The Cloud Pavilion

“While the crimes (and punishments) described here are vicious and the vision of life in Edo outside the shogun’s gates is grim, the relationship between Sano and his mystery-loving wife, Reiko, is cozily akin to that of Nick and Nora Charles--minus the cocktails and repartee.” Washington Post

“Entertaining…Rowland creates a well-crafted portrait of an exotic place and time.” Times-Picayune (New Orleans)

“Rowland’s masterful fourteenth historical to feature Sano Ichiro…Established fans will be pleased by how Rowland has developed Sano’s son, Masahiro, along with other secondary characters they have become attached to, while newcomers should find the people, plot, and early eighteenth-century Japanese setting hard to resist.” Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“In 1701 Japan, a young wife and mother is raped and left on the streets of Edo. Chamberlain Sano Ichiro (The Fire Kimono) is asked by his uncle to find the person responsible. The fact that Ichiro's mother was declared dead by her family when she married his father just adds to the antagonism Ichiro feels toward his uncle, and he must also keep a sharp eye on his mortal enemy, Yanagisawa, who is gaining in political strength and readying himself to destroy Ichiro. Verdict: With her fourteenth series historical, Rowland continues to turn out beautifully plotted, suspenseful mysteries.” Library Journal

“Multiple crimes challenge Chamberlain Sano Ichiro, along with the return of a bitter rival…More crimes follow when Sano’s probe takes him to Edo’s dangerous criminal underworld, but an even greater challenge is keeping control of those around him, all with clashing agendas. Gracefully written and replete with historical detail, more character-driven and linearly plotted than most of its thirteen predecessors, this is a fine entry point for series newbies.” Kirkus Reviews