Sujata Massey
The Salaryman’s Wife (1997)
Author: Sujata Massey
Genre: Mystery (Amateur Detective)
Plot Summary:
New Year’s Eve finds young Japanese-American Rei Shimura vacationing at a rustic inn in Shiroyama, Japan. Her holiday is abruptly ruined when Rei discovers the frozen body of a fellow guest—the wealthy and mysterious Setsuko Nakamura. When another guest (and Rei’s paramour) is accused of the crime, Rei finds herself playing detective as she tries to solve the murder. Assistance comes from her flamboyant roommate Richard, her doctor cousin Tom and a host of side characters. Family history, the Japanese mafia, American soldiers and industrial spies combine to make a complex and intriguing mystery. SPOILER: Rei discovers that Setsuko’s father was an American sailor that was stationed in Japan. His embittered widow kills Setsuko.
Geographical Setting: Japan, primarily Tokyo
Time Period: Contemporary (1997)
Series: First in the Rei Shimura Mysteries
Appeal Characteristics:
As the main character, Rei Shimura is a well-developed, interesting character. Her interests, past and habits all come into play in the course of the book. She’s accompanied by a host of unique side characters, from the conservative American tourist Mrs. Chapman to the neighborly Mr. Waka. The book’s compelling pace keeps the reader interested as Rei unravels the mystery. Multiple plotlines are weaved together into the final conclusion, with a few twists along the way, and Rei’s investigations are regularly punctuated with thrilling action scenes. Massey also provides a wealth of detail about Japan’s language, customs, diet, travel, housing and industry. These details are integrated seamlessly into the story, making it both entertaining and effortlessly educational for the reader. The modern-day Tokyo setting provides a strong attraction for those with an international interest. Rei provides a natural, flowing narrative that is liberally peppered with her thoughts and opinions.
Read-alikes: Sadako Mizubuchi’s The Informer centers on an industrial spy in Tokyo who is suspected of murder. Fans of the industrial spy element in The Salary Man’s Wife and the Tokyo setting could be interested in this book. Lyn Hamilton’s The Maltese Goddess features amateur detective Lara McClintoch investigating a client’s murder in Malta. This book is a great option for Rei Shimura fans looking for another female amateur detective and a story with a strong cultural element. Asa Nonami’s The Hunter involves a Japanese female police detective on the trail of a murderous animal in Tokyo. With an independent heroine that doesn’t quite fit in, and the Tokyo setting, this book should interest Massey fans looking for something a little darker but still familiar. Shizuko Natsuki’s Murder at Mt. Fuji is a murder mystery with a complex plot taking place over New Year’s Eve. Readers that enjoyed the cultural information and twists of The Salaryman’s Wife may investigate this book. S.J. Rozan’s China Trade is the first in a series featuring Chinese-American detective Lydia Chin living in New York City’s Chinatown. For readers that enjoyed the first-person narration of The Salaryman’s Wife or its art historical details, the antiques-centered plot of this book will surely appeal.
Red Flags: Sexual situations
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