The Pearl Diver

Rei Shimura #7

by Sujata Massey

The seventh book in Sujata Massey's Agatha and Macavity Award–winning mystery series is a witty, suspenseful story that takes its young sleuth into the Washington DC restaurant world.

A dazzling engagement ring and the promise of a fresh start bring antiques dealer and sometime sleuth Rei Shimura to Washington, DC. But just as she's starting to settle down –catching up with a long–lost cousin and undertaking a lucrative commission furnishing a trendy Japanese restaurant nearby – things begin to go haywire. First, her cousin vanishes from the restaurant's opening–night party, and then Rei is drafted to help find a Japanese war bride who disappeared 30 years earlier.

The search for both missing women becomes suspiciously linked, and along the way, Rei faces truths about herself that may change her destiny – if she lives long enough.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Japan, Crime, Asia, Mystery Thriller, Historical Fiction

352 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2004

About the author

Sujata Massey is the author of historical and mystery fiction set in Asia. She is best known for the Perveen Mistry series published in the United States by Soho Press and in India by Penguin Random House India. In June, 2021, THE BOMBAY PRINCE, third book in the series, releases in the US/Canada and Australia/New Zealand; it will be published by Penguin India later the same month.

THE WIDOWS OF MALABAR HILL, the first Perveen novel, was named a Best Mystery/Thriller of 2018 and also an Amazon Best Mystery/Thriller of 2018. Additionally, the book won the Bruce Alexander Best Historical Mystery Award, the Agatha Award for Best Historical Mystery and the Mary Higgins Clark Award, all in 2019.

The second Perveen novel, THE SATAPUR MOONSTONE, won the Bruce Alexander Best Historical Mystery Award in 2020.

Sujata's other works include THE SLEEPING DICTIONARY (2013) and eleven Rei Shimura mysteries published from 1997-2014. For more about Sujata's books and a full events schedule, subscribe to her newsletter, http://sujatamassey.com/newsletter

Sujata lives in Baltimore, Maryland, with her family and two dogs. In addition to writing, she loves to travel, read, cook, garden and walk.

Reviews

[catechism · Rating 2 out of 5]

Man, I guess I understand wanting to keep the romantic tension or whatever, but I am really sort of sick of her breaking up and getting back together with Hugh in every book. ANYWAY. I found this book annoying. I think I maybe don't like any of the characters, and there is a LOT of telling-not-showing going on. I don't ever feel anything. Like, she (Rei, I mean) will suddenly declare that she is OMG ANGRY or Hugh will storm out of the room and slam doors and not come home for days, and it never fails to take me by surprise because there just isn't any emotion in the books. I am so ready to be done with this series.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did not particularly enjoy this book, the 7th in the series. Perhaps my problem was that I haven't read the earlier mysteries; but for whatever reason, the plot seemed disjointed and forced to me. The protagonist seemed to be at loose ends, and spent the majority of her time minding everybody's business except her own. I was not impressed and I won't be reading another book in the series.

[Becky · Rating 1 out of 5]

Awful. I waited and waited for it to get better. Thank goodness I am done.

[Jhana · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is so bad that when I read it I throw it across the room, and then go write a page or two of the story I'm working on. Her heroine has to be the dumbest person on the planet, and she can't write place to save her life. Whatever you do, don't buy it! You can get it at the library if you really have to find out. Her first book was slightly less terrible because it was at least set in Japan.

[Lise Mayne · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was so surprised when I started to read this book, having recently finished The Widows of Malabar Hill, which I enjoyed. This book was banal, poorly written, and dated. It showed me how much an author can grow over time, or perhaps how much a good editor can accomplish. Too much extraneous detail, name-dropping, brand-dropping and wandering away from the plot made it impossible to follow or maintain interest.

[Debi Yoneda · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book held promise in the beginning, but quickly lost me. I felt overcrowded with the characters and so many different story lines. As I was reading this book, I often found my mind wandering and would then have to reread the paragraph that I had just finished. Not sure if it was me and the times I chose to sit and read or was it actually the book???
Not my favorite book for sure. Sorry!
On a positive note I did read the Widows of Malabar Hill and I loved this book.

[Margarita · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am a big fan of this whole series. Although I miss the descriptions of Tokyo (Rei is living in DC with hunky Hugh), this is a terrific addition to Rei's adventures. The description of Rei's Aunt Norie and her visit is comical and priceless. Rei is getting more mature and her evolving relationship with Hugh is bittersweet and not to be missed!

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second Rei Shimura book that was set in DC. In addition to a good story, I really enjoyed the setting and the focus on food. In this one, we get to meet some of Rei's east coast relatives and get a visit from Auntie Norie. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series soon!

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

At some point, Sujata Massey must have worked in a restaurant: her description of a busy kitchen made my blood pressure spike and sweat break out. She also gets the blend of antiques, decor, food and twisty mystery just right.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story goes in a lot of directions, but I liked the resolution and how both Rei and her relationship with Hugh keep evolving. The scenes with Aunt Norie were also really satisfying. Some people change (things) out of restlessness or dissatisfaction, but these character changes seem more like the kind of growth that comes from humility, self reflection and an openness to reevaluate.

[Katheyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Pearl Diver” is a very intense story, that mixes mystery, personal growth and biographical data (both of the character and the author) to construct a personal story, that manages nevertheless to offer a deep insight on the subject of pearl diving conditions in the past.

Rei Shimura’s life is approaching a personal threshold, she has been banned from entering Japan, and thus is setting down in D.C. with Hugh Glendenning, her boyfriend, who has finally proposed. Though her cousin (Kendall) Rei has just landed an assignment to decorate and oversee the opening of a new Japanese kaiseki restaurant in the city and even aunt Nori is coming all the way from Japan to help with the weeding. Usually as thing seem to light up, something goes terribly wrong, this time Kendall get kidnapped and Andrea (a waitress at the restaurant) ask for Rei’s help in a family matter. This is a unique book, while it takes place in D.C. in its totality, Massey still succeeds in delving in an important Japanese historical issue. Rei’s character feels discombobulated for the most part of the story, but this is not mistake, there is a very good explanation for the fact, one that will put in motion some events that will have an effect in later books.

Sujata Massey’s “Rei Shimura” is a mystery series featuring the eponymous character, an American Japanese woman in her late twenties (at the start of the series) who relocates to Tokyo to reembrace her Japanese roots and start an antiquities business. The books mix classical sleuth mystery, with Japanese cultural observation and biographical bits, into a nice, easy to read and fully enjoyable series. Some mysteries remind the classical clean mysteries of old, while other (especially on the later books) deal with very serious historical events, but in each case the stories remain easy-to-read mysteries with Japanese flavour. While an in-depth study into Japanese culture, should not be expected, the books offer a very credible insight into Japanese everyday life, from the point of view of American foreigner with the added bonus of having a real Japanese heritage, that allows her to blend in and navigate the country with credible ease. Every book in the series can be read as a stand-alone from the mystery point of view, as the arc-story only pertains to Rei Shimura chronological development.

Massey, a London born, who has herself a mixed Indian-German heritage and has expended (due to her own husband work) several year in Japan, excels by interweave her own biographical data with fictional bit into one of the most original and interesting series in the genre. Rei Shimura’s character development and her reflections on the country evolve organically with the experiences in the country. Sujata Massey succeeds in showing the changes in Rei’s personality and reflections to the environment. A must-read for all fans of female slaughtering and/or ‘light’ Japanese culture.

[Viva · Rating 5 out of 5]

To be honest, I didn't know what to expect. I had downloaded this book in preparation for a cruise just in case I had a lot of nothing to do. As it turned out I didn't read it until I got back.

This is the 7th in the series but the first Rei Shimura book for me. I started this book without reading any of the blurbs so I didn't really know what I was getting into, except that it was a mystery... kind of.

I was actually many chapters in the book before I remembered that it was a mystery book but by that time I was engrossed in Rei's everyday life, her struggles with her work and family life. By the time the "crime" events had occurred I was already deeply vested in Rei's story. In fact, so engrossed that I hadn't cared that this was a mystery book and not a drama book. That's how much I liked the writing, the characters and the setting.

The mystery element of the book was OK. There was some mystery but never the edge of the seat type and I liked the ending even though some of it didn't make a lot of sense. In fact, I liked the book so much that I immediately downloaded another one in the series... out of series order again but I'm not sure if it matters since this book can pretty much be read on its own.

Summary: Rei does some decorating for a new Japanese restaurant but she is caught up in the danger surrounding the hostess Andrea's life. Andrea was a foster child, now she wants to look up her missing mother and that seems to lead everyone looking into it into danger. Meanwhile Rei's aunt Norie is visiting from Japan and lots of things are happening with her cousin Kendall's life and Rei's own fiance.

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Continuation of Rei, antique dealer who is an Eurasian. White mum, Japanese dad. This time she and Hugh are in Washington D.C. (Hugh the love of her life). She gets involved in her cousin Kendalls political endevours, and also an opening of a new restaurant. Enter a new friend, a young hostess, who turns out to have had a Japanese mother and Black American Marine Father, she asks for Rei's help. Her mother is believed to have drowned, and her father put her in foster care. She would like to learn more about her Japanese family. Rei gets her Aunty to help, who has come over from Japan to help Rei with her wedding plans.

Kendall gets kidnapped, Rei gets kidnapped, Marines to the rescue. As always Rei is in trouble, and people are out to kill her, but why?

Things are off again on again with Hugh. Hugh gets too dominant, re gets cold feet. She is still not allowed to return to Japan. Lots happens in this story, political intrigue, or drugs, or .... is this a Vietnam story? Or, maybe all three! At the end of this book, Hugh and Rei are still together. Or...are they? I will continue to order more in this series.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I confess to liming this book best of the three I’ve read in this series because it’s set in a time when I lived in Washington DC and I grew up in the area. The city and what motivates people who live there are well depicted.
Rei Shimura and Hugh Glendinning, her Scottish sort-of fiancé are as annoying and thinly drawn as ever. They never seem like real people. Rei behaves so stupidly about everything from contraception to her job that it’s unbelievable this woman is an expert on anything. It’s unbelievable she can dress herself. Her relationship with the wooden Hugh is apparently based on phenomenal sex between two cardboard cut-outs whose goals are completely incompatible. He’s tying her up for a session of make-up sex and she chides him for creasing expensive British neckwear. Who does that?

The mystery of finding out what happened to her co-worker’s Japanese mother is well-constructed and a moving contrast to the dopey spats of Rei and Hugh. I would really like to meet Rei’s Aunt Norie. I wouldn’t mind dining in the fictional restaurant where she briefly works. Otherwise, I can’t see much to recommend the series.

[Jen K · Rating 3 out of 5]

I definitely committed a sin in reading #7 in a series rather than starting at the beginning but I needed it for a challenge...

Probably due to not reading the first 6 in the series, I really didn't get or connect with the MC, Rei. She honestly confused me. I get that she went to college in Japan and lived the her adult life (still not yet 30 though) but surely growing up in the US was more of a formative experience than shown in the book even if her father was traditional. Her being so new to the US was really a bit over done. She was overly naïve and overly suspicious at the same time. I just didn't get many of her interactions with others especially her boyfriend. The book was also seriously dated. I did love that it was set in Washington, DC and all the DC detail. I live near and drive often on a few of the roads that were mentioned and eaten at some of the restaurants. The food sounded tasty too. I don't think that I would continue the series but maybe try the other series by the author and start properly at the beginning.

[Sanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tämä oli jotenkin surullisen kiehtova Rein tarina. Rei ei ollut yhtä ylimielinen kuin yleensä vaan sympaattinen ja samaistuttava hahmo.
Itse mysteeri oli jokseenkin tylsä, ja kaikki poliittinen jargon oli tylsää eikä kiinnostanut millään tavalla. Ravintolan sisustaminen ja siihen liittyvä sählääminen oli mielestäni kiinnostavinta antia. Siihen se oikeastaan jäikin. Rein uuden ystävän, ja hänen tarinansa ja sen jahtaaminen ei ollut kovinkaan mielenkiintoista, vähän väkisin väännettyä. Naisia ei tällä kertaa niin paljon painettu alas kuin yleensä, mikä oli pelkkää plussaa.

Ihan jees, verrattuna moneen edelliseen teokseen.

[Silverbullet · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm somewhat disappointed in how the Rei Shimura series develops. I loved the first books (located in Japan) and enjoyed both the mystery as well as cultural aspects in them.

This novel has neither a convincing mystery nor in depth cultural elements in it. It's just very shallow and mainly revolves around the ongoing drama between Hugh and Rei. I actually quite like them as a couple but the way both behave in this book, especially Rei, is completely ridiculous.

It's an easy read and if you like the series, you might enjoy it because by now we know a lot of characters quite well. If you're looking for a thrilling mystery or want to find out more about Japan while reading a novel, I'd suggest you search elsewhere.

[Vivian · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story was too unrealistic. Rei seemed to spend all of her time as an unpaid private investigator. It was as if she just lived off of Hugh and dabbled in Japanese decor but other than decorating Bento, she didn’t seem to work at all. Then she threw a hissy fit about him wanting a real commitment…can’t have it both ways my dear. I finished the book because I was curious as to what had happened to Andrea’s mother but was constantly frustrated by Rei’s stupid choices which put her and others in danger. I realize it is part of a series but I have no desire to read anything more.

[Stephanie Lindorff · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm finding that I don't much care for the Rei Shimura books set in America. Without interesting details about Japan I'm forced to see Rei more clearly and that closer observation doesn't do her any favors. Though it was nice to see indications of growing maturity.

I also wish Rei and Hugh would sort themselves out. They're of an age to know that sometimes love and great sex aren't enough; the constant drama becomes tedious.

[Hale · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was all excited after reading Perveen Mistry so I picked this up at the library and happily took it to the beach. Within the first few pages every single character was on my nerves, and I found the narration to be very mean-spirited (things you'll get: incessant comments on characters' diets and weight, meaningless political commentary, and truly mean people). I couldn't make myself keep going, so I didn't. Really disappointed in my choice of beach read. Spare yourselves the trouble.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, this is 7th in a series, but the only one I've read. Second, I know nothing about Japan, so I won't comment on her portrayal of its culture.
As a mystery, this is reasonably satisfying. Rei (MC) befriends an American woman searching for her Japanese mother who vanished years ago. Fast-paced with plenty of action, and a fairly believable conclusion.
Rei has an annoying quirk of constantly dashing off to do something she thinks is urgent, when she'd accomplish more by listening to people.

[Roy Conboy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy the writing style of Massey. The mystery is well told and has a surprising set of danger for the main character. One good feature is an intimate knowledge of Japanese culture, and its difference from US culture, that is a strong and vibrant strain in the story. Also, this book is written from a decidedly female point of view and that is refreshing and involving.

[Michelle Ule · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm new to this series, I don't think I'll read another book. Interesting DC story about a missing Japanese woman. I'd have enjoyed the book more if we'd stuck to that storyline instead of endless pages about dining and fashion (2004).

Different, though, this tale involved a loss that added poignancy and emotional depth I didn't expect.

[MC · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's definitely not as outstanding as her new series, but the protagonist here and the mystery she's trying to understand are still engaging. Some of the references to early 2000s pop culture were kind of funny (Rachel Yamagata shout out!), and some of the gender relations stuff felt a bit dated to me too... but I'll likely read another Rei Shimura nonetheless.

[Cameron Toney · Rating 1 out of 5]

It had been a very long time since I read any Rei Shimura mysteries, so it was time to give it another try.
I think I can safely put this series behind me. I want to like it, but the mystery is overwrought and uninteresting, and the interpersonal stuff is strained and not particularly realistic.
This is where we part, Miss Simura.

[Teresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this book had an interesting premise. I liked that. It was kind of original and had things in it I had not seen. From Vietnam to Japan to a missing military wife. However, I felt the writing could have been better. The writing was simplistic which would have been good for young adults, but I don't think it was written for them. I did like the Japanese twist.

[Ti Samsa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Japanische Perlen startet stark: Der Einstieg ist spannend, die Hauptfigur ist sympathisch, und besonders die Beschreibungen der japanischen Kultur und des Essens sind atmosphärisch und schön zu lesen.

Im weiteren Verlauf wird die Handlung für mich etwas flach und einige Dialoge wirken unnatürlich. Der Krimiplot bleibt zwar solide, erreicht aber nicht ganz die Intensität des Anfangs.

[Tiina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've only ever read these books in English, and Ms Rei Shimura has sometimes irritated me to distraction. In Finnish, I'm not irritated at all! This book featured a few other people who behaved in a less than ideal way and even they weren't as bad as I felt when reading the English version.

[Maryvonne Fent · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have followed Rei Shimura, the protagonist in several of Sujata Massey's books now, and enjoyed this one also, in spite of its eclectic and chaotic U.S. location. I much prefer the stories located in Japan.

[Lauriina · Rating 2 out of 5]

Tämä oli aika pliisu. Ehkä 2,5 tähteä, ja siinäkin on hyvää tahtoa mukana. Olen tykännyt tästä sarjasta, ja nämä ovat yleensä sellaista mukavaa lomalukemista. Tämä osa ei kuitenkaan ollut yhtä viihdyttävä kuin aiemmat, tai ehkä sarja alkaa liikaa toistaa itseään. Päähenkilökin alkaa tuntua vähän ärsyttävältä.