When a devastating earthquake rocks Japan's northeast cost, a tsunami follows and Rei Shimura is swept into her most rugged adventure yet. The mystery begins with an SOS from Rei's friend, the antiques dealer Mr. Ishida, trapped among thousands of displaced and dead on the Tohoku coast. Rei rushes from Hawaii to Japan, where she discovers Ishida Antiques may have been burglarized.
Rei takes Mr. Ishida's abandoned dog, Hachiko, on a volunteer bus to the ravaged town of Sugihama. But Mr. Ishida's got more work for her, since he lost contact with his antiques apprentice, Mayumi, and is frantic with worry. He won't leave Sugihama without knowing the fate of the troubled 19-year-old girl from a famous lacquer-making family.
Calling on disaster survivors and volunteers--and her knowledge of Japanese manners and history--Rei investigates the suspicious disappearance. From Sugihama's muddy shops and shelters, to the buzzing bars and bathhouses of Tokyo, it's a suspenseful journey. But as Rei draws closer to the truth, she realizes that she's being stalked. Who is following her--and can she survive the wave of danger she never saw coming?
THE KIZUNA COAST is the latest novel in a sexy, smart and humorous mystery series that has won the Agatha and Macavity international mystery awards and been nominated for the Edgar, Anthony and Mary Higgins Clark prizes. It's bound to intrigue new readers and satisfy longtime Sujata Massey fans.
PRAISE FOR THE REI SHIMURA MYSTERIES
"An appealing protagonist and memorable supporting characters blend smoothly with lessons in Hawaiian and Japanese history in a tale sure to win new readers for the series."
--PUBLISHERS WEEKLY on SHIMURA TROUBLE
"Massey builds the bridge between mystery fiction and mainstream women's fiction . . . A lively, intuitive view of contrasting societies and a young woman trying to find her place in the world."
--FOR LAUDERDALE SUN-SENTINEL on THE TYPHOON LOVER
"A gifted storyteller who delivers strong characters, a tight plot and an inside view of Japan and its culture."
--USA TODAY on ZEN ATTITUDE
"A totally captivating experience. A unique plot, exceptional protagonist, and some subtle cultural lessons are as beautifully arranged as a vase of cherry blossoms."
---BOOKLIST on THE FLOWER MASTER
"Sly, sexy and deftly done. THE SALARYMAN'S WIFE is one to bring home."
--PEOPLE Page Turner of the Week