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The mystery is fairly simple, and most readers will and unraveled all the connections well ahead of Kaze, but the book is pleasurable nonetheless. First, unlike so many mysteries, it's a pleasantly compact tale, easily digested in a single night's reading. Secondly, the cast of characters is small and vivid. There's the stoic charcoal-seller, the village prostitute, a nasty bandit leader, and a weirdo lord who lives according to the customs of six hundred years previously in the Heian period. Finally, the most enjoyable element is Furutani's weaving of period detail throughout the book. Often, a ritual or object will lead to a brief tangential discussion of its development and use. These asides are not always subtle, but are fascinating slices of history and custom. On the whole, the book is reminiscent of a Kurasawa film, with a small story, small cast of regular people, and elegant delivery.
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Furutani's writing is lyrical and the reader finds himself enveloped in a cadence that transports the reader to medieval Japan. Like all first books in series, this one must not only develop the character's personality, but provide us with a mystery and a story as well. The latter is no mean feat in and of itself, but Furutani accomplishes the task with ease. Furutani does not set flaunt his research by using every bit of minutiae he picked up, but, rather, he uses it subtly to advance his story and, in the process, educate his readers. For those who, like myself, do not care for Furutani's previous books, be rest assured that the writing here as well as the characters are a very welcome change. The uniqueness of the setting adds to quality of this book.
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In "Kill The Shogun", Kaze closes in on the whereabouts of his dead overlord's daughter. He has finally tracked her to a brothel, The Little Flower, that caters to paedophiles. However before he can affect a rescue, he is accused of an attempt on the Shogun's life.
This is a tautly written and very exciting book. There are several brilliantly described sword fights as Kaze faces off against the Shogun's soldiers and a group of mysterious ninjas. Kaze literally faces danger at every corner, and there seems to be a lack of people that he can trust.
An added bonus to lovers of history are the carefully sketched in glimpses of life and culture in early seventeenth century Japan. A little more of Kaze's history is also fleshed out so that we get to appreciate all over again his sense of honour and integrity as well as the great sorrow he carries with him.
I really like this series. And I heartily recommend all three books. I only hope that Dale Furutani writes more adventures for Kaze.
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I highly recommend you buy this book if you can; if not, borrow it from your library (I had to). If you love Japanese history/myseries, this is an excellent book to read. I also suggest you read "Death At The Crossroads" and "Jade Palace Vendetta" first, but this book can stand by itself.
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Clues inform Kaze that Kiku-Chan has been brought to the new capital of Japan, Edo. However, as Kaze gets closer to his quarry, he learns that the advisors to the new Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu want him eliminated. Since his enemies are based in Edo, entering the city is dangerous, but veneration of his former master requires Kaze to do so even though it probably will cost him his life.
KILL THE SHOGUN, the third book in Dale Furutani's samurai series, is a great historical novel that will thrill fans and send new readers searching for the previous books (see DEATH AT THE CROSSROADS AND JADE PALACE VENDETTA). As expected the exciting story line is rich with the heritage of seventeenth century Japan. That alone makes the novel worth reading. However, excellent characters and a fabulous plot turn this tale, like its predecessors, into a superior story strongly standing by itself or as part of a delightful three-book volume. Both will work, but the latter is more than a great dinner, it is a feast. Though Kaze's quest has ended (read the book if you want to know how), hopefully the award winning Mr. Furutani has more stories set in historical Japan.
Harriet Klausner
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When Kaze then proceeds on his quest, he locates his targets, but is forced to help them before they will reveal their information-all of which dovetails to his adventure with the merchant. This all hinges on a bit of coincidence that isn't too annoying as long as one doesn't think about it too long. Another minor quibble is that just as in the previous book, the villain here is a powerful, but insane figure who manages to maintain a semblance of normality. All in all the story telegraphs its clues and direction, and most readers will and unraveled all the connections well ahead of Kaze, yet it's still fun to read.
Unlike so many mysteries, it's a pleasantly compact tale, easily digested in a single night's reading. The cast of characters is small and well depicted-although not perhaps as vivid as the villagers of the previous book. What is impressive is the development of Kaze as a protagonist you can't get enough of, from his mastery in swordsmanship, to his sly sense of humor, compassion, and reverence for humanity-he's an excellent dispenser of cosmic justice. (Justice is one of the book's themes, as a careful delineation is made between murder and killing.) As with the earlier book, Furutani weaves period detail throughout. Often, a ritual or object will lead to a brief tangential discussion of its development and use. These asides are not always subtle, but are fascinating slices of history and custom. I look forward to the completion of Kaze's quest in Kill the Shogun.
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