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Samurai Detective #2
The Demon in the Teahouse
The beautiful, mysterious women of Japan are being killed one by one. The famous samurai Judge Ooka knows he will need help to solve the crimes, so he turns to his newly adopted son, fourteen-year-old Seikei. Determined to prove his worth as a samurai, Seikei goes undercover as a teahouse attendant in the exotic "floating city" of Yoshiwara, where demons lurk among the pleasure seekers and no one is safe-not even a samurai.
192 pages, Paperback
First published May 21, 2001
44 people are currently reading
399 people want to read
About the author
Dorothy Hoobler
115 books55 followersDorothy and Thomas Hoobler, a married couple who have written numerous books together, were drawn to this story of great writers inspiring each other collaboratively. Their most recent novel, In Darkness, Death, won a 2005 Edgar Award. They live in New York City.
Series:
* Samurai Detective
* Century Kids
* Her Story
* Images Across The Ages
* American Family Album
Series:
* Samurai Detective
* Century Kids
* Her Story
* Images Across The Ages
* American Family Album
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
January 5, 2013
This book is basically exactly what I was expecting. A mystery heavily peppered with bits of Japanese culture and history. I think the plot, character development, and writing are entirely secondary to the purpose of introducing young readers to Japan. Considering I have to teach this in my Language Arts class, that annoys me.
ETA: After an interaction with the author that spanned several years, I've decided the negatives of this book and his choices in interacting about it, in addition to his attitude toward the young people I teach, far outweigh any value they could receive from the heavy-handed info about Edo and the Tokugawa Era from this book. I will use one of the earliest books (written by a Japanese author, which makes a lot more sense to me from an broadening-the-canon perspective) to teach them about the Heian Period, instead (excerpts from The Pillow Book of Sei Shonagon, in case you're interested). This review (above, from September 2008) remains unchanged for documenting-the-conversation purposes, but I have reduced my star rating from 2- to 1-star(s) in light of this new information.
ETA: After an interaction with the author that spanned several years, I've decided the negatives of this book and his choices in interacting about it, in addition to his attitude toward the young people I teach, far outweigh any value they could receive from the heavy-handed info about Edo and the Tokugawa Era from this book. I will use one of the earliest books (written by a Japanese author, which makes a lot more sense to me from an broadening-the-canon perspective) to teach them about the Heian Period, instead (excerpts from The Pillow Book of Sei Shonagon, in case you're interested). This review (above, from September 2008) remains unchanged for documenting-the-conversation purposes, but I have reduced my star rating from 2- to 1-star(s) in light of this new information.
January 24, 2021
Definitely not as good as the first one, but still a pretty decent YA historical mystery. A major disappointment was the very small role Judge Ooka played in the story.
Instead, Seikei is mostly on his own in this one, and Seikei is really the one to solve the mystery, which didn't really jive with the first book where Seikei plays Watson to Ooka's Holmes. Seikei is observant, but he's supposed to be pretty new at putting the pieces together, and only learning to do that through Ooka's sage comments and particular methods.
Plus, I really wish they'd gotten more into the new relationship between Seikei and Ooka now that they are adopted father/son, but we saw absolutely none of that. There are a number of times where (appropriately) Seikei has imposter syndrome as to being a member of the samurai class, but there are no conversations or scenes between Seikei and Ooka about it. Zero affection from Ooka, either (actually, less than the first book when they were total strangers rather than father & son). Hoping the next book has more of that!
Instead, Seikei is mostly on his own in this one, and Seikei is really the one to solve the mystery, which didn't really jive with the first book where Seikei plays Watson to Ooka's Holmes. Seikei is observant, but he's supposed to be pretty new at putting the pieces together, and only learning to do that through Ooka's sage comments and particular methods.
Plus, I really wish they'd gotten more into the new relationship between Seikei and Ooka now that they are adopted father/son, but we saw absolutely none of that. There are a number of times where (appropriately) Seikei has imposter syndrome as to being a member of the samurai class, but there are no conversations or scenes between Seikei and Ooka about it. Zero affection from Ooka, either (actually, less than the first book when they were total strangers rather than father & son). Hoping the next book has more of that!
March 12, 2015
It's such an easy read, being that the intended readers are middle school age. The mystery and some historical insight to 18th century Japan appeals to the older readers like me. Put in mystery and the books's a good read.
Refreshing to read a YA novel that is on the opposite spectrum of Divergent or others like that.
Refreshing to read a YA novel that is on the opposite spectrum of Divergent or others like that.
November 6, 2018
This is book 2 in the Samurai Detective series.
It is a great story, and I gotta tell you that the cover does not do it justice, and it frustrates me that it is even on the book. The writing of the book is well done. Don't let the cover hinder you.
It is a great story, and I gotta tell you that the cover does not do it justice, and it frustrates me that it is even on the book. The writing of the book is well done. Don't let the cover hinder you.
February 26, 2014
When I picked this book, i kinda knew from the start that this was not my kind of book that i am interested in reading. Not only am I not a fan of the chinese history, and culture it referenced, but it was a very slow book. By that I mean that I often times felt that I was making myself read this, rather then wanting to. Also at the beginning of the book, it was very difficult to follow due to the big year span that occurred. it is told in the boys perspective. I did not find anything to special about the book. I do not recommend this book to anyone who likes fast paced/action books. No my favorite book as you can see and thats why I gave it a 2 star rate.
November 11, 2015
I had to read this and do a report on it for school. I may or may not write a full review for it later.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
October 29, 2018
awesome, ... ... so awesome.
January 24, 2019
Levi Chapman
English 10
Warning spoilers
The book the demon in the teahouse by Dorothy Hobler is the second book in a seven book series called “the samurai mysteries” which is series about a 14 year old merchant's son named Seikei who gets adopted by the famous judge Ooka after solving a mystery of a stolen jewel. In this book you join Seikei who was just adopted as he tries to solve the mystery of why there has been so many fires in endo and why their has been a string of murders in Yoshiwara which is the exotic city of Endo. I really enjoyed this book mostly because i have never read a mystery book before and i liked how it had me interested throughout the entire book and that it kept me guessing who the true coplperate is. This story creates a feeling of mystery and wonder and shows you that age is just a number and it's ok to be scared and that the only thing that matters is whether you let that fear win.
The story begins with Seikei training in bushido(the way of the warrior which is the samurai’s way of life and fighting styles) with an instructor Bunzo when suddenly his foster father judge Ooka who sent a letter that detailed that he needed help with all the spontanes fires in Endo. Once seikei arrived the fire was dying down and in the aftermath the judge sent Bunzo to help with the fire patrol while he and seikei went to question the owner of the store that started the fire. After the questioning it is realized that it has ties to the exotic floating city of Yoshiwara and the mysterious women who live there known as geishas and so the judge and seikei go to a fortune tell who tells of a recent killing which the judge and sekei checkout and the victim turns out to be a geisha thought to be killed by a demon so the judge decides to have sekei work in a teahouse to gather information from the locals. While looking for a teahouse he finds one which the servant boy is being chased out of, while in the teahouse sekei is tested to see if he is a demon then gets hired and meets Nui a selfish girl who wants to be a geisha and Oba koko who is the very strict owner of the teahouse. On Seikei first night of work after the clothes he had cleaned were stolen he was watching a room with the very famous geisha Umae when a bearded samurai arrives introduces himself as Fukushu(revenge) tells Seikei to give Umae his gift then leaves when the gift is given Umae is destaut and then wants to leave. As she does she says that Seikei is not the reason for her early departure and that she will come back the next night, much later seikei has to walk two other geisha back to their homes and they tell Seikei that there were two other deaths that he did not know about and that they are all connected to Umae. as Seikei walks back to the teahouse he sees there is someone who is starting a fire wearing his clothes, when he tries to stop him the convict runs and gets away and seikei is forced to put out the fire and does with the help of the samurai who were passing by but they thought he started the fire and turn him in after knocking him out. Seikei then wakes up in another judges house and this judge plans to torture Seikei till he says he’s guilty but before that happens Bunzo interferes and explains why Seikei was really there and then Sekei gets let out. Seikei then goes and explain what has happened and goes back to the teahouse where Kiru(the servant who was kicked out) is working and the sight of seikei scares him and he runs then Seikei picks up where Kiru left off and Oba koko doesn't care that much. Later as Seikei is sitting in a room with landowners, samurais and other wealthy people and Umae who is is entertaining people in the room and then announces that Nui will be her little sister(apprentice) and she will be given one of her gifts which turns out to be a very beautiful bowl. When the night was over Seikei goes to sleep and oversleeps and in the morning finds Kiru next to his shack and he tells Seikei that Umae and Nui left for a blessing from a goddess and that someone is hunting Umae so Seikei takes Kiru to Bunzo and the judge and then rushes over to the temple that Umae is at and eventually finds her but not Nui. Umae and Seikei sit down to discuss why everything has been happening and finds out that a landowner killed himself over the fact that he had destroyed his life over Umae and killed himself but not his family which were taken in by his brother. Seikei then rushes over to the brothers house to find him but only finds a servant who drugs him with tea and reveals that she was the wife of the landowner the killed himself and plans to burn down the building she’s in and blame it on Umae. Later Seikei wakes up and is tied up next to Nui who is also gagged, a moment later he is able to cut himself lose and do the same for Nui and they try to escape. They reach the roof and are about to jump to Bunzo and the samurai on the ground but the wife Suzu has Seikei cornered and Nui isn’t jumping and as Suzu is about to strike Seikei Judge Ooka shoots her through her hands and falls. In the end Suzu was captured alive, Nui was okay and Seikei and Judge Ooka told this story to the Shogun(japanese military general).
The amount of symbolism i found was not a lot but i did find that the fear that Seikei feels throughout the story i think has to do with the fact that Judge Ooka is his father figure and he doesn't want to disappoint him. The story i think was great and i didn’t really find anything wrong that doesn’t really stick out. I would recommend this book to any one who likes a good mystery and great characters
English 10
Warning spoilers
The book the demon in the teahouse by Dorothy Hobler is the second book in a seven book series called “the samurai mysteries” which is series about a 14 year old merchant's son named Seikei who gets adopted by the famous judge Ooka after solving a mystery of a stolen jewel. In this book you join Seikei who was just adopted as he tries to solve the mystery of why there has been so many fires in endo and why their has been a string of murders in Yoshiwara which is the exotic city of Endo. I really enjoyed this book mostly because i have never read a mystery book before and i liked how it had me interested throughout the entire book and that it kept me guessing who the true coplperate is. This story creates a feeling of mystery and wonder and shows you that age is just a number and it's ok to be scared and that the only thing that matters is whether you let that fear win.
The story begins with Seikei training in bushido(the way of the warrior which is the samurai’s way of life and fighting styles) with an instructor Bunzo when suddenly his foster father judge Ooka who sent a letter that detailed that he needed help with all the spontanes fires in Endo. Once seikei arrived the fire was dying down and in the aftermath the judge sent Bunzo to help with the fire patrol while he and seikei went to question the owner of the store that started the fire. After the questioning it is realized that it has ties to the exotic floating city of Yoshiwara and the mysterious women who live there known as geishas and so the judge and seikei go to a fortune tell who tells of a recent killing which the judge and sekei checkout and the victim turns out to be a geisha thought to be killed by a demon so the judge decides to have sekei work in a teahouse to gather information from the locals. While looking for a teahouse he finds one which the servant boy is being chased out of, while in the teahouse sekei is tested to see if he is a demon then gets hired and meets Nui a selfish girl who wants to be a geisha and Oba koko who is the very strict owner of the teahouse. On Seikei first night of work after the clothes he had cleaned were stolen he was watching a room with the very famous geisha Umae when a bearded samurai arrives introduces himself as Fukushu(revenge) tells Seikei to give Umae his gift then leaves when the gift is given Umae is destaut and then wants to leave. As she does she says that Seikei is not the reason for her early departure and that she will come back the next night, much later seikei has to walk two other geisha back to their homes and they tell Seikei that there were two other deaths that he did not know about and that they are all connected to Umae. as Seikei walks back to the teahouse he sees there is someone who is starting a fire wearing his clothes, when he tries to stop him the convict runs and gets away and seikei is forced to put out the fire and does with the help of the samurai who were passing by but they thought he started the fire and turn him in after knocking him out. Seikei then wakes up in another judges house and this judge plans to torture Seikei till he says he’s guilty but before that happens Bunzo interferes and explains why Seikei was really there and then Sekei gets let out. Seikei then goes and explain what has happened and goes back to the teahouse where Kiru(the servant who was kicked out) is working and the sight of seikei scares him and he runs then Seikei picks up where Kiru left off and Oba koko doesn't care that much. Later as Seikei is sitting in a room with landowners, samurais and other wealthy people and Umae who is is entertaining people in the room and then announces that Nui will be her little sister(apprentice) and she will be given one of her gifts which turns out to be a very beautiful bowl. When the night was over Seikei goes to sleep and oversleeps and in the morning finds Kiru next to his shack and he tells Seikei that Umae and Nui left for a blessing from a goddess and that someone is hunting Umae so Seikei takes Kiru to Bunzo and the judge and then rushes over to the temple that Umae is at and eventually finds her but not Nui. Umae and Seikei sit down to discuss why everything has been happening and finds out that a landowner killed himself over the fact that he had destroyed his life over Umae and killed himself but not his family which were taken in by his brother. Seikei then rushes over to the brothers house to find him but only finds a servant who drugs him with tea and reveals that she was the wife of the landowner the killed himself and plans to burn down the building she’s in and blame it on Umae. Later Seikei wakes up and is tied up next to Nui who is also gagged, a moment later he is able to cut himself lose and do the same for Nui and they try to escape. They reach the roof and are about to jump to Bunzo and the samurai on the ground but the wife Suzu has Seikei cornered and Nui isn’t jumping and as Suzu is about to strike Seikei Judge Ooka shoots her through her hands and falls. In the end Suzu was captured alive, Nui was okay and Seikei and Judge Ooka told this story to the Shogun(japanese military general).
The amount of symbolism i found was not a lot but i did find that the fear that Seikei feels throughout the story i think has to do with the fact that Judge Ooka is his father figure and he doesn't want to disappoint him. The story i think was great and i didn’t really find anything wrong that doesn’t really stick out. I would recommend this book to any one who likes a good mystery and great characters
December 6, 2022
This was a wonderful book with some SOLID quotes about women, love, and a new light that shined on the villain.
I am slightly disappointed that the author mentioned samurais in the preface as “he OR she.” The only woman who wore a “samurai hairstyle” that was assumed masculine was the main antagonist, Suzu.
There were a few female samurai warrior groups referred to as onna-bugeisha, who served in harems and protected cocubines (the book toned down the whole prostitution part by just calling them geishas who “pleased men with their talents”) SPECIFICALLY from male samurais. This was because of 1. When a geisha’s husband leaves for war that means she has an opportunity to cheat, and 2. Male samurais are more likely to take advantage of a woman who is trained in the arts and dancing, rather than a onna-bugeisha who is trained to a tea in self-defense.
See the issue here? It’s the woman being portrayed as the antagonist, a cheater, and a weak character. “Female samurai,” was not even mentioned in this book once. I had to take a star away for this.
I do appreciate the way the author described geishas with the ability to be so powerful yet appear completely innocent. That is a superpower if I ever saw it.
I don’t have a problem with women having goals to be a “geisha,” “prostitute,” or any “girly job,” because that gives more power to the player. The only reason I bring this up is because the only other little girl that is focused on, Nui, has absolutely no character development whatsoever. She becomes an apprentice of a geisha and even then, there are no changes in her transparency. The author lists her only goal as “being a geisha.” There seems to not be much thought on designing a female sidekick character here.
The other reason I took another star away is the way Seikei got his job at the tea house. Oba Koko had JUST kicked out Kiru and sees this random boy asking for a job in a all-women’s tea house. And she just accepts him?? She only checked to see if he was a demon, nothing else. She didn’t even check for weapons. It didn’t make sense to me.
I wouldn’t recommend this book, but I did enjoy reading it. Some of the quotes are truly noteworthy and made the book, so I’ll share some here:
“Seikei new well, the meaning of the cherry blossoms. In the spring, they bloom in a great abundance on the trees. But their time is short..takes them away, scattering their loveliness upon the ground.
In the same way, life itself lasts for a moment in eternity. Men and Women in their turn bloom, display their beauty, and then fall. Is life beautiful? Or sad? The cherry blossoms remind us that it is both.”
I am slightly disappointed that the author mentioned samurais in the preface as “he OR she.” The only woman who wore a “samurai hairstyle” that was assumed masculine was the main antagonist, Suzu.
There were a few female samurai warrior groups referred to as onna-bugeisha, who served in harems and protected cocubines (the book toned down the whole prostitution part by just calling them geishas who “pleased men with their talents”) SPECIFICALLY from male samurais. This was because of 1. When a geisha’s husband leaves for war that means she has an opportunity to cheat, and 2. Male samurais are more likely to take advantage of a woman who is trained in the arts and dancing, rather than a onna-bugeisha who is trained to a tea in self-defense.
See the issue here? It’s the woman being portrayed as the antagonist, a cheater, and a weak character. “Female samurai,” was not even mentioned in this book once. I had to take a star away for this.
I do appreciate the way the author described geishas with the ability to be so powerful yet appear completely innocent. That is a superpower if I ever saw it.
I don’t have a problem with women having goals to be a “geisha,” “prostitute,” or any “girly job,” because that gives more power to the player. The only reason I bring this up is because the only other little girl that is focused on, Nui, has absolutely no character development whatsoever. She becomes an apprentice of a geisha and even then, there are no changes in her transparency. The author lists her only goal as “being a geisha.” There seems to not be much thought on designing a female sidekick character here.
The other reason I took another star away is the way Seikei got his job at the tea house. Oba Koko had JUST kicked out Kiru and sees this random boy asking for a job in a all-women’s tea house. And she just accepts him?? She only checked to see if he was a demon, nothing else. She didn’t even check for weapons. It didn’t make sense to me.
I wouldn’t recommend this book, but I did enjoy reading it. Some of the quotes are truly noteworthy and made the book, so I’ll share some here:
“Seikei new well, the meaning of the cherry blossoms. In the spring, they bloom in a great abundance on the trees. But their time is short..takes them away, scattering their loveliness upon the ground.
In the same way, life itself lasts for a moment in eternity. Men and Women in their turn bloom, display their beauty, and then fall. Is life beautiful? Or sad? The cherry blossoms remind us that it is both.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 1, 2019
Another excellent story about Seikei helping Judge Ooka with a mystery. This time Seikei works at a Teahouse of the Falling Cherry Blossoms in the floating world of Yoshiwara.
Fires are being set in Odo and Judge Ooka is tasked to stop this scary danger.
Great detailed synopsis by Levi Chapman
Fires are being set in Odo and Judge Ooka is tasked to stop this scary danger.
Great detailed synopsis by Levi Chapman
July 19, 2019
Compared to the first book, I felt that this story was lacking.
We got to see Seikei solve another mystery but it wasn't as exciting as the first case. I didn't really get to interact with the antagonist which was rather sad since I wanted to know more. The reason for the killings/fires was explained at the end but even then I felt dissatisfied. The characters felt too distant. They were introduced and then taken away, only to reappear once more for some important event.
For example:
Other 'problems' I had with the book included how dull even the main character was and that it didn't set the stage correctly, I felt no danger, no urgency in the case. If people are dying, shouldn't there be a more tense atmosphere?
While I did have all these issues I do have to say it was an okay read and a quick one at that, which is why I gave it a 3/5, otherwise I'd probably give it a 1.
Perhaps the next book will be better?
We got to see Seikei solve another mystery but it wasn't as exciting as the first case. I didn't really get to interact with the antagonist which was rather sad since I wanted to know more. The reason for the killings/fires was explained at the end but even then I felt dissatisfied. The characters felt too distant. They were introduced and then taken away, only to reappear once more for some important event.
For example:
Other 'problems' I had with the book included how dull even the main character was and that it didn't set the stage correctly, I felt no danger, no urgency in the case. If people are dying, shouldn't there be a more tense atmosphere?
While I did have all these issues I do have to say it was an okay read and a quick one at that, which is why I gave it a 3/5, otherwise I'd probably give it a 1.
Perhaps the next book will be better?
March 27, 2021
'The Demon in the Teahouse' is the second book in the Samurai Detective series. In this one, 14-year-old samurai, Seikei, helps his adopted father track down an arsonist and murderer in the pleasure quarters of Edo.
The book was mostly an engaging read. Descriptions are good, and Seikei is easy to relate to. He is newly adopted to a samurai family, and has never been to the "Floating World" of Edo before, so descriptions of the culture and history of Japan are both natural and interesting.
This book definitely doesn't flow as neatly as the first book in the series. And there was an awkward feeling of iconic parts of Japanese culture (archery, the floating world, geisha, shrines, etc.) being forced into the story more than in the original.
I did enjoy the story, and recommend it, but don't think it lived up to its predecessor.
The book was mostly an engaging read. Descriptions are good, and Seikei is easy to relate to. He is newly adopted to a samurai family, and has never been to the "Floating World" of Edo before, so descriptions of the culture and history of Japan are both natural and interesting.
This book definitely doesn't flow as neatly as the first book in the series. And there was an awkward feeling of iconic parts of Japanese culture (archery, the floating world, geisha, shrines, etc.) being forced into the story more than in the original.
I did enjoy the story, and recommend it, but don't think it lived up to its predecessor.
May 18, 2020
Because my 9 yo demanded to know if there were sequels to The Ghost in the Tokaido Inn as soon as we finished it, I immediately ordered all of them. This is the second book in the series, and unfortunately, it does not come with this edition's cover. In fact, the cover is really, well... even my kids remarked on it. But that doesn't really matter, because it's another amazing mystery for upper middle grade/younger teens that was just as gripping to read as an adult. I continue to be impressed by the fact that the Hooblers can include topics like geishas and not make a 9 yo boy say, "Ewwww."
#1 in the series continues to be my favorite, but this was an intricately plotted, suspenseful mystery that our whole family enjoyed. Highly recommended.
#1 in the series continues to be my favorite, but this was an intricately plotted, suspenseful mystery that our whole family enjoyed. Highly recommended.
May 24, 2019
I went into this book thinking it was nothing but I was amazed by the story. It starts off really slow but builds up and continues that same excitement till the end. To summarize the book (without spoilers), a merchant's sons are helping the shogun figure out a mystery. I was really surprised by the writing and the number of pages. You would think a deep character development you need at least 200 pages but Dorothy Hoobler managed to make it work. I do think a couple more pages that focus on the background of the main character would be better but overall it is a really good book. I love how
June 26, 2020
Kali ini, Seikei mendapat tugas dari Hakim Ooka lagi. Mereka sedang menyelidiki siapa pelaku dibalik kebakaran di Yoshiwara. Ternyata terdapat benang merah dengan kematian sejumlah geisha.
Nah. Di novel ini kita juga disuguhkan dengan misteri yang sedikit lebih rumit dari buku pertama, namun tidak terlalu rumit kok. Sama dengan buku pertama, buku ini juga menyajikan misteri yang menarik, ringan, dan tidak begitu berbelit. Pembaca dibuat gregetan dengan tokoh samurai Fukushu.
Buku ini cocok untuk berbagai kalangan, baik itu pecinta misteri maupun tidak.
An absolute 5 stars.
Sekali lagi, kisah Seikei sangat saya rekomendasikan.
Nah. Di novel ini kita juga disuguhkan dengan misteri yang sedikit lebih rumit dari buku pertama, namun tidak terlalu rumit kok. Sama dengan buku pertama, buku ini juga menyajikan misteri yang menarik, ringan, dan tidak begitu berbelit. Pembaca dibuat gregetan dengan tokoh samurai Fukushu.
Buku ini cocok untuk berbagai kalangan, baik itu pecinta misteri maupun tidak.
An absolute 5 stars.
Sekali lagi, kisah Seikei sangat saya rekomendasikan.
Read
September 13, 2021Writing this more than a decade since I've read. All I remember was there were some parts of this that I found at the time were poetic and have stuck since. I think it was something like "the flowers of __ are blooming", but it signified that a certain city somewhere was in flames? Also I remember being scared out of my wit's end reading this back then (the genres of horror I'm "scared of" are usually somewhere between disturbing (something Japanese literature does well for me) and ugly-ghost kind of horror?, not so much gore-y horror). But then again I wasn't 12 the time, so.
September 24, 2019
An enjoyable mystery with an unusual setting--early 1700s Japan during the shogun and samurai era based on a real judge who solved mysteries. I liked the first book in this series better, The Ghost in the Tokaido Inn, but it's still interesting.
July 22, 2020
The Ghost of the Tokaido Inn is excellent. The Demon in the Teahouse is that much better. Started it before bed. Too hot to sleep. Finished it before bed.
This book is suitable for children but does involve geishas and the red light district of Edo.
This book is suitable for children but does involve geishas and the red light district of Edo.
January 7, 2021
It was amazing! It was definitely a good #2 to The Ghost in Tokaido Inn, one of my favorite books. I really think that this series is worth it, and it has a good plot, it has adventure, it has scary parts, but I kind of like that a bit. I really enjoyed it.
September 3, 2021
I think this book/text was very educational and very thrilling. I think this book was suspenseful, emotional, and good for people who love to read. This book made me feel good about myself, it gave me butterflies in my stomach because I like action and thrilling books.
May 23, 2017
Great series.
December 16, 2017
I love seeing Seikei getting himself into trouble and finding the answers to mysteries.
Read
September 24, 2021its good
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 3, 2023
An intriguing sequel to Ghost in Tokaido. I learned a lot about feudal Japan. A peek into a time radically different than now
June 18, 2020
I’ll keep this short as it builds off my thoughts on The Ghost in the Tokaido Inn. As I did before, I’ll assume that you’ve read the book if you’re reading this. If you don’t want anything spoiled, go read the book for yourself and come back. It’s a great read.
This is another wonderfully told story, with great, clear writing; excellent world depiction; and compelling characters. The mystery in this book is more like a classic whodunit than the first book, although it is still enriched by the setting choices. One thing I love in particular is that Seikei and others readily believe in the existence of demons and will gladly attribute to them all the things that puzzle us. It makes for an exciting element in the fiction.
My main thoughts now are about the politics of the book, and just as I was in my thinking about the last novel, I’m uncertain about where the book lands ideologically. This book deals in many ways with the powerlessness of women in Edo period Japan. That, I think, is a wonderful focus for the novel. Young girls are sold by their fathers for an extended indentured servitude. Geisha appear to have “power” over men, but they are clearly entirely dependent upon those same men. Oba Koko has a place of business, and Tsune wishes to own a business for herself someday, but those options are plainly limited. So the novel does an excellent job depicting those limitations.
At the same time, the women characters are set up rather unsympathetically. Even as you understand that Umae is genuinely powerless in spite of her allure, we get Seikei observing that he “had never met anyone like Umae, so heartless, so calculating. She was as much a demon as the person who set the files” (pgs 155-156). That line slapped me in the face as a horrendous and unfounded line of judgment. And since we as readers are aligned with Seikei, the authors don’t appear to question or undermine Seikei’s statement. Nui begins as an interesting character, exploring her powers over Seikei, but by the end of the novel, she is a caricature, worried about Seikei getting blood on her robe even as she’s about to be burned alive in a fire. Oba Koko is another character of comic relief in a lot of ways. She has reasons to be a hard-nosed woman, and I like that she doesn’t take shit from anyone, but there is no real understanding thrown her way.
If anything, the presence of all the women in this novel draws attention to the fact that the first book was practically bereft of female characters. Except for Machiko, all the women were played by Tomomi. And what good are a series of educational books for an American audience about Edo period Japan if it is trapped in the perspective of masculinity and wealth.
I really like the series, and I wish I could really like its politics as well. I will keep reading what has been published to see if my feelings topple in one direction or the other.
This is another wonderfully told story, with great, clear writing; excellent world depiction; and compelling characters. The mystery in this book is more like a classic whodunit than the first book, although it is still enriched by the setting choices. One thing I love in particular is that Seikei and others readily believe in the existence of demons and will gladly attribute to them all the things that puzzle us. It makes for an exciting element in the fiction.
My main thoughts now are about the politics of the book, and just as I was in my thinking about the last novel, I’m uncertain about where the book lands ideologically. This book deals in many ways with the powerlessness of women in Edo period Japan. That, I think, is a wonderful focus for the novel. Young girls are sold by their fathers for an extended indentured servitude. Geisha appear to have “power” over men, but they are clearly entirely dependent upon those same men. Oba Koko has a place of business, and Tsune wishes to own a business for herself someday, but those options are plainly limited. So the novel does an excellent job depicting those limitations.
At the same time, the women characters are set up rather unsympathetically. Even as you understand that Umae is genuinely powerless in spite of her allure, we get Seikei observing that he “had never met anyone like Umae, so heartless, so calculating. She was as much a demon as the person who set the files” (pgs 155-156). That line slapped me in the face as a horrendous and unfounded line of judgment. And since we as readers are aligned with Seikei, the authors don’t appear to question or undermine Seikei’s statement. Nui begins as an interesting character, exploring her powers over Seikei, but by the end of the novel, she is a caricature, worried about Seikei getting blood on her robe even as she’s about to be burned alive in a fire. Oba Koko is another character of comic relief in a lot of ways. She has reasons to be a hard-nosed woman, and I like that she doesn’t take shit from anyone, but there is no real understanding thrown her way.
If anything, the presence of all the women in this novel draws attention to the fact that the first book was practically bereft of female characters. Except for Machiko, all the women were played by Tomomi. And what good are a series of educational books for an American audience about Edo period Japan if it is trapped in the perspective of masculinity and wealth.
I really like the series, and I wish I could really like its politics as well. I will keep reading what has been published to see if my feelings topple in one direction or the other.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 17, 2013
I have always been interested in Japanese culture as well as mystery, tea, and the paranormal so what could be better than a book called The Demon in the Teahouse. The book gave me a little Japanese history and lessons on the culture of the time.
This book is set in the 1700s - based on when the actual Judge Ooka lived. The judge and his adopted son, Seikei set out to help find out who is setting fires in Edo. The investigation leads them to the area of Yoshiwara. Once there, the judge has Seikei work for a teahouse and gather information. What he finds out helps solve the case, but not without a final showdown where Seikei gets to put his samurai training into practice and see the great archery master in action.
If you follow my status updates, you'll see I started this book on June 12, put it down and picked it up again on June 15. The story is told from the point of view of a boy who is trying to change his place in society from merchant to samurai and the first couple chapters focus on his training struggles. The topic in combination with short sentence structure and frequent use of proper names made the writing seem choppy. It just seemed too difficult a read at first.
When I picked the book up again, the style didn't seem quite as daunting. Then when we got into the active mystery part, the story flew. Seikei was able to make careful observations and collect information to help solve the mystery of who was setting fires and killing Geishas.
I really enjoyed learning about life and society during that era of Japan's history. [I am very happy that we are able to choose our path in life.]
This book is set in the 1700s - based on when the actual Judge Ooka lived. The judge and his adopted son, Seikei set out to help find out who is setting fires in Edo. The investigation leads them to the area of Yoshiwara. Once there, the judge has Seikei work for a teahouse and gather information. What he finds out helps solve the case, but not without a final showdown where Seikei gets to put his samurai training into practice and see the great archery master in action.
If you follow my status updates, you'll see I started this book on June 12, put it down and picked it up again on June 15. The story is told from the point of view of a boy who is trying to change his place in society from merchant to samurai and the first couple chapters focus on his training struggles. The topic in combination with short sentence structure and frequent use of proper names made the writing seem choppy. It just seemed too difficult a read at first.
When I picked the book up again, the style didn't seem quite as daunting. Then when we got into the active mystery part, the story flew. Seikei was able to make careful observations and collect information to help solve the mystery of who was setting fires and killing Geishas.
I really enjoyed learning about life and society during that era of Japan's history. [I am very happy that we are able to choose our path in life.]
December 31, 2011
This is the sequel to The Ghost in the Tokaido Inn. Seikei has begun his samurai training and doing all he can to learn what he must so as not to embarrass his adoptive father, Judge Ooka. In the midst of his archery lessons, the Judge is called away to Edo. Seikei and the Judge must investigate a mysterious outbreak of fires, which were supposedly started by a demon. They discover that the fires have something to do with the famous geisha, Umei, and Seikei is left behind to investigate.
Seikei gets a job as a houseboy in a teahouse that Umei frequents and questions the geisha's male patrons. Many men have desired Umei, creating rivalries and unhappiness. Umei’s beauty and charm have driven at least one man to suicide. People close to her have been disappearing, and places she frequents have been burned to the ground. Seikei reasons that if Umei is not directly responsible, then someone who has something against her is the most likely culprit.
Following the judge's hunch that Nui, Umei's “younger sister,” will be the next target, Seikei tracks her to the house of Genda, where he is captured by the fire-setter. At the last minute, Judge Ooka saves the day – pitting his marksmanship against a katana and rescuing Seikei and Nui.
Another exciting and fast-paced installment from the Hooblers. This is a tasty appetizer of Japanese culture and history and mystery all rolled into one (maki!). Seikei is an excellent protagonist – he’s smart and resourceful, but he’s not too full of himself. Readers get to figure things out along the way just as he does.
Seikei gets a job as a houseboy in a teahouse that Umei frequents and questions the geisha's male patrons. Many men have desired Umei, creating rivalries and unhappiness. Umei’s beauty and charm have driven at least one man to suicide. People close to her have been disappearing, and places she frequents have been burned to the ground. Seikei reasons that if Umei is not directly responsible, then someone who has something against her is the most likely culprit.
Following the judge's hunch that Nui, Umei's “younger sister,” will be the next target, Seikei tracks her to the house of Genda, where he is captured by the fire-setter. At the last minute, Judge Ooka saves the day – pitting his marksmanship against a katana and rescuing Seikei and Nui.
Another exciting and fast-paced installment from the Hooblers. This is a tasty appetizer of Japanese culture and history and mystery all rolled into one (maki!). Seikei is an excellent protagonist – he’s smart and resourceful, but he’s not too full of himself. Readers get to figure things out along the way just as he does.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 30, 2010
This is the second book in the Samurai Mystery series; there are six books total in the series. If you enjoyed the first book you will enjoy this one. The two books are very similar in style.
Seikei is busy training as a samurai when his master, Judge Ooka, gets a desperate call for help. Fires have been breaking out in Edo and Judge Ooka must find out why. The mystery will lead Jedge Ooka and Seikei deep into the geisha district; where Seikei must help figure out if the fires are being caused by a demon or by something more human in nature.
Again the best part about this book is how it delves into Japanese culture. You learn a lot about the culture of Geisha's in this novel and a lot about the history of fire safety in Japanese cities. Seikei has a number of life-threatening close calls; making this book a bit more tense than the first one.
The mystery is well woven and has a less predictable outcome than it did in the first book. The writing style is still nothing special; the books are written at a pretty basic reading level.
Overall the book was engaging and enjoyable. Nothing incredibly special but I again enjoyed the Japanese history and enjoyed reading about Seikei. I look forward to reading the next book.
Seikei is busy training as a samurai when his master, Judge Ooka, gets a desperate call for help. Fires have been breaking out in Edo and Judge Ooka must find out why. The mystery will lead Jedge Ooka and Seikei deep into the geisha district; where Seikei must help figure out if the fires are being caused by a demon or by something more human in nature.
Again the best part about this book is how it delves into Japanese culture. You learn a lot about the culture of Geisha's in this novel and a lot about the history of fire safety in Japanese cities. Seikei has a number of life-threatening close calls; making this book a bit more tense than the first one.
The mystery is well woven and has a less predictable outcome than it did in the first book. The writing style is still nothing special; the books are written at a pretty basic reading level.
Overall the book was engaging and enjoyable. Nothing incredibly special but I again enjoyed the Japanese history and enjoyed reading about Seikei. I look forward to reading the next book.
June 20, 2016
In this sequel to The Ghost in Tokkaido Inn, Seikei has begun his training as a samurai at the home of his adopted father Samurai Judge Ooka. Judge Ooka and Seikei become involved in the investigation of some mysterious, suspicious fires in the nearby city of Edo, and also the death of two geishas. Seikei goes to work in a teahouse in the exotic, floating city of Yoshiwara where the geishas live and entertain at night. With his natural curiosity, quick intelligence, and eager desire to please Judge Ooka, Seikei is able to help solve the mysteries.
This was a very enjoyable young adult mystery. It had an excellent plot that was well paced and several interesting characters. The setting in 18th century Japan was fascinating and felt very genuine. This book had a lot of information about geishas and the floating city and other cultural tidbits from this period in Japan. Highly recommended for those who like reading young adult mysteries and novels set in Japan.
This was a very enjoyable young adult mystery. It had an excellent plot that was well paced and several interesting characters. The setting in 18th century Japan was fascinating and felt very genuine. This book had a lot of information about geishas and the floating city and other cultural tidbits from this period in Japan. Highly recommended for those who like reading young adult mysteries and novels set in Japan.
October 17, 2009
This young adult book has a bit of an historic flair. It takes place in Japan in- I believe- the 1700s. I think that it's the 2nd book in the series. Fourteen year-old Seikei is the adopted son of Judge Ooka, a wise samurai. Seikei is training to be a samurai too. Not only are the beautiful geisha girls being murdered in the exotic floating city of Yoshiwara but fires, the dread of all cities who have buidings made of paper, are being set by someone. Judge Ooka sends Seikei into Yoshiwara to observe and report to him. The places where the geisha girls entertain are called "teahouses" and everyone believes that a demon is responsible for the deaths and fires. This book is a glimpse into a totally foreign way of life.
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