In Darkness, Death

by Thomas Hoobler, Dorothy Hoobler

Overview

Edgar award winner for Best YA mystery novel of 2004. In this third book of the Samurai Detective series, Seikei faces his most dangerous opponent: a shape-shifting ninja whose lair is a sacred mountain.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781480039247
Publisher:	CreateSpace Publishing
Publication date:	11/13/2012
Pages:	232
Product dimensions:	5.98(w) x 9.02(h) x 0.49(d)
Lexile:	760L (what's this?)
Age Range:	8 - 12 Years

About the Author

Dorothy and Thomas Hoobler have written for children, young adults, and general audiences. They have concentrated on history and historical fiction, and received an Edgar and many other awards for their work.

Editorial Reviews

… taut, witty and well-written … It's like Sherlock Holmes with ninjas.
— The Washington Post

Elizabeth E. Ward

Gr 5-8-This fine mystery set in 18th-century Japan continues the adventures of Judge Ooka and his 14-year-old adopted son, Seikei. This time, they are asked to investigate the death of Lord Inaba, who was murdered under the watchful eye of the shogun. Their only clue is a bloodstained origami butterfly. The judge sends Seikei to a distant town in the care of the enigmatic ninja Tatsuno to find out who bought the paper from which the butterfly was made. This leads them to a remote monastery and, unwittingly, right into the killer's hiding place. The plot falters a bit when Seikei takes it upon himself to argue the case of starving peasants to the local lord, known to be ruthless, and is thrown in jail. He is much too smart to be so naive about the morals of the local ruler. However, this development illustrates his big heart, and readers will easily forgive this minor flaw considering the story's solid suspense, fast-paced action, and authentic setting. Overall, a satisfying mystery that's sure to please fans and likely to win a few converts.-Karen T. Bilton, Somerset County Library, Bridgewater, NJ Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

School Library Journal

Adventure (and honor) in the land of ancient Japan-in the world of ninjas and the Shogun-will intrigue young readers who will find themselves fascinated with the details. The Hooblers first introduced Judge Ooka to readers in The Ghost in the Tokaido Inn (1999) and The Demon in the Teahouse (2001). The judge lived during the eighth Shogun of the Tokugawa family, who ruled Japan in the early 1700s. Traditional tales have established Judge Ooka as the Sherlock Holmes of Japan. This tale solidifies that reputation as the judge and his fictional foster son, Seikei, seek to solve the murder of a prominent lord. From the beginning, the two knew that a ninja had committed the murder, but the Shogun requested Ooka to find the person who ordered the assassination. To solve the mystery, the two travel the country to the Etchu Province and obtain permission to enter onto Mount Miwa. There Seikei confronts the answer and the danger of their quest. Honor and respect play a large part in the actions of all the characters in this first-rate mystery. Well-plotted and fast-paced-a great read. (author's note) (Fiction. 10-13)

Kirkus Reviews