The Ennin Mysteries · Collected Stories 26-30

'(The) continuing saga of that famous Japanese detective, the illustrious Ennin-sensei... Highly entertaining, although parting slightly from Japanese / oriental myth and customs, thus making the stories more accessible to the western mindset...' Qualánqui / Amazon

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

'I can't get enough of "The Ennin Mysteries"! Every story I read is so entertaining, I hate for it to end. I recommend this author to anyone who likes "whodunnit" stories!' Ruth Casey May

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

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

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

'Love it! Simply amazed by how good these short stories are!' Edwina Callan

'Intriguing and good to read... Set out in a very eastern myth fashion... Recommend them to all and sundry....' Chris

'I confess to being addicted to them for the depiction of medieval Japan, the characters and the enjoyable stories. I treasure each Ennin mystery that I have...' Postscripter

'Five stars...' Daphne Frampton

'I especially like the sort of quiet and abiding love that exists between Ennin and Kukai, master and scribe. Also, there's a kind of sweeping majesty in the description of Japan...' Lisa

'Another good short story by Ben Stevens. Keep getting them can't seem to help myself. Try them yourself...' Tigger

'Atmospheric, intriguing and entertaining... A rare achievement...' Kenny51

'Entertaining read with Holmesian overtones... Interesting to read about imperial Japan...' AC

'Thank you Ben Stevens for writing the Ennin Mysteries... I love the characters... My only complaint? I have read all the Ennin Mysteries - I want more...' Momma Dahama

THE VILLAGE OF THE DEAD

An innkeeper has been arrested, accused of the mass-murder of his customers.

Ennin, however, is convinced that the real killer - or killers - inhabit the caves which lie outside of this lonely coastal village.

But in order to try and 'flush out' these killers - and thus save the innkeeper from execution - Ennin realizes that he will have to act as 'bait'...

THE YELLOW KILLER

What, exactly, is killing the Chinese workers who live upon a remarkable 'floating village' - and who labor at a remote silver mine in a lonely Japanese forest...?

Assisted as always by his faithful servant, Kukai, Ennin investigates...

THE BEAUTY

Mayumi Hata is a famous bijin ('beauty') - who frequently has a fatal effect upon those men she selects as her prey.

And when Ennin is asked to prevent Hata from destroying yet another young man, he reveals to his servant Kukai further dark secrets concerning her...

THE PATIENT ASSASSIN

In the main hall of the Temple of Eternal Light, an elderly monk lies dead. There seems to be no suspicion of foul play - yet the expression upon the man's face suggests that he did not die at all peacefully...

THE FOURTH IMMORTAL OF THE WINE CUP

The famous Chinese poet, Li Du, has been discovered lying face down in the center of a small lake.

The investigating magistrate believed that Li Du died from natural causes - drowning.

But what, exactly, was Li Du praising in his later poems...?

Ennin investigates...