Black Arrow (A Sugawara Akitada Mystery)

by I.J. Parker

Book Overview

In I. J. Parker's latest mystery set in ancient Japan, a cold and hostile land pits Akitada against his deadliest foe yet I. J. Parker's engrossing historical novels bring eleventh-century Japan to... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0143035614
• Release Date: November 2006
• Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group
• Length: 368 Pages
• Weight: 0.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 7.8" x 0.8" x 5.1"

Customer Reviews

series keeps getting better

A rich and textured novel set in 11th century Japan reveals layers of society in a period not much known by Westerners. Sugawara Akitada, a minor government official with a penchant for finding truth is sent to a far northern province to analyze accounts and serve as goveror. He immediately finds himself surrounded by intrigue and, with bodies piling up in his makeshift morgue, there plenty of immediate problems to solve. Rebelling warlords, secretive outcasts, and the sexual shenanagans of ordinary folk are almost too much for one man to manage, but Akitada threads his way through the morass and unravels the tangled mysteries. A fine read, and terrific listen!

Action Japan

Of the series this book has the greatest amount of action. The battle scenes are well done and graphic. Sugawara is at his best with sword drawn and facing his destiny. The 11th century comes alive with intrigue --highly recommended.

A nice one from a consistently engaging author

OK, I'll admit my bias right up front, I love historical mysteries, especially Japanese ones. That being said, this one is quite excellent by any standard. The best part is that it is a thinker's mystery, a "try to figure out who did it" mystery. The humor, the historical information, the authentic detail aside, it is easy to enjoy this one just for the puzzle of the interrelated crimes.

Wonderful series!

I love these books for their portrayal of Japanese culture - and the mysteries are all right, too! I have even tried to get each of her short stories from old Alfred Hitchcock magazines. Don't miss these if you love historical fiction/mysteries.

Black Arrow by I.J. Parker

I've been a huge fan of Laura Joh Rowlands and only recently have discovered Parker's books. I absolutely love this mystery series and cannot wait for the next book to come out. Parker's characters are very real and have depth and humor. The plots are full of twists and surprises. The detailed descriptions of everyday life and places are very well researched. I feel that I've been transported to ancient Japan.