Betrayal at Iga: A Hiro Hattori Novel (5) (A Shinobi Mystery)

When last we left Hiro and Fr Mateo the Shogan has died and various factions are trying to take over. For the safety of the Portuguese Jesuit the two men have taken refuge in the mountainous home of Hiro--his ninja clan in Iga Province. On the day of their arrival a contingent from a neighboring province has also arrived. Although it is not the ideal situation since each new arrival by tradition receives their own welcome dinner, Hartori Hanzo, Hiro's cousin and commander, has no choice but to welcome both parties at the same meal. It would appear that the other guests are four emissaries from Koga Province. Hanzo would like to convince Koga to unite with Iga to show strength in numbers as the Shoganate is settled. Naturally, as often happens to our heros, one of the Koga emissaries dies violently vomiting and struggling to breath during the second course of the dinner!The remaining Koga immediately accuse the Iga of murdering him and declare it an act of war. Hanzo calms them enough to get their agreement to remain three days while Fr Mateo, not of Iga Province and not Japanese, and therefore neutral, investigates to determine the murderer. So many possible culprits, most of them assassins by training, all of them with either motive or the duty to obey the orders of one with a motive. Hiro's grandmother, mother, former childhood sweetheart, the three remaining Koga, Hanzo himself, any of them capable of the act.I love the fact that Susan Spann writes so well that the solution is as perplexing for the reader as for the characters. But, in the end, after another two deaths and threats of more, the murderer is indeed identified. A resolution is reached in the negotiations for a pact between neighbors. And, Hanzo with great humor sends Hiro, Fr Mateo, Ana the housekeeper and Gato, the cat on to their next adventure. What he doesn't know is that he is sending the reader along, too--at least this one.The hardest part is having to wait a year to catch up with them at the sacred Mount Koya.

The whole Hiro Hattori series from Ms. Spann has been wonderful. She is an excellent writer and has created some great characters in both Hiro and Father Mateo. Each book is superbly researched and her experience in Japan really comes through. It is also so refreshing to see a ninja character (and ninja in general) portrayed well and accurately in fiction for once, as well as being set in a fascinating and under-utilized period in Japanese history (late 1500s). This book is her best yet and I would enthusiastically recommend it!!My only complaint about the series up until now is not really a complaint at all---I have wanted more! In each book, Ms. Spann lays out an excellent mystery and crime for our heroes to solve, but I have found myself hungry for a larger, more robust story with more character development that dives deeper into the historical context they inhabit. Such a high quality story/characters deserve something bigger! I am thrilled to see that, both in the previous volume, and most especially this new book, Ms. Spann is doing exactly what I hoped----raise the stakes, dive deeper into characters and involve them in a larger story beyond just another crime to solve. I can't wait for the next book! Hiro Hattori is rapidly becoming the greatest ninja character in recent fiction!

This is the fifth Shinobi Mystery and hands down my favorite so far.Most mysteries, including the previous Hattori Hiro stories, feature a few suspects and for the most part amateur killers. Here, however, we are in an actual village of assassins for hire, and EVERYONE is a killer and has trained all his or her life to deflect suspicion. Everyone is a murderer; it's just of question of whether they committed this particular murder. From the historical figure of ninja commander Hattori Hanzo to the wizened old grandmother who *probably* didn't do it because she prefers to openly claim her kills, it's a fun cast with lots at stake.Also benefiting this installment in the series is the fact that the characters have more shared history and deeper relationships, so there's a lot more snark and banter. I laughed aloud a few times.Spann uses actual Japanese history in her stories, making for more involved tales for those who are familiar with feudal politics but with enough explanation to be seamlessly accessible for those who aren't. A good read!

"She has killed a man with nothing but a chopstick."As soon as I read that line, I knew I was in for an enjoyable read.I flew through this book but savored it at the same time.The undercurrent of humor in this book is gold, and at times, would make me laugh out loud.Father Mateo must be thinking this is the strangest dinner party he's ever attended. It reminded me of the movie Clue, but in a larger than life scale, in 16th Century Japan. (I loved Clue). A Japanese grandmother assassin who speaks fluent Portuguese for the win!The touching friendship between Hiro, Father Mateo and Anna as well as the subtle love story bring so much depth to this mystery. These characters have become so real to me it's like they have been painted into history.I love the way it ended. Can't wait for book #6!

A twisted tale of honor, dishonor, love found,love lost . Hiro , a priest, and Ana an elderly servant continue their adventures. Oh, and let us not forget Gato. Who is friend and who is foe? Susan has once again given us a beautiful feudal, but troubled Japan. Anxious to read the next installment!

Took me a while to warm up to this mystery. The characters are all so secretive that it is difficult to learn anything at all. Eventually the secrets open up and the characters become real people. The reader has to stay with this mystery to get anything out of it, but if you put in the time the ending is worth the effort and you learn about Japanese society as a bonus.

Excellent brain teaser. Plenty of twists. Loads of historical detail. And wonderful characters.

Another adventure from the mismatched(at first glance) pair of detectives Hiro and Father Mateo.The murder takes place at the stronghold of Hiro's ninja clan at Iga and our detectives get a firsthand view of the murder.The author gives a vivid picture of life in 15th century Japan.The life in a ninja village is certainly interesting.Not all clan members become Ninja and not all the Ninjas work full time.The mutual distrust between the rival Ninja clans,food served at a banquet of assassins, the geography, the clothing...everything is interesting.This time just to spice things up Hiro's ex-girl friend Neko is introduced and it is time for Hiro to resolve some ancient history.Countering her is Kiku, a female ninja from the opposing Koga clan who's threatening war unless the mystery is solved.The mystery is every bit satisfying as the previous books in the series and the motive for murder is interesting too.

Finally a splash of romance in the series. Yet it is as momentary as a single flutter of a butterfly’s wings. I truly felt sadness at a loss readers must discover for themselves by immersion in the story. One of the more intense of the series if not the most intense. 4 and 1/2 stars.

PredictableWell pacedA dfg ugr kio of nothing to say it again some more for you track back himDone