I came to this book expecting more mystery, and while there are definitely several mysteries, like Hirahara's other books, this is as much about characters and their lives in a certain time and place, starting in Yokohama, Japan in 1885 and then to 1903 Crown City, the future Pasadena. Once I settled into the slower pace, I was soon caught up in Ryunosuke as he adjusts to the mysteries of life in a new country while also untangling actual mysteries. Recommended for those who like character-driven, literary historical mys

Immigration, mystery, adaptation.

Eighteen year old “Ryui” emigrates - alone - from Japan to Pasadena California in the very early 1900’s, cue culture shock, loneliness and an immersion in the arts, crafts and antiques world.

Ryu and his room mate become detectives ostensibly searching for a lost art work but their investigation discovers darker, hidden mysteries.

A little light on the mystery, but brilliant as a piece of Californian historical fiction - I felt immersed and with Ryui as he grapples with his new life.

A 3.5 star read, rounded up. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher Soho Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Grateful for the ARC, but the formatting makes it very difficult to read.

I had a hard time getting into this book, perhaps because it is somewhat of a departure from the first two in the series, which I had read for the purpose of getting proper context for this book.

Mixed thoughts on this one. The language was very stilted and I understand it was a device to illustrate the challenge of speaking a foreign language however it did make it more challenging to read. And it was interesting to learn about the immigrant experience in Pasadena during that time. I’d give it a 2.5 although go will raise to a 3.