The Typhoon Lover

August 15, 2005
In Agatha-winner Massey's winning eighth novel to feature Rei Shimura (after 2004's The Pearl Diver
), State Department official Michael Hendricks recruits the Japanese-American antiques dealer, who's just turned 30 and is feeling ambivalent about still being single, to locate an ancient ibex ewer that disappeared from a Baghdad museum and is believed to be in the possession of Japanese collector Takeo Kayama, an ex-boyfriend of Rei's. After arriving in Japan just hours ahead of a typhoon that paralyzes the transportation system, Rei contacts her aunt Norie, a teacher at Takeo's flower arranging school, who reveals to her that Takeo's engaged to be married. Only Rei would think the typhoon a perfect cover for checking Takeo's summerhouse for the stolen ewer, and the outcome disastrously affects all concerned. Massey gleefully contrasts the young, bizarrely garbed generation, including Rei's own cousin and Takeo's fiancée, with traditional Japanese society. Rei winds up with a badly bruised heart, but the ending hints at intriguing future possibilities. Agent, Kim Witherspoon
.

September 1, 2005
In Masseys eighth installment of this awardwinning mystery series, Japanese American antiques expert Rei Shimura is turning 30. After a loud rocknroll birthday party thrown by her boyfriend, she is approached by a nebulous group of government representatives who ask that she return to Japan to recover a stolen ancient Iraqi artifact now owned by her old flame, Takeo Kayama. Rei still has feelings for Takeo and doesnt wish him any harm, and the government officials insist theyre not after Takeo. While Japan comes to life with Masseys skilled descriptions of food, manners, style, and morality, Reis part in the tale is not as credible. Shes alternatively nave and superheroic and hasnt grown up much since her earlier appearance in the series. This largely implausible novel, in which Reis stateside boyfriend spends most of his time complaining and throwing up, is recommended perhaps for collections where there is heavy interest in Japan.Andi Shechter, Seattle

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