The story begins when the arranged marriage ceremony of Sano and Lady Ueda Reiko is interrupted by the announcement that one of the shogun’s concubines has died a sudden, violent death. Tsunayoshi fears an epidemic, and Sano and his chief retainer Hirata go immediately to the women’s quarter in the castle to begin their inquiries.

Lady Harume, the shogun’s current favorite concubine, had carved a tattoo into a hidden area of her body just before she was stricken. Sano discovers that the cause of death was poison, apparently in the ink used for the tattoo. The murder of one of the shogun’s concubines is a potential threat against the Tokugawa regime. If Tsunayoshi dies without an heir, the succession is threatened. Sano fears the outcome if his investigation is not successfully concluded quickly. The chamberlain Yanagisawa resents Sano’s rapid rise from obscurity to shogun’s favorite and may use this opportunity to discredit him.

Sano has personal problems as well. His new marriage is off to an inauspicious beginning. He had believed the bride he had met only once would be a quiet, feminine creature who would create a home that would be a model of tranquility and who would dedicate herself to serving him. In fact, Reiko has been raised by her now-regretful father to be active and involved. Sano is horrified to discover that Reiko wishes to embroil herself in his criminal investigations. (In a droll scene Sano and his father-in-law establish an understanding based on their mutual inability to manage the woman who connects them.)

Harume’s pillow book reveals there are a number of persons who are possible suspects including a former favorite concubine, one of the samurai guards who protects the women in the women’s quarter, a mysterious lover Harume has been meeting secretly outside the castle, and possibly even Keisho-in, Tsunayoshi’s esteemed mother. As his investigation continues, Sano will soon gain a new perspective on women and uncover secrets that will threaten his life and the lives of all those associated with him.

I have been a fan of this series since the first one, Shinju, was published. Sano is an estimable lead character, and the mysteries are satisfyingly complex. The excellent character development adds to the impact of the book. Even secondary characters are multi-dimensional and clearly portrayed.

It is the uncommon 17th century Japanese setting, however, that makes this series particularly distinctive. With the vivid depiction of the sights and sounds and scents of the story’s time and place, the author successfully interweaves her characters and plot into an exotic atmosphere and culture. The wealth of description and detail creates a strong impression in the reader’s mind. One word of caution, however: this could be a time of brutality and intentional cruelty. Readers who are looking for a cozy mystery may find this too intense and graphic.

The combination of carefully plotted mystery, strong characterization, and unique setting sets this mystery novel apart from the ordinary whodunit. I strongly recommend The Concubine’s Tattoo and the entire series to mystery enthusiasts who are looking for something different.

--Lesley Dunlap