is so well done—“Your god never had a woman stab his thigh,” Hiro started up the hill toward Hanzō’s mansion. “True enough. But a spear did pierce his side.”
The seemingly small informational facts—“Hiro and Father Mateo followed Akiko down a narrow passage lined with paneled sliding doors and covered by a low, carved ceiling designed to prevent the use of swords.”--make such a difference in setting the time and place for the story. At the same time, they feel as though they are bits one should store away just in case one has the opportunity to visit Japan.
As well as the protagonists, there are several really wonderful secondary characters; Hiro’s grandmother Akiko, the mute girl Tane, and Father Mateo’s housekeeper Ana amongst them. Each of them serves to enrich the story.
“Betrayal at Iga” is very well done. There are suspects and bodies aplenty, and an excellent last line.
BETRAYAL IN IGA (Hist Mys-Hiro Hatori/Father Mateo-Japan-1565) – VG+
Spann, Susan – 5th in series
Seventh Street Books – July 2017
Master ninja Hiro Hatori and Jesuit Father Mateo have come to the house of Hattori Hanzō where a gathering of Koga emissaries have come for peace negotiations. When one of the Koga clan dies an unnatural death at dinner, Hiro and Father Mateo are given three days to identify the murderer.
One may feel there is one rather significant fault to the formatting of the book. There is a very needed and useful Cast of Characters provided. However, it is at the very end of the book, rather than the beginning where it would be most apparent and useful.
There is no waiting for someone to die. Spann kills off the victim very shortly, and dramatically, into the story. The three-day deadline to solve the crime immediately adds a sense of ticking-clock pressure.
Dialogue is so important to the enjoyment of a book. It is that, more than anything, which brings characters to life. From the first page, we are treated to wonderful dialogue which also tells one quite a bit about the relationship of the two protagonists. It also serves to tell us a bit about the relative heights of characters themselves—“we left our winter kimono in Kyoto.” … “What about you?” the Jesuit asked Hiro. “Mother left my old ones in the cabinet, but they’d barely reach your knees.” The wry humor is so well done—“Your god never had a woman stab his thigh,” Hiro started up the hill toward Hanzō’s mansion. “True enough. But a spear did pierce his side.”
The seemingly small informational facts—“Hiro and Father Mateo followed Akiko down a narrow passage lined with paneled sliding doors and covered by a low, carved ceiling designed to prevent the use of swords.”--make such a difference in setting the time and place for the story. At the same time, they feel as though they are bits one should store away just in case one has the opportunity to visit Japan.
As well as the protagonists, there are several really wonderful secondary characters; Hiro’s grandmother Akiko, the mute girl Tane, and Father Mateo’s housekeeper Ana amongst them. Each of them serves to enrich the story.
“Betrayal at Iga” is very well done. There are suspects and bodies aplenty, and an excellent last line.
BETRAYAL IN IGA (Hist Mys-Hiro Hatori/Father Mateo-Japan-1565) – VG+
Spann, Susan – 5th in series
Seventh Street Books – July 2017
July 23, 2017
This is quickly becoming my favorite series!
With Portuguese being evacuated from Kyoto, Hiro must take Father Mateo and his housekeeper Ana with him to Iga, which is the last place he wants to go. Everyone at Iga is trained to be a spy and an assassin, but at least Father Mateo should be safe. After they arrive, Iga’s leader Hattori Hanzo invites the guest to a feast. Also arriving at Iga are four emissaries from the nearby Koga clan, which Hanzo hopes to form an alliance with to stand against the new shogun. During the second meal course, the lead emissary suddenly starts retching and dies shortly thereafter from poison. Immediately the Koga clan blame Hanzo. After much deliberation, it is decided that Father Mateo and Hiro have three days to determine who the killer is in order to maintain peace or start a war. But when everyone is a trained assassin, can anyone be trusted?
I absolutely love this book and this series. These are some of the best stories with the quirkiest characters that I have ever read. It’s hard to explain, but the way that everyone plays off of each over is masterfully done. Father Mateo and Hiro’s demeanor is hilarious at times that you can help but laugh out loud. Add Hiro’s family and it is almost like watching a samurai soap opera unfold. Finally, Hiro’s past life’s story comes to life that has always been hinted about in the previous books. We’ve heard about Neko and finally get to meet her. And his mother and grandmother and some odd characters too, but make the story great.
It is so easy to get wrapped up in this story that I almost forget it is set in 1565. Even so, the historically accuracy is spot on and makes the reader feel like they are right in the middle of it. I highly recommend this book for mystery lovers and those who just love a good read. There is some history in the previous books, so I would suggest starting at the beginning, but don’t let that hinder you if you want to start it now!
I received a complimentary copy of this book through TLC book tours for an honest review. The comments and views stated in the above review are my own.
With Portuguese being evacuated from Kyoto, Hiro must take Father Mateo and his housekeeper Ana with him to Iga, which is the last place he wants to go. Everyone at Iga is trained to be a spy and an assassin, but at least Father Mateo should be safe. After they arrive, Iga’s leader Hattori Hanzo invites the guest to a feast. Also arriving at Iga are four emissaries from the nearby Koga clan, which Hanzo hopes to form an alliance with to stand against the new shogun. During the second meal course, the lead emissary suddenly starts retching and dies shortly thereafter from poison. Immediately the Koga clan blame Hanzo. After much deliberation, it is decided that Father Mateo and Hiro have three days to determine who the killer is in order to maintain peace or start a war. But when everyone is a trained assassin, can anyone be trusted?
I absolutely love this book and this series. These are some of the best stories with the quirkiest characters that I have ever read. It’s hard to explain, but the way that everyone plays off of each over is masterfully done. Father Mateo and Hiro’s demeanor is hilarious at times that you can help but laugh out loud. Add Hiro’s family and it is almost like watching a samurai soap opera unfold. Finally, Hiro’s past life’s story comes to life that has always been hinted about in the previous books. We’ve heard about Neko and finally get to meet her. And his mother and grandmother and some odd characters too, but make the story great.
It is so easy to get wrapped up in this story that I almost forget it is set in 1565. Even so, the historically accuracy is spot on and makes the reader feel like they are right in the middle of it. I highly recommend this book for mystery lovers and those who just love a good read. There is some history in the previous books, so I would suggest starting at the beginning, but don’t let that hinder you if you want to start it now!
I received a complimentary copy of this book through TLC book tours for an honest review. The comments and views stated in the above review are my own.
August 4, 2019
I continue to devour this series eagerly, and this one did not disappoint.
The fifth entry in her Shinobi series has Susan Spann putting our crime-solving duo (Hiro the ninja and Father Mateo the priest) in Hiro's home village of Iga, the stronghold of his ryu, or ninja clan. When the chief emissary from a rival clan is murdered at the welcome feast preceding negotiations for a treaty declaring an alliance between Iga and Koga, Hiro and Father Mateo have to work quickly to solve the crime before the emissaries leave and declare war on Iga. As always in these novels, one murder isn't enough, so multiple crimes occur during the investigations that follow, with suspects including the leader of Hiro's own clan, his mother, his grandmother, his former lover, the other emissaries themselves, and a strangely mute student of the Iga school. Spann's ability to make all of the characters plausible suspects until the very end is a real talent that she uses to full effect here.
This novel also dives into more of Hiro's backstory. We finally meet Neko, his former lover and the one who left him with both emotional and physical scars. We finally meet Hattori Hanzo, the leader of Hiro's clan and his cousin. We even meet Hiro's mother and grandmother, both deadly assassins in their own rights. Seen through these other characters and his reactions to them, Hiro's emotional make-up is expanded greatly in this novel, giving him a greater depth than the typical samurai/ninja stoicism would allow to be shown publicly. Not only is the reader drawn into the mystery to be solved, but is also drawn into the personal lives of the main characters, and in retrospect, knowing the things about Hiro that are related in this novel explains many of his actions and decisions in the previous novels.
Again, this series continues to garner my full recommendation for fans of mysteries or historical fiction. The mystery is well plotted, the investigation includes a good amount of ninja action, and there are plenty of twists that the reader will not see coming.
Thanks to Seventh Street Books for providing me a copy of this book.
The fifth entry in her Shinobi series has Susan Spann putting our crime-solving duo (Hiro the ninja and Father Mateo the priest) in Hiro's home village of Iga, the stronghold of his ryu, or ninja clan. When the chief emissary from a rival clan is murdered at the welcome feast preceding negotiations for a treaty declaring an alliance between Iga and Koga, Hiro and Father Mateo have to work quickly to solve the crime before the emissaries leave and declare war on Iga. As always in these novels, one murder isn't enough, so multiple crimes occur during the investigations that follow, with suspects including the leader of Hiro's own clan, his mother, his grandmother, his former lover, the other emissaries themselves, and a strangely mute student of the Iga school. Spann's ability to make all of the characters plausible suspects until the very end is a real talent that she uses to full effect here.
This novel also dives into more of Hiro's backstory. We finally meet Neko, his former lover and the one who left him with both emotional and physical scars. We finally meet Hattori Hanzo, the leader of Hiro's clan and his cousin. We even meet Hiro's mother and grandmother, both deadly assassins in their own rights. Seen through these other characters and his reactions to them, Hiro's emotional make-up is expanded greatly in this novel, giving him a greater depth than the typical samurai/ninja stoicism would allow to be shown publicly. Not only is the reader drawn into the mystery to be solved, but is also drawn into the personal lives of the main characters, and in retrospect, knowing the things about Hiro that are related in this novel explains many of his actions and decisions in the previous novels.
Again, this series continues to garner my full recommendation for fans of mysteries or historical fiction. The mystery is well plotted, the investigation includes a good amount of ninja action, and there are plenty of twists that the reader will not see coming.
Thanks to Seventh Street Books for providing me a copy of this book.
July 19, 2017
This is my fourth book with Hiro Hattori and Father Mateo and hopefully not my last. I don’t read a lot of murder mysteries any more – I like my sleep and I find that thrillers, murders, et al keep me awake at night. There is something almost gentle in the way these books handle the gruesome topic of murder. At any rate it allows for a restful night’s sleep if I don’t get the book read in the course of a day. In the case of Betrayal at Iga I did read it in one afternoon so there was no fear of a restless sleep no matter what.
In this installment Hiro finds himself back where he began which causes many problems for him above and beyond the inevitable murder(s) that need solving. I’m not spoiling anything but offering up the existence of murder for it wouldn’t be a Shinobi Mystery without at least one.
The investigation of the murders this time is particularly delicate as the dead were part of a visiting delegation who were visiting to negotiate between the clans. There are secrets and lies swirling everywhere and Hiro must navigate within his family of trained assassins who just may be responsible for the deaths. He also is meeting his first love for the first time since she betrayed him. He must stay focused to sort out the clues and to keep Father Mateo from breaking Japanese protocol in a place that is about as rigid as it gets.
I did enjoy this book – I think it’s my favorite of the four I have read. Hiro is less rigid in a place where he really should be most controlled and Father Mateo is his usual self. The addition of family pressures adds to the strain and pressure of trying to solve murders that could have lasting impacts on their country. These two characters and their loyal maid/cook/cat keeper are a wonderful group of crime fighters using what we might call forensics at a time when the word hasn’t even entered the lexicon. The book is a page turner that keeps the reader guessing. It does easily stand alone but as with any series it is richer reading with the knowledge that comes with having read the earlier books.
4.5
In this installment Hiro finds himself back where he began which causes many problems for him above and beyond the inevitable murder(s) that need solving. I’m not spoiling anything but offering up the existence of murder for it wouldn’t be a Shinobi Mystery without at least one.
The investigation of the murders this time is particularly delicate as the dead were part of a visiting delegation who were visiting to negotiate between the clans. There are secrets and lies swirling everywhere and Hiro must navigate within his family of trained assassins who just may be responsible for the deaths. He also is meeting his first love for the first time since she betrayed him. He must stay focused to sort out the clues and to keep Father Mateo from breaking Japanese protocol in a place that is about as rigid as it gets.
I did enjoy this book – I think it’s my favorite of the four I have read. Hiro is less rigid in a place where he really should be most controlled and Father Mateo is his usual self. The addition of family pressures adds to the strain and pressure of trying to solve murders that could have lasting impacts on their country. These two characters and their loyal maid/cook/cat keeper are a wonderful group of crime fighters using what we might call forensics at a time when the word hasn’t even entered the lexicon. The book is a page turner that keeps the reader guessing. It does easily stand alone but as with any series it is richer reading with the knowledge that comes with having read the earlier books.
4.5
December 2, 2017
When last we left Hiro and Fr Mateo the Shogan has died and various factions are trying to take over. For the safety of the Portuguese Jesuit the two men have taken refuge in the mountainous home of Hiro--his ninja clan in Iga Province. On the day of their arrival a contingent from a neighboring province has also arrived. Although it is not the ideal situation since each new arrival by tradition receives their own welcome dinner, Hartori Hanzo, Hiro's cousin and commander, has no choice but to welcome both parties at the same meal. It would appear that the other guests are four emissaries from Koga Province. Hanzo would like to convince Koga to unite with Iga to show strength in numbers as the Shoganate is settled. Naturally, as often happens to our heros, one of the Koga emissaries dies violently vomiting and struggling to breath during the second course of the dinner!
The remaining Koga immediately accuse the Iga of murdering him and declare it an act of war. Hanzo calms them enough to get their agreement to remain three days while Fr Mateo, not of Iga Province and not Japanese, and therefore neutral, investigates to determine the murderer. So many possible culprits, most of them assassins by training, all of them with either motive or the duty to obey the orders of one with a motive. Hiro's grandmother, mother, former childhood sweetheart, the three remaining Koga, Hanzo himself, any of them capable of the act.
I love the fact that Susan Spann writes so well that the solution is as perplexing for the reader as for the characters. But, in the end, after another two deaths and threats of more, the murderer is indeed identified. A resolution is reached in the negotiations for a pact between neighbors. And, Hanzo with great humor sends Hiro, Fr Mateo, Ana the housekeeper and Gato, the cat on to their next adventure. What he doesn't know is that he is sending the reader along, too--at least this one.
The hardest part is having to wait a year to catch up with them at the sacred Mount Koya.
The remaining Koga immediately accuse the Iga of murdering him and declare it an act of war. Hanzo calms them enough to get their agreement to remain three days while Fr Mateo, not of Iga Province and not Japanese, and therefore neutral, investigates to determine the murderer. So many possible culprits, most of them assassins by training, all of them with either motive or the duty to obey the orders of one with a motive. Hiro's grandmother, mother, former childhood sweetheart, the three remaining Koga, Hanzo himself, any of them capable of the act.
I love the fact that Susan Spann writes so well that the solution is as perplexing for the reader as for the characters. But, in the end, after another two deaths and threats of more, the murderer is indeed identified. A resolution is reached in the negotiations for a pact between neighbors. And, Hanzo with great humor sends Hiro, Fr Mateo, Ana the housekeeper and Gato, the cat on to their next adventure. What he doesn't know is that he is sending the reader along, too--at least this one.
The hardest part is having to wait a year to catch up with them at the sacred Mount Koya.
July 13, 2017
I am always looking for diversity in my reading; sometimes I feel like I am reading about the same people, places and time periods. These books tend to blur together. Enter, Betrayal at Iga by Susan Spann, which I have the pleasure of being on the blog tour for today!
This novel is incredibly different from anything I have read lately; part mystery, part historical fiction, this novel finds itself in Japan in the 1500s. Master ninja, Hiro Hattori and his “sidekick” Jesuit priest, Father Mateo find themselves with an enemy to make a peace treaty. This turns South when that man is murdered, war is pending and the duo is in a race against time to find the true killer before all hell breaks loose.
I know nothing about Japan or Japanese culture, so I found this one incredibly interesting. Spann stays true to her time period and presents things very traditionally in this novel. I loved the descriptions of the setting and I felt like these characters were very clearly different from anything I have been reading lately.
Unfortunately, this novel is the fifth in the series featuring Hiro Hattori and I struggled a little bit connecting; this novel delves right into the action! Spann does do a really good job ensuring that some backstory is given and characters fully explain their motivations, but I struggled a little bit initially.
Another feature that I both loved and hated about this novel was the language. Spann is very authentic in her writing and uses a plethora of Japanese terminology within the text. I felt like this was both cool and irritating. I loved how true to the culture she was within her prose but felt annoyed every time I needed to flip back and forth to check a term (she includes a glossary in the back of the book). This was a personal preference for me; I don’t like flipping back and forth as it throws me right out of the story.
Overall, I felt like this was a genuinely diverse read!
This novel is incredibly different from anything I have read lately; part mystery, part historical fiction, this novel finds itself in Japan in the 1500s. Master ninja, Hiro Hattori and his “sidekick” Jesuit priest, Father Mateo find themselves with an enemy to make a peace treaty. This turns South when that man is murdered, war is pending and the duo is in a race against time to find the true killer before all hell breaks loose.
I know nothing about Japan or Japanese culture, so I found this one incredibly interesting. Spann stays true to her time period and presents things very traditionally in this novel. I loved the descriptions of the setting and I felt like these characters were very clearly different from anything I have been reading lately.
Unfortunately, this novel is the fifth in the series featuring Hiro Hattori and I struggled a little bit connecting; this novel delves right into the action! Spann does do a really good job ensuring that some backstory is given and characters fully explain their motivations, but I struggled a little bit initially.
Another feature that I both loved and hated about this novel was the language. Spann is very authentic in her writing and uses a plethora of Japanese terminology within the text. I felt like this was both cool and irritating. I loved how true to the culture she was within her prose but felt annoyed every time I needed to flip back and forth to check a term (she includes a glossary in the back of the book). This was a personal preference for me; I don’t like flipping back and forth as it throws me right out of the story.
Overall, I felt like this was a genuinely diverse read!
July 4, 2017
BETRAYAL AT IGA by Susan Spann is book five in the Shinobi Mystery series, but it read very well as a standalone. I was surprisingly sucked into this murder mystery set in feudal Japan (1500's). It was an incredibly fast read (at just under 300 pages) and I feel like I learned a lot about the Japanese culture in this time period.
We follow Master ninja Hiro Hattori and Portuguese Jesuit Father Mateo in the Iga province. When an ambassador of a rival province, the Koga, is assassinated at dinner before peace negotiations, Hiro and Father Mateo must find the killer. They're racing against the clock to stop the murderer before the inevitable war between the Iga and Koga provinces.
This murder mystery becomes complicated when all of the potential suspects are highly respected ninjas and trained assassins - including the commander of the Iga. Hiro's family become intertwined in their search for the killer when he strikes again - will he have to choose between his family and his honor to serve them?
Spann did an incredible job with this novel. I can only imagine how the other four novels were before this. She is so true to the culture and the time period. The book even has a glossary of terms in the back so that you can learn what the terms mean. I also enjoyed her writing style. You wouldn't think that suspenseful murder mystery and feudal Japan would mix well, but she effortlessly weaves them together for a page turning read. With the short chapters, I found myself flying through this one!
I give this one 4/5 stars and I'll be looking for the other Shinobi Mystery novels!
Thanks to Prometheus Books/Seventh Street Books for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!
We follow Master ninja Hiro Hattori and Portuguese Jesuit Father Mateo in the Iga province. When an ambassador of a rival province, the Koga, is assassinated at dinner before peace negotiations, Hiro and Father Mateo must find the killer. They're racing against the clock to stop the murderer before the inevitable war between the Iga and Koga provinces.
This murder mystery becomes complicated when all of the potential suspects are highly respected ninjas and trained assassins - including the commander of the Iga. Hiro's family become intertwined in their search for the killer when he strikes again - will he have to choose between his family and his honor to serve them?
Spann did an incredible job with this novel. I can only imagine how the other four novels were before this. She is so true to the culture and the time period. The book even has a glossary of terms in the back so that you can learn what the terms mean. I also enjoyed her writing style. You wouldn't think that suspenseful murder mystery and feudal Japan would mix well, but she effortlessly weaves them together for a page turning read. With the short chapters, I found myself flying through this one!
I give this one 4/5 stars and I'll be looking for the other Shinobi Mystery novels!
Thanks to Prometheus Books/Seventh Street Books for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!
August 16, 2017
Hiro Hattori has a problem: he needs to find the murderer of an important guest ASAP. But the suspects are all people he doesn't want to give up. Like his mother. Or his ex-lover. As time runs out, what is he going to do?
"Betrayal at Iga" is set in 16th-century Japan, and is full of period detail--I am not qualified to say how accurate the period detail actually is, but it certainly felt convincing to me, and some quick Wikipediaing showed there was all kinds of historical backstory to the novel--but it reads more like a classic murder mystery than a historical novel. The plot is tightly constructed, with plenty of the kinds of red herrings, suspense-building tactics, and of course the surprise twist at the end, that you'd expect from a classic British mystery book. It's a cliche of the genre, but it's well-done and effective, making the book a light but entertaining read.
This is the fifth book in the series, but the first I had read, and so there was some backstory that I didn't know, but the book still worked well as a standalone read, and I was able to gather all the information that I needed to follow along. I suspect that fans of heavy historical fiction will find it a little on the slender side, and the characters are, not 2-dimensional, but secondary to the twists and turns of the plot, but it's full of fun historical Easter eggs and satisfying reveals of secrets and surprises. Certainly something that readers looking for an entertaining mystery series, especially with an unusual, non-Western setting, are likely to enjoy.
My thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
"Betrayal at Iga" is set in 16th-century Japan, and is full of period detail--I am not qualified to say how accurate the period detail actually is, but it certainly felt convincing to me, and some quick Wikipediaing showed there was all kinds of historical backstory to the novel--but it reads more like a classic murder mystery than a historical novel. The plot is tightly constructed, with plenty of the kinds of red herrings, suspense-building tactics, and of course the surprise twist at the end, that you'd expect from a classic British mystery book. It's a cliche of the genre, but it's well-done and effective, making the book a light but entertaining read.
This is the fifth book in the series, but the first I had read, and so there was some backstory that I didn't know, but the book still worked well as a standalone read, and I was able to gather all the information that I needed to follow along. I suspect that fans of heavy historical fiction will find it a little on the slender side, and the characters are, not 2-dimensional, but secondary to the twists and turns of the plot, but it's full of fun historical Easter eggs and satisfying reveals of secrets and surprises. Certainly something that readers looking for an entertaining mystery series, especially with an unusual, non-Western setting, are likely to enjoy.
My thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
June 10, 2017
In book 5 of the Hiro Hattori/Father Mateo series, we see the two having just left Kyoto and heading back to Hiro's hometown. They arrive on the same day as a group from Koga, a rival clan that the Iga province is trying to create an alliance with. Due to customs, both the Koga group and Hiro and Father Mateo are to dine together in a welcome meal with the leader of the Iga province. In the middle of the meal, the leader of the Koga group falls over dead, looking like he's been poisoned. Of course, the assumption is that Iga poisoned Koga, but they agree to a neutral investigation from Hiro and Father Mateo so they can bring the murderer to justice.
This is a pretty short book, as the two only have a few days to find the murderer. Everyone is a suspect. Hiro tries not to get distracted when he realizes that his previous lover is also in Iga, and could also be a suspect. The two have a lot of history which ended badly. Can Hiro maintain his objectivity?
I started in this series at book four and thought that it was pretty newbie friendly. This still seems to be the case one book 5. You don't need to have read the previous books to understand this one.
This book was focused mostly around the mystery than the characters. Father Mateo was hardly developed at all, as the book was written from Hiro's perspective and focuses more on him since he's going back home. I think because of this, I enjoyed the fourth book slightly more than the fifth. I'm just a Father Mateo fan! But this is still a great read!
This is a pretty short book, as the two only have a few days to find the murderer. Everyone is a suspect. Hiro tries not to get distracted when he realizes that his previous lover is also in Iga, and could also be a suspect. The two have a lot of history which ended badly. Can Hiro maintain his objectivity?
I started in this series at book four and thought that it was pretty newbie friendly. This still seems to be the case one book 5. You don't need to have read the previous books to understand this one.
This book was focused mostly around the mystery than the characters. Father Mateo was hardly developed at all, as the book was written from Hiro's perspective and focuses more on him since he's going back home. I think because of this, I enjoyed the fourth book slightly more than the fifth. I'm just a Father Mateo fan! But this is still a great read!
September 26, 2017
4.25 Stars. I have a soft spot for Susan Spann’s Hiro Hattori Novels (Shinobi Mysteries). After enjoying The Blade of the Samurai (Book 2), hosting a very interesting post from the author about Goshikimai: the Ninjas’ Coded Rice for Book 3’s release and being entertained by
The Ninja’s Daughter
(Book 4), I was delighted to have an opportunity to read
Betrayal at Iga
(Book 5).
The mysterious and secluded forest setting of the mountain village in which Hiro Hattori grew up forms a wonderful stage for intrigue and deception. As Hiro battles with ghosts of the past and assassins in the present, we learn much more about the people and events that have shaped him. Of particular note are the several strong female characters that play integral roles in this story. Read full review >>
The mysterious and secluded forest setting of the mountain village in which Hiro Hattori grew up forms a wonderful stage for intrigue and deception. As Hiro battles with ghosts of the past and assassins in the present, we learn much more about the people and events that have shaped him. Of particular note are the several strong female characters that play integral roles in this story. Read full review >>
July 12, 2017
I've read all the books in the Shinobi Mystery series.Shifting the characters from Kyoto to Ega has added a fresh life to the series.The betrayal in the title refers not only to the current events but also to another betrayal which Hiro faced years ago.Hiro who is usually very confident and adept at smelling out liars is conflicted.Because everyone in his family is a suspect and excellent liars to boot.And what a family too! And what a time to develop a conscience! Father Mateo on the other hand is becoming adept at guile and becoming more Japanese.In Hiro's words they are 'contaminating' each other.As in the earlier books he and Hiro does the whole song and dance about him not speaking Japanese properly and hence needing Hiro around.But this time they get called up smartly on it.Though Father Mateo's Japanese really needs more polishing as witnessed from the 'Fried Chicken' incident.The book does have a sprinkling of humor to balance the grim proceedings.The mystery is interesting and Hiro and Father Mateo get a short timeline to wrap up things or else...And it's a treat meeting the female ninjas or kunoichi for the first time in the series.
July 21, 2017
This is the fifth book in the series. I read the 4th one (I still need to back track and read the others) and I think you should at least read that one before this one.
The mystery duo Hiro and Mateo continue. We get to learn more about Hiro and that made me happy. It was nice to see where he came from and how he became who he is. It was nice to get to know more about one of our heroes. I do admit I have a wee crush on Hiro. ;D
I liked the mystery too. It took a long time for me to guess who the murder is, but I did figure it out. Lots of subtle, under-the-table hints and clues. Looking back I am mad at myself for not figuring it out a few pages sooner. Kuddos for the author.
I love the writing style of the author. She really knows how to weave characters, mysteries, and the world. Beautiful and I want to read more.
My only issue with the story was how dragged out it felt. There was a lot of repeating information that we, the readers, already knew. But that is my only complaint.
I can't wait to read more. I need to back up and read the other ones. I encourage reading book 1. Out of five stars, I'll give this 4 stars.
The mystery duo Hiro and Mateo continue. We get to learn more about Hiro and that made me happy. It was nice to see where he came from and how he became who he is. It was nice to get to know more about one of our heroes. I do admit I have a wee crush on Hiro. ;D
I liked the mystery too. It took a long time for me to guess who the murder is, but I did figure it out. Lots of subtle, under-the-table hints and clues. Looking back I am mad at myself for not figuring it out a few pages sooner. Kuddos for the author.
I love the writing style of the author. She really knows how to weave characters, mysteries, and the world. Beautiful and I want to read more.
My only issue with the story was how dragged out it felt. There was a lot of repeating information that we, the readers, already knew. But that is my only complaint.
I can't wait to read more. I need to back up and read the other ones. I encourage reading book 1. Out of five stars, I'll give this 4 stars.
September 18, 2017
In 1565 Japan, Hattori Hiro and Portuguese Jesuit Father Mateo have returned to Hiro’s childhood home in the Iga Mountains to witness the negotiation of a peace treaty between the Iga and the Koga clans. At the welcoming dinner, the Koga lead negotiator is poisoned and dies. The Koga negotiators agree to let Father Mateo and Hiro investigate the murder. There is a plethora of suspects, in essence everyone in the room when the negotiator died plus Hiro’s mother and grandmother. If Hiro cannot find the murderer, there will be a war between the two clans.
This book is well written, well researched, and a fascinating read. The characters are well drawn and sound true to the time, there weren’t any slips into modern language. It is tightly plotted with enough twists and turns to keep you reading well past your bedtime. Spann keeps you guessing who dunnit to the end.
This book is the fifth in the series featuring Hiro and Father Mateo. Now that I’ve read it, I’ve gotten the first book in the series to start reading the entire series.
This book reminds me of an award winning series by author Dale Furutani (in 1998-2000) featuring a masterless samurai.
This book is well written, well researched, and a fascinating read. The characters are well drawn and sound true to the time, there weren’t any slips into modern language. It is tightly plotted with enough twists and turns to keep you reading well past your bedtime. Spann keeps you guessing who dunnit to the end.
This book is the fifth in the series featuring Hiro and Father Mateo. Now that I’ve read it, I’ve gotten the first book in the series to start reading the entire series.
This book reminds me of an award winning series by author Dale Furutani (in 1998-2000) featuring a masterless samurai.
August 28, 2017
"She has killed a man with nothing but a chopstick."
As soon as I read that line, I knew I was in for an enjoyable read.
I flew through this book but savored it at the same time.
The undercurrent of humor in this book is gold, and at times, would make me laugh out loud.
Father Mateo must be thinking this is the strangest dinner party he's ever attended. It reminded me of the movie Clue, but in a larger than life scale, in 16th Century Japan. (I loved Clue).
A Japanese grandmother assassin who speaks fluent Portuguese for the win!
The touching friendship between Hiro, Father Mateo and Anna as well as the subtle love story bring so much depth to this mystery. These characters have become so real to me it's like they have been painted into history.
I love the way it ended. Can't wait for book #6!
As soon as I read that line, I knew I was in for an enjoyable read.
I flew through this book but savored it at the same time.
The undercurrent of humor in this book is gold, and at times, would make me laugh out loud.
Father Mateo must be thinking this is the strangest dinner party he's ever attended. It reminded me of the movie Clue, but in a larger than life scale, in 16th Century Japan. (I loved Clue).
A Japanese grandmother assassin who speaks fluent Portuguese for the win!
The touching friendship between Hiro, Father Mateo and Anna as well as the subtle love story bring so much depth to this mystery. These characters have become so real to me it's like they have been painted into history.
I love the way it ended. Can't wait for book #6!
February 26, 2019
Betrayal at Iga by Susan Spann is set in Japan in 1565. Ninja Hiro Hattori and Portuguese Jesuit Father Mateo attend a peace conference between the Iga Ryu and Koga Ryu. The goal of the peace conference is to form an alliance against Oda Nobunaga, a samurai warlord who wanted to become Shogun and rule all of Japan. At the welcome dinner, Koga Yajiro is poisoned.
If you are looking for a historical murder mystery set in Japan, this book (Shinobi Mystery #5) is perfect. However, you should also look at Dreaming Spies by Laurie King.
For my expanded report: https://1book42day.blogspot.com/2019/...
For more on Dreaming Spies: https://1book42day.blogspot.com/2018/...
Check out https://amazon.com/shop/influencer-20... for book recommendations.
If you are looking for a historical murder mystery set in Japan, this book (Shinobi Mystery #5) is perfect. However, you should also look at Dreaming Spies by Laurie King.
For my expanded report: https://1book42day.blogspot.com/2019/...
For more on Dreaming Spies: https://1book42day.blogspot.com/2018/...
Check out https://amazon.com/shop/influencer-20... for book recommendations.
December 27, 2017
3.5*
One of my favorite series. Poor Hiro has a rough homecoming as he and Fr. Mateo stop at Iga only to end up involved in a volatile political situation and again, 3 days to solve a murder or face dire consequences. We learn a lot about Hiro's family, youth, training and love life but his 'partnership' with Fr. Mateo was less front and center with the latter acting as a voice of calm and reason in a very heated atmosphere but not terribly 'present' in the sleuthing. Not as much subtle humor as in some of the earlier books. Their housekeeper and the cat, Gato, were along for the journey but featured little in this book. Happily, the ending gave hope and a few hints that there will be another adventure to come as Hiro and Mateo continue their journey.
One of my favorite series. Poor Hiro has a rough homecoming as he and Fr. Mateo stop at Iga only to end up involved in a volatile political situation and again, 3 days to solve a murder or face dire consequences. We learn a lot about Hiro's family, youth, training and love life but his 'partnership' with Fr. Mateo was less front and center with the latter acting as a voice of calm and reason in a very heated atmosphere but not terribly 'present' in the sleuthing. Not as much subtle humor as in some of the earlier books. Their housekeeper and the cat, Gato, were along for the journey but featured little in this book. Happily, the ending gave hope and a few hints that there will be another adventure to come as Hiro and Mateo continue their journey.
July 21, 2017
Originally published at Reading Reality
From the very beginning of this series, all the way back in the marvelous Claws of the Cat, I have been itching for the story of the first meeting between Hiro Hattori and Father Mateo. And while I didn’t get it in Betrayal at Iga, the story does get a lot closer to the source of their partnership, that old contract between Mateo’s secret (presumably) benefactor and Hiro’s shinobi (read as ninja) clan.
Someone, somewhere, still unknown, was willing to pay a lot of money to contract with one of the two greatest shinobi clans to keep the Portuguese missionary alive. That contract has saved Mateo’s life over and over again, even as it has endangered Hiro’s, generally at the same time. In Betrayal at Iga, Hiro has been forced to bring Mateo to the seat of his clan’s power, in order to keep him alive after the tumultuous events of The Ninja's Daughter.
(If you are getting the hint that this series is best read in order, that is one of the correct things to glean from the above. Also, the whole series is just damn excellent, so if you like historical mysteries, the whole thing is well worth reading. Period. Exclamation Point.)
The stakes are higher than ever in this fifth book in the series. Hiro and Father Mateo have arrived at Hiro’s home just in time for negotiations of an alliance between Hiro’s clan and the rival Koga clan. The clans are not currently at war, but not exactly at peace, either. Rivals seldom are.
Both feel as if peace is being forced on them from outside. Shinobi are always outsiders, samurai who are not acknowledged as samurai, trained in the shadow arts of espionage and assassination. Most shoguns hire them at need and otherwise leave them alone. But in the current political upheaval, both clans are all too aware that the new shogun, brought to power in a bloodbath, seeks to control all not currently under his sway. The shinobi clans’ independence is at stake, as is their livelihood and their very lives. Only by banding together will they be strong enough to resist the shogun’s iron fist.
But the negotiations are threatened from within. In the opening moments of the welcome feast, just as Hiro and Mateo arrive at Hiro’s childhood home, one of the rival negotiators dies of obvious poison in front of the entire assembled clan. In a household consisting entirely of assassins and practiced poisoners, every single person in attendance knows the result of poisoning when they see it spew in front of them.
In order for the negotiations to continue, someone must pay for the all-too-obvious crime. If the real killer is not found, the person who pays with their life will be the one who prepared the feast, even though the poison could not possibly have been contained within. That person is Hiro’s mother Midori, and Hiro can’t let her die, no matter how willing she might be to sacrifice herself to save the family’s honor.
It is up to Hiro and Father Mateo to find the real murderer, and the true motive for the murder, before his mother is forced to ritually kill herself. And before someone gets away with murder. But in a household of assassins, everyone is more than capable of the crime. Hiro has many too many suspects, and time is running out.
Escape Rating A: The best detectives are often outsiders. And in all of their previous cases, Hiro and Mateo have definitely been outsiders, Mateo by culture and Hiro by profession. But every once in awhile, it can be illuminating for the detective in a series to find himself all too much on the inside of a crime that he is investigating, where he already knows all the players and has previously formed opinions of the possible suspects. That is certainly the case in Betrayal at Iga, where Hiro is back at home, and the most likely suspects seem to be his mother, his grandmother, his cousin and his former lover. He comes home and into the middle of the mess with preconceived notions about all of them, and not all of those notions are to either his or the potential suspect’s benefit.
At the same time, the crime has to make some kind of sense, and it just doesn’t. Or at least not for any of the members of the Iga Ryu (clan). His cousin Hanzo wants this alliance – and killing the members of the Koga delegation guarantees it will fail. Hiro’s mother, grandmother and former lover are all capable of the crime, but none of them would commit it without Hanzo’s orders as clan head. Which it made no sense for him to give. One of the women could be a traitor, but even Hiro’s jaundiced opinion of his ex makes that extremely unlikely.
None of the obvious suspects benefits – so who does? And therein lies the key to solving the mystery, in spite of all of Hiro’s many distractions.
This peek inside the closed world of the shinobi provides fascinating insights into Hiro’s history and character, as well as an absorbing mystery that seems perfectly set in its time and place. If you enjoy historical mysteries or historical fiction that provide windows into times and places that might not be familiar, this series is a treat from beginning to end. Start your trip back in time with Claws of the Cat.
I’ll be eagerly awaiting the next stage of Hiro and Mateo’s journey, hopefully next summer.
From the very beginning of this series, all the way back in the marvelous Claws of the Cat, I have been itching for the story of the first meeting between Hiro Hattori and Father Mateo. And while I didn’t get it in Betrayal at Iga, the story does get a lot closer to the source of their partnership, that old contract between Mateo’s secret (presumably) benefactor and Hiro’s shinobi (read as ninja) clan.
Someone, somewhere, still unknown, was willing to pay a lot of money to contract with one of the two greatest shinobi clans to keep the Portuguese missionary alive. That contract has saved Mateo’s life over and over again, even as it has endangered Hiro’s, generally at the same time. In Betrayal at Iga, Hiro has been forced to bring Mateo to the seat of his clan’s power, in order to keep him alive after the tumultuous events of The Ninja's Daughter.
(If you are getting the hint that this series is best read in order, that is one of the correct things to glean from the above. Also, the whole series is just damn excellent, so if you like historical mysteries, the whole thing is well worth reading. Period. Exclamation Point.)
The stakes are higher than ever in this fifth book in the series. Hiro and Father Mateo have arrived at Hiro’s home just in time for negotiations of an alliance between Hiro’s clan and the rival Koga clan. The clans are not currently at war, but not exactly at peace, either. Rivals seldom are.
Both feel as if peace is being forced on them from outside. Shinobi are always outsiders, samurai who are not acknowledged as samurai, trained in the shadow arts of espionage and assassination. Most shoguns hire them at need and otherwise leave them alone. But in the current political upheaval, both clans are all too aware that the new shogun, brought to power in a bloodbath, seeks to control all not currently under his sway. The shinobi clans’ independence is at stake, as is their livelihood and their very lives. Only by banding together will they be strong enough to resist the shogun’s iron fist.
But the negotiations are threatened from within. In the opening moments of the welcome feast, just as Hiro and Mateo arrive at Hiro’s childhood home, one of the rival negotiators dies of obvious poison in front of the entire assembled clan. In a household consisting entirely of assassins and practiced poisoners, every single person in attendance knows the result of poisoning when they see it spew in front of them.
In order for the negotiations to continue, someone must pay for the all-too-obvious crime. If the real killer is not found, the person who pays with their life will be the one who prepared the feast, even though the poison could not possibly have been contained within. That person is Hiro’s mother Midori, and Hiro can’t let her die, no matter how willing she might be to sacrifice herself to save the family’s honor.
It is up to Hiro and Father Mateo to find the real murderer, and the true motive for the murder, before his mother is forced to ritually kill herself. And before someone gets away with murder. But in a household of assassins, everyone is more than capable of the crime. Hiro has many too many suspects, and time is running out.
Escape Rating A: The best detectives are often outsiders. And in all of their previous cases, Hiro and Mateo have definitely been outsiders, Mateo by culture and Hiro by profession. But every once in awhile, it can be illuminating for the detective in a series to find himself all too much on the inside of a crime that he is investigating, where he already knows all the players and has previously formed opinions of the possible suspects. That is certainly the case in Betrayal at Iga, where Hiro is back at home, and the most likely suspects seem to be his mother, his grandmother, his cousin and his former lover. He comes home and into the middle of the mess with preconceived notions about all of them, and not all of those notions are to either his or the potential suspect’s benefit.
At the same time, the crime has to make some kind of sense, and it just doesn’t. Or at least not for any of the members of the Iga Ryu (clan). His cousin Hanzo wants this alliance – and killing the members of the Koga delegation guarantees it will fail. Hiro’s mother, grandmother and former lover are all capable of the crime, but none of them would commit it without Hanzo’s orders as clan head. Which it made no sense for him to give. One of the women could be a traitor, but even Hiro’s jaundiced opinion of his ex makes that extremely unlikely.
None of the obvious suspects benefits – so who does? And therein lies the key to solving the mystery, in spite of all of Hiro’s many distractions.
This peek inside the closed world of the shinobi provides fascinating insights into Hiro’s history and character, as well as an absorbing mystery that seems perfectly set in its time and place. If you enjoy historical mysteries or historical fiction that provide windows into times and places that might not be familiar, this series is a treat from beginning to end. Start your trip back in time with Claws of the Cat.
I’ll be eagerly awaiting the next stage of Hiro and Mateo’s journey, hopefully next summer.
March 9, 2018
Another fine mystery that definitely had me guessing wrong about who did it. I was, however, disappointed by how the ending was written - everything gets all wrapped up very quickly when the culprit confesses everything, like a Perry Mason court room scene.
I liked the reference to nightingale floors and laying out tatami mats so that 4 corners in one spot doesn't happen. Why? Because the word for death in Japanese sounds like the word for four. You can imagine how this one cultural constraint could change the way many things are built - even more so than the way the number 13 affects western construction.
I liked the reference to nightingale floors and laying out tatami mats so that 4 corners in one spot doesn't happen. Why? Because the word for death in Japanese sounds like the word for four. You can imagine how this one cultural constraint could change the way many things are built - even more so than the way the number 13 affects western construction.
January 17, 2023
This is one of the best in the series. The book has a compelling plot, in addition to the intriguing characters and the unusual setting of time and place.
I enjoyed learning about samurai culture, its dangers and its uniqueness in history. The author is able to immerse us in the culture, while giving us a suspenseful murder mystery that keeps us on edge.
Her love of the historical subject is evident in her writing and meticulous research into the time and place. I highly recommend the book, which can be read as a stand-alone novel, as well as the preceding ones, and look forward to the next in the series.
I enjoyed learning about samurai culture, its dangers and its uniqueness in history. The author is able to immerse us in the culture, while giving us a suspenseful murder mystery that keeps us on edge.
Her love of the historical subject is evident in her writing and meticulous research into the time and place. I highly recommend the book, which can be read as a stand-alone novel, as well as the preceding ones, and look forward to the next in the series.
July 29, 2017
Once more, Susan Spann sends the reader into medieval Japan with such an ease that I got my bearings on the first pages, and it didn't matter I'd been away for a year and forgot the details.
Book 5 is the first to take place outside Kyoto, which reduces the complexity of locations. Places and characters are easy to keep track of, still she kept me guessing the murderer's name until the final resolution. An intricate intrigue, set in Hiro's childhood village, and involving close family, make for a complex and complicated investigation.
A great read!
Book 5 is the first to take place outside Kyoto, which reduces the complexity of locations. Places and characters are easy to keep track of, still she kept me guessing the murderer's name until the final resolution. An intricate intrigue, set in Hiro's childhood village, and involving close family, make for a complex and complicated investigation.
A great read!
July 3, 2019
This novel challenged me almost to the end. This was my introduction to the series and I struggled to find connection with the characters. For much of the novel, there were all secrets with no answers and I found it difficult to get to the inner world of the characters. The historic setting is richly woven and the place is clear, but it was a challenge to connect with the characters within. The last section saves the day. As secrets are revealed, the characters come to life, and the ending is satisfying. If you are willing to wait, this novel pays off in the end.
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