The Fire Kimono

By Laura Joh Rowland

Book Overview

Japan, March 1700. Near a Shinto shrine in the hills, a windstorm knocks down a tree to uncover a human skeleton, long buried and forgotten. Meanwhile, in the nearby city of Edo, troops ambush and attack Lady Reiko, the wife of Sano Ichiro, the samurai detective who has risen to power and influence in the shogun's court. The troops who attacked Reiko appear to belong to Sano's fiercest enemy, Lord Matsudaira, who denies all responsibility. But if the rivals are not to blame for each other's misfortune, who is? Just as Sano's strife with Matsudaira begins to escalate to the brink of war, the shogun orders Sano to investigate the origins of the mysterious skeleton, buried with swords that identify it as belonging to the shogun's cousin, who disappeared forty years earlier on the night that a cursed kimono touched off a fire that nearly destroyed the city. Suddenly, Sano and Reiko are forced to confront dangerous, long-buried secrets that expose Sano's own mother as the possible culprit. The shogun gives Sano and Reiko just three days to clear her name--or risk losing not only their position at court but their families' lives.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 031237948X
• ISBN13: 9780312379483
• Release Date: November 2008
• Publisher: Minotaur Books
• Length: 297 Pages
• Weight: 1.25 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.5" x 9.5"

Customer Reviews

super Japanese historical thriller

In 1700 supporters of Lord Matsudaira almost kill Lady Reiko during an attack on her. Chamberlain Sano Ichiro is outraged on the assault of his beloved wife and vows vengeance against his despicable rival Matsudaira although his adversary denies any involvement. However, the samurai has to put aside his growing suspicion that a third party attacked his wife when the Shogun orders Sano to investigate the finding of a body buried near a Shinto shrine. Items uncovered next to the corpse imply the deceased is the Shogun's cousin who vanished without a trace four decades ago during an inferno that devastated much of Edo. As the husband and wife investigative team probe the case in which the shogun concedes reluctantly three days to them, they find evidence that implicates Sano's mother Etsuko with the murder. THE FIRE KIMONO is one of the best Ichiro Japanese historical thrillers, which says a lot as this long running saga is known for its consistent excellence. The story line contains two strong twists, but it is the second one that shocks the samurai hero as his belief system is torn asunder with what he learns about his mother. Fans will enjoy this super entry as Sano and Reiko have three days to prove his mom was not the bearer of the deadly FIRE KIMONO who killed the shogun's cousin and destroyed Edo; but every clue seems to lead to the conclusion she is. Harriet Klausner

Favorite series

I have to say the same thing I say with all the books in this series: Fantastic! Well-written, great plots, love the characters, page turners. I can't stop reading them, but am so bummed when I'm done that the stories' over and I have to wait for her next book.

The War and Intrigue Rages On...

Having been a longstanding fan of Laura Joh Rowland, The Fire Kimono is one of my favorites in the Sano Ichiro mysteries. Sano, our favorite detective, is thrown once again into a murder mystery filled with unexpected twists and turns. Sano battles like never before against his political rivals, using every bit of his cleverness and wit to save the lives of his family. Ms. Rowland weaves a story filled with complex and appealing characters as usual. This includes the villains, and how they are pitted against the protagonists. Even some of the characters once thought to be static become dynamic and more humanized. As the reader, I felt connected to almost every character placed in the spotlight. Even the shogun gets some gumption in this one! I completely recommend The Fire Kimono to readers who are searching for a fascinating, fictional story set in feudal Japan. And, to the die hard fans of Sano Ichiro: do not miss this one.

Fire Kimono

Another outstanding work by Rowland. I have read all his Sano novels and have never been disapointed. She makes old Japan come alive. Cant wait for her next novel.

The Fire Kimono

The only books I buy in hard cover are Rowland's. The Fire Kimono did not disappoint. I love her writing and the problems that Sano Ichiro encounters.