This is the second in the series, set in ancient Japan. Sano Ichiro, the shogun's Most Honorable Investigator of Events, Siturations and People, must find who and why people are being beheaded, without apparent reason, and cover his own back at the same time. While the shogun fumes, and his advisors plot, Sano must suceed and not offend anyone at the same time. As devious and interesting as 1600 Japan can be.