The Iris Fan

November 24, 2014
Rowland's 18th and final mystery set in feudal Japan showcases the series' strengths and weaknesses. In 1709, four years after the events of 2013's The Shogun's Daughter, Sano Ichiro is grappling with the repercussions of yet another reversal of fortunes. Sano's refusal to abandon his pursuit of the truth behind the death of the aging shogun's daughter, Yoshihato, has cost him dearly. In particular, his choice to view Lord Ienobu, the ruler's nephew and heir, as responsible for Yoshihato's death has led to another demotion. Once having held the post of chamberlain, the shogun's first minister, he is reduced to a lowly patrol guard. When an attempt is made on the shogun's life, Sano gets a chance to redeem himself. The prominent place of the supernatural in the plot, more so than in other recent entries, will unsettle fans of traditional detecting. Still, Rowland offers the usual high-stakes suspense, convincing period detail, and nuanced characters you care about. Readers will be sorry to see the last of Sano. Agent: Pam Ahearn, Ahearn Agency.

December 15, 2014
After 20 years and nearly that many novels, the Sano Ichiro series comes to an end. It's the year 1709, and the shogun, Sano's boss, is at death's door. Sano, recently demoted from his position as the shogun's chief investigator (there was some court intrigue, as fans of the series are surely aware), is having his own problems: his marriage is also at death's door, his best friend might be plotting to overthrow the shogun, and two of his bitterest enemies seem to have joined forces. And then the unthinkable happens: someone actually gets close enough to the shogun to make an attempt on his life. Sano is quickly reinstated as chief investigator, but he's too clever to fail to notice the catch: if he solves the case, he's a hero, but if he fails, he and his family will be killed. It's a rousing, fitting conclusion to this long-running series (although, without giving anything away, the author does leave the door open for more books set in this same time and place). Expect high interest from the series' longtime fans.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2014, American Library Association.)

July 1, 2014

In this 18th in an award-winning series starring Sano Ichiro-, Sano has been unceremoniously demoted from chamberlain and compelled to work modestly as a patrol guard. But he's restored to the role of chief investigator when the frail and fading emperor is stabbed with the iron webbing of a beautiful fan.

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