Description

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In The Incense Game, Laura Joh Rowland's powerful and evocative thriller, Sano Ichiro and his wife strive to solve the case in a world that is crumbling around them.

An RT Book Review Magazine Reviewers' Choice Award Winner

In the wake of a terrifying earthquake, Sano races to solve a crime that could bring down the shogun's regime

Japan, 1703. A devastating earthquake has left the city of Edo in shambles—even the shogun's carefully regulated court is teetering on the brink of chaos. This is no time for a murder investigation. But when Sano discovers the bodies of two young sisters buried beneath the rubble, he suspects that incense poisoning, not the earthquake, killed them. Worse yet, their father, a powerful nobleman, threatens to topple the vulnerable regime unless Sano agrees to track down his daughters' killer.

With the help of his wife, Reiko, and his chief retainer, Hirata, Sano begins a secret investigation that jeopardizes his whole family. And with Hirata mysteriously neglecting his duties and an old foe plotting to overthrow Sano and the shogun himself, the shockwaves from the earthquake are only the beginning.

About the Author

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LAURA JOH ROWLAND is the author of the Sano Ichiro mysteries (Shinju, Bundori, and The Way of the Traitor), which have twice been named Best Mysteries of the Year by Publishers Weekly. She lived through a natural disaster when Hurricane Katrina nearly destroyed her house in New Orleans, and now lives in New York City.

Praise For…

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“Fascinating . . . there are few things as delicious as a good old-fashioned power struggle--especially the costume-drama variety, involving sword battles and perfectly timed barbs exchanged by witty women pretending that they're just drinking tea.” —Oprah.com

“Stellar . . . Once again, Rowland sets the bar high for her hero, who must navigate treacherous political shoals as well as deduce the killer's identity.” —Publishers Weekly (starred)

“Excellent. . . . With mystery, excitement and a bang-up ending, this is one you won't be able to put down!” —RT Book Reviews (Top Pick)