Review: The Ninja's Daughter by Susan Spann

A Mysterious Review of The Ninja's Daughter by Susan Spann. A Shinobi Mystery.

Review summary: There is a lot of subtle, nuanced complexity present in this series mystery set in mid-16th century Japan. Misdirection as to whodunit is handled in an adept manner, and while the culprit, in hindsight, isn't surprising it comes as a surprise nonetheless. This is a very strong, most enjoyable entry in this historical series. (Click here for text of full review.)

Our rating:

The Ninja's Daughter
Susan Spann
A Shinobi Mystery
Seventh Street Books (August 2016)

Publisher synopsis: Autumn, 1565: When an actor's daughter is murdered on the banks of Kyoto's Kamo River, master ninja Hiro Hattori and Portuguese Jesuit Father Mateo are the victim's only hope for justice.

As political tensions rise in the wake of the shogun's recent death, and rival warlords threaten war, the Kyoto police forbid an investigation of the killing, to keep the peace — but Hiro has a personal connection to the girl, and must avenge her. The secret investigation leads Hiro and Father Mateo deep into the exclusive world of Kyoto's theater guilds, where they quickly learn that nothing, and no one, is as it seems. With only a mysterious golden coin to guide them, the investigators uncover a forbidden love affair, a missing mask, and a dangerous link to corruption within the Kyoto police department that leaves Hiro and Father Mateo running for their lives.