Trial on Mount Koya: A Hiro Hattori Novel

Ancient Japan’s most curious detective duo — Portuguese priest Father Mateo and secretive warrior Hiro Hattori — are on a secret mission when Mother Nature strikes, stranding them in a Buddhist temple with a killer on the loose. When their contact is murdered, the pair are cast as both detectives and suspects as the small group of worshippers and stragglers grows more paranoid. Will anyone survive the storm?

A mountaintop monastery becomes the setting for an Agatha Christie-style mystery in Trial on Mount Koya, the latest in Susan Spann’s Shinobi Mystery series, one of the strongest entries in the series yet.

The intriguing mix of characters, religions, and social conventions creates a tense, multilayered story that unfolds with surprising speed. As complications pile up and more bodies are discovered, the reader genuinely begins to worry for the safety of Father Mateo and Hiro Hattori. (It’s an impressive feat, given that protagonists like these have unusually thick plot armor.)

Trial on Mount Koya is a delightful mix of classic detective story tropes and Spann’s unique setting and storytelling style. It’s the perfect gateway into the series for new readers and a strong continuation for those familiar with the characters already.