shaxper
CCF Site Custodian
Posts: 22,860
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Post by shaxper on Mar 10, 2016 19:45:37 GMT -5
  Published: January thru February 1999 Synopsis: "It's a whodunit feudal style as Usagi is caught up in a mystery when he befriends a police inspector investigating the murders of prominent merchants. The clues lead into their past and to a broken trust. Can Usagi and the detective discover the idenity of the next victim before it's too late? Will justice prevail?" Notes: 1st Inspector Ishida Discuss the issue and/or post full reviews below! |
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Post by thwhtguardian on Mar 31, 2016 21:00:00 GMT -5
Inspector Ishida is one of the best supporting characters...and in a book with such a strong supporting cast that really means something. I really love just how many types of stories Stan can tell with Usagi: horror, action, intrigue, comedy and romance are all with in the scope of Usagi's adventures and this murder mystery story was a fun change of pace.
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Post by stillpoint on Nov 3, 2016 23:25:25 GMT -5
My favorite part of this story was the insight into the treatment (or lack thereof) of murder victims due to cultural mores. Almost no examination of the body at all, much less an autopsy. However, long before this story, in "Lightning Strikes Twice," Usagi recognized Inazuma's handiwork from examining sword cuts on bodies. Gen had done something similar in previous stories. But now it seems that clever narrative device would be just that and such a close observation wouldn't have actually happened.
Or maybe swordcuts can be discerned from a distance. I've never had occasion to find out.
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Post by richarddragon on Sept 30, 2017 21:41:33 GMT -5
Ishida is a great character who has enriched Usagi stories.
And am I the only one who wants an Inspector Nii plushie?
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Post by brutalis on Feb 20, 2018 8:30:08 GMT -5
The Charlie Chan of Japan and Usagi make a splendid Holmes and Watson in feudal times. It is nice to see such an easy and readily consummated friendship between Usagi and Isheda grow based upon both of their need to see justice done. Usagi must see many useless and unjust travesties in his travels and it seems only natural he would involve himself in a village crime where he may notice things those in power may not see or choose to ignore. Helping the poor or common is a symbol of honor for a samurai and being a Ronin Usagi would only strive all the harder to assist those who may not receive much in the way of justice or retribution from the rich and empowered. And it is a dandy mystery story in and of itself!
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