In Darkness, Death (The Samurai Mysteries) - Softcover

Hoobler, Dorothy; Hoobler, Thomas

4.04

510 ratings by Goodreads

9780142403662: In Darkness, Death (The Samurai Mysteries)

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0142403660 ISBN 13: 9780142403662

Publisher: Puffin, 2005

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In the world of ninjas and the shogun, honor is everything. When the Samurai Lord Inaba is discovered murdered in his sleep while under the protection of the shogun, the ruler is honor-bound to find the killer. Desperate for justice, he turns to the famous Judge Ooka—the Sherlock Holmes of eighteenth-century Japan—and his fourteen-year-old apprentice, Seikei, to investigate. Their one clue? A bloodstained origami butterfly. Determined to unmask the killer, Seikei embarks on an adventure filled with mysterious and deadly shape-shifting ninjas, vengeful peasants, and a killer who will stop at nothing to keep his true identity hidden.

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About the Author:

Dorothy and Thomas Hoobler live in New York City.

From School Library Journal:

Grade 5-8--This fine mystery set in 18th-century Japan continues the adventures of Judge Ooka and his 14-year-old adopted son, Seikei. This time, they are asked to investigate the death of Lord Inaba, who was murdered under the watchful eye of the shogun. Their only clue is a bloodstained origami butterfly. The judge sends Seikei to a distant town in the care of the enigmatic ninja Tatsuno to find out who bought the paper from which the butterfly was made. This leads them to a remote monastery and, unwittingly, right into the killer's hiding place. The plot falters a bit when Seikei takes it upon himself to argue the case of starving peasants to the local lord, known to be ruthless, and is thrown in jail. He is much too smart to be so naive about the morals of the local ruler. However, this development illustrates his big heart, and readers will easily forgive this minor flaw considering the story's solid suspense, fast-paced action, and authentic setting. Overall, a satisfying mystery that's sure to please fans and likely to win a few converts.--Karen T. Bilton, Somerset County Library, Bridgewater, NJ
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