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Black Lotus (Sano Ichiro, Bk 6)
Black Lotus - Sano Ichiro, Bk 6
Author: Laura Joh Rowland
When veteran samurai-detective Sano Ichiro, the most Honorable Investigator of Events, Situations, and People, is called on to investigate the burning of a cottage belonging to the Black Lotus Temple, he makes a shocking discovery. The three victim of the blaze did not die in the fire, but were brutally murdered before the fire even began. With ...  more »
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ISBN-13: 9780312268725
ISBN-10: 0312268726
Publication Date: 4/21/2001
Pages: 341
Rating:
  • Currently 4.3/5 Stars.
 8

4.3 stars, based on 8 ratings
Publisher: Thomas Dunne Books
Book Type: Hardcover
Other Versions: Paperback
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

reviewed Black Lotus (Sano Ichiro, Bk 6) on
Helpful Score: 3
This is the 6th book in the Sano Ichiro Mystery Series and where I began, however, if you are starting this series begin with first two books, "Shinju" or "Bundori." These earlier books focus more closely on Sano Ichiro. Can read books out of order and still enjoy.

This book draws much more on Lady Reiko, Sano's very atypical Japanese wife, to solve the mystery. She entered the stories more fully at book four, "The Concubine's Tattoo." By combining this semi-liberated independent minded Lady Reiko as another narrative viewpoint to Sano Ichiro stories, Rowland changes flow of storyline to include issues of husband and wife domestic issues (I.e. kids, jealousy, child care.)

Depending how you like Lady Reiko as main character, this is either a fresh addition or unlikely evolution given Japanese setting of Sano Ichiro mystery. The characters seem more Western, Lady Reiko emerges like modern woman selectively acting through traditional Japanese role. Ichiro in turn is less alpha male samurai and more the sensitive democratic open-minded liberal male.
SanJoseCa avatar reviewed Black Lotus (Sano Ichiro, Bk 6) on + 328 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
Set in the samurai court of 17th century Japan, this novel has well developed characters and an absorbing plot. It centers on Sano, a warrior turned detective and his wife Reiko. They are investigating a case that involves arson, murder and a sect that performs hedonistic rituals. Mystery and historical fiction readers will love it!
reviewed Black Lotus (Sano Ichiro, Bk 6) on
Helpful Score: 2
Very nice - I'm reading this series from the beginning and so far it has not failed to disappoint for a fast and interesting enough mystery read
Read All 9 Book Reviews of "Black Lotus Sano Ichiro Bk 6"

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JillSparrow avatar reviewed Black Lotus (Sano Ichiro, Bk 6) on + 48 more book reviews
Interesting Ichiro series that I lost interest in when new books came into my conciousness. But it's a good fiction for those that are interested in Japan and Japanese history.
reviewed Black Lotus (Sano Ichiro, Bk 6) on + 24 more book reviews
For lovers of police procedurals, these books are a must read! Every culture and every era has its crime and its charm. I find Ms. Rowlands books keep me interested right to the last page.
colonelstech avatar reviewed Black Lotus (Sano Ichiro, Bk 6) on + 38 more book reviews
One of the more complicated plots in the series so far, but well carried off by Rowland, with all the usual historical details that are among the notable virtues of this series. The internal Tokugawa court intrigues are less prominent in this novel, and the new relationship between samuri detective Sano Ichiro and his dynamic young wife take center stage. The evil Black Lotus religious cult offers plenty of mysteries for the Japanese Sherlock and his new bride Watson.

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