SHINJU by Laura Joh Rowland A Novel Of Japan 1994 First Edition Hardcover

Shinju is the debut novel by Laura Joh Rowland, published in 1994, and marks the beginning of the Sano Ichirō series. Set in 17th-century Edo (modern-day Tokyo) during the Genroku era, the novel is a historical mystery that delves into the complexities of feudal Japanese society.  The story centers on Sano Ichirō, a samurai and newly appointed yoriki (a low-ranking police official). When the bodies of Yukiko, a noblewoman, and Noriyoshi, a commoner artist, are discovered bound together in Edo Bay, the deaths are officially deemed a shinju—a ritual double suicide by lovers. However, Sano suspects foul play. Defying orders to close the case, he conducts an unauthorized autopsy, revealing that Noriyoshi was murdered. Sano’s clandestine investigation leads him through various strata of society, from the opulent mansions of the elite to the seedy underbelly of the city, uncovering a web of corruption and intrigue that reaches the highest levels of power .   The novel is praised for its rich depiction of Edo-period Japan, offering readers a vivid portrayal of the era’s cultural and social dynamics. Shinju combines elements of mystery and historical fiction, providing an engaging narrative that explores themes of duty, honor, and justice. It sets the stage for the subsequent novels in the Sano Ichirō series, where Sano continues to navigate the perilous political landscape of feudal Japan .