Customer Reviews

The Pillow Book of Lady Wisteria (Sano Ichiro Mysteries)

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

In a classy Yoshiwara brothel, someone murders the shogun's heir, Lord Matsudaira Mitsuyoshi in the boudoir of Lady Wisteria, who has since vanished. Anyone with ambition or even remote connections in Edo decides to solve the homicide in order to gain favor with the shogun. Though still recuperating from his harrowing previous case, the shogun's Most Honorable Investigator of Events, Situations and People Samurai Sano Ichiro knows he must investigate because of the importance of the victim.

The antics of police Commissioner Hoshida, lover of the second-highest shogunate official and Sano's enemy, pressures Sano to quickly solve the murder. Still, Sano rejects the pat solution as too convenient and believes the evidence suggests a myriad of suspects with motives and opportunity to kill the shogun's dashing cousin. Reluctantly, especially after her involvement in his previous case, Sano turns to his wife Reiko for help in separating the facts from misinformation and disinformation.

THE PILLOW BOOK OF LADY WISTERIA is a fabulous seventeenth century Japanese who-done-it that will spellbind readers with its insightfully vivid descriptions of the Shogun era in historical Edo (Tokyo). The lead couple remains a wonderfully charming duo who escorts the audience on a sightseeing trip inside a unique police procedural as only this series does. Laura Joh Rowland provides another winning tale by tastefully and cleverly incorporating it into the powerful plot. The pleasure palaces of Yoshiwara though might require a bit of a warning label.

Harriet Klausner

Be prepared to find yourself totally immersed in the goings on of the 17th century Tokugawa court! When the shogun's heir presumptive, Lord Mitsuyoshi, is found murdered in Yoshiwara (Edo's pleasure quarter), Sano Ichiro, the shogun's Most Honourable Investigator of Events, Situations and People, is called in to investigate and to apprehend the murderer.

Unfortunately, Sano has not yet fully recovered from his last dangerous mission ("Black Lotus"), and is still having horrific nightmares about it. And it is beginning to look as if this current investigation is about to unleash more bad memories for Sano to deal with, as the courtesan whose bed Lord Mitsuyoshi was found dead in is none other than that of Lady Wisteria, a woman that Sano himself was entangled with in the very first book in this series, "Shinju." Lady Wisteria is now mysteriously missing, and Sano is sure that she holds the key to solving this murder. Working against time, esp since Edo's new Chief Police Commissioner Hoshina (and enemy of Sano's, previously featured in "The Samurai's Wife") will do anything to solve the case before him, Sano and his trusty aide, Hirata, begin scouring the byways of the pleasure sector, hoping to find clues and the elusive Lady Wisteria. But too many people have far too much to hide. Will Sano be able to discover who Lord Mitsuyoshi's murderer is? Or will Hoshina beat him to the punch?

I love this series. You can always count on Laura Joh Rowland to provide readers (and fans) with a plot that is intricate, full of twists and turns, red herring suspects, and a mystery novel that is steeped in historical fact and ambiance. Another thing I liked about this mystery in particular was the manner in which Reiko, Sano's plucky wife, figured into the plot. In previous books, Reiko's desire to be a full partner in Sano's investigation has been a sore point of contention between them. But events in the "Black Lotus" had shaken and tested not only Sano, but Reiko as well, to the extent that Reiko is no longer as confident and as sure of her abilities and judgement as she would like to be. In "The Pillow Book of Lady Wisteria," we see how the events of "Black Lotus" have indeed taken it's toll on Reiko, but how, in spite of everything she still strives to help and counsel Sano, and that, this time around, he does accept her help.

"The Pillow Book of Lady Wisteria" is a fascinating and tantalizing read, ad one that should not be missed, esp if you are a historical mystery buff.

I just finished this book at the DMV, and almost missed my turn! I was down to the last few pages, and was still fascinated. Ms. Rowland returns to her form with this latest Sano adventure. Everytime I had a free moment, I was thrown back into 1600's Japan. Her images and words really came to life and made me feel like I was watching a movie while reading the book. If you have some time and enjoy good writing, please try this book.

As with the other books in this series, I was swept up in the ambience of Japan under the Tokugawa Shogunate. Rowland's strengths are her sense of people and place in a historical context and her vivid, sometimes poetic, descriptions of the appearance, smells, and action in historical Japan. The Pillow Book of Lady Wisteria (PBLW) is somewhat better paced and plotted that earlier Ichiro mysteries and, for once, there is an almost acceptable unraveling and resolution of the mystery.

However, like the other books in the Sano Ichiro mysteries, Rowland's protagonists often come across as naive, impulsive, and, yes, stupid. They still blurt out clues to everyone within listening distance, particularly to those who can do them the most damage. They still listen with credulity to the most unbelievable witnesses. And they still hurtle off after the reddest of herrings. And they are always walking the thinnest of edges between progress and destruction -- there is never a moment for repose and reflection upon the mystery at hand. With plastic villians and heros, it becomes hard to identify and empathize with the characters.

But, all in all, PBLW is an improvement over its predecessor. Rowland does well with the overall plot and some of the interpersonal friction is believeable. I do enjoy the period and the setting and I will continue to read these basically enjoyable books.

Laura Joh Rowland's Sano Ichiro series of mystery novels adds new life to the growing sub-genre of historical fiction. Nearly all-historical mysteries are set in medieval Europe, colonial America or Victorian England. Rowland opens the genre to a new world by setting her novels in ancient Japan. What's more, her ability to strike balance between historical research, plot, and character development creates a solid novel. Many of her counterparts in the historical genre over-use historical data as a means to hide lack of plot and character depth. Rowland's strength of balancing history with plot make `Pillow Book' a cut above the average historical `whodunit'.

`The Pillow Book of Lady Wisteria' joins together Sano Ichiro, his wife Reiko and detective Hirata into the investigation of the murder of Lord Matsudaira Mitsuyoshi. Sano is the shogun's Most Honorable Investigator of Events, Situations, and People and is commissioned by the shogun to solve the crime. With his wife, Hirata and team of investigators, Sano plunges headfirst into a mystery full of greed, lust, and deception. In the process, `Pillow Book' provides a wondrous glimpse into the world of feudal Japan.

Mitsuyoshi, the shogun's heir and favorite nephew is found dead in Edo's pleasure quarter, Yoshiwara. Mitsuyoshi, known for his careless and often reckless playboy spirit was a client of Lady Wisteria. Wisteria resided in Yoshiwara as a high-priced prostitute servicing Edo's elite class. In her room Mitsuyoshi is found dead, a hairpin stabbed through his eye. To complicate matters for Sano, Lady Wisteria being a potential witness as well as the primary suspect to the crime, has disappeared.

The intrigue of the book intensifies as various enemies of Sano, Reiko and Hirata plot against them for political and personal gain. In a society where duty and honor play a huge roll in personal actions, Sano must work to divide friend from foe if he is to bring Mitsuyoshi's killer to justice. He must protect himself without sacrificing his rank in the Tokagawa regime. As well as, protecting the honor of his family.

Rowland unfolds her story best when using historical data to illustrate Japanese customs and how these customs effect her characters reactions to situations and events. Her books have been criticized since her characters do not act and react the way a modern day American would if put in similar situations. However, one of the joys of a historical novel is to learn about the time period and setting of the story.

For example, sexuality in feudal Japan is not branded with the same censure as in modern-day America. Homosexuality and prostitution do carry the social stigma they do today; conversely, monogamous relationships are not always revered, or desired. Inter-personal relationships in feudal Japan both of a sexual and non-sexual nature operate in a far different convention. Rowland approaches these differences to create conspiracy and turmoil amongst her characters.

The structure of the Tokagawa government also influences how the characters in `Pillow Book' interact with each other. Personal gain, self-preservation, greed and power play a huge roll in the events surrounding the death of Lord Mitsuyoshi. Since justice in feudal Japan is harsh and seemingly cruel to our justice system, it is impossible then to assume the characters would act in a modern-day manner. Rowland's mystery plots depend heavily upon her characters acting and reacting within their culture, and social structure.

In her novel `The Pillow Book of Lady Wisteria' Laura Joh Rowland does a remarkable job of opening the mind to a people, and culture that is far-removed from our own. In addition, she manages to write a compelling mystery that is a page-turner. Her characters have depth, and offer insight into a time and place unlike our own. The books portrayal of events, and character interactions reveal the author's knowledge of ancient Japan. Rowland's writing style is smart, sophisticated, highly visual and refreshing. Sano Ichiro and the novel `The Pillow Book of Lady Wisteria' offer a breath of fresh air into the increasing popular world of historical fiction. Highly recommended for lovers of mysteries and historical fiction.

About my grading system: I interpret Amazon.com's five-star ranking system as follows: 1 star = far below standards, 2 stars = below standards, 3 stars = meets standards, 4 stars = exceeds standards, 5 stars = far exceeds standards.

This is the seventh of Laura Joh Rowland's stories about Sano Ichiro, the Shogun's Most Honorable Investigator of Events, Situations, and People. It follows the events of its predecessor, 'Black Lotus,' by only three months, set in December of 1693. At this time, the repercussions of Sano's assault on the Black Lotus Temple on his relationship with his wife Reiko are still unresolved. In this unsure state, Sano finds himself facing the task of investigating a noble murder in the Yoshiwara pleasure quarter. There is the utmost urgency because the victim is Lord Mitsuyoshi, the Shogun's heir, and the investigation carries with it much personal risk of social disgrace.

The crime is complicated with a lack of clear evidence. There are many who could have committed the crime but at first, no one is willing to be caught up in the Shogun's thirst for vengeance. Later, all too many people see this as an opportunity to seek their own advantage with invented accusations, manufactured evidence, and bald-faced lies. All Sano really knows is that Mitsuyoshi was killed with the hairpin of a woman attendant of the courtesan, Lady Wisteria. This lady is missing, and there seems no way to track her down. Worse, Sano was once Wisteria's lover and he fears that Reiko will find out.

To make the matter as complicated as possible, Hoshina, the Chief Police Commissioner and beloved of Chamberlain Yanagisawa, chooses this case to mount his own offensive at Sano, who he perceives as a threat to his own and his lover's position. The political maneuvering that surrounds Sano's investigation threatens his completely undoing. If he cannot find the real murderer, Sano and Reiko may fall victim to the suspicions planted in the ailing Shogun's mind.

The delicate balance between Sano and Reiko is an important sub-text for the novel. She has lost much confidence since her opposition to her husband in the 'Black Lotus' affair nearly undermined his ability to solve a difficult crime. She is an unusually assertive woman for this time in Japan, and Sano needs her investigative skills. She consents, but does not know if this is an opportunity for healing or disaster. She too must deal with the almost impermeable political atmosphere of the Edo Castle as she threads her way through the case's countless false leads.

Rowland seems to have a tremendous grasp of live in Seventeenth Century Japan. However, the oppressive and sometimes chaotic appearance of the Edo social system is almost too grim, as if over-exaggerated. Justice seems to be defined as the will of whoever happens to have the upper hand at that particular time. Many of Rowland's plots depend on this device, and how Sano must overcome almost random obstacles, that often are not a direct part of the case. The author is a very fine writer, but after seven volumes of this kind of frustration, it is no wonder that Sano threatens to quit his job and flee to a saner world. For the first time reader this will be less noticeable, but regulars may find that there is a bit too much political nail biting.

Even so, this is a very enjoyable book. Certainly, Rowland is one of the few writers who put as much effort into the interrelations of her of her characters as she does in her ornate plots. Most Japanophiles will welcome the insights into Japanese life. All of this makes 'The Pillow Book' a more rewarding experience than many period mystery stories.

I'll start by saying that I love the environment of the late 1600s in Japan, and I love mysteries. So I definitely recommend getting the entire Rowland series and reading them in order start to finish. That being said, there are definitely things that I wish were done differently in these books, so by the time I hit book 7 - The Pillow Book of Lady Wisteria - some of the problems had just not been fixed and had become very redundant.

Sano Ichiro, the Shogun's detective, is constantly having to battle with the inane Shogun who cannot make a decision. He is constantly fearing that maybe TODAY he will be slain by the Shogun for some slight. While certainly life and death were never a sure thing back in those days, to go through 7 books worth of top notch paranoia gets to wear on you a bit. You really don't think that he WILL be killed of course, any more than you think James Bond will finally catch that bullet. But in Bond movies the tension is managed and believable, where here you would think at least Sano would have come to accept with quiet stoicism the situation he's in.

I was very happy that this book was only 3 months after the last one (story time wise) so that we could see more development of the relationship between Sano and his wife, Reiko, who caused him so much trouble (and yet helped as well) in the last situation. I love to see character development and growth in stories and series. Yes, now Reiko was not as self assured, which in my book is a good thing. She's gotten a bit more mature. Or has she? She seems to still throw tantrums, leaping from one wild assumption to another with great rapidity. Sano lies to her and their reconciliation is very forced.

The issue at hand is a relative of the Shogun's who has been slain, and a concubine - Lady Wisteria - now missing. She's an ex lover of Sano's. Sano of course doesn't tell his wife this, the Shogun waffles on what must be done, and Yanagisawa's buddy Hashina causes trouble at every turn. Throw into the mix that Midori wants to marry Hirata, and that Yanagisawa's wife wants to be friends. Or does she?

Even after all of this time I find it hard to really empathize with some of the characters. Hashina is the stereotypical "clueless young bachelor". Midori is the stereotypical "madly in love and willing to try all sorts of stupid tricks to get her man" chick with less than half a brain. I am happy that the "every character has a peverse sexual hobby" style has been toned down. I don't mind sex. I just find it a bit excessive when it's every single character. Of course this episode was set in a whorehouse town, so you have to expect some.

The twists and turns were fun, although far too similar to a certain previous book. Also, I found the Lady Yanagisawa situation to be VERY unbelievable. There was no justification at all given why Yanagisawa - a man very much attuned to beauty and intelligence - would purposefully choose a very ugly woman with few brains, use her to get a kid, but then abandon her - knowing how much harm she could cause to him with the information she has access to. To be honest, with the way she was introduced I wanted a much more complex story there, but it petered out with both not much "meaning" at all - and I found the ending sequence involving the child to be extremely disturbing. I'm sure of course that is why it was put in - instead of coming up with more and more bizarre sex situations, the author had to find something new to "disturb" us. Surely this wasn't really necessary, though.

In general I love the ambiance and mood, it's why I keep coming back. I wish the characters were more rounded, more "settled" in their world. I wish the story was written from a 1600s point of view, instead of modern day morality being pressed onto 1600s situations. I wish the in story connections made more "sense" in the story, instead of clues dropping from the sky and revelations doing likewise. Maybe those will come from future books, as the characters mature.

With "The Pillow Book of Lady Wisteria," Laura Joh Rowland has achieved the high level of suspense and tension I haven't seen since her first two novels (Shinju and Bundori). Just when I thought this series was losing steam after the clunky and tepid plot of "Black Lotus," Rowland has regained the form that made this atmospheric series so enjoyable to read. Here's hoping her next novel--which I will purchase when it comes out in paperback--won't disappoint.

The Kindle version of this book is very disappointing simply because of frequent errors. Words have been spelled incorrectly, spacing between words is often left out and the reader is required to guess at words several times per page. I am annoyed that I spent money on this book and hesitant to buy more Kindle copies by this publisher. Amazon, I deserve a refund!

This book promised fun from the title. Those who have read the Sano Ichiro series from its inception remember Lady Wisteria as the beautiful, enigmatic courtesan whom Sano had freed from her gilded cage--the pleasure district of Yoshiwara--at the end of <i>Shinju</i>, the first book in the series.

Like other reviewers, I felt that the series had fallen into an enjoyable rut as it progressed, with Sano locked in ever more nasty feuding with his nemesis, Yanigasawa, the shogun's chamberlain, and Yanigasawa's lover, Hashina. By providing a less baroque mystery to solve--just the murder of the shogun's heir in a Yoshiwara brothel and the subsequent disappearance of the newly re-enslaved Wisteria--Rowland focuses the book more effectively than she did in <i>Black Lotus</i> or several of the earlier books. Here, the danger to Sano and his small clan (his wife, Reiko, their son, Masahiro, his retainer, Hirata, and Hirata's beloved, Midori) is fairly straitforward--though sources of that danger are often unexpected. People whom a longtime reader might assume to be on the Sano team's side turn out to be less than trustworthy, and foes who one thought one could count on to do the wrong thing don't--at least, they don't <b>always</b>. Rowland handles the multiple plots more assuredly than she has in some earlier books, including the star-crossed courtship of Hirarata and Midori and Reiko's unexpected, dangerous new frienship with Lady Yanigasawa.

The characters and their relationships continue to grow from book to book in unanticipated ways--Sano and Reiko are both suffering deep crises of self-confidence after their Phyrric victory over the Black Lotus sect in the previous volume. Hirata and Midori, having finally come together in Black Lotus show a depth of resolve--if not desperation--in drawning their mutually distrustful families together. Even Yanigasawa has grown--no longer the paper-thin villain, obsessed with destroying Sano.

Of course, Hashina has now taken over much of the chamberlain's vitriol, and the most tiresome parts of the book (for me at least) involved Hashina and Sano's bitter feuding for the shogun's support. It's a sequence we've seen before in this series, and while Rowland handles the scene and its aftermath well, I was ready to move on far sooner than she allowed me to do. Also, there is a sequence in which a child is placed at risk that passed my comfort zone--I'm the parent of young children, and the author crossed the line where I could willing suspend my disbelief. My problem, I know, but there you are.

As with most of the books in this series, the killer is revealed well before the end of the book, so the resolution shifts the book from the detective to the thriller sub-genre. However, Rowland keeps some twists and turns right up to the end, to make sure to keep things interesting.