The Fire Kimono - Sano Ichiro Novels by Laura Joh Rowland Paperback

About the Book

Japan, March 1700. Troops ambush and attack Lady Reiko, the wife of Sano Ichiro, the samurai detective who has risen to power and influence. This appears to be the work of Sano's enemy, Lord Matsudaira, but he denies all responsibility. If he is not to blame, who is?

Book Synopsis

The Fire Kimono is another dazzling historical mystery set in feudal Japan from acclaimed author Laura Joh Rowland.

Japan, March 1700. The strife between Sano Ichiro, the samurai detective who has risen to power in the shogun's court, and his enemies has escalated to the brink of war.

When a long-buried skeleton with mysterious links to the shogun suddenly comes to light, Sano and his wife, Reiko, who defies social conventions by joining in his investigations, must confront dangerous secrets. What was Sano's own mother doing on the night when a burning kimono ignited a blaze that nearly destroyed the city? The shogun gives Sano and Reiko just three days to find out--or risk losing not only their position at court but their families' lives.

Review Quotes

"Pure entertainment...it takes us to an exotic time and place and overwhelms us with intrigue, romance, adventure and frequent bloodshed" --The Washington Post

"Outstanding...Rowland has given her hero his greatest challenge yet in this suspenseful look at feudal Japan." --Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"An exciting and enthralling story set in a vividly rendered setting. I was captured by it from the moment a Shinto priest, buffeted by winds, his robe flapping 'like a swan in mad flight, ' discovers those buried remains heaved from the earth." --The Boston Globe

"The historic setting is mesmerizing. Great escape fiction. " --Kirkus Reviews

About the Author

LAURA JOH ROWLAND is the author of twelve previous Sano Ichiro thrillers, including The Snow Empress, which Publishers Weekly chose as one of the Best Mysteries of 2007. She lives in New Orleans.