The Masuda Affair

Sugawara Akitada #7

by I.J. Parker

A Sugawara Akitada Mystery of Ancient Japan - Eleventh-century Japan. Government official Sugawara Akitada finds a small mute boy on a deserted road. Akitada, still grieving for his own small son, determines to find the boy’s parents. Meanwhile, Akitada’s faithful servant Tora has troubles of his he has lost his new bride to a powerful man who pursues beautiful women and will stop at nothing to possess them. The trails of these two seemingly unrelated cases lead Akitada and Tora to the entertainers and prostitutes of the amusement quarter, and murder follows in their footsteps . . .

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Historical Mystery, Historical, Fiction, Japan, Ebooks

291 pages, Hardcover

First published July 28, 2010

Reviews

[Ruhani · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I don't know how the author does it but even though the story is filled with tragic incidents, it is written with such a light touch that you don't get distraught and even find that certain sections make you smile. And this had a happy ending. I was going through synopses of the books in the rest of the series and was dismayed to find that misfortune continues to follow Akitada. But hopefully they all have a happy ending - Akitada always starts off at a low point but somehow gets to a happy place at the end? I hope so and if so, I would definitely continue this series.

[Mieczyslaw Kasprzyk · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a well-written, simple and enjoyable story. Sadness permeates the beginning - the sense of loss, and with it the drift into a world of held-in grief. Everyone suffers as the household walk on eggshells. Important tasks are ignored. Akitada is returning home at night on the feast of the dead when he comes across a little boy in the dark wood... for a moment he thinks it is his son. The boy appears to be lost so he takes him under his wing - everything else flows out of that act of kindness and grief. Tora, Akitada's man, has secretly married. His wife goes missing - the rest of the tale is spun round this event.

[Wallaby Wharton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'll say it, I have been such an Akitada fan since 2022 when I discovered this series (and my life was changed for the better when I found out that there are over 20 of these books!!). He's not relaxed and charming like Poirot, but he's got smarts, a stout sense of justice, honor, and a little bit of toxic masculinity that is both frustrating, humanizing, and allows for touching moments of redemption in his relationships. This is my favorite mystery series, though I do try to pace myself because I dread finishing that last book and not having any more of this world.

Set in 11th century Japan, Akitada is a mid-level bureaucrat and detective always trying to do the right thing. In the Masuda Affair, he finds himself drawn into multiple murder mysteries and disappearances while he tries to recover emotionally from.. the events of book 6 (to avoid spoilers). Despite containing a few blatant spelling and grammar errors, I just plain enjoyed it from start to finish, which happened all in one day because I couldn't stop. Highly recommend when you're looking for a fast fun read that's historical fiction meets kinda violent murder mysteries. 4.5 stars, I rounded up to give the average a little boost.

[Jim Bogue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Despite coming in in the middle of a series, I greatly enjoyed this book. Set in Kyoto in 11th century Japan, it features career bureaucrat who is also a capable detective. He winds up staying overnight in a resort town and falls into a mystery. Thanks to the aid of a feisty but loyal subordinate, and the prodding of his wife, he finds it ties in to problems in the capital.
This is a fairly obscure period in Japanese history, and the author ably shows, rather than announces, its intricacies and foibles. As the heir to a great name but not a great fortune, the protagonist must balance ambitions against means.
The mystery plays out well, and am looking forward to picking up the rest of the series.

[Fel C · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book was quite captivating in the beginning, with the death of the MC's son, his estranged wife, and a group of loyal servants at his side. Yet toward the middle, the author decided to focus more on what's happening outside and the few times MC comes back, things magically are better (albeit he is more aware of how he treats other people in the depth of grief). At the end, he basically solves a murder and get the evidence by an earthquake... I'm not sure if I can follow either.

Anyways, this book was okay to read. Very enjoyable in the beginning and then tapers off to an unsatisfying ending.

[Ed Dodson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my current favorite IJ Parker novel about a detective in 12 th century Kyoto. I love the complex plots even though they keep me up late to see how they work out. The recurring characters are great and the Asain setting helps hold the interest, as does the underlying psychological damage presented and resolved. Fortunately there are several more Akitada storiesbto read.

[Frederick (Ted) and Barbara K. Hecht · Rating 5 out of 5]

A novel to remember

This fine novel is constructed on the foundation of a superb short story called “The O-bon Cat” by the author. The novel is true to the short story and contains additional tales such as the disappearance of Tora’s wife Hanae and the event of the earthquake.

[Nellis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoy each book in this series but...

This edition had multiple, glaringly and distracting typographical error destroying the flow. It was very disappointing and a disservice to the author.

[Betty S Briggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good read

Another good book in this series. My only complaint, proof reading could have been better. Love the characters , and descriptions. Looking forward to the next book.

[Katheyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

TBA

[Toni Osborne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 7, in the Sugawara Akitada Mystery series

This 7th novel follows the script of most of Ms. Parker's novels: set in the 11th century Japan and features a government official, Sugawara Akitada, as its main protagonist. With all the culture and ambiance of the times Ms. Parker has Akitada facing a personal crisis that is haunting him. He is having trouble moving on after the unfortunate death of his son, Yori.

This installment brings Akitada a bureaucratic misfit home to the capital of Heian-Kyo, on his way he meets an emaciated abandoned child who reminds him of Yori. His efforts to rescue the boy from the clenches of abusive parents land him in hot water with the law. Being accused of improper behavior towards the child puts his career and reputation at risk and Akitada must redirect his efforts to clear his name. While doing so he becomes entangled in the secrets of the powerful Masuda family. His research draws attention to the drowning of Peony, a courtesan known to the Masuda family. Her mysterious death was originally ruled a suicide but now many unanswered questions need answers.

Meanwhile in an unrelated plot Tora, Akitada's faithful servant is looking for his wife who has been kidnapped by a powerful man obsessed with beautiful women. The trail leads Tora and Akitada to the amusement quarter, the shadier side of a vibrant city.

The depth of the relationship between characters is what really makes this novel. The multiple threads create a moving tale about family life and how it can drastically change with the loss of a love one. Although the storyline is set in the 11th century it is narrated with a modern point of view and unravels at a steady pace. It is engaging and is very easy to relate to.

Elegantly written "The Masuda Affair" is an excellent addition to a wonderful series.

[Ted · Rating 4 out of 5]

The latest (and my second) in the Sugawara mystery series, has Akitada rescue an orphan and find himself. He confronts the loss of his own son by finding adopting and then returning a lost child to his grandfather. This tale takes him to the red light district of ancient Japan, Parker calls it the Willow Quarter, to the world of courtesans, dancers and concubines. The success of the character is that for all is propriety, he is not immune to the temptations and emotions that infect his fellow men. Tora, his faithful servant, continues to be lead by his emotions and gut instincts; which help identify the villain and win over a new wife. In the end Akitada and his wife lose the boy but finally get closer to each other, healing the wound left from their own son's death in the last book. Akitada's appeal continues to be his depth and his simplicity. It's easy to identify with this man so bent on trying to do the right thing, fight for the truth but still appreciates the simple beauties of life. If I had half a star to take back from my rating I might take it back from this one, as it had more melodrama than action for my taste, but I'm definitely going to read more (likely all) of this series. I guess my only other quibble would be that it was too much like the Convict's sword, but then again that's also why I liked it. I hope that Ms. Parker doesn't stick so closely to the script (formula) throughout the series.

[Joe Slavinsky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like this series. I've been busy with other genre for a while, and had forgotten about feudal Japan. I had not kept up with Ms. Parker, who has added 2 more volumes of her "Sugawara Akitada" series. Sugawara, an 11th century Japanese detective(though his actual job is as an under-secretary, in the Ministry of Justice), suffers through normal problems, while solving various mysteries. He also has to deal with the politics of his job, and threats to his family. In this particular volume, he has recently lost his 4 year old only son, to a smallpox epidemic. This series is somewhat similar to Laura Joh Rowland's "Sano Ichiro" series, in that they are both investigators, with civil service jobs. Rowland's series takes place a couple of centuries later, and has a more intense, even somewhat metaphysical feel, and is more graphic about sex, and violence. I read another book in between, but I'm now reading Parker's "The Fires of the Gods", which is the 8th book in this series. If you have a "yen" for Japanese historical fiction, you should check out this series. I highly recommend it.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series. Medieval Japan comes alive with these characters. Akitada is in a deep depression over the death of his son when the appearance of an orphan boy along a trail sets him upon another quest that looks to break him both personally and professionally. You have to read the previous books in the series to really understand the personal relationships in Lord Sugawara's "family." Lots of action in what appears to be a cold case come alive again. Parker manages to make the fair and equanimous Akitada moody and unreasonable in some instances. His relationships with his wife and loyal retainer, Tora, appear to be ending. He is accused of misconduct with a minor and consumed with the idea of replacing his son with this newly discovered orphan boy. Powerful men and an enemy from the past are involved in misconduct and aware of Akitada's interest in them. Parker masterfully weaves together many strands of seemingly unrelated plot lines. Akitada's humanity and luck shine in this book. I think it's time he got another promotion. Well, we'll have to see in book eight.

[Snap · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Government official Sugawara Akitada is on his way home when he finds a mute boy on a deserted road. The search for the boy's parents uncovers a harrowing sotry of love, murder and agandonment, distracting Akitada from his personal troubles, but putting his career and reputation at risk. Akitada's faithful servant Tora has troubles of his own: he fears he has lost his new bride to a powerful man who pursues beautiful women and will stop at nothing to possess them." The Masuda Affiar picks up after the smallpox epidemic in the previous book (The Convict's Sword). Life was not easy in the cities of 11th century Japan with epidemics and earthquakes, followed by periods of lawlessness. I enjoy this series. I like the character and the time period. Recommend this historical mystery set in Japan.

[Richard Rogers · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is entertaining mystery with a number of complex characters, set in the capital city of Kyoto during the Heian period. The main character, a government official, tries to determine the identity of a mute boy he find on the road one rainy night. His investigations lead him to the most powerful members of government, to dancers and prostitutes, to poor fisherman and to wealthy widows. The details of life in old Japan--the social structure, the customs, the history--add interest to a multi-layered mystery.

This is the first novel I've read by this author, and I only ran onto it as an ebook special. I have already ordered the first book in the series in paperback, and I'm looking forward to its arrival.

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sugawara Akitada is on his way home when he finds a mute boy on the side of the road. The boy reminds him of his son Yori who died recently in the smallpox epidemic. Since Yori's death he has been distracted and thrown himself into his work. Everything has suffered -- his relationship with his wife Tamako, his home, and his relationships with his servants. He is upset when the boy's "parents" come to take him home. They are greedy and mean. Akitada is determined to find the real parents. It could be connected to the drowning of a courtesan named Peony five years before. Was her death a suicide or did someone murder her? When the local doctor is found murdered, Akitada thinks everything might be connected. Interesting look at medieval Japan.

[Jean V. Naggar Literary · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Terrific.” --Publishers Weekly, starred review

“Once again Parker has written a moving and beautiful tale.” --Library Journal, starred review

“Akitada’s most bizarre case...With so many disparate subplots, it’s sometimes difficult to see how Parker will tie all the threads together by the end of the book, but she does so in an unexpectedly clever way. An intriguing glimpse into an ancient culture.” --Booklist

“A complex plot...[with] several interlinked puzzles.” --Japan Times

“You couldn't ask for a more gracious introduction to the exotic world of Imperial Japan than the stately historical novels of I.J. Parker.” --New York Times Book Review, on the Sugawara Akitada series

[Harley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent Sugawara Akitada Novel by I.J. Parker. This is the third historical mystery by Parker that I have read. I have enjoyed each one. In this one, Akitada is grieving over the death of his young son. Like the other novels in the series, I enjoy spending time with the main characters. The mystery is less important than the character development.

2025: This is the eighth Sugawara Akitada novel I have read this year. I am working my way through the series. Re-reading those I have read and reading those that I have not. It has been 12 years since I originally read the book, and it still is a great story.

[Audra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've now read several of the series, like them all, enjoyable characters and stories bringing history to life. (Parker has obviously done a lot of background reading and research.) They're fun to read in order, these books, as the family's life unfolds; but they can also be read individually. In addition, the novels fit with what I remember of the Tale of Genji, a "novel" actually written during the period in which Parker's stories take place.

[Larry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Parker's series is pretty good with, obviously, tons of historical color (Japan before the intrusion of the West). As is often the case, the main character, an administrator in the department of justice, couldn't make it through the day without his household-full of assistants (and wife). I'll have to read another in the seroies before I decide whether I was too hard an evaluator.

[Stephanie Iverson · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a great book, steeped in Japanese history, however it never overpowered the story. Great mystery and intrigue. Quite the page turner. Can't wait to start on the rest of the books in the series. I plan on going back to book one and reading through to the last one in the series. Very well written.

[B.R. Stateham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Starts out slow but builds in plot. This is a series where it would be best if you started book one and read all the through to this one. Elventh Century Japan gets to be a rather dark and sinister place. But surprisingly you meet a number of people who have good hearts.

I have always liked I.J. Parker's Akitada Sugawara novels. I'm thinking you will too.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good blend of mystery with the personal lives of Akitada Sugawara and his manservant Tora. I find the setting of 11th century Japan fascinating & Parker clearly knows the period well. The historical notes generally included at the end are much appreciated too.

The mystery in this 7th entry was very well done -- the ending was a surprise to me.

[LaRhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the current IJ Parker book, I'm reading and it is just as wonderful as all the rest! It's a pleasure to read mysteries with lots of different twists and turns and this one offers just that! Very enjoyable!

[Spider · Rating 3 out of 5]

By now Akitada has had plenty of life experience so it seems that his character ought to be more confident & more flexible. His adventures do make for interesting plot lines. I'd just like to see Akitada & Tora mature a bit.

[Craig · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little confusion for me in keeping the two, perhaps too similar, threads straight, but I liked the fact that the author finally delves a bit more into the personal lives (and psychology) of Akitada, his wife, and his retainers.

[Eileen Hult · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very interesting book with lots of side characters that become involved in the plot. I think the author brought out the personalities of the characters and made the ending a discovery of the mystery.

[Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great look into the old Japan. Mr. Parker knows the mysterious Asian history and by his writing he makes you feel you are part of it. The solution to the Affair is rather mixed and a little hard to follow.

[Patrick · Rating 2 out of 5]

I like this series generally, but this one seemed to plod along, and not really go anywhere.