"Strong amateur sleuth eleventh century Japanese mystery"

With his mother ill and perhaps dying, government clerk Akitada Sugawara returns home from the provincial north to Edo. Some things never change in Akitada' mind as his rancorous mother rips his skin off from almost the moment he arrives.

However, Akitada has bigger problems than surviving the acrimonious Lady S. His sisters turn to Akitada for help. His older sister's husband is accused of stealing government treasures. His other sister loves Kojiro, a landowner whose social standing is beneath that of the noble Sugawara, making him unsuitable for her. However, worse yet is his sibling pleads with him to help Kojiro, a prime suspect of police inspector Kobe in his investigation of a vicious murder.

THE HELL SCREEN is a strong amateur sleuth eleventh century Japanese mystery that will provide plenty of entertainment for those readers who enjoy something different. Akitada is a strong detective following clues in a methodical manner. It is interesting to notice the contrast between Akitada is Kobe, who resents his rival and prefers fast solutions whether he catches the right culprit or not. This is a strong tale rich with eleventh century Japanese culture though at times the "formal" dialogue feels like a certain female sumo wrestler ran over the reader.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted August 15, 2003

Summary

Eleventh-century Japan: After a difficult but successful assignment as provisional governor of Eichigo, Akitada Sugawara is finally allowed to return to Heian Kyo. But instead of a triumphant homecoming accompanied by his beautiful wife and young son, Akitada must ride ahead of his entourage to the sickbed of his dying mother. Fading light and a steady downpour interrupt his journey, forcing him to take refuge in a temple where a brilliantly illustrated hell screen and a piercing cry disturb his restless sleep. Upon his arrival, Akitada finds his mother, sick and bitter, cursing his return, while his youngest sister, Yoshiko, forsakes her own happiness to serve as the old woman's nurse and maid. Only his sister Akiko seems fortunate---married to a wealthy nobleman, Toshikage, and expecting their first child. But appearances prove to be deceptive, for it is not long before Akitada is asked to help clear his brother-in-law's name. In the course of his investigation Akitada learns that his night at the temple was disturbed by more than a terrible scream. A woman has been murdered, and because of his reputation for detective work, Akitada must solve another mystery. Personal and professional interests begin to merge as Akitada becomes ensnared in a tangled web of deceit and malevolence that will, in the end, strike very close to home.