Product Description

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 life in all its colorful, treacherous glory. As Black Arrow opens, Sugawara Akitada assumes his new post as provisional governor of Echigo, a frigid province in the far north notorious for its hostility to outsiders. But the snow that threatens to completely isolate the region is the least of his problems—which include a local uprising, a series of brutal murders, and a mystery that’s as old as the frozen hills and a lot more dangerous. Superbly written and rich in period detail, Black Arrow is another bravura performance from a master of the historical thriller.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #127694 in Books
• Published on: 2006-11-28
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 368 pages

From Publishers Weekly
Starred Review. Shamus-winner Parker's fourth historical Sugawara Akitada novel (after 2006's Rashomon Gate) deftly combines an action-packed plot with convincing period detail to bring 11th-century Japan to life. When Akitada is dispatched to a remote northern province to serve as its provisional governor, he encounters fierce opposition from the local authorities, who have driven off previous emissaries from the capital in an effort to preserve their corrupt self-governance. The murder of a local innkeeper and the apparent effort to frame three travelers for the crime give Akitada an opening to exert some power by beginning his own independent investigation. Fans of quality traditional mysteries, as well as those with a special interest in Japan, will savor this outing and look forward to the next entry in the series. (Dec.)
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From Booklist
Parker turns in the fourth mystery rooted in her fascination with eleventh-century Japan and featuring Sugawara Akitada, a young nobleman down on his luck who has accepted various governmental administrative positions. Akitada ends up investigating murder and other mayhem while trying to govern a hostile population and hold his own family together. A dark secret is at the center of this novel, culminating in the surprise confession of a family member controlling the grand castle in a bone-chilling northern province. Themes familiar to many cultures--the healing power of love, the inherent corruption of government, socioeconomic stratification, and the power of individual honor--permeate the pages. Numerous characters besides Akitada are repeat performers from the previous Parker cast, but Parker wisely presumes no prior knowledge. The historical research is impressive, the prose crisp, and Parker's ability to universalize the human condition makes for a satisfying tale. Steve Weinberg
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Review
Akitada and his team (The Hell Screen, 2003, etc.) probe two mysteries in 11th-century Japan.

An elegant, oblique prologue set decades before the main action finds Death preying on a young woman and her frolicking baby in a flower-laden forest clearing. Then in 1015 a.d., the three lieutenants of Sugarawa Akitada-Tora, Hitomaro and Genba-journey to the remote province of Echigo and the town of Takata to look into the murder of elderly innkeeper Mr. Sato. Recently appointed governor of the remote and somewhat lawless Echigo, Akitada recognizes his need to earn the locals' trust if he's to bring the citizens into line. When the lieutenants arrive, they see corrupt judges ready to condemn a hapless trio of unlucky guests of the inn. Questioning by Hitomaro and company reveals the three as the unlikeliest of murder suspects. Not so Sato's randy young widow or members of a local gang that's been robbing every business in sight. (The studly Tora gets the inside scoop on the inn's doings by sleeping with Kiyo, Mrs. Sato's maid.) Akitada himself investigates, but the case is complicated by the disappearance of an elderly servant, the murder of a prostitute and subplots involving an army deserter and a dangerous warlord.

Akitada's fourth adventure, as beautifully written as his first three, keeps his wife Tamako in the background but adroitly develops his three sidekicks. -- Kirkus

Customer Reviews

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.

Intriguing
The opening forward hooks you right into the action. Although this is one in a series, it doesn't spend an extraordinary amount of time rehashing the characters pasts. The plot is satisfyingly cunning while the character development is entertaining.