The Ninja's Illusion

Jaya Jones Treasure Hunt Mystery #5

by Gigi Pandian

“A beautifully complex, fast-paced mystery—a well-crafted blend of modern magic and ancient secrets, full of compelling characters and set in one of Japan’s most beautiful—and mysterious—locations.” – Susan Spann, Author of the Hiro Hattori Mysteries

A fabled illusion performed by a stage magician who claims to possess real supernatural powers. A treasure from the colonial era in India when international supremacies vied for power. A phantom trading ship lost over 200 years ago. And a ninja whose murderous intentions in present-day Japan connect the deeds of a long-dead trader who was much more than he seemed…

When Jaya travels from San Francisco to Japan with her stage magician best friend Sanjay—a.k.a. The Hindi Houdini—for his Japanese debut, she jumps at the chance to pursue her own research that could solve a tantalizing centuries-old mystery.

With the colorful autumn leaves of historic Kyoto falling around her, Jaya soon loses sight of what’s real and what’s a deception. A mysterious ninja attempts sabotage on Sanjay’s trick, along with Japan’s most controversial magician, Akira. Ancient folklore blurs the lines between illusion and reality when a magician’s assistant appears to be a kitsune, a mythical fox spirit. As tricks escalate to murder, Jaya and her friends must unravel secrets hidden in the ancient capital of Japan, before one of their own becomes the next victim.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Cozy Mystery, Audiobook, Adventure, Cozy, Magic

294 pages, Paperback

First published October 3, 2017

About the author

Gigi Pandian is a USA Today bestselling and Agatha Award-winning mystery author, breast cancer survivor, and accidental almost-vegan. She's the child of professors from New Mexico and the southern tip of India, and spent her childhood traveling around the world on their research trips. She now lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and a gargoyle who watches over the garden.


She writes the Jaya Jones Treasure Hunt mystery series, the Accidental Alchemist mysteries, and the Secret Staircase Mysteries.


Her debut novel was awarded a Malice Domestic Grant and named a Best of 2012 Debut by Suspense Magazine, her mysteries have been awarded the Agatha, Rose, Lefty, and Derringer awards, and been short-listed for the Edgar.

Reviews

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Ninja Illusion by Gigi Pandian is a 2017 Henery Press publication.

I love this series a little bit more with each new chapter!

This fifth installment in the Jaya Jones series is set in Japan, where Jaya’s best friend, Sanjay is set to perform a controversial trick with the famed illusionist, Akira, which is rumored to involve real magic.

Jaya is planning on joining Sanjay, but he contacts her, frantically ordering her not to come. But, Jaya is not swayed by his pleas- she’s worried about him and nothing will stop her from flying to Japan… besides, she has her own agenda- an ancient mystery she’s dying to investigate!

This series is highly underestimated, in my opinion. This is one of the most multi-layered cozy series I have ever encountered. This installment was especially rich as Pandian manages to thread together multiple strings, which a several mind-bending twists that kept me on my toes and glued to the pages.

Japan was a great setting, the pacing, as usual, was very brisk, and there is plenty of action, adventure, and suspense- as well as some romance and personal drama, which is well-balanced within the story.

I’m looking forward to Jones’ next big adventure!!

5 stars

Best quote:

First, history shows us so much about ourselves and our shared humanity across time and across cultures. Those connections that bridge time and space. Second, there’s an inherent drama in history that’s fundamentally unlike what we’re living through. In the present moment, we’re unable to step outside of ourselves and see the bigger picture—yet with its lessons from the past, history can shed light on the present.

[Sheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was hooked by the first line, (I'm better at finding lost treasures than a phone buried in the bottom of my bag.) Boy, can I relate to that, not that I’ve found any treasures but who know what lurks in the bottom of my bag.
Jaya Jones is on her way to Japan during Thanksgiving break to accompany her best friend, Sanjay aka the Hindi Houdini while he will be performing the opening act in the highly impossible Indian Rope Trick that will also include the famous Japanese Magician, Akira. This would be a fantastic opportunity for Sanjay, but Jaya gets a video call from him telling her not to come to Japan then the call mysteriously drops. Of course, that doesn't stop her from flying off to Japan to see what's got Sanjay so spooked. She's also got a tentative meeting set up with a Japanese professor she had met during a history conference a few years ago to discuss European trade in Japan during its isolation period.
When she lands in Japan she meets up with Sanjay who is not himself. Things are getting dangerous on the set where the magicians are to perform. They’ve experienced several accidents that look like someone is sabotaging their equipment. The two magicians can no longer trust each other and it looks like things are getting worse.
Sanjay himself is about ready to catch the next flight back to San Francisco but it would not be a wise career move for him to do so. Meanwhile, he’s got to try to deal with the situation and stay safe. Jaya is going to stick this out with Sanjay, he needs her now more than ever.
Jaya is also trying to come to terms regarding her longtime boyfriend Lane. She tried to speak to him before she left for Japan but it wasn’t the right time. They have some unresolved issues that really need to get taken care of. She even finds herself questioning just how deep are her feelings for Sanjay?
The way Ms. Pandian described the rich Fall setting in Japan, I could almost close my eyes and visualize myself being there with all the distinct colors of leaves floating around me. The Japanese traditions plus their gracious culture made this an outstanding read. I was not only entertained by the mystery but I also learned some historical facts regarding Japan. I would like to think Henery Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this e-galley in exchange for my unbiased opinion.

[Magdalena aka A Bookaholic Swede · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Ninja's Illusion is the latest book in the Jaya Jones series and this is a series that I truly love to read since I love reading adventures mystery books in exotic settings. This time Jaya travels to Japan where here best friend Sanjay a.k.a. The Hindi Houdini is working with the controversial magician, Akira who is said to be able to do magic for real. However, something is wrong, Sanjay seems to want Jaya to stay home, but that just makes her more eager to travel to Japan. And, when she gets there doesn't it take long for Jaya to realize that something is definitely wrong when Sanjay and she discovers a man dressed as a Ninja in a Buddhist temple watching them...

The Ninja's Illusion is an entertaining book to read, just as the previous I have read has been. It can without any problems be read as stand-alone. The story is intriguing, and I love the easy-going banter between Jaya, Sanjay, and Tamarind. However, to be honest, was there a moment around half the book when I felt that the story just didn't have the same thrilling feeling as the previous did like the pacing was a bit off and I wanted something to happen to get the book back on track. It could be all the Jaya, Sanjay and Lane (Jaya's ex) drama. I have never liked the whole triangle drama thing and as much as I like Sanjay wasn't I that interested in this new development. Thankfully it was resolved in a good way. Also, Tamarind showing up around the time of the BIG drama thing helped put the book back on track. Man, it's hard sometimes to write about things in books without spoiling it...

The Jaya Jones series is fabulous, and I recommend it warmly!

I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley for an honest review!

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Any book that includes qutoes from these guys

and Arthur C. Clarke is probably going to get at least 3 stars from me, but this book pushes it even further by setting Jaya's latest adventure in Japan. This book out this week is just too good to miss. Magic, treasure and murder, along with anime loving librarians.

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just keeps getting better. Love the way the mystery twists and turns, then surprises you in the end.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Ninja's Illusion is the 5th book in the Jaya Jones series and this is a series that I really enjoy. It is a cozy, but with adventure and history thrown in. Jaya is a professor of history, but has a reputation for finding treasure. In this story, Jaya travels to Japan where here best friend Sanjay a.k.a. The Hindi Houdini is working with the controversial magician, Akira who is planning on ding the Indian Rope Trick. It is one of those tricks that is talked about, but noone has ever seen it performed. Sanjay wants Jaya to stay home, but that makes her more eager to travel to Japan. As well she has agreed to help Professor Nakamura with some research into a Dutch Trading Ship and its captain. When Jaya and Sanjay meet up at a temple in Japan and someone dressed as a Ninja tries to harm them, they become very concerned. More questionable occurrences happen as well as a dead body turning up. Can Jaya find the treasure of the Dutchman? Will Sanjay perform The Indian Rope Trick?

The Ninja's Illusion is an entertaining book to read, just as the others in this series have been. Each of these books in the series can be read as stand alone stories, but once you read one, you will want to go back and read the rest. The story is intriguing with enough of a mystery to satisfy and cozy mystery lover and with enough adventure to intrigue a mystery/adventure lover. I love the dialogue between the characters. Whether it is Sanjay and Jaya, Jaya and her librarian friend Tamarind or even her brother, it is easy going and fun. The one thing that did bother me was the romance triangle that seemed to pop up midway through the story. Jaya and Lane have been taking some time apart, and suddenly, Jaya's best friend Sanjay, announces that he has feelings for her and kisses her. Not only was Jaya a bit uncomfortable with this, but as a reader, I was as well. I hope that storyline does not continue as I do not enjoy love triangles. I was happy to see Tamarind show up on Japan. She does a good job keeping Jaya on track and pointing her in directions that she does not always see on her own. This book has sabotage, murder, and suspicion. Even a body disappears, and suspicions surround a mysterious ninja that seems to be following Jaya and Sanjay. Add in a fox spirit and you have just enough spirituality and magic for a great ending. I recommend this book to lovers of mystery stories whether it be cozy or adventurous. I listened to this book and enjoyed the narration very much. It was easy to listen to, with a well paced reading.

[Riju Ganguly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sanjay, the 'Hindi Houdini' is about to help Japan’s most famous magician Akira to perform the fabled Indian Rope Trick— the holy grail of magicians. Jaya Jones HAS to come to Japan to see this. While in Japan, assisting an academic in finding out a lost ship of Dutch East India Company seemed mundane and routine. But then the things changed. A Ninja followed Jaya and Sanjay. Akira was murdered. Rooms were trashed by someone. Above all, it seemed that everybody, including old friends are hiding something.
What can Jaya do?
This was a riveting story. The characters were so realistically drawn that I could practically see them, experience their motions and emotions, and could feel Kyoto— brought alive with all the charm, glory, and vibrance.
And the magics, culminating in the final illusion— the Rope Trick— were romantic in their splendour, stunning in their audacity, and so satisfying at the end!
Loved the book. Loved Jaya, Sanjay, Tamarind, and Lane.
If you like cozy mysteries with danger, emotion, humour, love, and murder, you shouldn’t miss this book.
Highly recommended.

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is #5 in the Jaya Jones Treasure Hunt Series. I have read and enjoyed the previous books and this one is not an exception. Jaya takes us to Kyoto Japan in this installment to see her best friend Sanjay perform in a magic show and of course there ends up being an historical treasure that needs finding. The author does a terrific job with her research and I think my favorite part of these books is how much I learn about the locations we visit. I find the information completely fascinating! And I have to say that I was glad to see that Jaya finally made a decision regarding her love life – it will be interesting to see where this takes her in future books. Can’t wait to see where we are going next.

I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Marlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally published at Reading Reality

The Ninja’s Illusion is a lovely piece of misdirection and stage management, much like the trick that Jaya Jones’ best friend Sanjay, the “Hindu Houdini”, performs onstage as part of his magic act.

And it’s great fun to read.

This is a cozy mystery, and much of the fun, and the mystery, revolves around Jaya and her group of friends. Her best friend Sanjay has come to Japan to work with an ultra-famous Japanese magician on a trick that is famous for its impossibility – the Indian Rope Trick. But someone is stalking both Sanjay and Akira, so there is clearly much more going on than meets the eye.

Jaya, a respected historian and increasingly well-known treasure hunter, comes to Japan to support Sanjay. And to assist a Japanese historian who has unearthed a historical mystery that relates to Jaya’s area of expertise, the history of the Dutch East India Company.

But when Sanjay’s mentor is killed in a brutal attack, Jaya’s historical research takes a definite back seat to the need to figure out who killed Akira, and why. Because if it’s all about the secret of his marquee trick, then Sanjay may be next on the killer’s list. But if the trick isn’t the motive, then what is?

When Jaya finds that her original historical research leads right back to Akira and the trick that can’t be done, she has a difficult time separating the threads of her research from the increasingly desperate attempts to find something that Akira left hidden.

If all the clues from both puzzles point to the same mystery, then what is the real mystery after all? And can Jaya and her friends figure out the solution before it’s too late?

Escape Rating B+: The Ninja’s Illusion is the fifth book in the Jaya Jones Treasure Hunt series, and I had a great time with it. I have not read the previous books in the series, which begins in Artifact, and there were references to events from previous books that flew a bit past me, but I still had a terrific time with this one. Enough of a terrific time that I went back and bought the first four. I can’t wait to see how we get to this point, and the ways in which Jaya’s friendships with the other characters have developed over the series.

One of the reasons I enjoyed this book so much is that it feels like a bit of an homage to the late Elizabeth Peters’ Vicky Bliss series. While Vicky Bliss was a librarian rather than a historian, she also spent much of her madcap career hunting for mysterious historical artifacts and treasures, and was surrounded by a very similar cast of “irregulars” including an elderly mentor (Sebastien in Jaya’s life, Herr Professor Anton Z. Schmidt in Vicky’s) and an on-again, off-again lover who is as much thief as he is adventurer (Lane Peters for Jaya and John Smythe for Vicky) as well as a supporting cast of friends and fellow researchers. While there are plenty of differences, the feeling of Nancy Drew jumping out of the frying pan into the fire and falling in love with someone completely impossible feels very familiar. And as Elizabeth Peters is sadly no longer with us to continue the Vicky Bliss series, it is very, very nice indeed to have a read-alike that looks like it has the legs to keep going.

The historical piece of the puzzle also reminds me of the historical setting of the Shinobi Mysteries by Susan Spann. So if the historical parts of this puzzle sound as fascinating to you as they did to me, take a look at Claws of the Cat, the first book in Spann’s series. That one of Akira and Sanjay’s stalkers in The Ninja’s Illusion is costumed as a shinobi, or ninja, makes the link between the two just that much closer.

Magic is at the heart of this story. Not magic like in Harry Potter, but magic like in stage magic. David Copperfield. The hand is quicker than the eye. Illusions, misdirection, smoke and mirrors. Jaya spends most of the case distracted. Some of her distraction is internal, she’s trying to resolve a sudden confusion in her relationships with and between Sanjay and Lane. So she’s not thinking on all cylinders, and she’s away from home and missing her usual resources, like her librarian best friend Tamarind Ortega, who definitely reads like “one of us”, librarians, that is.

Jaya is also distracted by the endless distractions offered by what begins as two cases, Akira and Sanjay’s stalker, and her historical research into a Dutch East India Company ship of the 1790s that managed to lose itself in history by flying a false flag. Things continue along the paths of confusion for quite a long time, as just because the two cases are coming together it does not mean that there is a single perpetrator, or even a single motive, for all events.

This case is like the old story of the blind men and elephant. Each person seems to be grasping a different part, and drawing different and equally erroneous conclusions about the nature of the elephant and the case.

So if you like madcap adventures with likable characters and multiple mysteries to solve, The Ninja’s Illusion will provide not a very good time, and that’s no illusion.

[3 no 7 · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The Ninja’s Illusion” by Gigi Pandiana is the fifth book in the “Jaya Jones Treasure Hunt” series. It is not necessary to have read the previous books in the series because the author provides quick background comments in the context of the storyline to fill in anything needed from the previous books. However, as a new reader I had to spend some time sorting out all the players.
This story is about magic, stage magic with all its redirection, illusion, and trickery. Jaya, the main character, travels to Japan with her stage magician friend, Sanjay. While there, she researches a tantalizing centuries-old mystery. Clues abound, but just like stage magic, distractions abound as well. Jaya and her friends struggle to find answers as secrets from both the past and the present converge.
The characters are interesting and likeable. Pandian’s vivid descriptions create an exotic and genuine sense of place by interweaving abundant Japanese culture, traditions, and folklore into the plot. The pace is generally fast with only a few slower sections.
I received a copy of “The Ninja’s Illusion” from Gigi Pandian, Henery Press, and NetGalley. I found the story interesting even though I had not read any of the previous books. I enjoyed reading “The Ninja’s Illusion,” and now I must go back and find the treasures in the other books in the series

[Alisha · Rating 3 out of 5]

The latest Jaya Jones mystery is still strong on Nancy Drew vibes, though short on real thrills.
I found this entry in the series to be less compelling than the previous books, with a setting and payoff that never quite pulled me in. Jaya travels to Japan to see a special magic show in which her best friend Sanjay plays a major role. The show is supposed to feature the legendary but impossible Indian Rope Trick. But before the show can go on, Jaya and friends are confronted by possible sabotage, an unusual theft, and a masked mystery man. As usual, Jaya's skills as a historian come into play, and seemingly unrelated pursuits tie together for a tidy denouement.

The author's skill at weaving real history into her novel is always excellent. The solid historical facts that underpin her plot set her books apart from other mystery novels. While this book didn't intrigue me as much as the previous ones, I think it'll be enjoyed by fans, and future endeavors by author Gigi Pandian will be most welcome!

Thanks to Henery Press for providing me an advance copy of this through NetGalley.

[Linniegayl · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to this fifth entry in the Jaya Jones Treasure Hunt mystery series in audio. As usual, the book takes us to some intriguing locations and history. This time Jaya goes to Kyoto, and we encounter Japanese mythology including Kitsunes, and Ninjas, and also modern Japan. We also encounter many secrets, both personal and magical. The setup seemed to take much longer than usual and didn’t capture my interest as quickly as the other books in the series.

As the book begins, Jaya gets a mysterious call from her “best friend” Sanjay, telling her not to get on a plane to Japan to meet him, something odd is going on. As Sanjay starts to tell Jaya what’s happening, the call is cut off. Jaya has arranged to do a historical research project while in Japan, so she heads to Japan despite Sanjay’s warning. Once there, before Sanjay can tell her what’s happening, they’re being spied on by a Ninja, and are off on a race to catch him.

Sanjay, the “Hindu Houdini” was invited by a controversial Japanese magician Akira to perform in Japan. Akira, originally a member of a Japanese boy band, now has a reputation of possessing real supernatural powers. Akira is planning to do “the world’s greatest magic trick,” the Indian Rope trick, and Sanjay’s there to participate. But the Ninja is spying on them. Is the Ninja trying to steal the trick, harm them, or both? And would someone murder for a magic trick?

Between the last book and this one, Lane (the ex-thief) has become Jaya’s “former” boyfriend. Apparently in-between books, Jaya told Lane she needed a break from their relationship. She needs to figure out if she’s in love with Lane or Sanjay or both. Jaya does a lot of agonizing over her feelings about Lane and Sanjay in this book, too much agonizing for my tastes. Finally, she decides, but I’ll wait until the next book to decide if it really sticks.

Toward the end of the book, one of the characters gives a really long recap of everything that has happened in the book, character by character, supposedly to help Jaya understand what’s happened and figure out who the villain is. It was tedious! That may make sense within the context of the action, but it was unnecessary for a reader who had been paying any attention.

I have really enjoyed this series, but a lot of the story was just dull for me. The narration continued to shine. Fortunately, the last few chapters really picked up and are filled with a number of interesting twists and reveals. However, overall, I’d give it a C, so three stars here, and I’ll hope the next book improves.

[Katreader · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE NINJA'S ILLUSION by Gigi Pandian
The Fifth Jaya Jones Treasure Hunt Mystery

Jaya Jones is overwhelmed with requests for help, both in historical research and treasure hunting. When Dr. Nakamura has questions about her work on the East India trade routes she decides to go to Japan in person. It's the perfect time as her best friend Sanjay, the Hindi Houdini, is also in Japan working with a controversial stage magician who supposedly can perform real miracles. But when Sanjay tells her not to come and the video call is prematurely disconnected, Jaya gets worried. Sure, Sanjay can be overdramatic, but something in his expression and voice said the danger was very real. Now Jaya is off on another adventure filled with history, peril, and treasure!

I always get excited when I hear that a new Jaya Jones mystery is being released, but when I discovered her latest would take her to Japan I was positively giddy! I'm fascinated by Japanese culture and traditions and they are entwined in this novel with dexterity.

Illusion, deception, betrayal, and ninjas! All that and more can be found in this fifth Jaya Jones adventure. Gigi Pandian once again makes history come alive with stories, both past and present. rich in detail, filled with vivid descriptions and compelling characters. With slight of hand and misdirection the center of the magicians' universe these characters, magician or not, are forced to look deeply within themselves and decide if who they see is who they truly want to be. Which persona is the true self? Are they willing to accept their own truth and, if so, at what cost?

THE NINJA'S ILLUSION is more than a compelling mystery. It's a serious character study and a fascinating historical story amid the intriguing backdrop of Japan. It also has plenty of humor and lots of action. In short, THE NINJA'S ILLUSION delivers everything I could ask for in a book.

[Debbi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was randomly selected to receive this as an ARC from NetGalley. This is my honest review of it. I love the Jaya Jones series and was anxious to read this one. It never disappointed. Each time Jaya gets involved in treasure hunts, the locations and history used makes you want to see those places. The Fushimi Imari shrine drew me in this time. But aside from that, Gigi does an exceptional job in writing a mystery that has you trying to figure it out right up to the very end. And the way this one ends, I'm curious what her next exploit will be.
I first read about Jaya in the prequel Fool's Gold in Other People's Baggage. After that, I've read all the books in the series. I think you'll enjoy reading about Jaya and her friends and family. Just try it.

[Elite Group · Rating 3 out of 5]

All smoke and mirrors!

In the fifth book of the Jaya Jones series, she embarks on a trip to Kyoto which encompasses a visit to her friend the magician Sanjay, known as the Hindi Houdini. Sanjay is assisting the famous Japanese ex-pop star, now magician Akira, with the impossible Indian Rope Trick.

In addition to this, she is neatly tying in some research work she has been doing into an eighteenth-century Dutch East India Company ship, with a visit to the Japanese Professor Nakamura. His work “involved European trade in Japan and centred on Dejima, the Japanese island where the Dutch were allowed to enter Japan during its isolation period”.*

The book is entertaining and contains a lot of beautiful descriptions of Japanese food, folk and culture. The characters all interact well with each other and the plot, whilst not particularly complex, runs its course in a well-paced manner.

The book is a pleasant and light read and followers of Jaya will enjoy it. However, for me, there was too much frantic and frenetic action with not enough down-times.

Sméagol

Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review

*For those interested in this time in Japanese history I recommend “The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet” by David Mitchell

[Patricia Romero · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this the fifth installment of the Jaya Jones mysteries, Jaya is meeting her best bud Sanjay in Kyoto to see his act and the famed Akira do his impossible rope climbing illusion. 

From the start things aren't quite as they appear. Who is this mysterious Ninja they keep catching glimpses of? While tricks turn into murder Jaya turns to research and hidden secrets about a missing ship hundreds of years ago.

I enjoyed the mystery and the history of this clever book! Jaya and her friends are memorable and talented. A very entertaining and informative book. My favorite type!

Netgalley/Henery Press   Release Date is this Tuesday, October 3rd!

[Shannon McDonald · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jaya Jones is back and this time she's headed to Japan for another adventure and an unexpected treasure. When Jaya's best friend Sanjay invites her to Kyoto to see an impossible magic trick: The Indian Rope Trick, she can't help but tag along. But as soon as she arrives she finds out that there's something afoot. A ninja has been following Sanjay and a world-famous magician is murdered. While Jaya is dodging ninja's and trying to help Sanjay put his best performance forward, she's also on the trail of a missing Dutch ship. Pandian's effortless weaving of historical fact in with the narrative has always been her strong suit. This mystery takes a lot of turns and will keep reader's guessing until the end.

[Britta · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of the better Jaya Jones mysteries, this time playing in Japan.

Well, the location made it especially interesting to me, but I also liked how the social norms of Japan were displayed in the characters' motives and actions... And how nobody didn't have any really bad intentions this time around - even though there were bodies...
Also the relationships between the characters were furthered in a good and relatable way.

This was just the feel good read I needed the summer before I travel to Japan myself.

[Darcysmom · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley and Henery Press for free in exchange for an honest review.
The Ninja's Illusion is the fifth installment of the Jaya Jones Treasure Hunter series. In this volume, Jaya goes to Kyoto both to support Sanjay's performance at a highly publicized magic show and to work with a colleague on an intriguing historical find. Jaya barely has time to get her bearings before she is thrust into a murder mystery and a hunt for treasure.
The Ninja's Illusion is my first experience with Jaya Jones, but it definitely won't be my last. I had a ball reading this fast-paced, entertaining story.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fans will enjoy returning to Jaya's world, however I wouldn't consider this the best of the series. At times the writing felt somewhat disjointed, and I personally didn't find the mystery overly compelling. It felt like most of the story just happened to Jaya, rather than her actively solving anything. That being said, I did find the historical information very interesting and look forward to the next book.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

**I voluntarily read this ARC**

This was a highly enjoyable mystery. It is the first one I have read in the series, but I feel it is a series best read in order. The characters were very well developed. I absolutely loved the setting. It felt like I really was in Japan. The mystery was intriguing, but the ending wasn't my favorite.

[Empress Reece (Hooked on Books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this book, Jaya travels to Japan to do some research and check on her best friend Sanjay after he starts acting weird on a phone call. He's in Japan performing in a magic show. I enjoyed the magic, the mystery and the Japanese culture but I missed Lane in this one. He only made a brief appearance at the end. : ( The audio performance was good, as always though.

[Marisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 Stars. Not my favorite book of the series. It did resolve a major part of Jayas story from the last two books and I was happy with the outcome. It was also nice that a character from a past story played a big part in this one. Overall, it seemed more repetitive and choppy than the other books, but I can’t wait to read the next and hopefully not last book.

[Emmalynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I hate when authors put dumb live triangles in a story for “tension” the one in this series was completely pointless 🙄🙄, and just left a bad taste. Jaya and Sanjay were just fine as best friends and the author should have left well enough alone. Jaya is in Japan to assist Sanjay in his show and do some research for a professor. The main headliner of the show is killed and it’s somehow connected to her research. The book was okay, Jaya spent to much time with the dumb who do I choose troupe.

[K-BRC · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE NINJA'S ILLUSION has an incredible setting in Japan. The Jaya Jones series always has multi-layered plots and outstanding settings and supporting characters. This is a must-read and there’s no problem picking up right here in the series.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed The Ninja's Illusion. As with her other Jaya Jones mysteries, Gigi Pandian makes the country the characters are visiting, its culture and pertinent history accessible and interesting.

There are 2 different mysteries at play. One involves the magicians; the other involves history. Each mystery is captivating in its own way. The mysteries begin even before Jaya has left the States for Japan. I found myself caught up in the book. There were a few lulls, but overall there is more action than not. Even during the lulls, the plot is moving forward, which is as it should be.

The characters are interesting and likable. And there is a good variety of characters. The story about the kitsune who has become a magician's assistant brings an exotic flavor to the plot. I liked that it was up in the air for much of the book as to just how much of a mischevious spirit fox she really was.

Overall, it's a well-written mystery made even better by Pandian's treatment of the location and culture. The history that is blended in makes the reading a richer experience. I gave this book 4 out of 5 stars.

Disclaimer: I received an ARC copy of the book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions herein are my own and freely given.

[Megan W. (pnwbookworm) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the characters the Pandian creates, as well as the mysteries that they solve. They usually involve hidden secrets and long lost treasures. This particular one fell a bit short though because it focuses too much on the main characters best friend and his magic act, rather than Jaya and the mystery of the lost treasure.

That being said, it was still a great story full of historical intrigue and delightful historical facts. Being a history major I always love a good bit of historical intrigue in my mysteries. Pandian writes exceptionally well and weaves beautiful scenery and cultural facts into the story with ease. Although this book wasn’t my favorite I’m sure others will love it and I look forward to reading the next installment in the series!

*I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*

[Jossie Solheim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this one a little bit tough to get into at first, but slowly it did draw me in and I found the story enjoyable if a little slow at times. The premise is good though and the excitement that it builds around the Indian rope trick. I liked Jaya and the majority of her friends but found that as a whole everyone was just a bit too easily forgiven for the bad things they did. I mean I kind of understood with Hiro, as he never actually did anything too bad, but the professor, I wasn't so sure about. Still, it was an enjoyable read and I would be interested to give some of Gigi's other books a go in the future.

[Helen Callahan · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first book by Gigi Pandian, The Ninja's Illusion. A TRUE Treasure. There's a stealthy ninja, magic and illusion. Spying, sabotage and theft. Murder and romance. Exciting scenes and unpredictable twists and turns. Using exquisite details and 'poetic license' to weave fiction with past/present historical facts. Her writing creates "The perfect place for the impossible"....pages come to life. This book is an 'exhilarating, baffling, passionate, nerve-racking and blissful', CONSUMING reading adventure !!! Book 5 in GP's Jaya Jones Treasure Hunt mystery series. The only difficult part reading this book, deciding, read book 1 or 4 next !?! Jaya Jones, asst. prof. of history, is quickly becoming a world renowned go-to person for historical research. And her research can become a hunt, literally. Worldwide. Finding treasure, secrets and/or evil doers along the way. Though trained in jujitsu her strongest assests, her mind and her magnifying glass. Jaya is not alone. Collecting an intelligent and crazy cast of characters as she goes. She travels to Japan from San Francisco home for best friend, Sanjay's world premiere magic show. She also has a research request concerning, 18th century Dutch shipping to 1700's Japan. Modern day Japan as the backdrop. All tied together by the ancient Indian Rope Trick. What is real and what is illusion ?!? Who is friend and who is foe ?!? Which GP book to read next ?!? I received this book as an ARC from Henery Press publishing through NetGalley. I am voluntarily posting this review.

[Celia · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was all I could do after finishing The Ninja's Illusion not to buy a plane ticket to Kyoto, Japan for the fall season that Gigi Pandian describes so vividly in this book. It is a perfect backdrop for Jaya's best friend Sanjay, the Hindi Houdini's participation in a magic show with the idolized and mysterious Japanese illusionist Akira, as well as another mystery that goes back to isolationist Japan and the Dutch East Indies Company in the 1700's. Although seemingly unrelated, the more Jaya and Sanjay learn about Akira's headlining act, the seemingly impossible Indian Rope Trick, the more they realize that it may be intertwined with a mysterious Dutch East Indies ship and sailor. There is plenty of action, history, and adventure in this book, which features a murder, ninjas, kitsunes, netsukes, rival magicians and more. I really enjoyed that, in addition to Sanjay, Jaya is joined by Sebastien, Tamarind and Lane Peters in her attempts to unravel the mysteries and to keep her safe. I loved the ending, which was unexpected, and also sets the stage another Jaya Jones adventure -- yay!

I highly recommend this book, the fifth in the series, which can easily stand alone. However you will be missing out on some spectacular stories if you don't read the Jaya Jones mysteries leading up to this wonderful book.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.