Edo, February 1566: when a samurai’s corpse is discovered in the ruins of a burned-out bookshop, master ninja Hiro Hattori and Jesuit Father Mateo must determine whether the shopkeeper and his young apprentice are innocent victims or assassins in disguise. The investigation quickly reveals dangerous ties to Hiro’s past, which threaten not only Edo’s fledgling booksellers’ guild, but the very survival of Hiro’s ninja clan. With an arsonist on the loose, and a murderer stalking the narrow streets, Hiro and Father Mateo must save the guild—and themselves—from a conflagration that could destroy them all.
Susan Spann Book order
This author is celebrated for their gripping mystery series featuring a ninja detective. Their narratives skillfully blend historical settings with intriguing puzzles, brought to life by an unlikely investigative partnership. The work is marked by a unique exploration of cultural dynamics, weaving tales rich with suspense and action.


- 2022
- 2020
Climb: Leaving Safe and Finding Strength on 100 Summits in Japan
- 360 pages
- 13 hours of reading
This inspiring memoir follows California attorney Susan Spann as she climbs one hundred Japanese mountains in a year, confronting cancer and her fears. Through humor and vivid storytelling, she chronicles her transformative journey from timidity to confidence, capturing the beauty of Japan and her path to healing.