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Samurai Detective #3
In Darkness, Death
Samurai Lord Inaba has been murdered in his sleep. To make matters worse, the crime took place under the protective eye of the Shogun himself. This is a case for Judge Ooka, Japan's own real-life Sherlock Holmes. And, of course, for his 14-year-old apprentice, Seikei. Their only clue-a bloodstained origami butterfly-leads them on a journey filled with mysterious shape-shifting ninjas, vengeful peasants, and a power-hungry killer you might never suspect. If Seikei is to help solve this crime, he must first survive.
Edgar Award finalists Dorothy and Thomas Hoobler drench this story with drama and suspense in this, their third mystery featuring the famous magistrate Ooka and his young samurai apprentice.
Edgar Award finalists Dorothy and Thomas Hoobler drench this story with drama and suspense in this, their third mystery featuring the famous magistrate Ooka and his young samurai apprentice.
195 pages, Hardcover
First published March 30, 2004
19 people are currently reading
307 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 68 reviews
February 6, 2021
Eh. It was the weakest of the first three in the series, I think. I like the introduction of the ninja character (non-stylized versions--the Hooblers are generally very good on their research). The trope of "Seikei is a bumbling newb" is wearing thin, though. We get it. He's a merchant boy adopted into a samurai family, he's still figuring his shit out. But seriously, we're three books in. Catch up, bud.
Like the 2nd book, there is a distinct lack of Judge Ooka's presence. He's the main attraction! Seikei's just the relatable character who gives us an 'in.' The judge is the star, and I want more of him. Also, more of his relationship with Seikei, although I'll admit this book more father/son moments than the first two.
Like the 2nd book, there is a distinct lack of Judge Ooka's presence. He's the main attraction! Seikei's just the relatable character who gives us an 'in.' The judge is the star, and I want more of him. Also, more of his relationship with Seikei, although I'll admit this book more father/son moments than the first two.
May 5, 2022
Third book in the series. Loved it. Really enjoying finally getting to complete the series I started reading way back in...middle school, I think.
May 23, 2019
3.5 stars. Seikei is sent with a possible ninja, Tatsuno, to investigate the source of one of the clues left at the murder scene.
Likes:
* Origami
* Ninjas ~ surikens, tennen-bishi (jack like spikes),
Dislikes:
* Disrespectful lessors
With-reservations:
violence, murder, starvation, kidnapping, assassins, suicide, thieves
Likes:
* Origami
* Ninjas ~ surikens, tennen-bishi (jack like spikes),
Dislikes:
* Disrespectful lessors
With-reservations:
violence, murder, starvation, kidnapping, assassins, suicide, thieves
July 3, 2020
In Darkness, Death is the third book in what the Hoobler’s are calling “The Samurai Detective Series.” This post is going to build off my posts about the first two books in the series, The Ghost in the Tokaido Inn and The Demon in the Teahouse, so if you’re interested you can check those out. And while were at it, there will probably be spoilers ahead, so you’d probably do well to read the book first and come back here. Seriously, it’s a short book and a good one.
First things first, I need to talk about the physical book. This edition I have is different from the editions I have of books 2 and 4 in the series. Those two books are published by Penguin under their Sleuth Puffin imprint. Those two books have great covers, great dimensions, and great paper, that I never realized made such an impact on the reading experience. This book, In Darkness, Death, is all different because it is printed by a vanity press. Presumably the Hoobler’s didn’t like the deal they had with Penguin and decided the popularity of the series could profitably allow for some kind of self-publishing arrangement. For that desire, I applaud them, but man do I miss the feel of the other books. Not only is the cover unprofessional and amateurish, but the layout is non-existent. I had no idea how important the feel of a book in the hands was to me. Obviously, it’s one of the reasons I haven’t switched over to e-books, but I thought that was just about being able to feel the physical movement through the pages of the story. But I had a hard time starting this book, and that difficulty had nothing to do with the writing and everything to do with the physical book itself. How strange is that?
Now on to the story itself.
On the Hooblers’ tour through Edo Period Japan, we were bound to tangle with ninja at some point, and when I realized that’s what this book was doing, I admit I was nervous. But in the end, I think they did a great job handling the topic, by giving some context for their existence while leaving a lot of mystique around them. The world of magic and kamis has always been at the surface in these stories, and the Hooblers have adeptly handled their presence for intrigue and psychology while always resolving problems outside of them. This is the first story to suggest something stronger, with Seikei’s journey on Miwayama, Kitsune’s literal fox footprints, and even with Tatsuno’s ability to make the horse disappear, though that last one can be seen as an expertly executed trick. I’m a fan of the way the Hooblers walk that line of fantasy and reality in such a way that they elevate both aspects.
I have complained in the past about the books’ firm support for the shogun’s authoritative power and the deadly social ordering of the times. This is the first book to question that order, even if it does so with a gentle hand. The Hooblers have never flinched from the harsh realities of punishment and power, butting Seikei’s idealism up against the realities of how power is executed, but they go a step further in this book. Seikei gets a lot of people killed because of his idealism and his belief of what a Lord should be like. Of course the Hoobler’s get to eat their cake and have it too by making Seikei’s idealism the thing that attracts people to him, so that Tatsuno, for example, saves Seikei’s life because of Seikei’s boneheaded determination to do what is “right” even though it is manifestly wrong. It’s a clever way to solve the problem and lets them have a “young adult” novel without avoiding or sweeping harsh realities under the carpet. When I think of all the things in this book that a conservative white parent would recoil from if they knew their child was reading it, it gives me heart.
There is still a horrible representation of women in the novels. I was glad for the return of Michiko, but her stay was too brief and her admiration for Seikei too strong. And that was it. The only other woman in the story is Sada, and while she is a great character, she is but a blip on the page when all is said in done. This is firmly a man’s world in the story, and it doesn’t need to be that way. That and the physical book are the only disappointments with which I walk away from this reading.
First things first, I need to talk about the physical book. This edition I have is different from the editions I have of books 2 and 4 in the series. Those two books are published by Penguin under their Sleuth Puffin imprint. Those two books have great covers, great dimensions, and great paper, that I never realized made such an impact on the reading experience. This book, In Darkness, Death, is all different because it is printed by a vanity press. Presumably the Hoobler’s didn’t like the deal they had with Penguin and decided the popularity of the series could profitably allow for some kind of self-publishing arrangement. For that desire, I applaud them, but man do I miss the feel of the other books. Not only is the cover unprofessional and amateurish, but the layout is non-existent. I had no idea how important the feel of a book in the hands was to me. Obviously, it’s one of the reasons I haven’t switched over to e-books, but I thought that was just about being able to feel the physical movement through the pages of the story. But I had a hard time starting this book, and that difficulty had nothing to do with the writing and everything to do with the physical book itself. How strange is that?
Now on to the story itself.
On the Hooblers’ tour through Edo Period Japan, we were bound to tangle with ninja at some point, and when I realized that’s what this book was doing, I admit I was nervous. But in the end, I think they did a great job handling the topic, by giving some context for their existence while leaving a lot of mystique around them. The world of magic and kamis has always been at the surface in these stories, and the Hooblers have adeptly handled their presence for intrigue and psychology while always resolving problems outside of them. This is the first story to suggest something stronger, with Seikei’s journey on Miwayama, Kitsune’s literal fox footprints, and even with Tatsuno’s ability to make the horse disappear, though that last one can be seen as an expertly executed trick. I’m a fan of the way the Hooblers walk that line of fantasy and reality in such a way that they elevate both aspects.
I have complained in the past about the books’ firm support for the shogun’s authoritative power and the deadly social ordering of the times. This is the first book to question that order, even if it does so with a gentle hand. The Hooblers have never flinched from the harsh realities of punishment and power, butting Seikei’s idealism up against the realities of how power is executed, but they go a step further in this book. Seikei gets a lot of people killed because of his idealism and his belief of what a Lord should be like. Of course the Hoobler’s get to eat their cake and have it too by making Seikei’s idealism the thing that attracts people to him, so that Tatsuno, for example, saves Seikei’s life because of Seikei’s boneheaded determination to do what is “right” even though it is manifestly wrong. It’s a clever way to solve the problem and lets them have a “young adult” novel without avoiding or sweeping harsh realities under the carpet. When I think of all the things in this book that a conservative white parent would recoil from if they knew their child was reading it, it gives me heart.
There is still a horrible representation of women in the novels. I was glad for the return of Michiko, but her stay was too brief and her admiration for Seikei too strong. And that was it. The only other woman in the story is Sada, and while she is a great character, she is but a blip on the page when all is said in done. This is firmly a man’s world in the story, and it doesn’t need to be that way. That and the physical book are the only disappointments with which I walk away from this reading.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 21, 2019
Tuan Inaba, salah seorang Daimyo yang sedang berada di bawah perlindungan Shogun di kota Edo ditemukan tewas di kamarnya sendiri. Sebuah origami kupu-kupu yang ditinggalkan si pembunuh menjadi satu-satunya petunjuk. Seikei dengan bantuan seorang ninja bernama Tatsuno diperintahkan Hakim Ooka untuk melakukan penyelidikan ke wilayah kekuasaan Tuan Inaba. Dan petualangan Seikei pun kembali dimulai.
***
Sebelum buku ini, saya telah membaca seri pertama Detective Samurai. Tanpa membaca seri kedua, saya tidak begitu kesulitan mengikuti seri ketiga ini karena tiap seri selesai per kasus. Masih menggunakan sudut pandang orang ketiga subyektif, kisah Seikei dalam memecahkan misteri bersama Hakim Ooka amat memikat. Sejak awal puzzle misteri telah disusun dan menggugah rasa penasaran hingga tak sabar membuka halaman selanjutnya. Seikei belajar banyak tentang ninja dan memiliki pengalaman berharga agar tidak lagi bertindak ceroboh dengan hanya mengandalkan keberanian dan keinginan kuat menegakkan keadilan. Hakim Ooka, dengan caranya tersendiri mampu menguak misteri dengan mudah tanpa perlu bersusah payah. Ia mengutus Seikei untuk melakukan penyelidikan meski sudah tahu siapa sang pembunuh, sepertinya bertujuan untuk mengajari Seikei menghadapi permasalahan di lapangan dan menemukan jalan keluar. Lima bintang.
***
***
Sebelum buku ini, saya telah membaca seri pertama Detective Samurai. Tanpa membaca seri kedua, saya tidak begitu kesulitan mengikuti seri ketiga ini karena tiap seri selesai per kasus. Masih menggunakan sudut pandang orang ketiga subyektif, kisah Seikei dalam memecahkan misteri bersama Hakim Ooka amat memikat. Sejak awal puzzle misteri telah disusun dan menggugah rasa penasaran hingga tak sabar membuka halaman selanjutnya. Seikei belajar banyak tentang ninja dan memiliki pengalaman berharga agar tidak lagi bertindak ceroboh dengan hanya mengandalkan keberanian dan keinginan kuat menegakkan keadilan. Hakim Ooka, dengan caranya tersendiri mampu menguak misteri dengan mudah tanpa perlu bersusah payah. Ia mengutus Seikei untuk melakukan penyelidikan meski sudah tahu siapa sang pembunuh, sepertinya bertujuan untuk mengajari Seikei menghadapi permasalahan di lapangan dan menemukan jalan keluar. Lima bintang.
***
May 5, 2022
I read this with a reader who chose this book off a list her school provided for a book in the mystery genre. This is written by an American husband and wife wiring partner team and it was very entertaining and an engrossing read. She liked it so much she’ll seek out all in this series. I mention that the writing team are American because the book is set in ancient Japan when a Shogun ruled Japan and current day Tokyo was named Edo.
The protagonist is a boy named Seiki who is the sons of a merchant but is adopted by a Samurai who is also a judge, the honorable Judge Ooka. Being adopted as the son of the judge is a form of apprenticeship and a great honor for Seiki.
The judge and Seiki arrive at the home of the Shogun where Lord Inaba has been murdered in his sleep. The two 🥷 Ninja’s that had been protecting him failed in their mission to protect him because they had been fed a sleeping draft in the sake they were served.
The story is filled with all kinds of details of life in Japan of the Shogun era and very educational. I learned so much about the way Ninja’s came to be and enjoyed this book so much.
The protagonist is a boy named Seiki who is the sons of a merchant but is adopted by a Samurai who is also a judge, the honorable Judge Ooka. Being adopted as the son of the judge is a form of apprenticeship and a great honor for Seiki.
The judge and Seiki arrive at the home of the Shogun where Lord Inaba has been murdered in his sleep. The two 🥷 Ninja’s that had been protecting him failed in their mission to protect him because they had been fed a sleeping draft in the sake they were served.
The story is filled with all kinds of details of life in Japan of the Shogun era and very educational. I learned so much about the way Ninja’s came to be and enjoyed this book so much.
August 12, 2019
I've always found the Samurai Detective novels to be a delight. Although some of that is likely tinted by nostalgia as I first read them when I was a child, I have nonetheless enjoyed being reintroduced into the world of 1700s Japan and to the characters of Seikei and Judge Ooka.
The books come across as being meticulously researched, and although some of the interesting nuggets of cultural information are presented in such a way that they take one out of the story, I'm happy they were there.
Seikei is a competent protagonist who could easily have been a Gary Stu but instead is quickly built up as a well-rounded character whose noble intentions often backfire. Nowhere is his naivety more underscored as a character flaw than in this third installment in the series where the consequences of a decision that, in a lesser series, would have been rewarded results in real tragedy.
The mystery is, as always, the real hook of this book. As with its two predecessors, there is an element of magical realism woven through the narrative with enough doubt to genuinely keep one guessing.
The books come across as being meticulously researched, and although some of the interesting nuggets of cultural information are presented in such a way that they take one out of the story, I'm happy they were there.
Seikei is a competent protagonist who could easily have been a Gary Stu but instead is quickly built up as a well-rounded character whose noble intentions often backfire. Nowhere is his naivety more underscored as a character flaw than in this third installment in the series where the consequences of a decision that, in a lesser series, would have been rewarded results in real tragedy.
The mystery is, as always, the real hook of this book. As with its two predecessors, there is an element of magical realism woven through the narrative with enough doubt to genuinely keep one guessing.
Read
September 28, 2018The book was okay but not the best. It was a story mystery book about a guy named Samurai Lord Inaba getting murdered in his sleep. Made it worst because the only clue they had was a bloodstained origami butterfly. My favorite character is the judge because he's witty and he has the choice of the whole case and who goes to jail or not. The butterfly lead a trail to a shifting ninja, vengeful peasants and the killer who will stop at nothing to keep his real identity from anyone. Well to be honest this book kinda sucks and base in japan and probably kids from over there might like it, I think my friend told me to read it because how bad it is. It was fun to read a new book based in a different country though but overall the book wasn't that good it was mostly cheesy and I don't recommend anyone to read this."How did he get in? There is only one door, one way in and one way out. Tell me how he got in undetected?" I like this because it's the quote about the samurai lord being murdered.
July 19, 2019
I tend not to read the end of the book (the A/N) but for some reason I did this time, and I thought it was neat how someone actually read the first book while in Japan (and even corrected something in the book). It makes me want to go there and go to the different places mentioned (even though they're not the same as then).
Better than the second book, pacing-wise.
Also, for some reason there was something about the MC that made me want to slap him at times. I guess it was mostly when he was adamant to go see the new Lord Inaba. Then I stopped and was like, he's only trying to help, he's doing what he thinks is right. Was sad with how the village was pretty much slaughtered (or it was implied). Was curious as to how Yutaro would react, if he would try to plead innocent or if he actually committed suicide (which I doubt for some reason?). Also, what happened to that one ninja (forgot his name), the one who accompanied the MC in his journey.
Those were my only complaints. It just lets the reader imagine what happened after the mystery was solved.
Also, curious as to how the judge came to that conclusion so early on in the mystery. I kind of just assumed the son would be a possible suspect since his character just fit that scenario.
Better than the second book, pacing-wise.
Also, for some reason there was something about the MC that made me want to slap him at times. I guess it was mostly when he was adamant to go see the new Lord Inaba. Then I stopped and was like, he's only trying to help, he's doing what he thinks is right. Was sad with how the village was pretty much slaughtered (or it was implied). Was curious as to how Yutaro would react, if he would try to plead innocent or if he actually committed suicide (which I doubt for some reason?). Also, what happened to that one ninja (forgot his name), the one who accompanied the MC in his journey.
Those were my only complaints. It just lets the reader imagine what happened after the mystery was solved.
Also, curious as to how the judge came to that conclusion so early on in the mystery. I kind of just assumed the son would be a possible suspect since his character just fit that scenario.
February 21, 2020
What an atmospheric title though, I failed to appreciate the dangerous mood of the story because I was too irritated at Seikei, the adopted son of the samurai Judge Ooko. I thought the culprits obvious early on, yet despite Seikei's training with the Judge, his naiveté and idealism cause him to completely miss that and make a fatal error in judgement he was warned against which the judge never addresses. That said, these stories evoking the Edo period of Japan are good mysteries for young people and others who enjoy a good historical mystery.
March 22, 2018
Ja, gut, es existiert halt. Wenn man sonst nichts zu lesen hat, kann man das Buch mal an einem Abend lesen und dafür ist es wirklich gut geeignet. Wortwörtlich kurze Kurzweil, nicht allzu langweilig, aber auch nichts besonderes. Okay halt. Auch wenn es der dritte Band einer Reihe ist, kann er super unabhängig von den anderen gelesen werden, da er in sich geschlossen ist und kein Vorwissen benötigt wird.
January 5, 2019
This book was very interesting and told an incredible story throughout. It gave super strong imagery and always seemed to take a turn. But my favorite part of the book was the merchants son “Seikei” becoming a man and finding his way through life throughout the book. He found his chosen path throughout the story and it was very cool to see and read. With a complex plot and more action packed pages it was a very good read. Just not my first genre choice. I would recommend this book.
November 6, 2018
This is book 3 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 22, 2023
I like seeing the darker representation of ninjas. I liked seeing the girl from the first book again. I 'm totally shipping them .There seems to be more then"friendship"between the two. The mystery was good.However Spoiler Alert, the death of the farmers and Dr Genko was heartbreaking.
December 20, 2017
I love seeing Seikei -the son of a merchant that has been adopted by a samurai judge - grow into a considerate young man and begin to find his path in life.
June 15, 2020
#1 is still our favorite, but everyone continues to enjoy listening to these books.
July 23, 2020
Another fantastic story. Not quite as good as The Demon in the Teahouse, but still very enjoyable.
April 8, 2021
it was really good. I think this series is really good ESPECIALLY considering as finding an entertaining sequel is difficult, and so as being a THIRD BOOK OF A SERIES, this was great. I enjoyed it.
July 15, 2022
The Idealistic Youth and an abundance of unexplained magic.
December 17, 2021
Better than the second book, in my opinion.
The major strengths to this book vs book 2 are more Judge Ooka (by himself and in interactions with Seikei), more likable characters (yay to Tatsuno), and more focus on character growth.
Seikei is frustratingly book-honorable but has zero actual skill or street smarts to back it up. The adults of the series are parenting him by allowing him to just act on his ways and see the consequences of his actions; this was so frustrating I almost had to skip it all. However, I hope that it allows for Seikei to become less idealistic and a stronger character - to be determined!
I thought the plot itself was not as interesting - you could guess the answer a mile away. That, of course, is kind of a major weakness as I think Ooka can do the same and yet this book exists and is trying to convince you that Seikei is giving actual valuable info to Ooka.
Also saw some spelling mistakes - makes you question the editing haha
The major strengths to this book vs book 2 are more Judge Ooka (by himself and in interactions with Seikei), more likable characters (yay to Tatsuno), and more focus on character growth.
Seikei is frustratingly book-honorable but has zero actual skill or street smarts to back it up. The adults of the series are parenting him by allowing him to just act on his ways and see the consequences of his actions; this was so frustrating I almost had to skip it all. However, I hope that it allows for Seikei to become less idealistic and a stronger character - to be determined!
I thought the plot itself was not as interesting - you could guess the answer a mile away. That, of course, is kind of a major weakness as I think Ooka can do the same and yet this book exists and is trying to convince you that Seikei is giving actual valuable info to Ooka.
Also saw some spelling mistakes - makes you question the editing haha
May 15, 2014
Kalo harus ngasih ulasan secara singkat, buku ini bagus dan layak baca. Ngambil kisah sekitar tahun 1700an di Jepang, tempat yang masih penuh sama samurai, ninja, daimyo, dan para petaninya. Juga satu pekerjaan lagi yang jarang aku liat di kisah2 tentang Jepang; hakim.
Tokoh utama di sini, Seikei Ooka, adalah anak angkat dari hakim Ooka. Hakim yang sudah sangat terkenal, diperintah oleh shogun secara langsung untuk mengatasi berbagai kasus yang kelihatannya tidak terpecahkan. Di buku ini Seikei dan ayahnya harus memecahkan kasus meninggalnya seorang Daimyo ketika dia sedang berkunjung ke Edo. Tidak ada yang melihat pembunuh datang, tidak ada yang melihat dia pergi, yang ditinggalkan hanya kamar yang berlumuran darah dan sebuah origami kupu2.
Kisah detektif bersetting Jepang kuno, kayanya ga salah kalo dibilang baca buku ini serasa baca buku Sherlock Holmes, dengan setting dan karakter yang berbeda. Kita mengikuti cerita dari sudut pandang Seikei yang mengikuti sang hakim, menginterogasi orang dan mencari petunjuk, sama seperti Dr. Watson mengikuti Holmes memecahkan kasusnya. Walo bedanya disini pengarang pake sudut pandang orang ketiga, bukan orang pertama kaya di SH.
Satu lagi yang mirip dengan SH adalah deskripsi yang minim dari pengarang. Baik deskripsi fisik tiap karakter, maupun tindakan2 mereka. Seringkali waktu awalnya Seiki sedang disambut di ruang depan, tanpa ada deskripsi atau narasi sama sekali mereka sudah duduk dan menikmati hidangan di ruang tamu. Buat beberapa orang, ini mungkin bisa njengkelin, tapi aku cukup menikmati perubahannya. Mungkin awalnya sedikit kaget karena kurang terbiasa, tapi lama2 ga ada masalah.
Dan buat mereka2 yang ga segitu ngerti sama istilah2 bahasa ato buaya Jepang, di buku ini juga ada banyak catatan kaki yang njelasin tiap istilah2 yang mungkin masih dirasa aneh sama beberapa orang. Aku ga seberapa masalah sih, toh catatan kakinya juga pendek banget. Cukup dibaca sedikit, trus bisa lanjut lagi sama ceritanya. Sama sekali ga mengganggu.
Dan aku juga suka sama tiap karakternya, juga perasaan kalo buku ini masih bisa dilanjutkan walo kisahnya cukup tuntas di satu buku ini aja. Wajar sih, seperti kebanyakan cerita detektif, satu buku cukup buat satu kasus. Tapi rasanya menarik melihat perkembangan sifat Seike lebih lanjut. Bagaimana dia nantinya bisa lebih cakap menuntaskan kasus. Dan bagaimana hubungannya dengan Michiko berlanjut nantinya.
Dan satu tambahan terakhir, haiku (puisi Jepang) buatan Seikei cantik banget deh. Sayang cuma sedikit di buku ini.
Tokoh utama di sini, Seikei Ooka, adalah anak angkat dari hakim Ooka. Hakim yang sudah sangat terkenal, diperintah oleh shogun secara langsung untuk mengatasi berbagai kasus yang kelihatannya tidak terpecahkan. Di buku ini Seikei dan ayahnya harus memecahkan kasus meninggalnya seorang Daimyo ketika dia sedang berkunjung ke Edo. Tidak ada yang melihat pembunuh datang, tidak ada yang melihat dia pergi, yang ditinggalkan hanya kamar yang berlumuran darah dan sebuah origami kupu2.
Kisah detektif bersetting Jepang kuno, kayanya ga salah kalo dibilang baca buku ini serasa baca buku Sherlock Holmes, dengan setting dan karakter yang berbeda. Kita mengikuti cerita dari sudut pandang Seikei yang mengikuti sang hakim, menginterogasi orang dan mencari petunjuk, sama seperti Dr. Watson mengikuti Holmes memecahkan kasusnya. Walo bedanya disini pengarang pake sudut pandang orang ketiga, bukan orang pertama kaya di SH.
Satu lagi yang mirip dengan SH adalah deskripsi yang minim dari pengarang. Baik deskripsi fisik tiap karakter, maupun tindakan2 mereka. Seringkali waktu awalnya Seiki sedang disambut di ruang depan, tanpa ada deskripsi atau narasi sama sekali mereka sudah duduk dan menikmati hidangan di ruang tamu. Buat beberapa orang, ini mungkin bisa njengkelin, tapi aku cukup menikmati perubahannya. Mungkin awalnya sedikit kaget karena kurang terbiasa, tapi lama2 ga ada masalah.
Dan buat mereka2 yang ga segitu ngerti sama istilah2 bahasa ato buaya Jepang, di buku ini juga ada banyak catatan kaki yang njelasin tiap istilah2 yang mungkin masih dirasa aneh sama beberapa orang. Aku ga seberapa masalah sih, toh catatan kakinya juga pendek banget. Cukup dibaca sedikit, trus bisa lanjut lagi sama ceritanya. Sama sekali ga mengganggu.
Dan aku juga suka sama tiap karakternya, juga perasaan kalo buku ini masih bisa dilanjutkan walo kisahnya cukup tuntas di satu buku ini aja. Wajar sih, seperti kebanyakan cerita detektif, satu buku cukup buat satu kasus. Tapi rasanya menarik melihat perkembangan sifat Seike lebih lanjut. Bagaimana dia nantinya bisa lebih cakap menuntaskan kasus. Dan bagaimana hubungannya dengan Michiko berlanjut nantinya.
Dan satu tambahan terakhir, haiku (puisi Jepang) buatan Seikei cantik banget deh. Sayang cuma sedikit di buku ini.
January 17, 2013
Buku yang memenangkan The Edgar Allan Poe Award ini bercerita tentang Seikei Konokei, seorang anak saudagar teh yang diangkat oleh hakim terkemuka di Edo yang juga seorang samurai – Hakim Ooka. Seikei pun dilatih untuk menjadi seorang samurai oleh ayah angkatnya. Hakim Ooka tertarik mengangkat Seikei menjadi anak angkat setelah Seikei membantu memecahkan kasus pencurian permata di Jalan Tokaido. Menjadi anak angkat keluarga samurai adalah sebuah kehormatan besar, namun sungguh tidak gampang menjadi samurai. Samurai harus menguasai cara berpedang, tetapi juga harus menguasai seni dengan baik, seperti menulis syair dan merangkai bunga.
Suatu ketika terjadi sebuah pembunuhan. Seorang Daimyo yang baru datang ke Edo – Tuan Inaba, dibunuh ketika sedang mengadakan pesta di rumahnya. Tak ada seorangpun yang tahu siapa pembunuhnya karena semua tamu yang hadir di pesta tertidur bahkan termasuk samurai yang bertugas menjaga Tuan Inaba. Hakim Ooka diperintahkan oleh Shogun yang berkuasa untuk menemukan pembunuhnya. Hakim Ooka mengajak Seikei untuk berpetualang mencari pembunuhnya. Satu-satunya petunjuk mengenai pembunuhnya adalah origami kupu-kupu yang ditinggalkan oleh pembunuh. Hipotesa sementara pembunuhnya adalah seorang ninja. Dan perjalanan akan menunjukan apakah ninja yang bertanggung jawab atas kematian tuan Inaba atau bukan. Seikei ditemani oleh Tatsuno, seorang pensiunan ninja, dari Tatsuno lah seikei banyak tahu tentang ninja.
Saya suka sekali buku ini, karena saya jadi tahu tentang Jepang di zaman lampau dalam sebuah cerita petualangan. Setting tempatnya nyata, benar-benar ada di abad ke 18-an. Hakim Ooka-pun adalah tokoh yang memang benar ada. Namun tokoh Seikei dan ceritanya hanyalah fiksi semata. Saya sih tidak menemukan kekurangan yang bermakna dalam buku yang ditulis oleh sepasang suami istri ini. Rasanya wajar saja jika buku ini memenangkan The Edgar Allan Poe Award. Quote yang paling saya suka dari buku ini adalah –Akan selalu ada anjing yang menggonggong dan jika kau hidup untuk membunuh semua anjing yang menggongongimu, usiamu akan habis untuk membunuh mereka.--
Suatu ketika terjadi sebuah pembunuhan. Seorang Daimyo yang baru datang ke Edo – Tuan Inaba, dibunuh ketika sedang mengadakan pesta di rumahnya. Tak ada seorangpun yang tahu siapa pembunuhnya karena semua tamu yang hadir di pesta tertidur bahkan termasuk samurai yang bertugas menjaga Tuan Inaba. Hakim Ooka diperintahkan oleh Shogun yang berkuasa untuk menemukan pembunuhnya. Hakim Ooka mengajak Seikei untuk berpetualang mencari pembunuhnya. Satu-satunya petunjuk mengenai pembunuhnya adalah origami kupu-kupu yang ditinggalkan oleh pembunuh. Hipotesa sementara pembunuhnya adalah seorang ninja. Dan perjalanan akan menunjukan apakah ninja yang bertanggung jawab atas kematian tuan Inaba atau bukan. Seikei ditemani oleh Tatsuno, seorang pensiunan ninja, dari Tatsuno lah seikei banyak tahu tentang ninja.
Saya suka sekali buku ini, karena saya jadi tahu tentang Jepang di zaman lampau dalam sebuah cerita petualangan. Setting tempatnya nyata, benar-benar ada di abad ke 18-an. Hakim Ooka-pun adalah tokoh yang memang benar ada. Namun tokoh Seikei dan ceritanya hanyalah fiksi semata. Saya sih tidak menemukan kekurangan yang bermakna dalam buku yang ditulis oleh sepasang suami istri ini. Rasanya wajar saja jika buku ini memenangkan The Edgar Allan Poe Award. Quote yang paling saya suka dari buku ini adalah –Akan selalu ada anjing yang menggonggong dan jika kau hidup untuk membunuh semua anjing yang menggongongimu, usiamu akan habis untuk membunuh mereka.--
December 30, 2010
This is the third book in the Samurai Mysteries series; there are six books in this series. I think this was the best book in this series so far. There is more adventure and the plot is more complex.
Seikei is helping Judge Ooka to solve the mystery behind the murder of a samurai lord. In order to cover ground quicker Judge Ooka sends Seikei on an adventure with a ninja Tatsuno to track down the maker of some mysterious paper left at the scene of the crime. Seikei will learn many things on the journey but mostly he will learn that a samurai's honor is not as black and white as he had believed.
This book was a bit different than the other ones in that Seikei faces some very interesting moral decisions. He goes on more of an adventure than in the previous books and gets put into more dire situations than ever before.
Each of these books has focused on some aspect of Japanese history and for this book that was the way of the ninja. Seikie learns how ninja's think, he learns some of their tricks, and he learns what drives them. Along the way Seikei also learns some hard lessons about samurai. Not all of the samurai are the noble heroes he expects them to be.
As with the previous books the writing style is nothing special. This book is definitely aimed at kids, so the syntax and words used are dumbed down some (more than I think they need to be for this age group). As I have mentioned with previous books in this series I think that the writing could be more complex and then these books would be absolutely wonderful. In this book the story does get more complex, so that was nice.
Overall I enjoyed the book and the look into historical Japan. I will definitely be reading the rest of the books of this series because I find them very interesting.
Seikei is helping Judge Ooka to solve the mystery behind the murder of a samurai lord. In order to cover ground quicker Judge Ooka sends Seikei on an adventure with a ninja Tatsuno to track down the maker of some mysterious paper left at the scene of the crime. Seikei will learn many things on the journey but mostly he will learn that a samurai's honor is not as black and white as he had believed.
This book was a bit different than the other ones in that Seikei faces some very interesting moral decisions. He goes on more of an adventure than in the previous books and gets put into more dire situations than ever before.
Each of these books has focused on some aspect of Japanese history and for this book that was the way of the ninja. Seikie learns how ninja's think, he learns some of their tricks, and he learns what drives them. Along the way Seikei also learns some hard lessons about samurai. Not all of the samurai are the noble heroes he expects them to be.
As with the previous books the writing style is nothing special. This book is definitely aimed at kids, so the syntax and words used are dumbed down some (more than I think they need to be for this age group). As I have mentioned with previous books in this series I think that the writing could be more complex and then these books would be absolutely wonderful. In this book the story does get more complex, so that was nice.
Overall I enjoyed the book and the look into historical Japan. I will definitely be reading the rest of the books of this series because I find them very interesting.
November 5, 2012
When Lord Inaba is found murdered in his own bedroom, Judge Ooka is immediately sent to investigate. With his adopted son and young apprentice, Seikei, the judge begins finding clues in the palace both physically and verbally from servants. When Seikei discovers a bloodstained origami butterfly in Lord Inaba’s room, Judge Ooka begins to suspect who the killer may be. The judge sends Seikei with Tatsuno, a ninja, to discover where the paper was made and who purchased it. Along his journey, Seikei learns more about ninjas, his own abilities as a blossoming samurai, and the value of friendship. This detective story introduces readers to an exciting in-depth look at culture in eighteenth century Japan—traditions, clothing, samurai beliefs, and much more.
I enjoyed this novel. I think that because it is the third novel in the series, I was a little lost, but I connected with the characters nonetheless. It was very interesting to read about the culture in Japan during the eighteenth century. I think that this would be a great novel to read in a history class because the students would be able to get a glimpse into a culture that is very different. Seikei was a very relatable character and I really liked his humor. It was also interesting to see Seikei’s character develop in such a short time. The mystery in this novel was intense. The plot moved well and the clues that were given helped me to figure out who the culprit was. I would warn students that because of the culture, they may feel a little offended or shocked by what is said about what happens to some of the characters in the novel.
I enjoyed this novel. I think that because it is the third novel in the series, I was a little lost, but I connected with the characters nonetheless. It was very interesting to read about the culture in Japan during the eighteenth century. I think that this would be a great novel to read in a history class because the students would be able to get a glimpse into a culture that is very different. Seikei was a very relatable character and I really liked his humor. It was also interesting to see Seikei’s character develop in such a short time. The mystery in this novel was intense. The plot moved well and the clues that were given helped me to figure out who the culprit was. I would warn students that because of the culture, they may feel a little offended or shocked by what is said about what happens to some of the characters in the novel.
January 30, 2009
"How did he get in? There is only one door, one way in and one way out. Tell me how he got in undetected?".............The samurai lord has been murdered in his sleep under the eye of the shogun, who turns to the famous judge Ooka- and his fourteen year old apprentice to investigate. Their only clue is a bloodstained paper butterfly. They try to find out who the killer is before the killer gets anyone else. Dorothy and Thomas Hoobler's In Darkness, Death caught my attention, I got hooked with the first couple of pages.
The style of the author is quite intriguing, it is dramatic n yet mysterious. As they think they are getting closer to the end, more clues come up and turns out to lead to other characters, yet each one holding useful information about the murder.
Seikei is a smart boy. Using his instincts and detective skills he tries to find the killer. He is obedient and loyal to judge ooka. Judge ooka tries to keep his intimidating ways. Though he wants to smile and laugh at the things seikei does he tries not to. Even though he notices thins about his investigations he leaves things out just so seikei can have a word in about it.
It is a modern age in japan. No cars no planes, just there feet and the horses they have. Honor is everything and if they fail then then the samurai lord will be dishonored and everyone will see him in a different way.
This book could relate to the real world because if you kill someone then you will be prosecuted. Overall this is a good book, out of all the books i read so far this is the book i like.
The style of the author is quite intriguing, it is dramatic n yet mysterious. As they think they are getting closer to the end, more clues come up and turns out to lead to other characters, yet each one holding useful information about the murder.
Seikei is a smart boy. Using his instincts and detective skills he tries to find the killer. He is obedient and loyal to judge ooka. Judge ooka tries to keep his intimidating ways. Though he wants to smile and laugh at the things seikei does he tries not to. Even though he notices thins about his investigations he leaves things out just so seikei can have a word in about it.
It is a modern age in japan. No cars no planes, just there feet and the horses they have. Honor is everything and if they fail then then the samurai lord will be dishonored and everyone will see him in a different way.
This book could relate to the real world because if you kill someone then you will be prosecuted. Overall this is a good book, out of all the books i read so far this is the book i like.
June 8, 2009
Synopsis:
Samurai Lord Inaba is murdered in his sleep while under the protection of the Shogun. Judge Ooka and his adoptive son, Seikei, attempt to investigate with a bloodstained origami butterfly as their sole clue. Judge Ooka enlists the aid of a "retired" ninja, Tatsuno, to accompany Seikei as he travels across Japan searching for the maker of the origami butterfly.
Their travels lead Seikei and Tatsuno to meet impoverished farmers, wary monks, and powerful daimyos. While Tatsuno attempts to warn Seikei to rein in his idealistic fervor, Seikei's code of honor win Tatsuno's respect. In the end, Seikei must flee from false imprisonment and face a dangerous and powerful ninja to find the truth behind the assassination.
Review:
In Darkness, Death introduces another interesting character in the series. Tatsuno, the "retired" ninja is cynical and resists having to accompany the young Seikei. Though Tatsuno could have abandoned Seikei numerous times, we find that Tatsuno follows a strict code of honor of his own. I enjoyed learning about Tatsuno and the lives of ninjas during the 1700s, their relationship to the monks and to the local farmers.
This adventure shared the wonderful balance of action and insight into Seikei's personality. His slow realization of the plight of the farmers, the power of the daiymo and the role of the Shogun and his officials was sad but very interesting. The dilemmas that he faced added further depth to fourteen year old Seikei's character.
Samurai Lord Inaba is murdered in his sleep while under the protection of the Shogun. Judge Ooka and his adoptive son, Seikei, attempt to investigate with a bloodstained origami butterfly as their sole clue. Judge Ooka enlists the aid of a "retired" ninja, Tatsuno, to accompany Seikei as he travels across Japan searching for the maker of the origami butterfly.
Their travels lead Seikei and Tatsuno to meet impoverished farmers, wary monks, and powerful daimyos. While Tatsuno attempts to warn Seikei to rein in his idealistic fervor, Seikei's code of honor win Tatsuno's respect. In the end, Seikei must flee from false imprisonment and face a dangerous and powerful ninja to find the truth behind the assassination.
Review:
In Darkness, Death introduces another interesting character in the series. Tatsuno, the "retired" ninja is cynical and resists having to accompany the young Seikei. Though Tatsuno could have abandoned Seikei numerous times, we find that Tatsuno follows a strict code of honor of his own. I enjoyed learning about Tatsuno and the lives of ninjas during the 1700s, their relationship to the monks and to the local farmers.
This adventure shared the wonderful balance of action and insight into Seikei's personality. His slow realization of the plight of the farmers, the power of the daiymo and the role of the Shogun and his officials was sad but very interesting. The dilemmas that he faced added further depth to fourteen year old Seikei's character.
April 5, 2011
Kisah Seikei Konoike #3
Ok, ada polanya di sini, buku 1 ttg Kabuki, buku 2 ttg Geisha, sedangkan buku ke-3 ini tentang Ninja(!!).
Lebih seru dan kompleks dari kisah-kisah sebelumnya, karena di sini Seikei bukan hanya mengalami penyelidikan, ia juga keluar dan menjalani petualangan. Ditemani seorang Ninja, Seikei ditugaskan pergi ke Shinano, di ujung utara kekaisaran, untuk menyelidiki sehelai kertas yang petunjuk dalam kematian seorang Daimyo. Dalam perjalanannya, Seikei belajar tentang kehormatan seorang Samurai, kehidupan rakyat, dan seni bertahan hidup seorang Ninja. Keberadaan lantai yang bisa bernyayi (nightangle floor) serta kehidupan seorang Ninja lebih mendetail lebih tertuang dalam trilogi Otori-nya Lian Hearn, terutama Across the Nightingale Floor, tetapi sebagai kisah detektif, buku ini cukup menghibur. Penuh lika-liku (tapi tidak membingungkan) dan akhir yang tak diduga (meski tidak mengejutkan).
Nb: Ada thread di GRI tentang sampul buku http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/4..., mau ngaku... baca 3 buku ini gara-gara covernya yang menarik sekali, seperti sampul manga, tapi lebih halus dan detail. Ada bonusnya lagi pembatas buku unik, seperti pada buku ini, berbentuk kupu-kupu, cantik!! ^)^
Ok, ada polanya di sini, buku 1 ttg Kabuki, buku 2 ttg Geisha, sedangkan buku ke-3 ini tentang Ninja(!!).
Lebih seru dan kompleks dari kisah-kisah sebelumnya, karena di sini Seikei bukan hanya mengalami penyelidikan, ia juga keluar dan menjalani petualangan. Ditemani seorang Ninja, Seikei ditugaskan pergi ke Shinano, di ujung utara kekaisaran, untuk menyelidiki sehelai kertas yang petunjuk dalam kematian seorang Daimyo. Dalam perjalanannya, Seikei belajar tentang kehormatan seorang Samurai, kehidupan rakyat, dan seni bertahan hidup seorang Ninja. Keberadaan lantai yang bisa bernyayi (nightangle floor) serta kehidupan seorang Ninja lebih mendetail lebih tertuang dalam trilogi Otori-nya Lian Hearn, terutama Across the Nightingale Floor, tetapi sebagai kisah detektif, buku ini cukup menghibur. Penuh lika-liku (tapi tidak membingungkan) dan akhir yang tak diduga (meski tidak mengejutkan).
Nb: Ada thread di GRI tentang sampul buku http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/4..., mau ngaku... baca 3 buku ini gara-gara covernya yang menarik sekali, seperti sampul manga, tapi lebih halus dan detail. Ada bonusnya lagi pembatas buku unik, seperti pada buku ini, berbentuk kupu-kupu, cantik!! ^)^
September 1, 2013
Tuan Inaba terbunuh secara misterius. Sebuah kupu-kupu kertas ditemukan di samping mayat. Shogun memerintahkan Hakim Ooka untuk melakukan penyelidikan, bersama anak angkatnya, Seikei dan seorang ninja bertampang pengemis bersama Tatsuno.
Hakim Ooka memerintahkan Seikei dan Tatsuno untuk menyelidiki asal si kupu-kupu kertas dan mencari tahu siapa musuh tuan Inaba. Perjalanan Seikei dan Tatsuno penuh dengan bahaya. Terutama disebabkan oleh Seikei yang masih muda dan mempunyai hati yang murni. Tatsuno terpaksa harus menyelamatkan Seikei. Hal ini membuat Seikei sadar bahwa Tatsuno ternyata jauh lebih hebat dari penampilannya. Dan meskipun sebal, Tatsuno juga terkesan dengan kemurnian hati Seikei.
Berhasilkan mereka menemukan pembunuh Tuan Inaba? Sementara penyelidikan mereka mengarah bahwa si pembunuh adalah seorang ninja. Dan kalau ninja tersebut hebatnya seperti Tatsuno, entah bagaimana cara menangkapnya.
Hmmm, terbukti hati yang murni -- walaupun biasanya terkesan bodoh -- selalu berakhir dengan baik. Awalnya sempat ngadat membaca buku ini karena gaya bahasanya sedikit sulit diserap. Tapi setelah beberapa lama untungnya jd terbiasa. Sempat was-was juga karena buku ini ternyata berseri dan yang saya baca adalah buku ketiga. Untungnya ceritanya independen, jadi bisa diikuti walaupun belum membaca awalnya. Dan akhirnya juga tidak menggantung walaupun ada lanjutannya.
Saya suka dengan Seikei, oleh karena itu 3 dari 5 bintang untuk buku ini. I liked it.
Hakim Ooka memerintahkan Seikei dan Tatsuno untuk menyelidiki asal si kupu-kupu kertas dan mencari tahu siapa musuh tuan Inaba. Perjalanan Seikei dan Tatsuno penuh dengan bahaya. Terutama disebabkan oleh Seikei yang masih muda dan mempunyai hati yang murni. Tatsuno terpaksa harus menyelamatkan Seikei. Hal ini membuat Seikei sadar bahwa Tatsuno ternyata jauh lebih hebat dari penampilannya. Dan meskipun sebal, Tatsuno juga terkesan dengan kemurnian hati Seikei.
Berhasilkan mereka menemukan pembunuh Tuan Inaba? Sementara penyelidikan mereka mengarah bahwa si pembunuh adalah seorang ninja. Dan kalau ninja tersebut hebatnya seperti Tatsuno, entah bagaimana cara menangkapnya.
Hmmm, terbukti hati yang murni -- walaupun biasanya terkesan bodoh -- selalu berakhir dengan baik. Awalnya sempat ngadat membaca buku ini karena gaya bahasanya sedikit sulit diserap. Tapi setelah beberapa lama untungnya jd terbiasa. Sempat was-was juga karena buku ini ternyata berseri dan yang saya baca adalah buku ketiga. Untungnya ceritanya independen, jadi bisa diikuti walaupun belum membaca awalnya. Dan akhirnya juga tidak menggantung walaupun ada lanjutannya.
Saya suka dengan Seikei, oleh karena itu 3 dari 5 bintang untuk buku ini. I liked it.
October 4, 2011
One usually doesn't expect to see books intended for the under-twelves in the mystery genre, but one should always be ready to be pleasantly surprised. This isn't a very complicated mystery (in fact it barely qualifies, being more of an adventure story), and in places it is over-westernized, but only in ways that would irritate linguists or people who actually know Japanese (it's a bit bizarre to read an otherwise solid piece of cultural fiction referring to 'ninjas,' rather than 'ninja' being both singular and plural... and the fact that samurai not only refer to ninja at all, but do so quite casually, is somewhat jarring).
The story itself is relatively straightforward and entertaining, if short. It doesn't talk down to its target audience (which admittedly would have been difficult considering its subject matter) and the cultural details that aren't sacrificed in the name of story sense are most interesting. The character of Seikei is a trifle dumber than he ought to be by rights, due to the need to explain things to the reader when there are only two characters present, but otherwise the characterization is also consistent and believable.
On the whole, a decent if simplistic historical mystery/adventure, and a light enough read to whittle away a few minutes here and there.
The story itself is relatively straightforward and entertaining, if short. It doesn't talk down to its target audience (which admittedly would have been difficult considering its subject matter) and the cultural details that aren't sacrificed in the name of story sense are most interesting. The character of Seikei is a trifle dumber than he ought to be by rights, due to the need to explain things to the reader when there are only two characters present, but otherwise the characterization is also consistent and believable.
On the whole, a decent if simplistic historical mystery/adventure, and a light enough read to whittle away a few minutes here and there.
June 20, 2016
In this third book of the Samurai Mysteries, Judge Ooka is called in to help investigate the murder of Samurai Lord Inabu, who was killed while he was sleeping in his palace in Edo. One clue left at the scene is a blood-stained paper origami butterfly. Ooka sends his adopted son Seikei with the ninja Tatsune on a mission to discover the origins of the paper of the origami butterfly, and to learn more about the ninja. They have many adventures on their journey, and at one point Tatsune must even help Seikei escape from a palace dungeon. In the end, Seikei must encounter a powerful ninja in his home territory of Miwayami Mountain.
This was an excellent addition to the series. It had more action and suspense than the two earlier volumes, and the mystery was intriguing. The historical information and the 18th century setting in Japan were perfectly done. Seikei is developing as a character, in this novel he learns that the cherished Samurai Code of Honor is not always the best standard, that things are not always purely black or white.
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This was an excellent addition to the series. It had more action and suspense than the two earlier volumes, and the mystery was intriguing. The historical information and the 18th century setting in Japan were perfectly done. Seikei is developing as a character, in this novel he learns that the cherished Samurai Code of Honor is not always the best standard, that things are not always purely black or white.
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