Picture a California lawyer turned storyteller who swapped courtrooms for samurai mysteries—meet Susan Spann! With a passion for Japanese history and a knack for crafting clever whodunits, Spann has carved a unique niche in historical fiction. Her Shinobi Mystery series, starring a ninja detective, blends meticulous research with thrilling plots, transporting readers to 16th-century Japan.
From her early days as a voracious reader to her current adventures hiking Japan’s mountains, Spann’s life is as fascinating as her stories. Let’s dive into the world of this award-winning author who’s redefining the historical mystery genre with every page.
The Making of Susan Spann
Born in Santa Monica, California, Susan Spann was a bookworm from the start, devouring everything from National Geographic to Agatha Christie. Her love for Asian culture led her to Tufts University, where she earned a degree in Asian Studies, immersing herself in the histories of China and Japan. But instead of diving straight into writing, Spann took a detour to law school, becoming a transactional attorney specializing in publishing contracts and intellectual property in California.
Her legal career didn’t stifle her creativity—it fueled it. An avid reader and lifelong storyteller, Spann’s imagination was sparked by her love for Japan, particularly after watching the 1980 miniseries Shogun. In 2011, while getting ready for work, a lightbulb moment struck: a ninja who solves murders instead of committing them. That idea became the seed for her Shinobi Mystery series, launching her literary journey.
Susan Spann’s Unforgettable Stories
Spann’s Shinobi Mystery series, featuring master ninja Hiro Hattori and his Portuguese Jesuit sidekick Father Mateo, is a standout in historical fiction. Her debut, Claws of the Cat (2013), follows Hiro as he investigates a samurai’s murder in a Kyoto teahouse, racing against time to save an accused geisha. The book earned a Library Journal Mystery Debut of the Month nod and a Silver Falchion Award finalist spot.
Other gems include Blade of the Samurai (2014), where Hiro navigates a plot to assassinate the shogun, and Fires of Edo (2021), a thrilling tale of arson and murder in a bookshop. Spann’s nonfiction work, Climb (2020), chronicles her courageous quest to summit 100 Japanese mountains in a year while battling breast cancer, showcasing her resilience and love for adventure. Her style weaves rich historical detail with fast-paced mysteries, balancing fact and fiction with a Holmes-and-Watson dynamic between her protagonists.
Spann’s meticulous research—drawing from her vast collection of Asian literature and connections like a Kyoto tour guide—brings 16th-century Japan to life. Her ability to craft authentic settings and complex characters has earned her accolades, including the 2015 Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers’ Writer of the Year award.
Why Susan Spann Matters
Susan Spann’s work transcends typical mystery novels, offering readers a window into feudal Japan’s culture, politics, and spirituality. Her Shinobi series educates as it entertains, shedding light on a lesser-known era through the lens of a ninja detective. By blending her legal expertise with her passion for history, Spann has created a distinctive voice that resonates with fans of historical fiction and mystery alike.
Her personal journey—overcoming cancer and embracing adventure—has inspired readers to face their fears and chase their dreams. Now living in Tokyo, Spann continues to share her love for Japan through her blog and social media, making her a beloved figure in the literary and adventure communities.
- Born: Santa Monica, California
- Key Works: Claws of the Cat, Blade of the Samurai, Fires of Edo, Climb
- Awards: 2015 Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers’ Writer of the Year, Silver Falchion Award finalist
- Hobbies: Mountain climbing, raising seahorses, photography
Snag Claws of the Cat and dive into Susan Spann’s thrilling world of ninjas and mysteries!