Rating: 
Summary: Reckless Reiko Ruins The Day
Review: Set in Seventeenth Century Japan, Laura Joh Rowland's Black Lotus is the sixth book in the Sano Ichiro series of mystery novels. Once again Sano, his wife Reiko and his Chief Retainer Hirata are joined together. This time, to solve the cause of a mysterious fire at the Black Lotus Temple. A fire thought to claim the lives of three people. Their only suspect and premiere witness, Haru, is found at the sight of the fire beaten, and scared. Unable to make Haru speak, Sano instructs his wife to befriend Haru and coax as much information about the crime from her as possible. Through a series of interviews with Haru, Reiko becomes convinced that Haru is innocent of the crime committed at the Black Lotus Temple. As Reiko investigates further, she suspects the Black Lotus Sect as a front for criminal activity. Believing that Haru will help expose the evils of the Black Lotus, Reiko shelters Haru from arrest. Meanwhile, Sano and Hirata focus their investigation on Haru, believing she is the sole culprit in the crime committed at the Black Lotus Temple. Upon learning that Reiko has acquired an affinity for Haru, domestic bliss becomes threatened for Sano. Fearful that a disagreement over the crime will further domestic turmoil, Sano refuses Reiko to continue her investigation into the Black Lotus Sect. Afraid her husband's reputation will be ruined if she does not follow-up her interrogations, Reiko proceeds to protect Haru and ignore her husband's decree. As always, Rowland's main mystery plot in Black Lotus is likeable. Her strength as a writer is balancing historical data with plot and character development. However, Black Lotus fails to deliver on some of those strengths with key points lacking within the sub-plot of the book. For example, take the issue of character development. The battle between Sano and Reiko over the guilt or innocence of Haru is exasperating. It would be more believable if the couple simply disagreed over Haru's innocence, but that is not so. Reiko goes to unforgivable lengths to prove the girl innocent. She defies her husband, endangers both of their lives, and forces their marriage to the breaking point. Pages full of disagreements and bickering between the couple exhaustively distract from the story. Plot development suffers because the story becomes so focused on Reiko's reckless behavior. In addition, Sano's roll as investigator in the book is minimal. As the main character of the series Sano rarely appears in Black Lotus unless he is arguing with his wife. It gets worse. It is not until Reiko's life is in danger near the end of the story that she all at once realizes how much she still loves Sano. Trapped in the catacombs of the Black Lotus Temple, Reiko prays her husband will come rescue her. Meanwhile, fighting on a bloody battlefield outside the Temple, Sano pines for Reiko. Along with his trusty sidekick Hirata, Sano forges his way through the battle and into the depths of temple. Strong with the conviction that his marriage must survive, Sano races to find Reiko before it is too late. It's true - there is nothing like a damsel in distress to heal the love of an estranged couple. Conversely, Rowland did a fantastic job of creating a Buddhist sect with fanatical beliefs. That is the strength of this novel. The story would have profited if she were to have focused more on the Black Lotus, their criminal background, and their odd and often disturbing rituals. Instead, Rowland shifted the focus on an indignant Reiko out to prove her husband wrong. It is shame to see what promises to be a solid series of books suffer at the hands of the poor, unrealistic judgement of one single character. Overall, Black Lotus is disappointing compared with other Sano Ichiro novels, but worth reading if you are a fan of the series. About my grading system: I interpret www.Amazon.com's five-star ranking system as follows: 1 star = far below standards, 2 stars = below standards, 3 stars = meets standards, 4 stars = exceeds standards, 5 stars = far exceeds standards.
Rating:
Summary: Reckless Reiko Ruins The Day
Review: Set in Seventeenth Century Japan, Laura Joh Rowland's Black Lotus is the sixth book in the Sano Ichiro series of mystery novels. Once again Sano, his wife Reiko and his Chief Retainer Hirata are joined together. This time, to solve the cause of a mysterious fire at the Black Lotus Temple. A fire thought to claim the lives of three people. Their only suspect and premiere witness, Haru, is found at the sight of the fire beaten, and scared. Unable to make Haru speak, Sano instructs his wife to befriend Haru and coax as much information about the crime from her as possible. Through a series of interviews with Haru, Reiko becomes convinced that Haru is innocent of the crime committed at the Black Lotus Temple. As Reiko investigates further, she suspects the Black Lotus Sect as a front for criminal activity. Believing that Haru will help expose the evils of the Black Lotus, Reiko shelters Haru from arrest. Meanwhile, Sano and Hirata focus their investigation on Haru, believing she is the sole culprit in the crime committed at the Black Lotus Temple. Upon learning that Reiko has acquired an affinity for Haru, domestic bliss becomes threatened for Sano. Fearful that a disagreement over the crime will further domestic turmoil, Sano refuses Reiko to continue her investigation into the Black Lotus Sect. Afraid her husband's reputation will be ruined if she does not follow-up her interrogations, Reiko proceeds to protect Haru and ignore her husband's decree. As always, Rowland's main mystery plot in Black Lotus is likeable. Her strength as a writer is balancing historical data with plot and character development. However, Black Lotus fails to deliver on some of those strengths with key points lacking within the sub-plot of the book. For example, take the issue of character development. The battle between Sano and Reiko over the guilt or innocence of Haru is exasperating. It would be more believable if the couple simply disagreed over Haru's innocence, but that is not so. Reiko goes to unforgivable lengths to prove the girl innocent. She defies her husband, endangers both of their lives, and forces their marriage to the breaking point. Pages full of disagreements and bickering between the couple exhaustively distract from the story. Plot development suffers because the story becomes so focused on Reiko's reckless behavior. In addition, Sano's roll as investigator in the book is minimal. As the main character of the series Sano rarely appears in Black Lotus unless he is arguing with his wife. It gets worse. It is not until Reiko's life is in danger near the end of the story that she all at once realizes how much she still loves Sano. Trapped in the catacombs of the Black Lotus Temple, Reiko prays her husband will come rescue her. Meanwhile, fighting on a bloody battlefield outside the Temple, Sano pines for Reiko. Along with his trusty sidekick Hirata, Sano forges his way through the battle and into the depths of temple. Strong with the conviction that his marriage must survive, Sano races to find Reiko before it is too late. It's true - there is nothing like a damsel in distress to heal the love of an estranged couple. Conversely, Rowland did a fantastic job of creating a Buddhist sect with fanatical beliefs. That is the strength of this novel. The story would have profited if she were to have focused more on the Black Lotus, their criminal background, and their odd and often disturbing rituals. Instead, Rowland shifted the focus on an indignant Reiko out to prove her husband wrong. It is shame to see what promises to be a solid series of books suffer at the hands of the poor, unrealistic judgement of one single character. Overall, Black Lotus is disappointing compared with other Sano Ichiro novels, but worth reading if you are a fan of the series. About my grading system: I interpret www.Amazon.com's five-star ranking system as follows: 1 star = far below standards, 2 stars = below standards, 3 stars = meets standards, 4 stars = exceeds standards, 5 stars = far exceeds standards.
Rating: 
Summary: a rich and complex mystery novel
Review: The "Black Lotus," the latest installment in the Sano Ichiro mystery series set in 17th century Japan, is an absolutely brilliant read! This novel is exciting and tautly paced, with almost non-stop action and revelations. I found that I just couldn't put this book down -- I was that eager to get to the resolution of this novel; and while I was able to work out a few of the solutions, there were still a few revelations that managed to astound me. Sano Ichiro, the Most Honourable Investigator of Events, Situations, and People, is enjoying a rare moment of bliss: not only has his relationship with the powerful Chamberlain Yanagisawa taken a turn for the better, but Sano is also enjoying the early days of proud fatherhood. Life seems so wonderful at present and little does Sano suspect that the routine investigation into the case of arson and murder at the Black Lotus temple would so abruptly put an end to this peaceful period. The Black Lotus sect is a rather mysterious one that seems to be have grown in numbers and patrons almost overnight under the leadership of the charismatic Anraku. Early one morning the priests and nuns are rudely awakened by a fire set to one of the cottages on the temple grounds. And when the fire is put out the bodies of a naked man and the burnt bodies of a woman and child are found. Also found near the cottage is a young girl, Haru, almost incoherent with terror. It is soon becomes evident that the cottage was set on fire on purpose. And when Sano arrives to take over the investigation of the arson, he recognises the naked man as Oyama Jushin, the chief police commander of the area. Further investigation also reveals that all three did not die because of the fire, but that they had been murdered. The only person who might be able to shed some light on the matter is Haru. But she is almost inarticulate with terror. Reasoning that a woman may be able to cut through Haru's fear, Sano asks his wife Reiko to try and gently interrogate Haru. Reiko is ecstatic: months of being confined to the house has made her feel dull and uninteresting. And since her insistence in being involved in Sano's previous cases has been a sore point of contention between them, she takes it as a good sign that he is now asking for her help. Unfortunately this case only serves to estrange Sano and Reiko, for while Reiko sees Haru as a victim in need of protection, testimony from the abbess of the Black Lotus temple, and others paint Haru as a liar and troublemaker. It is also intimated that Haru knew Oyama, and that she hated him. Sano is convinced that Haru is guilty, and Reiko is aghast at his quick conclusions. Especially as her investigations intimate that there is something terribly wrong with the Black Lotus sect. Sano however will not listen to Reiko, even when his own investigators start to come across a lot of people who claim that the sect has not only kidnapped their loved ones, but have also engaged in a series of brutal acts of intimidation. Realising that Haru has no one in her corner, Reiko is determined to prove her innocent, eventhough she fears that her marriage may fall apart as a result. The "Black Lotus" is a well crafted mystery novel, with a complex and fascinating plot. Who is right, Reiko or Sano? And what dark secrets does the Black Lotus sect really hold? These are the two forces that move this novel. And Laura Joh Rowland is successful in maintaining this fast paced momentum, and in moving to and fro on the issue of Haru's guilt or innocence. Everytime you think that the issue is going in one particular direction, evidence to the contrary is brought forward, thus really keeping you on your toes sotospeak! This is a really engaing and facinating novel, and is probably worthy of a 6 star rating!
Rating:
Summary: a rich and complex mystery novel
Review: The "Black Lotus," the latest installment in the Sano Ichiro mystery series set in 17th century Japan, is an absolutely brilliant read! This novel is exciting and tautly paced, with almost non-stop action and revelations. I found that I just couldn't put this book down -- I was that eager to get to the resolution of this novel; and while I was able to work out a few of the solutions, there were still a few revelations that managed to astound me. Sano Ichiro, the Most Honourable Investigator of Events, Situations, and People, is enjoying a rare moment of bliss: not only has his relationship with the powerful Chamberlain Yanagisawa taken a turn for the better, but Sano is also enjoying the early days of proud fatherhood. Life seems so wonderful at present and little does Sano suspect that the routine investigation into the case of arson and murder at the Black Lotus temple would so abruptly put an end to this peaceful period. The Black Lotus sect is a rather mysterious one that seems to be have grown in numbers and patrons almost overnight under the leadership of the charismatic Anraku. Early one morning the priests and nuns are rudely awakened by a fire set to one of the cottages on the temple grounds. And when the fire is put out the bodies of a naked man and the burnt bodies of a woman and child are found. Also found near the cottage is a young girl, Haru, almost incoherent with terror. It is soon becomes evident that the cottage was set on fire on purpose. And when Sano arrives to take over the investigation of the arson, he recognises the naked man as Oyama Jushin, the chief police commander of the area. Further investigation also reveals that all three did not die because of the fire, but that they had been murdered. The only person who might be able to shed some light on the matter is Haru. But she is almost inarticulate with terror. Reasoning that a woman may be able to cut through Haru's fear, Sano asks his wife Reiko to try and gently interrogate Haru. Reiko is ecstatic: months of being confined to the house has made her feel dull and uninteresting. And since her insistence in being involved in Sano's previous cases has been a sore point of contention between them, she takes it as a good sign that he is now asking for her help. Unfortunately this case only serves to estrange Sano and Reiko, for while Reiko sees Haru as a victim in need of protection, testimony from the abbess of the Black Lotus temple, and others paint Haru as a liar and troublemaker. It is also intimated that Haru knew Oyama, and that she hated him. Sano is convinced that Haru is guilty, and Reiko is aghast at his quick conclusions. Especially as her investigations intimate that there is something terribly wrong with the Black Lotus sect. Sano however will not listen to Reiko, even when his own investigators start to come across a lot of people who claim that the sect has not only kidnapped their loved ones, but have also engaged in a series of brutal acts of intimidation. Realising that Haru has no one in her corner, Reiko is determined to prove her innocent, eventhough she fears that her marriage may fall apart as a result. The "Black Lotus" is a well crafted mystery novel, with a complex and fascinating plot. Who is right, Reiko or Sano? And what dark secrets does the Black Lotus sect really hold? These are the two forces that move this novel. And Laura Joh Rowland is successful in maintaining this fast paced momentum, and in moving to and fro on the issue of Haru's guilt or innocence. Everytime you think that the issue is going in one particular direction, evidence to the contrary is brought forward, thus really keeping you on your toes sotospeak! This is a really engaing and facinating novel, and is probably worthy of a 6 star rating!
Rating: 
Summary: Very Entertaining
Review: This book starts off as a mystery but ends up like a thriller. It was very well written and I think the author could write an eight or nine hundred page epic novel without writing one boring page.The only weak side of the novel was its historical setting.I did not find it convincing and I would like her to write a book set in modern times. I look forward to reading more of her books no matter what era they are set in.
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