The Ennin Mysteries: Collected Stories 6-10

Amazon Reviews for ENNIN

'Absolutely engaging... There is so much mystery here...' Joanna Daneman (USA), #1 HALL OF FAME AMAZON REVIEWER

'The greatest of Japan's detectives, Ennin, and of course his trustedservant and chronicler Kukai... Full of intrigue, action andexcitement... Great escapism...' M. Dowden (UK), HALL OF FAME TOP 50 REVIEWER

'The Ennin Mysteries are an absolute delight...' sshap

'Stevens keeps on delivering... This is a great series...' Abby Normal

'A FUN READ!' Cowboy-not Wyoming

'I love the different stories Ben Stevens comes up with... There is always a twist, and the solutions are imaginative...' Jay Gold

'A great read...' Carter

'Ennin does it again... Well written, evocative of the era, and suitably mysterious...' KD

'Highly enjoyable... Stories are tight, punchy and uncluttered... Bravo, Mr. Stevens!' Damien Omen III

'This Japanese detective is a fine addition to the burgeoning field of Asianhistorical detectives which began with Judge Dee (China) and runsthrough I.P. Parker's Akitada...' Mcb

'Delightful short story... Enjoy!...' PeaTee (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

'(The) Ennin series is intriguing... Recommend these stories to all...' Chris

THE SIXTH BUDDHA

Two monks have been sentenced to death, convicted of the murder of a Chinese priest within a temple mausoleum. Their only explanation for what happened - that one of the demon-guardian statues, positioned either side of a large golden statue of the Buddha, came to life and struck the fatal blow with its sword.

Certain that the monks are innocent - yet refusing to believe that a statue could have been responsible for the murder - Ennin begins his investigations. But with the scheduled date of execution just a few days away, can Ennin unravel the complicated strands of this mystery in time...?

THE PICTURE OF DEATH

An infamous painting of hell carries a hideous curse - that whoever sees it will perish within seven days. In the midst of a dark and freezing winter, Ennin investigates - and then demands to see this painting for himself...

BUDDHA'S HAMMER

A Chinese merchant lies dead, his face completely destroyed. The local magistrate is inclined to believe that the merchant's horse delivered the fatal blow with its hoof; an unfortunate accident...

Ennin, however, is not so sure. For a mysterious man has recently been seen in the neighborhood - a man who appears not to have any hands...

Soon, Ennin uncovers a remarkable tale, and ultimately discovers just what is meant by 'Buddha's Hammer'...

THE INVISIBLE ASSASSIN

Two successive 'daimyo' have been found dead, their bodies lying in exactly the same place. One survived long enough to claim that he'd been stabbed - and yet there was absolutely no mark upon his body.

The new daimyo (the son and also grandson of the previous victims) requests Ennin's help. But who is this mysterious 'invisible assassin' - and how, exactly, does he kill his victims...?

THE BLACK DEATH

Ennin - the 'Sherlock Holmes' of Japan's feudal era - investigates another case, assisted by his faithful servant (and narrator) Kukai.

Japan - indeed, the entire known world - is in the grip of a terrible plague. Whole villages are dying, while there are rumors that in some other countries, there is no longer anyone even left alive.

In desperation, at the behest of the Empress herself, Ennin and Kukai travel to the far-north of Japan. There it is rumored that the Au tribe have somehow managed to entirely escape this so-called 'Black Death'.

Perhaps they have some advice to offer...

But within the Au settlement, Ennin uncovers a terrible secret - and finally discovers just 'what' is behind the Black Death itself...

This time, the annihilation of Ennin and Kukai seems certain...