The Ennin Mysteries: Collected Stories 6-10

Ennin - the 'Sherlock Holmes' of Japan's feudal era - investigates another five full-length cases, assisted by his faithful servant (and narrator) Kukai...

ALSO AVAILABLE: The Ennin Mysteries: Collected Series 1 - 5 (25 Stories) MEGAPACK

'...Wonderful... Like a Japanese room arrangement with clean lines keeping clutter to a minimum...' AcerAcer

'...The Sensei is a brilliant detective. Ben Stevens, as always rocks. He's one heck of a storyteller...' Lisa

'...Atmospheric, intriguing and entertaining... feels as if it is both contemporary and traditional. A rare achievement...' Kenny51

Stories featured -

THE SIXTH BUDDHA

Two monks have been sentenced to death, convicted of the murder of a Chinese priest within a temple mausoleum. Their only explanation for what happened - that one of the demon-guardian statues, positioned either side of a large golden statue of the Buddha, came to life and struck the fatal blow with its sword.

Certain that the monks are innocent - yet refusing to believe that a statue could have been responsible for the murder - Ennin begins his investigations. But with the scheduled date of execution just a few days away, can Ennin unravel the complicated strands of this mystery in time...?

THE PICTURE OF DEATH

An infamous painting of hell carries a hideous curse - that whoever sees it will perish within seven days. In the midst of a dark and freezing winter, Ennin investigates - and then demands to see this painting for himself...

BUDDHA'S HAMMER

A Chinese merchant lies dead, his face completely destroyed. The local magistrate is inclined to believe that the merchant's horse delivered the fatal blow with its hoof; an unfortunate accident...

Ennin, however, is not so sure. For a mysterious man has recently been seen in the neighborhood - a man who appears not to have any hands...

Soon, Ennin uncovers a remarkable tale, and ultimately discovers just what is meant by 'Buddha's Hammer'...

THE INVISIBLE ASSASSIN

Two successive 'daimyo' have been found dead, their bodies lying in exactly the same place. One survived long enough to claim that he'd been stabbed - and yet there was absolutely no mark upon his body.

The new daimyo (the son and also grandson of the previous victims) requests Ennin's help. But who is this mysterious 'invisible assassin' - and how, exactly, does he kill his victims...?

THE BLACK DEATH

Ennin - the 'Sherlock Holmes' of Japan's feudal era - investigates another case, assisted by his faithful servant (and narrator) Kukai.

Japan - indeed, the entire known world - is in the grip of a terrible plague. Whole villages are dying, while there are rumors that in some other countries, there is no longer anyone even left alive.

In desperation, at the behest of the Empress herself, Ennin and Kukai travel to the far-north of Japan. There it is rumored that the Au tribe have somehow managed to entirely escape this so-called 'Black Death'.

Perhaps they have some advice to offer...

But within the Au settlement, Ennin uncovers a terrible secret - and finally discovers just 'what' is behind the Black Death itself...

This time, the annihilation of Ennin and Kukai seems certain...