The Concubine's Tattoo
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| Author | Laura Joh Rowland |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Series | Sano Ichirō |
| Genre | Historical mystery |
| Publisher | St. Martins Press |
Publication date | 1998 |
| Publication place | United States |
| ISBN | 978-0679434238 |
| Preceded by | The Way of the Traitor |
| Followed by | The Samurai's Wife |
The Concubine's Tattoo is the fourth in a series of historical mystery novels by American writer Laura Joh Rowland set in late 17th-century Genroku-era Japan featuring the samurai investigator Sano Ichirō. It was published by St. Martins Press in 1998.
The novel opens in the imperial palace at the wedding of Sano Ichirō to his fiancee Reiko, attended by many important nobles including the shogun Tokugawa Tsunayoshi. Just as the wedding ends, the body of the shogun's favorite concubine, Harume, is discovered. Sano, the shogun's Investigator of Events, Situations and People, has his wedding festivities suspended as he is ordered to investigate the death. Although disease is first suspected, Sano soon discovers that Harume was poisoned by ink she used to mark her body with a tattoo. Suspicion falls on a rival concubine, a palace guard infatuated with Harume, a noble who used Harmue in voyeuristic sessions, and the shogun's own mother. Back at home, Sano discovers that his bride Reiko, rather than being the meek and obedient woman he was expecting, is a clever, restless and adventurous young woman who is trained to use a sword. Reiko demands that she be allowed to help Sano with his investigation, which he initially refuses. When leads go cold, Sano is forced to admit that Reiko may be the key to finding the murderer, although it will put her in the gravest danger.[1]