by Laurie R. King

This 13th in the Holmes-Russell series had some very interesting aspects, Particularly the insights into Japanese culture. My main problem with this book is that although Mary and Holmes spend the entire book together, there is no hint of affection and closeness that one glimpses occasionally with her other books. (Mary Russell keeps her private life private, even from her readers, in all but her first 3 or 4 books.) But Holmes is virtually a nonentity in this one. I correctly suspected many parts of the mystery beforehand as it progressed.**3 out of 5 stars**

April 15, 2016