As they come closer to uncovering the truth, Sano and Reiko realize that there is more at stake than murder — a rebellion against the shogunate is festering and will soon break into open warfare unless they act quickly and decisively.

"[4] Kirkus Reviews commented "Early on, initiated readers will plod through rote description of societal structure and gender relations in feudal Japan, as newcomers struggle to catch up.

Hyde approved of Rowland's approach in explaining the exotic setting, saying, "Most people reading this story are not familiar with 17th century Japan, and it would be all too easy to adopt a didactic style and lose the reader by skimping on plot and imparting too much information.

Hyde concluded, "Honorable Sano, intrepid, brave Reiko, and scheming Yanagisawa are a formidable trio to equal any in crime fiction – a samurai Holmes, Watson and Moriarty?

[1]" Michelle Calabro Hubbard, writing for Book Reporter, noted that "The sights, sounds, and smells of ancient Japan are such a presence in Ms. Rowland's work that it is as if the country is another character.