The Emperor's Woman

Sugawara Akitada #10

by I.J. Parker

She was intended to be the emperor’s concubine, but she died at the bottom of a cliff near Prince Atsuhira’s private villa. The palace covered up the scandal. Months later, Akitada is drawn into the case when his best friend is accused of plotting against the emperor. Atsuhira, his alleged co-conspirator, refuses to defend himself. The mystery of the lady’s death unravels slowly, bringing danger to Akitada, whose household is already threatened by an ill-fated relationship between Genba and a prostitute which leads to his arrest for the brothel keeper’s murder.

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Fiction

261 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 2012

Reviews

[TXGAL1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is the year 1028 in Japan and Sugawara Akitada, a senior secretary in the Ministry of Justice, and his household become involved in the solving of two separate deaths…one the Emperor’s woman and another a business owner in the entertainment district. Another fine mystery and wonderful cast of characters!

[Barry who enjoys well-written thrillers, mysteries , & espionage & loathes romance, horror & supernat · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Emporer´s Woman is a good, solid mystery set in feudal Japan. It is well-plotted, nicely written, contains interesting characters and, to my mind is fairly typical of books set in the period and place but written by Westerners. I don´t mean that to be a damning criticism - In fact, it is very likely that I will read more books by this author. I am simply saying that it is different than books by Japanese authors set similarly. It´s difficult to verbalize the ways in which it is different but let me say that the books like The Emporer's Lady are softer, less matter of fact and more focussed on relationships between men and women.

Sugawara Akitado is a lower-ranking Lord in feudal Japan who works in the Ministry of Justice and is disinclined to accept the easy answer to ¨Who dunnit? without definitive proof. A high ranking Lady is found dead at the bottom of a cliff from which she appears to have thrown herself. She had lived in the Palace in a type of haram but was not favored by the Emperor, which he has demonstrated on numerous occasions. The easy conclusion is that this rejection has led to her suicide.

As Akitado examines the body and the scene, he notices things that might indicate that she has not committed suicide but rather was murdered. He very methodically goes about his investigation but is discouraged from pursuing it at every turn. In parallel, one of his servants, whom he considers to be a member of his household, has been accused by the police of committing a murder. The result is that Akitado now has two investigations to pursue with very limited resources and support.

There is little action but rather a lot of investigating, thinking, and dialogue, all of which I found quite enjoyable but, if you prefer stories where swords are frequently drawn and people are slashed to bits, this ain´t it. I would recommend it to someone who enjoys the investigative side of a mystery and is interested in reading such a book set in feudal Japan.

[George · Rating 4 out of 5]

#10 in the 11th century Japanese Ministry of Justice official Akitada mystery series. The death of one of the women in the Emperor's household is considered a suicide that then results in her lover being charged with possible treason. Akitada becomes involved because of friendship and becomes embroiled in a politically sensitive investigation that produces a number of problems and issues for him. He is also faced with a number of problems and another murder investigation involving members of his retainers.

Good mystery which also causes Akitada to reassess his attitudes and relationships with his retainers.

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a well-done mystery and a good addition to the Akitada series. It mainly concerns an investigation into a high-profile death, with a big helping of side-story about another one. Parker continues to develop the cast of supporting characters in Akitada's life as well. I was particularly intrigued by Saburo, the new secretary; and hopefully we'll see more involvement of Akitada's sister in subsequent books. I also felt a bit like Parker's prose has become more polished in this book as well. (It always has been polished; I just felt even more comfortably pulled along.)

[George D. Massey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This time author combines the multiple perspectives of previous Akitada but features characters like sister Akiko, an erstwhile investigator and his newest servant Shand in some depth. Hadn't seen the beggars' den since "Rashomon Gate."

Though the settings are not as picturesque or exotic after the initial mountain cliffs, this work explores the intricacies of court rivalries as well as helper Genba's struggles to make his love dream a reality.

Parker entertains and instructs with a sure hand. Enjoy!

[David C Ward · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars because this one is more briskly paced than earlier books, with parallel crimes, high and low, as Akitada gets involved in court politics (and murder) while his retainers deal with an abusive brothel keeper (and murder). Akitada is a bit of a prig; Kobe is ridiculously sensitive for a senior copper; and I don’t believe it’s that easy to feign blindness - unless the Japanese invented sunglasses very early.

[Jim Bogue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another solid read in the fun series on Heian era civil servant/detective Sugiwara. Here he puts his life on the line (or actually on a cliff) to prove a “suicide” was murder and to find the guilty party.
As always his trusty followers aid him. As usual, powerful nobles oppose him. Parker, as usual, gives an affectionate and researched look at the Japan of this period.

[Marlene Burrows · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Double Mystery

Who killed the evil, abusive brothel owner? Likewise, a beautiful young woman lies dead at the bottom of a rugged mountain. She waited for her lover who came too late to prevent her murder or was it a suicide?
Who finally eliminated the evil brothel owner? A fascinating mystery.

[Katheyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

TBA

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am addicted to tgese great detective stories from the heian period. They keep gettong better.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Akitada has no work assignments in this story. He is helping a friend suspected of treason and meddling in court intrigue outside of his work. At the same time one of his servants is jailed for suspicion of murder and another is let go. These two plot lines showcase Akitada's obsession with the truth and also his forgiveness and flexibility. He actively seeks the counsel of his wife and reluctantly that of his sister. They know a few things the all knowing Akitada doesn't when it comes to women and it takes awhile for Akitada to acknowledge their advice and wisdom. It's one mystery after another for both Akitada and his servants as they try to find two murderers. A nicely paced narrative with justice meted out not in the court or legally but righteously by the fates.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

These books are always fun. When you travel with Parker through 11th Century Japan, it really feels like you are there. It is a great deal of fun winding your way through essentially a modern style detective mystery in such a different setting.

I recommend this series highly.

[Nae · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, the scholarship, attention to historical detail, and a wonderfully grounded sense of the relationships of men and women in all their varied permutations make this series of mysteries set in the Japan of 1048 utterly irresistible to put down until you have hit the last page.

[Shana Conley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love all the books in this series. Read the e-book version which had a lot of typos....takes away from the overall experience.

[Harley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good novel in the series.

[Juanmalpaso · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was over so quickly! I love these books!