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The Daidoji Shin Mysteries #2
Death's Kiss
Nobleman sleuth Daidoji Shin returns for a brilliant new investigation deep in the Emerald Empire, in this exciting novel set in the fantastical world of Legend of the Five Rings
Daidoji Shin, former louche layabout turned amateur investigator, and his long-suffering bodyguard, Kasami, are called away from the comforts of the City of the Rich Frog and into Unicorn lands to investigate a seemingly open-and-shut case of murder. But it’s never that straightforward… A condemned woman’s life is at stake, and the outcome may prevent a war between noble families. But that’s only the beginning of this Shin will come face to face with a sinister seditionist organization that could have much deeper consequences than he could imagine.
Daidoji Shin, former louche layabout turned amateur investigator, and his long-suffering bodyguard, Kasami, are called away from the comforts of the City of the Rich Frog and into Unicorn lands to investigate a seemingly open-and-shut case of murder. But it’s never that straightforward… A condemned woman’s life is at stake, and the outcome may prevent a war between noble families. But that’s only the beginning of this Shin will come face to face with a sinister seditionist organization that could have much deeper consequences than he could imagine.
352 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2021
8 people are currently reading
139 people want to read
About the author
Joshua Reynolds
313 books337 followersJosh Reynolds’ work has previously appeared in such anthologies as Historical Lovecraft from Innsmouth Free Press and Horror for the Holidays from Miskatonic River Press, and his novel, Knight of the Blazing Sun, is currently available from Black Library. He can be found at: http://joshuamreynolds.wordpress.com
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
July 29, 2021
Son of Crane, sleuth extraordinaire!
Delving once more into the feudal fantasy world of the Five Rings, the realm of Rokugan, it’s a pleasure to follow the exploits of one of my favorite sleuths, Daidogi Shin, nobleman from the House of Cranes, and amateur detective!
The one great rule this society adheres to, “Uphold your honor, lest you lose everything in pursuit of glory.”
I love the voice of Shin—languid, biting, self deprecating—he slays me with his many humorous lines. Like his opinion of horse riding, “While he could ride a horse as well as any bushi, he found them largely disagreeable beasts, prone to biting and bouts of flatulence. Much like some samurai he could name.”
In many ways Shin reminds me of the universal trickster, although things do have a habit of backfiring on him. Or maybe it’s just that new possibilities open up to him? Without a doubt Shin does see more than others comprehend. He’s the bane of his bodyguard/ samurai Kasami’s life. Forever going his own way.
Slightly bored with restoring his newly acquired theatre, Shin doesn’t deliberate for too long when the request comes to solve a murder. Hmm! No prizes for guessing what this seemingly flighty son of the Crane chooses!
Shin undertakes a journey to the city of Hisatu-Kesu, in the mountain areas of the Unicorn lands. He goes as an investigator at the behest of a Unicorn representative known to him, the Lady Iuchi Konomi. It seems a devoted yojimbo (bodyguard), Katai Ruri, has killed her mistress’s fiancé. Death of the ronin is called for. Her mistress Zeshi Aimi has delayed the penalty hoping Shin can turn the tide.
Shin finds that an old friend, Iuchi Batu, is the clan magistrate. They have history...and then some. The atmosphere in the city is tense. Mysteries underlie mysteries. Leading Shin to question who might be orchestrating the situation? Who gains what? Looking for the power balances.
The solving of the situation is somewhat harrowing, bringing to bear all of Shin’s Holmesian like capabilities and insights.
Shin leaves with a debt owed, albeit at a time and place of his choosing. The future beckons! I’m left feeling like Oliver with my metaphorical bowl outstretched, “Please sir, I want some more!”
An Aconyte Books ARC via NetGalley
Please note: Quotes taken from an advanced reading copy maybe subject to change
Delving once more into the feudal fantasy world of the Five Rings, the realm of Rokugan, it’s a pleasure to follow the exploits of one of my favorite sleuths, Daidogi Shin, nobleman from the House of Cranes, and amateur detective!
The one great rule this society adheres to, “Uphold your honor, lest you lose everything in pursuit of glory.”
I love the voice of Shin—languid, biting, self deprecating—he slays me with his many humorous lines. Like his opinion of horse riding, “While he could ride a horse as well as any bushi, he found them largely disagreeable beasts, prone to biting and bouts of flatulence. Much like some samurai he could name.”
In many ways Shin reminds me of the universal trickster, although things do have a habit of backfiring on him. Or maybe it’s just that new possibilities open up to him? Without a doubt Shin does see more than others comprehend. He’s the bane of his bodyguard/ samurai Kasami’s life. Forever going his own way.
Slightly bored with restoring his newly acquired theatre, Shin doesn’t deliberate for too long when the request comes to solve a murder. Hmm! No prizes for guessing what this seemingly flighty son of the Crane chooses!
Shin undertakes a journey to the city of Hisatu-Kesu, in the mountain areas of the Unicorn lands. He goes as an investigator at the behest of a Unicorn representative known to him, the Lady Iuchi Konomi. It seems a devoted yojimbo (bodyguard), Katai Ruri, has killed her mistress’s fiancé. Death of the ronin is called for. Her mistress Zeshi Aimi has delayed the penalty hoping Shin can turn the tide.
Shin finds that an old friend, Iuchi Batu, is the clan magistrate. They have history...and then some. The atmosphere in the city is tense. Mysteries underlie mysteries. Leading Shin to question who might be orchestrating the situation? Who gains what? Looking for the power balances.
The solving of the situation is somewhat harrowing, bringing to bear all of Shin’s Holmesian like capabilities and insights.
Shin leaves with a debt owed, albeit at a time and place of his choosing. The future beckons! I’m left feeling like Oliver with my metaphorical bowl outstretched, “Please sir, I want some more!”
An Aconyte Books ARC via NetGalley
Please note: Quotes taken from an advanced reading copy maybe subject to change
March 21, 2022
A great series with a unique protagonist and a group of supporting characters that are just as interesting.
April 26, 2023
4,5 ⭐ La verdad es que siempre empiezo estos libros de L5A con las expectativas bajas. No sé si será por eso, pero al final siempre me sorprenden para bien. Si os gusta el juego de rol o la ambientación asiática fantástica, son una lectura muy recomendable.
June 7, 2021
“There’s always someone looking for information or gossip. You just have to know where to find them. Sometimes, they find you.”
“Death’s Kiss” by Joshua Reynolds is the second book in “A Daidoji Shin Mystery” series based in the world from “Legend of the Five Rings”. I enjoyed the first novel in the series and was waiting eagerly to meet with a witty Crane again.
The story starts a few months after the conclusion of the investigation from “Poison River.” Shin is busy rebuilding the Foxfire Theatre, but deep down, he is already bored with his newest undertaking. When a friend from the Unicorn Clan asks him for a favour, he is more than happy to travel into a distant city of Hisatu-Kesu to investigate a murder case. What seems like an obvious, resolved incident turns out to be anything but.
The most vital point of the whole story is the protagonist and his witty conversations. We learn about the entire incident through Shin’s discussions with different witnesses and officials. These are always a pure joy to read – light, entertaining and spot-on. In this book, besides Kasami, whose long-suffering attitude is a perfect counterweight for expressive Shin, we also have a new character - Batu. He is a magistrate of the Hisatu-Kesu and is forced to work closely with Shin. Both men have a history of complicated and challenging friendship, and they didn’t part ways on good terms. Batu is initially very guarded and cautious around Shin, and his attitude is even more irritable than Kasami’s.
The murder mystery itself is not overly complicated. It involves many political intrigues, yes, but I missed a bit of mystery and surprise. It was easy to guess the foremost perpetrator half through the book, and there wasn’t a single ‘wow’ or ‘aha’ moment that would invoke any stronger emotions. There is one development in the story that would probably impact the following books hugely because to solve the case, Shin must entangle himself with people, whom he would rather not owe favours to.
I enjoyed the book mainly because it’s light and entertaining, and I love samurai-based settings. If you are looking for something easy to read without an overcomplex storyline and appreciate Japanese based fantasy, you should give it a shot.
“Death’s Kiss” by Joshua Reynolds is the second book in “A Daidoji Shin Mystery” series based in the world from “Legend of the Five Rings”. I enjoyed the first novel in the series and was waiting eagerly to meet with a witty Crane again.
The story starts a few months after the conclusion of the investigation from “Poison River.” Shin is busy rebuilding the Foxfire Theatre, but deep down, he is already bored with his newest undertaking. When a friend from the Unicorn Clan asks him for a favour, he is more than happy to travel into a distant city of Hisatu-Kesu to investigate a murder case. What seems like an obvious, resolved incident turns out to be anything but.
The most vital point of the whole story is the protagonist and his witty conversations. We learn about the entire incident through Shin’s discussions with different witnesses and officials. These are always a pure joy to read – light, entertaining and spot-on. In this book, besides Kasami, whose long-suffering attitude is a perfect counterweight for expressive Shin, we also have a new character - Batu. He is a magistrate of the Hisatu-Kesu and is forced to work closely with Shin. Both men have a history of complicated and challenging friendship, and they didn’t part ways on good terms. Batu is initially very guarded and cautious around Shin, and his attitude is even more irritable than Kasami’s.
The murder mystery itself is not overly complicated. It involves many political intrigues, yes, but I missed a bit of mystery and surprise. It was easy to guess the foremost perpetrator half through the book, and there wasn’t a single ‘wow’ or ‘aha’ moment that would invoke any stronger emotions. There is one development in the story that would probably impact the following books hugely because to solve the case, Shin must entangle himself with people, whom he would rather not owe favours to.
I enjoyed the book mainly because it’s light and entertaining, and I love samurai-based settings. If you are looking for something easy to read without an overcomplex storyline and appreciate Japanese based fantasy, you should give it a shot.
June 2, 2021
Set a few months after the events of the fantastic Poison River, this finds Daidoji Shin busy overseeing the renovation of the Foxfire Theatre, having purchased it for himself apparently out of boredom. When a friend in the Unicorn clan asks him to look into a murder in the mountain city of Hisatu-Kesu, Shin puts aside the work of managing the theatre’s finances and, accompanied as always by the long-suffering Kisami, sets out to investigate. The closer Shin looks into what seems on the surface to be a straightforward case, the more he comes to understand the political tensions in Hisatu-Kesu, and what the consequences could be if proceedings aren’t handled with care.
In a sense this is more of the same as Poison River – gentle verbal sparring between Shin and Kasami, an investigation consisting largely of pointed conversations with nobles desperate to manoeuvre events in their favour (most of whom find Shin deeply frustrating), and lots of sharp dialogue interspersed with occasional bursts of breathless action. When the characters are this good though, the dialogue this much fun and the setting this well depicted, more of the same is exactly what’s needed, and the familiarity only adds to the enjoyment of a story like this. It’s all relatively quiet and sedate, in keeping with its Golden Age influences, and there’s something nice about the juxtaposition of the comfortable, familiar pace and plot alongside the evocative fantasy world of Rokugan. Look elsewhere for a pacy, modern thrill-ride or a magic-laden fantasy adventure – but if you enjoyed Poison River, or you just fancy a wry and witty detective story, this is definitely worth investigating.
Read the full review at https://www.trackofwords.com/2021/06/...
In a sense this is more of the same as Poison River – gentle verbal sparring between Shin and Kasami, an investigation consisting largely of pointed conversations with nobles desperate to manoeuvre events in their favour (most of whom find Shin deeply frustrating), and lots of sharp dialogue interspersed with occasional bursts of breathless action. When the characters are this good though, the dialogue this much fun and the setting this well depicted, more of the same is exactly what’s needed, and the familiarity only adds to the enjoyment of a story like this. It’s all relatively quiet and sedate, in keeping with its Golden Age influences, and there’s something nice about the juxtaposition of the comfortable, familiar pace and plot alongside the evocative fantasy world of Rokugan. Look elsewhere for a pacy, modern thrill-ride or a magic-laden fantasy adventure – but if you enjoyed Poison River, or you just fancy a wry and witty detective story, this is definitely worth investigating.
Read the full review at https://www.trackofwords.com/2021/06/...
August 6, 2024
Novela ligera del gran personaje que se han marcado con Daidoji Shin.
Prácticamente diría que las aventuras de este peculiar Grulla es lo mejor que se ha escrito en novelas de la leyenda de los cinco anillos
Prácticamente diría que las aventuras de este peculiar Grulla es lo mejor que se ha escrito en novelas de la leyenda de los cinco anillos
February 10, 2024
When a bushi is murdered in the city of Hisatu-Kesu in Unicorn lands, a friend of Daidoji Shin’s asks him to investigate despite the killer having been captured. As simple as the case seems on the surface, tensions bubble between two noble families and could easily boil over into outright war depending on the outcome of Shin’s investigation. The outcome of Shin’s investigation and the machinations of a mysterious sect operating in the background of Hisatu-Kesu. With an obvious culprit’s life on the line, an old friend begrudgingly helping him, and the aid of his ever put-uppon bodyguard Kasami, Daidoji Shin will certainly have his work cut out for him.
Josh Reynolds’ second Daidoji Shin Mystery, Death’s Kiss, feels very like a book that is setting up for the rest of the series and loses something for that. Part of that is, of course, due to the inevitable comparison to Poison River, the previous book, as well as the need to put things in place for later plots and the mystery aspect feeling played down.
Much of the mystery in Death’s Kiss is focused in less on what happened so much as why it happened. Why was Gen, the murder victim, drunkenly berating his fiance in public? Why would some one want to sow discord between the Zeshi and Shiko families, when the marriage between Zeshi Ami and Shiko Gen would have ended their conflict and benefited Hisatu-Kesu? The killer actually keeps insisting that she should be allowed to just go ahead and do herself in because that is what Rokugani justice demands of her. Shin is the one insisting that more digging needs to be done and that is, initially, more because he had been asked to look further into it than anything else. That his initial looking into it pulls up greater mystery piques his interest and leads him to trying to figure out the deeper workings that lead to the attack in the first place. It is a good look for Shin and for his frustrated former friend the magistrate Batu, who would just as soon be done with the case if not for his superiors in the Unicorn clan having sent Shin in the first place.
I confess, I liked Batu a lot. He’s as put upon by Shin’s antics as Kasami, but with a more even social standing and more shared history. Batu wants to keep the peace. Wants to do his duty to his clan and get the situation solved without leading to more trouble between the Zeshi and the Shiko. But then he has Shin staying in his house, annoying him about their past, and insisting that there has to be something deeper to the situation in Hisatu-Kesu. And the thing is, Batu knows there has to be more to it and is willing to listen to Shin despite himself. It makes him feel good as a character as well as giving us someone for Shin to play off of who is as well educated as he is as well as nearly as well read.
Less fun, though still quite interesting, were the Iron Sect, a group of merchants and commoners angered at their place in the world and striving to overthrow the nobles and even the kami who have placed them there. The Iron Sect feels very like the sort of group that I would agree with, but then they have to be antagonists and the protagonist as well as most of the side characters are nobles, so they come across as simultaneously overly villainous and yet not nearly as effective as it feels like they should have been for as involved in background events as they were. So the Iron Sect feel like they will be important going forward, but not as much like a threat as they perhaps should have been for this novel. Your mileage may vary on that, of course, but I think I would have liked to see them more active.
Overall, I find that I do not think that Death’s Kiss is as good a book as Poison River. But it is still an enjoyable read and it does an admirable job of putting things in place for later Daidoji Shin Mysteries. I feel like that earns it a four out of five. Reynolds is an entertaining writer and I want to see where the series goes.
This book was provided to me through netGalley for honest review. Review was previously posted at https://tympestbooks.wordpress.com/20...
Josh Reynolds’ second Daidoji Shin Mystery, Death’s Kiss, feels very like a book that is setting up for the rest of the series and loses something for that. Part of that is, of course, due to the inevitable comparison to Poison River, the previous book, as well as the need to put things in place for later plots and the mystery aspect feeling played down.
Much of the mystery in Death’s Kiss is focused in less on what happened so much as why it happened. Why was Gen, the murder victim, drunkenly berating his fiance in public? Why would some one want to sow discord between the Zeshi and Shiko families, when the marriage between Zeshi Ami and Shiko Gen would have ended their conflict and benefited Hisatu-Kesu? The killer actually keeps insisting that she should be allowed to just go ahead and do herself in because that is what Rokugani justice demands of her. Shin is the one insisting that more digging needs to be done and that is, initially, more because he had been asked to look further into it than anything else. That his initial looking into it pulls up greater mystery piques his interest and leads him to trying to figure out the deeper workings that lead to the attack in the first place. It is a good look for Shin and for his frustrated former friend the magistrate Batu, who would just as soon be done with the case if not for his superiors in the Unicorn clan having sent Shin in the first place.
I confess, I liked Batu a lot. He’s as put upon by Shin’s antics as Kasami, but with a more even social standing and more shared history. Batu wants to keep the peace. Wants to do his duty to his clan and get the situation solved without leading to more trouble between the Zeshi and the Shiko. But then he has Shin staying in his house, annoying him about their past, and insisting that there has to be something deeper to the situation in Hisatu-Kesu. And the thing is, Batu knows there has to be more to it and is willing to listen to Shin despite himself. It makes him feel good as a character as well as giving us someone for Shin to play off of who is as well educated as he is as well as nearly as well read.
Less fun, though still quite interesting, were the Iron Sect, a group of merchants and commoners angered at their place in the world and striving to overthrow the nobles and even the kami who have placed them there. The Iron Sect feels very like the sort of group that I would agree with, but then they have to be antagonists and the protagonist as well as most of the side characters are nobles, so they come across as simultaneously overly villainous and yet not nearly as effective as it feels like they should have been for as involved in background events as they were. So the Iron Sect feel like they will be important going forward, but not as much like a threat as they perhaps should have been for this novel. Your mileage may vary on that, of course, but I think I would have liked to see them more active.
Overall, I find that I do not think that Death’s Kiss is as good a book as Poison River. But it is still an enjoyable read and it does an admirable job of putting things in place for later Daidoji Shin Mysteries. I feel like that earns it a four out of five. Reynolds is an entertaining writer and I want to see where the series goes.
This book was provided to me through netGalley for honest review. Review was previously posted at https://tympestbooks.wordpress.com/20...
May 21, 2021
I have been provided with an advance copy of the new Legend of the Five Rings book Death’s Kiss by Josh Reynolds, published by Aconyte Books, so here is the honest review I promised in exchange for the book.
So here is an important disclaimer which is always important to put out there first. I have a casual work contact with Asmodee to demonstrate board games for them in stores and at conventions. Asmodee being the parent company of Aconyte the publisher.
I am also friend with Josh on Facebook, however I am sure for him that’s more about connecting with fans rather than being one of my best buds, that said he is actually a really nice guy.
I am going to try my best to not let that cloud my judgement in this review, but I accept that subconsciously it might.
So let’s crack on with a review then!
What is Legend of the Five Rings
L5R as it’s often known is a fantasy setting for a series of card games and RPGs originally published by AEG, but now taken care of by Fantasy Flight.
It’s set in the empire of Rokugan which is heavily feudal Japan influenced, with a bit of other East Asian influences, like China and Korea thrown in as well.
It’s a fantasy setting with the usual fantasy tropes of goblins and rat men, but also oni and kitsune too.
The Story
Daidoji Shin is a an aristocrat of the Crane clan banished to the City of the Rich Frog, to serve as his clans trade envoy.
In the last book Poison River his talent as a detective was discovered as he foiled a plot to bring the cities various factions to war.
And since then it seems he has become a very in demand fella, and the owner of a theatre (which he did sort of get burnt down). And when a powerful friend asks him to investigate the circumstances of a murder in another city.
The murderer is in custody and her execution is called for by the family of the man she killed, but the local magistrate is holding her as he attempts to figure out why the incident occurred as he tries to avoid the two families from coming to blows in the street.
With a woman’s life on the line, Shin throws himself into the case and ends up getting caught up in a sinister plan by a group of revolutionaries that wish to change the empire forever.
Conclusion
I am gonna put my cards on the table here, and say that whilst I liked this book, I felt is should have come further down the line.
The City of the Rich Frog was so well established in the last book, so well developed with an interesting cast of background characters who made it so deeply interesting, that I really missed that in this book.
Don’t get me wrong, Josh did a wonderful job in establishing a new city and new characters, but I just didn’t gel with them as well as I did those from the previous book.
He has set up some interesting possibilities for future books however with this novel.
Again we continue that Holmesian tribute act that Shin is, and it’s a very good one, the case may be straightforward but Shin needs to understand the why, not simply the how. He tenacity not only leads to a resolution that’s best for all the families.
I really enjoyed this book, knowing what happened did lend the twist as we tried to figure out the reasons for the crime, because they really do matter, and whilst there was some general predictability, it wasn’t glaringly obvious.
Instead the book makes you feel smart as you go “ahh I think I know”, then leads you to they why, what giving it’s all a bit of a twist.
This novel felt a bit more pulpy than the last one, not a bad thing, but it was an easy and enjoyable read that was hard to put down.
Josh has built a very interesting little corner of Rokugan and I really want to spend more time there.
I am actually currently thinking about perhaps running an RPG campaign in the City of the Rich Frog, I am that enamoured with the work Josh has done.
It’s 4 out of 5 for me and I only drop a star because I feel like the characters life in the City of the Rich Frog needed more development before he went elsewhere.
So here is an important disclaimer which is always important to put out there first. I have a casual work contact with Asmodee to demonstrate board games for them in stores and at conventions. Asmodee being the parent company of Aconyte the publisher.
I am also friend with Josh on Facebook, however I am sure for him that’s more about connecting with fans rather than being one of my best buds, that said he is actually a really nice guy.
I am going to try my best to not let that cloud my judgement in this review, but I accept that subconsciously it might.
So let’s crack on with a review then!
What is Legend of the Five Rings
L5R as it’s often known is a fantasy setting for a series of card games and RPGs originally published by AEG, but now taken care of by Fantasy Flight.
It’s set in the empire of Rokugan which is heavily feudal Japan influenced, with a bit of other East Asian influences, like China and Korea thrown in as well.
It’s a fantasy setting with the usual fantasy tropes of goblins and rat men, but also oni and kitsune too.
The Story
Daidoji Shin is a an aristocrat of the Crane clan banished to the City of the Rich Frog, to serve as his clans trade envoy.
In the last book Poison River his talent as a detective was discovered as he foiled a plot to bring the cities various factions to war.
And since then it seems he has become a very in demand fella, and the owner of a theatre (which he did sort of get burnt down). And when a powerful friend asks him to investigate the circumstances of a murder in another city.
The murderer is in custody and her execution is called for by the family of the man she killed, but the local magistrate is holding her as he attempts to figure out why the incident occurred as he tries to avoid the two families from coming to blows in the street.
With a woman’s life on the line, Shin throws himself into the case and ends up getting caught up in a sinister plan by a group of revolutionaries that wish to change the empire forever.
Conclusion
I am gonna put my cards on the table here, and say that whilst I liked this book, I felt is should have come further down the line.
The City of the Rich Frog was so well established in the last book, so well developed with an interesting cast of background characters who made it so deeply interesting, that I really missed that in this book.
Don’t get me wrong, Josh did a wonderful job in establishing a new city and new characters, but I just didn’t gel with them as well as I did those from the previous book.
He has set up some interesting possibilities for future books however with this novel.
Again we continue that Holmesian tribute act that Shin is, and it’s a very good one, the case may be straightforward but Shin needs to understand the why, not simply the how. He tenacity not only leads to a resolution that’s best for all the families.
I really enjoyed this book, knowing what happened did lend the twist as we tried to figure out the reasons for the crime, because they really do matter, and whilst there was some general predictability, it wasn’t glaringly obvious.
Instead the book makes you feel smart as you go “ahh I think I know”, then leads you to they why, what giving it’s all a bit of a twist.
This novel felt a bit more pulpy than the last one, not a bad thing, but it was an easy and enjoyable read that was hard to put down.
Josh has built a very interesting little corner of Rokugan and I really want to spend more time there.
I am actually currently thinking about perhaps running an RPG campaign in the City of the Rich Frog, I am that enamoured with the work Josh has done.
It’s 4 out of 5 for me and I only drop a star because I feel like the characters life in the City of the Rich Frog needed more development before he went elsewhere.
October 1, 2021
Today’s post is on Death's Kiss: Legend of the Five Rings: A Daidoji Shin Mystery by Joshua Reynolds . It is 352 pages long and is published by Aconyte. The cover has Shin and Kasami on it with Shin covering his face with his fan. As it is the second volume in the series you need to have read the first novel to understand the world, characters, and story. The intended reader is someone who likes fantasy mystery novels. There is very mild foul language, no sex, and mild violence in this novel. The story is told from third person close of different characters moving as the story needs. There Be Spoilers Ahead.
From the back of the book- Daidoji Shin, former louche layabout turned amatuer investigator, and his long-suffering bodyguard, Kasami, are called away from the comforts of the City of the Rich Frog and into Unicorn lands to investigate a seemingly open-and-shut case of murder.
Of course, it can’t be that straightforward…
A condemned woman’s life is at stake, and the outcome may lead to war between two noble families. Saving a life has far deeper consequences than Shin could imagine, like drawing the attention of a sinister sedition organization with little tolerance for a dilettante detective.
Solving a murder is the beginning of Shin’s investigation, but it’s the conspiracies that get you killed…
Review- A wonderful second volume following Shin and Kasami. Shin is called to come and try to sort out what really happened to try and stop a war between two vassal families. Of course the second he gets there, he knows that there is something more going on and the mystery is very nice and twisty. As this is a take on Sherlock Holmes we need to have a big criminal organization that wishes to overthrow the government. Reynolds has settled into this world and characters, making this volume even more enjoyable than the first novel and I really loved the first one. If you read the first novel, do yourself a favor and read the second so that maybe we can get a third novel! That would be great, more Shin!
I give this novel a Five out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I bought this novel with my own money.
From the back of the book- Daidoji Shin, former louche layabout turned amatuer investigator, and his long-suffering bodyguard, Kasami, are called away from the comforts of the City of the Rich Frog and into Unicorn lands to investigate a seemingly open-and-shut case of murder.
Of course, it can’t be that straightforward…
A condemned woman’s life is at stake, and the outcome may lead to war between two noble families. Saving a life has far deeper consequences than Shin could imagine, like drawing the attention of a sinister sedition organization with little tolerance for a dilettante detective.
Solving a murder is the beginning of Shin’s investigation, but it’s the conspiracies that get you killed…
Review- A wonderful second volume following Shin and Kasami. Shin is called to come and try to sort out what really happened to try and stop a war between two vassal families. Of course the second he gets there, he knows that there is something more going on and the mystery is very nice and twisty. As this is a take on Sherlock Holmes we need to have a big criminal organization that wishes to overthrow the government. Reynolds has settled into this world and characters, making this volume even more enjoyable than the first novel and I really loved the first one. If you read the first novel, do yourself a favor and read the second so that maybe we can get a third novel! That would be great, more Shin!
I give this novel a Five out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I bought this novel with my own money.
June 11, 2025
A Lion ronin, bodyguard to a Unicorn noble, has been arrested for killing another Unicorn. The killing was in defense of her protectee, but social class being what it is in Rokugan, she is likely to be executed. Daidoji Shin is asked to investigate.
While the world of Rokugan is a very magical place, there is no magic in evidence in this story. (There is passing mention of non-humans harassing people outside of towns, but that's entirely offscreen.) The story is a straight detective story set in the blended East-Asian setting of the Legend of the Five Rings, and it does an excellent job of presenting that face-dominant society through the lens of the investigation.
The character work is excellent. Shin, his retainers, and a certain blind musician are the stars of the piece, and all are very memorable. The various subjects of the investigation are done well, but don't reach the depth of characterization of those characters.
The plot is crafted well, with believable motives and actions for all participants. The mystery has multiple layers that are gradually peeled back until we get the final reveal. Because of the way the story is written, the reveal is never a shock, but the resolution is satisfying.
I'm not generally a fan of stories set in franchise universes, but this series is done very well. Recommended.
While the world of Rokugan is a very magical place, there is no magic in evidence in this story. (There is passing mention of non-humans harassing people outside of towns, but that's entirely offscreen.) The story is a straight detective story set in the blended East-Asian setting of the Legend of the Five Rings, and it does an excellent job of presenting that face-dominant society through the lens of the investigation.
The character work is excellent. Shin, his retainers, and a certain blind musician are the stars of the piece, and all are very memorable. The various subjects of the investigation are done well, but don't reach the depth of characterization of those characters.
The plot is crafted well, with believable motives and actions for all participants. The mystery has multiple layers that are gradually peeled back until we get the final reveal. Because of the way the story is written, the reveal is never a shock, but the resolution is satisfying.
I'm not generally a fan of stories set in franchise universes, but this series is done very well. Recommended.
Read
June 4, 2021This is the second book in the Legend of the Five Rings - A Daidoji Shin Mystery and can be read quite easily as a stand-alone. I really enjoyed following the characters as they unravelled the mystery set before them. I liked Daidoji Shin, our main character, he certainly was the star amongst some great supporting characters.
It is nice to read a book set in a non-western place - Japan. This gives us a chance to experience a different culture with different rules where samurais and swords abound. The prose and pacing by the author Josh Reynolds flow beautifully.
I would highly recommend this book and have become a fan of Josh Reynolds writing!
A Note From the Publisher
– Legend of the Five Rings is the popular, long-running game series of warring clans, magic, demons and samurai. – The land of Rokugan is a fantasy reworking of medieval Japanese society, fitting well into the growing trend for award-winning epic fantasy inspired by non-Western history and mythology. – The second in a new series starring Daidoji Shin, a charming hero in the mold of Sherlock Holmes, providing an appealing introduction to this deep and fascinating world.
Thank you to NetGalley & Aconyte Books for an advance copy.
It is nice to read a book set in a non-western place - Japan. This gives us a chance to experience a different culture with different rules where samurais and swords abound. The prose and pacing by the author Josh Reynolds flow beautifully.
I would highly recommend this book and have become a fan of Josh Reynolds writing!
A Note From the Publisher
– Legend of the Five Rings is the popular, long-running game series of warring clans, magic, demons and samurai. – The land of Rokugan is a fantasy reworking of medieval Japanese society, fitting well into the growing trend for award-winning epic fantasy inspired by non-Western history and mythology. – The second in a new series starring Daidoji Shin, a charming hero in the mold of Sherlock Holmes, providing an appealing introduction to this deep and fascinating world.
Thank you to NetGalley & Aconyte Books for an advance copy.
May 18, 2023
After a successful Family Book Club meeting where I chose the first Daidoji Shin mystery by Josh Reynolds to discuss, I started listening to the second one - Death's Kiss.
I still love the dynamic between Shin and his bodyguard, Kasami, as well as the way he interacts with (and generally annoys) all the other characters as well. The banter is definitely the biggest draw to this series.
I also still had some problems following all the different factions and allegiances of the many characters involved in the story - something I think would be easier if reading a text version of the book, so I may switch to physical copies for the others in the series.
The mystery this time was really interesting - a man was killed but everyone knew who did it because she confessed and was in custody even before Shin was summoned to investigate. Nearly everyone involved was satisfied with the proposed verdict - but Shin wouldn't let it go and obviously uncovered a lot more layers of intrigue and betrayal along the way.
Really fun.
I still love the dynamic between Shin and his bodyguard, Kasami, as well as the way he interacts with (and generally annoys) all the other characters as well. The banter is definitely the biggest draw to this series.
I also still had some problems following all the different factions and allegiances of the many characters involved in the story - something I think would be easier if reading a text version of the book, so I may switch to physical copies for the others in the series.
The mystery this time was really interesting - a man was killed but everyone knew who did it because she confessed and was in custody even before Shin was summoned to investigate. Nearly everyone involved was satisfied with the proposed verdict - but Shin wouldn't let it go and obviously uncovered a lot more layers of intrigue and betrayal along the way.
Really fun.
May 19, 2023
The second Daidoji Shin murder mystery set in the Legend of the 5 Rings universe. Don’t let this put you off - the book stands alone both in terms of the world that it’s set in and the previous novel. This isn’t trying to be high-brow literary fiction; it’s an entertaining murder mystery in a Japan-esque landscape/setting in which families jostle for power, deal with their black sheep and bandits may or may not rule the river.
Shin is our loveable sleuth whose dilettante appearance masks a competent samurai who can hold his own, even when relaxing in an onsen. In these stories, that he’ll solve the case is a given, the questions always about the why and who’s really pulling the strings of the action.
If you’re after an entertaining murder mystery read for an evening or two, this does admirably.
Shin is our loveable sleuth whose dilettante appearance masks a competent samurai who can hold his own, even when relaxing in an onsen. In these stories, that he’ll solve the case is a given, the questions always about the why and who’s really pulling the strings of the action.
If you’re after an entertaining murder mystery read for an evening or two, this does admirably.
February 21, 2024
Una segunda entrega del haragan y superficial Daidoji Shin, aunque no todo es lo que parece y este grulla es mas inteligente y cuidadoso de lo que sus modales muestran al resto de Rokugan
En esta ocasión nos muestra una ciudad nueva donde es enviado por petición de una amiga para que investigue el caso de la muerte de un bushi a manos de la yojimbo de su prometida. Un caso que para todo el mundo parece sencillo de resolver pero que Shin verá distintas lagunas que no hacen tan fácil el caso como le puede parecer al resto de mentes simples de la ciudad
Enamorado me esta teniendo los dos libros que llevo y empezare hoy el tercero
En esta ocasión nos muestra una ciudad nueva donde es enviado por petición de una amiga para que investigue el caso de la muerte de un bushi a manos de la yojimbo de su prometida. Un caso que para todo el mundo parece sencillo de resolver pero que Shin verá distintas lagunas que no hacen tan fácil el caso como le puede parecer al resto de mentes simples de la ciudad
Enamorado me esta teniendo los dos libros que llevo y empezare hoy el tercero
May 23, 2021
This is the second book in the "Daidoji Shin Mystery" series. I thoroughly enjoyed the first book ("Poison River") which introduced me to the "Legend of the Five Rings" world, so I had high expectations of "Death's Kiss" and it didn't disappoint. The writing continues to be of a very high standard, the characters are developed very well (it feels like I'm getting to know them even better), and the plot is as immersive as the first. More please!
My thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley. This review was written voluntarily and is entirely my own, unbiased, opinion.
My thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley. This review was written voluntarily and is entirely my own, unbiased, opinion.
May 29, 2023
Better than it should be
Josh Reynolds knows how to plot a tight mystery. He also knows how to create a cast of interesting characters. And finally he knows we’ll the setting of Legends of the 5 Rings. lol together that creates a tight story that is a lot better than it needs to be to rate a success.
In my experience novels that tie in to other products (games movies etc) are of variable quality. Some are dull. Most are competent. Few really sing. This series sings. Recommended highly for fans of samurai or mysteries.
Josh Reynolds knows how to plot a tight mystery. He also knows how to create a cast of interesting characters. And finally he knows we’ll the setting of Legends of the 5 Rings. lol together that creates a tight story that is a lot better than it needs to be to rate a success.
In my experience novels that tie in to other products (games movies etc) are of variable quality. Some are dull. Most are competent. Few really sing. This series sings. Recommended highly for fans of samurai or mysteries.
April 25, 2024
Review: Another awesome story line that has a comfortable air about it. From the most evil character to the diminuative, all weave a great tapestry.
Shin plys the world as an effete snob that hides a brilliant mind. He has a sense of humor that comes across the pages making you chuckle here and there at Kasami's expense. The only mild detraction is the total unbelievability of Emiko, a blind woman taking out 4 plus young ronin with her cane sword. AND she is at the heart of all things clandestine. Riiiiight.
Rating: 4.6/5
Shin plys the world as an effete snob that hides a brilliant mind. He has a sense of humor that comes across the pages making you chuckle here and there at Kasami's expense. The only mild detraction is the total unbelievability of Emiko, a blind woman taking out 4 plus young ronin with her cane sword. AND she is at the heart of all things clandestine. Riiiiight.
Rating: 4.6/5
September 14, 2024
The world gets a bit larger with the newest book. While the setting is a fictional samurai world, the overarching story makes me think of P.D. James. The culprit/villain/bad guy is known. The ending leaves things to... Fate's hand for justice. I found that somewhat annoying in James' work. In this setting though, the plot device works. A lesser samurai cannot bring a greater samurai to justice. Honor plays a big part in what can or cannot be done. Overall, I consider it a strong second book for the series.
June 4, 2021
I very much enjoyed the second Daidoji Shin mystery. This mode of storytelling is so classic, but the setting gives it new life. The city it takes place in is very interesting, and Mr. Reynolds infuses his story with great humor and colorful characters with witty dialogue. For those who know L5R, you'll be very interested in his take on social dynamics between the classes as this Crane noble visits with the Unicorn clan.
March 9, 2023
It was... I'm going to be honest. The Author really, really doesn't know how to write entertaining mysteries. Like the other 2 books, the antagonists just drop any facade and tell the truth, there is barely any investigation worth its salt and, while the situation might look interesting, it was only window dressing for some good yet I would almost say pointless character interaction.
As a tabletop novel, is very good.
As a novel/novella, its mediocre at best.
As a tabletop novel, is very good.
As a novel/novella, its mediocre at best.
December 26, 2023
Another excellent and compelling adventure for everyone's favourite foppish detective.
These have been my favourite books in the new L5R series - the characters are wonderfully detailed, the culture superbly exposed to create something really different.
I like to read 4 or 5 books at once but I find that if I pick up a Daidoji Shin novel it'll be in my hand until it's done.
These have been my favourite books in the new L5R series - the characters are wonderfully detailed, the culture superbly exposed to create something really different.
I like to read 4 or 5 books at once but I find that if I pick up a Daidoji Shin novel it'll be in my hand until it's done.
October 1, 2022
Another fun mystery/political intrigue set in a fantasy world. I found it very entertaining!
October 7, 2023
An engagin mystery. The characters unfold further in this the second volume, with appealing inspiration from both Lord Peter Wimsey and Sherlock Holmes.
April 20, 2021
Death's Kiss, by Josh Reynolds is published on 1st June by and is a crime novel set in the fantasy world of the Legend of the Five Rings role playing game, which is loosely based on feudal Japan. It follows Diadoji Shin, a bored aristocrat who has become a sleuth. Shin travels outside the capital, City of the Rich Frog to the Unicorn lands, to find out what set in motion the events leading to a recent death, which threatens to engulf the area in war.
While Legend of the Five Rings is a highly popular fantasy game, Death's Kiss does not quite forfill it's promise when it comes to a work of crime fiction. The main issue is that while it is set in a complex built world it unfortunately has not extended the same complexity to it's charactors. I only found myself drawn to one of them, who I suspect as a member of the supporting cast is not likely to appear in other Daidoji Shin mysteries. Unfortunately this charactor is not strong enough to carry the whole narrative, which is down to the rather paint-by-numbers personality of detective Shin, whose... read more here https://true-crime-fiction.com/2021/0...
While Legend of the Five Rings is a highly popular fantasy game, Death's Kiss does not quite forfill it's promise when it comes to a work of crime fiction. The main issue is that while it is set in a complex built world it unfortunately has not extended the same complexity to it's charactors. I only found myself drawn to one of them, who I suspect as a member of the supporting cast is not likely to appear in other Daidoji Shin mysteries. Unfortunately this charactor is not strong enough to carry the whole narrative, which is down to the rather paint-by-numbers personality of detective Shin, whose... read more here https://true-crime-fiction.com/2021/0...
April 11, 2021
This feedback is for an advanced copy of Death’s Kiss, which was sent to me in return for a review. While this is the second in the Daidoji Shin Mystery series and the fourth of Aconyte’s Legend of the Five Rings novels (a 25+ year old franchise set in Rokugan, a heavily Japanese inspired fantasy setting with other East Asian elements), this book stands alone and doesn’t necessarily require reading earlier entries or an introduction to the world or characters. However, an appreciation of samurai-based fantasy fiction would definitely help the uninitiated.
The novel is competently written and the characters are fairly interesting, though there are some odd turns of phrase (rewriting “a man’s bread and butter” as “a man’s fish and rice”? Really?) and the pacing seems somewhat off. While billed as a mystery, there isn’t much mysterious happening at the outset. A murder occurs and the titular Daidoji Shin is asked to investigate as a favor to a friend. The murder, however, is mundane and everyone (literally everyone) knows the facts of the incident from the very beginning—the only mysterious part (from both reader and character perspectives) is why Shin is involved in the first place. That there is a hidden truth that undergirded the motive for the murder (while telegraphed from the outset) is not apparent until the midpoint of the book, and by then readers may have given up. After the midpoint, however, the novel begins to pick up steam and really begins to come to life, though the conclusion feels a bit rushed.
Those looking for a Holmesian mystery where the detective outwits everyone through perception and deduction, solving the crime with a flourish, will be disappointed. This is more a novel of political intrigue and infighting featuring a detective more in the vein of the hard boiled tradition—that is, even though Shin is an aristocrat, he lowers himself into the mean streets and criminal underbellies that pervade his society in service of Truth. A samurai pulp detective hero—which is a great sentence I never expected to write.
One small note: as mentioned, I read an ARC. As such, there were several clear typos (including missing and redundant words). This is not something that affected my rating or review (as this is pretty typical). But I can understand that future readers may be disappointed if these make their way into the published version.
Given the slow start, the last half turns out to be surprisingly good, which made the whole of the novel relatively enjoyable—enough that I will definitely check out future Daidoji Shin Mystery novels. This is a pretty easy recommend for L5R fans. While the setting isn’t exactly necessary for this story, it represents the more day-to-day adventures of the world instead of the more typical, universe-altering fantasy fare—which is fun. For fans of samurai or East Asian inspired fantasy who may be intrigued by the cover, I’d only recommend this if the detective genre or local level political intrigue is in your wheelhouse—it is branded a mystery for a reason. Though for hardcore mystery aficionados, this would probably be a pass since everything about the novel’s mystery is fairly obvious from the beginning and remains so throughout the course of the narrative.
The novel is competently written and the characters are fairly interesting, though there are some odd turns of phrase (rewriting “a man’s bread and butter” as “a man’s fish and rice”? Really?) and the pacing seems somewhat off. While billed as a mystery, there isn’t much mysterious happening at the outset. A murder occurs and the titular Daidoji Shin is asked to investigate as a favor to a friend. The murder, however, is mundane and everyone (literally everyone) knows the facts of the incident from the very beginning—the only mysterious part (from both reader and character perspectives) is why Shin is involved in the first place. That there is a hidden truth that undergirded the motive for the murder (while telegraphed from the outset) is not apparent until the midpoint of the book, and by then readers may have given up. After the midpoint, however, the novel begins to pick up steam and really begins to come to life, though the conclusion feels a bit rushed.
Those looking for a Holmesian mystery where the detective outwits everyone through perception and deduction, solving the crime with a flourish, will be disappointed. This is more a novel of political intrigue and infighting featuring a detective more in the vein of the hard boiled tradition—that is, even though Shin is an aristocrat, he lowers himself into the mean streets and criminal underbellies that pervade his society in service of Truth. A samurai pulp detective hero—which is a great sentence I never expected to write.
One small note: as mentioned, I read an ARC. As such, there were several clear typos (including missing and redundant words). This is not something that affected my rating or review (as this is pretty typical). But I can understand that future readers may be disappointed if these make their way into the published version.
Given the slow start, the last half turns out to be surprisingly good, which made the whole of the novel relatively enjoyable—enough that I will definitely check out future Daidoji Shin Mystery novels. This is a pretty easy recommend for L5R fans. While the setting isn’t exactly necessary for this story, it represents the more day-to-day adventures of the world instead of the more typical, universe-altering fantasy fare—which is fun. For fans of samurai or East Asian inspired fantasy who may be intrigued by the cover, I’d only recommend this if the detective genre or local level political intrigue is in your wheelhouse—it is branded a mystery for a reason. Though for hardcore mystery aficionados, this would probably be a pass since everything about the novel’s mystery is fairly obvious from the beginning and remains so throughout the course of the narrative.
May 13, 2025
This is my first Legend of the Five Rings Novel and it will not be my last. I love the main character, Daidoji Shin, he's witty, smart and a total snark. Can't wait to read more of these from Josh Reynolds!
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