Step into the shadowy world of the Shinobi Mystery series, where a ninja detective and a Jesuit priest unravel murders in the heart of 16th-century Japan! Penned by Susan Spann, this captivating blend of historical fiction and mystery follows master ninja Hiro Hattori and his unlikely partner, Father Mateo, as they navigate a land of samurai, secrets, and political intrigue. With vivid settings and clever whodunits, this six-book series is a must-read for fans of historical mysteries craving something fresh.
From Kyoto’s bustling teahouses to the snowy peaks of Mount Koya, the Shinobi Mystery series transports readers to a time when honor and danger walked hand in hand. Its unique protagonists—a stoic shinobi bound by duty and a curious Portuguese priest—offer a delightful East-meets-West dynamic that sets the series apart. Ready to dive into a world of ninja stealth and samurai drama? Let’s explore!
How Shinobi Mystery Began
Susan Spann, an author with a degree in Asian Studies and a passion for Japanese culture, crafted the Shinobi Mystery series to bring real ninjas—far from Hollywood’s pajama-clad stereotypes—to life. Inspired by her love for historical Japan and classic mysteries, Spann paired Hiro Hattori, a fictional cousin of legendary ninja Hattori Hanzō, with Father Mateo, a Jesuit priest, to create a dynamic duo. Her meticulous research, including trips to Japan, ensures the series’ authenticity, immersing readers in the sights, sounds, and customs of the 1560s.
Spann’s debut, Claws of the Cat, released in 2013, was a Library Journal Mystery Debut of the Month, setting the stage for a series that blends taut plotting with rich cultural detail. Her goal? To entertain while educating readers about Japan’s fascinating history, from samurai honor codes to Buddhist temple life.
The Heart of Shinobi Mystery
The Shinobi Mystery series spans six books, each a standalone yet interconnected tale of murder and intrigue. In Claws of the Cat, Hiro and Father Mateo have three days to solve a samurai’s murder in a Kyoto teahouse, uncovering secrets that threaten Japan’s future. Blade of the Samurai (2014) sees them investigating a shogun’s cousin’s death, revealing a plot to overthrow the ruling clan. Flask of the Drunken Master (2015) pits the duo against a brewery murder, while Trial on Mount Koya (2018), an homage to Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None, traps them in a snowbound temple with a killer.
The series shines through its themes of honor, loyalty, and cultural collision. Hiro’s ninja skills and Father Mateo’s outsider perspective create a compelling partnership, their witty banter lightening the tension of deadly stakes. Spann’s prose paints feudal Japan vividly, from the cherry blossoms of Kyoto to the floating world of entertainers. The mysteries are intricate, keeping readers guessing until the final reveal, while historical details—like Noh theater or ninja espionage—add depth and authenticity.
Each book explores social dynamics, such as the marginalized status of actors or the rigid hierarchy of samurai society, making the series both thrilling and thought-provoking. Fans praise Spann’s ability to balance action, character growth, and historical insight, creating a world that feels alive and immersive.
Why Shinobi Mystery Resonates
The Shinobi Mystery series has carved a niche in historical fiction, blending the accessibility of classic mysteries with the allure of an underrepresented setting. Readers and critics, including Library Journal and Kirkus, laud its atmospheric storytelling and well-researched backdrop. The series’ focus on cultural interplay—Hiro’s traditionalism versus Father Mateo’s Western ideals—resonates with modern audiences, offering timeless reflections on friendship and duty.
Though not a household name, the series has a dedicated fanbase eagerly awaiting more adventures, with Spann teasing a ninth book set near Inuyama Castle. Its lasting appeal lies in its ability to transport readers to a vivid, lesser-known era, making feudal Japan as gripping as any modern thriller.
- First Book: Claws of the Cat (2013)
- Latest Book: Trial on Mount Koya (2018)
- Total Books: 6
- Awards: Claws of the Cat, Library Journal Mystery Debut of the Month
Grab Claws of the Cat and dive into the Shinobi Mystery series’ thrilling world of ninjas, priests, and 16th-century Japan!