Shinjū is the title of the debut novel by American writer Laura Joh Rowland, a historical mystery set in 1689 Genroku-era Japan.

Writing for Quill & Quire, Michael McGowan commented, "From describing the rigidity of the class system to the clothes worn by samurai warriors, Rowland evokes the richness of Japanese life 300 years ago.

McGowan concluded, "Though Rowland is not averse to writing melodramatic prose ... or forgoing subtlety for some in-your-face earnestness ... Sano's quest and the adversity he must overcome to succeed make for an entertaining read.

Driven to the verge of shinju (which originally meant a sincere sacrifice, not just amatory suicide), Sano eventually triumphs — too easily for this reviewer and perhaps for others familiar with Japan."

Although Notehelfer found several historical anachronisms, the review concluded, "An interesting and even exciting tale, Ms. Rowland's novel introduces us to a new detective who, I suspect, will appear in further adventures.

"[4] Publishers Weekly noted, "Replete with convincing details, the setting's time and place provide lively and diverting passages; the plot, however, twists only occasionally before its fairly predictable, politically rooted resolution.

Rowland crafts a competent mystery her first time out, shows sure command of her background material and demonstrates that she is a writer of depth and potential.