The Sword That Cuts the Burning Grass

By Dorothy and Thomas Hoobler

Rating: 4 1/4 stars

Reviewed by Noelle

This is the 4th book in the Seikei and Judge Ooka mystery series, following The Ghost in the Tokaido Inn, The Demon in the Teahouse and In Darkness, Death (see reviews, July 2007). This time, the young 14 year old emperor has run away from the palace and is hiding at a monastery, determined to give up his duties as ruler of Japan. The shogun appoints Seikei to talk to the emperor and convince him to return, hoping someone of the same age will get through to him. But although Seikei gets to meet the emperor, he has no success in changing his mind. Then the emperor is kidnapped and Seikei is a suspect. With the help of a servant girl named Hato, and a mysterious old man named Reigen, Seikei goes undercover and soon finds himself unearthing a plot to overthrow the shogun and steal the legendary sword Kusanagi, which is said to make the bearer unbeatable. There is mystery and betrayal around every corner as Seikei fights to stay alive and keep his honor. Another exciting entry in this unusual series.