Strange requests!

Three Oaths: A Legend of the Five Rings (Daidoji Shin Mysteries #4) by Josh Reynolds     

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Ah! My favorite sleuth from the world of the Five Rings, in the realm of Rokugan—Daidoji Shin, nobleman from the House of Cranes, sent by his house to the City of the Rich Frog to oversee the Daidoji Trading Council merchants. He’s a witty, languid courtier given to all sorts of ne’er do well pursuits; theatre, music, and deplorably ready to embroil himself in various investigative pursuits.

That his personae hides a laser sharpe mind and keen intelligence that’s bored easily has him moving  from one challenge to another, accompanied by a varied group of individuals, from his much put upon samurai, Kasami, a rather seedy character Kitano, to river pirates. Each time he moves himself to undertake an action he somehow comes out on top. That’s not by accident.

Amusing and yet driven, this time Shin’s asked by Lady Akodo Minami, commander of the Lion Garrison, to investigate the legitimacy of a groom, Itagawa Mosu, before an important dynastic wedding between clans. (Politics and empire rules are involved!) The groom had disappeared feared dead, but miraculously returned.  A matter of pirates apparently. The problem is the groom’s behavior has changed, for the better. Another mystery! Shin accepts Minami’s request.

Putting together some of his past investigations Shin is left wondering aloud to Minami if there’s, “An unseen hand, moving unknowing pieces on a board.” Mmm!

Complex and fascinating I was once more drawn into the exploits of the exceptional Shin, who just might be being set up to have his wings clipped. 

Another intriguing read!

An Aconyte ARC via NetGalley.                                              

Many thanks to the author and publisher.

Please note: Quotes taken from an advanced reading copy maybe subject to change