Book Review: Usagi Yojimbo Book 13 by Stan Sakai

Usagi Yojimbo Book 13 by Stan Sakai

More adventures with the ronin rabbit, Miyamoto Usagi...

My Father's Swords--Usagi heads out on his own after his last epic adventure, running into the son of a fellow samurai who died many years ago in battle. Usagi is impressed with the lad who has his father's swords. Even more, he has the passion to honor his father's memory by becoming a worthy samurai. Usagi also discovers a melancholy secret along the way. The story is very touching.

The Demon Flute--Usagi wanders into a terrified farming village. Many people have been killed in the night by an unknown presence. All they know is sinister flute music plays and darkness descends before death comes. Usagi decides to confront the horror for them, resulting in a supernatural showdown. It's another fun story.

Momo-Usagi-Taro--Usagi buys some treats for orphans and is invited to the orphanage for dinner. He tells a story of a magical child who goes on a great adventure. The story is fun to read but puts the kids to sleep! Usagi leaves as another benefactor shows up with money for the children. It's a sweet tale with a cryptic ending.

The Hairpin Murders--Usagi comes to a new town and joins in an investigation of some murders by Inspector Ishida. Ishida is at first wary of Usagi who is very observant but warms to him quickly as they are summoned to a second victim's death. The story unfolds nicely with some clever twists. Ishida is an interesting investigator.

The Courtesan--Directly following on the Hairpin Murders, Usagi follows a woman whose nightly travels are being harassed by masked assailants. Turns out, the woman is part of Lady Maple's entourage. Lady Maple is a highly respected and fabulously beautiful woman. She has a dark secret that Usagi is pulled into when she invites him to her castle as a thank you. The story has the usual action and intrigue and makes for another fine adventure.

Tameshigiri--Medieval Japanese sword makers would prove the worthiness of their blade by performing ceremonial cuts on corpses. Many corpses were taboo for this practice, for example, ones of murderers or that had tattoos. This background is the basis for this story. Usagi is still in Ishida's town and another set of murders occurs. Their investigation leads them to a local clan of sword makers trying to get out of their mediocrity by demonstrating the excellence of their craftsmanship. The conflict involves investigating and a bunch of fighting, the usual sort of adventure for Usagi. The story is interesting and reveals yet another facet of Japanese historical culture.

Recommended.