The Sumo Wrestler: An Ennin Mystery #33

In the Japanese city of Osaka, seven moneylenders have been found dead in mysterious circumstances.

While investigating this, Ennin and his servant Kukai are invited to attend a major sumo tournament...

And then one of the 'rikishi' (sumo wrestlers) drops down dead in front of them...

Meanwhile, nearby, a female artist creates woven designs of dazzling complexity and breathtaking color...

Her mysterious assistant expertly dyeing the threads in a steam-filled room with brick ovens...

What could possibly connect all these things together...?

Ennin investigates...

This is the 33rd Ennin mystery.

Amazon reviews for ENNIN (various titles)

'An excellent Japanese detective series... I enjoy each and every story...' R. Russell

'Entertaining read with Holmesian overtones, but very different setting...' Gerry H

'Once you start this, I'm betting you won't be able to set it down until you finish it...' Judy

'The author weaves intrigue, subterfuge and cunning into a very enjoyable story...' J. Cepeda

'Historical setting and cultural background are excellently researched...' D. Werdin

'Wonderful... Like a Japanese room arrangement with clean lines keeping clutter to a minimum...' AcerAcer

'Ben Stevens is masterful. I can't wait to read his next set of stories...' Kindle Customer

'This Japanese detective is a fine addition to the burgeoning field of Asian historical detectives which began with Judge Dee (China) and runs through I.P. Parker's Akitada...' Mcb.

'If you like the Akitada books, you will enjoy this....' Mamakile

'Something out of the ordinary... Well worth the read...' Amazon Customer

'The Sensei is a brilliant detective. Ben Stevens, as always rocks. He's one heck of a storyteller...' Lisa

'I can't stop reading this series! If you love historical mysteries, you will love the period and cultural detail...' Pauline

'Atmosphere, poetry and menace...' ThisandThat

'A feudal Japanese Sherlock Holmes... This ever-evolving excellent series... Vivid imagery and graphic detail which are a trademark of this writer...' Deborah Chaytor

'Try it... and like it... I don't look for mysteries from the middle ages, even ones set in Japan, but for some reason I love this series... Well-written...' Amazon Customer

'The story develops wonderfully...' Dave. N

'Loved it!... Simply amazed... I thoroughly enjoyed this read...' Edwina Callan

'Cleverly written and filled with facts regarding old Japan.... Very similar to Holmes and Watson...' Eileen Sedgwick

'Good job. Very enjoyable...' Sid

'If you like the Akitada books, you will enjoy this...' Mamakile

'I loved this...' MaidenStull

'A prime example of deductive reasoning, set within feudal Japan...' Jennifer

'Ennin and his faithful servant are the Holmes and Watson of the East. The mysteries are well plotted. Sesshu is the Moriarty of the piece. If you are a Sherlock fan you should like Ennin...' Amazon Customer, NJ United States

'The mysteries are intriguing and unusual... Couldn't put the stories down... Well worth the price...' Jay Gold

'Mystery from historic Japan... like Holmes and Watson, but in an Asian setting...' Nysaa

'Good book... the story takes you back in time...' Santex

'Very powerful...' Bill

'Delightful short story... Enjoy!...' PeaTee (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

'(The) Ennin series is intriguing... Recommend these stories to all...' Chris

'Stevens has created an interesting character and placed him in in a colorful place and time in history. Stevens is cranking out stories with a certain rapidity now. That's great news to those of us who enjoy his stories....' Abby Normal

'Atmospheric, intriguing and entertaining... feels as if it is both contemporary and traditional...' Kenny51

'The puzzles are ingenious...' D.T J

Cover image: Kobayashi Kiyochika / Kanda Shrine at Dawn / Public Domain