Red Chrysanthemum: A Thriller: 11 (Sano Ichiro Novels 11)

Laura Joh Rowland draws on the tradition of the classic film Rashomon to bring us a masterful tale of intrigue and treachery in Red Chrysanthemum. . July 1698. Sano Ichiro the samurai detective who has risen to become the shoguns second-in-command is investigating rumors of a plot to overthrow the ruling regime. When the investigation brings Sanos deputy Hirata to Lord Moris estate he is shocked to find Lord Mori murdered and grotesquely mutilated in his own bed and Sanos pregnant wife Reiko lying beside him. The only solid clue is a chrysanthemum soaked in blood. . Reikos account of her actions is anything but solid. She insists that she went undercover to Lord Moris estate in order to investigate claims that he molested and murdered young boys. But when Sano inspects the crime scene he finds no trace of what Reiko described. And every other witness tells a different story: Lady Mori alleges that Reiko was Lord Moris scorned mistress and murdered him for revenge. And Lord Mori himself speaking through a medium claims his murder was part of Sanos plot to overthrow the shogun! . Unless Sano can prove his wifes unlikely claims both he and Reiko―and their unborn child―face execution for treason. Sano fights desperately to save his family and his honor.