Akitada Mysteries Series by I. J. Parker
Akitada Mysteries #14
The Shrine Virgin
I. J. Parker
When an imperial princess disappears from Ise Shrine, Akitada, newly made governor of Mikawa Province, is dispatched by imperial order on a secret mission to trace her.The world Akitada finds at Ise turns out to be anything but spiritual. The pilgrimage town is a murky, dangerous place where no one can be trusted and where someone wants him gone. Gangs of robbers work the roads, and two youngwomen are murdered within days of each other. Although Akitada's purpose becomes known, putting his life in danger, he persists with the unlikely help of a dwarf. Meanwhile, Tora and Saburo, left to look after the new province in their master's absence, get involved in local crime and jeopardize Akitada's new appointment.In spite of all the odds, success is almost in sight, when a monster storm strikes the coasts of Ise and Mikawa.
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