The Zenta and Matsuzo Mysteries are such a refreshing change from the usual brand of detective stories. Set in sixteenth century Japan, the protagonists are a pair of ronin (wandering samurai). In White Serpent Castle, Namioka lets us in on a secret about Zenta’s past. Al Capone Does My Shirts introduces readers to the small community of civilians who live on Alcatraz (wives & children of the guards), and I found the whole story fascinating. No Passengers Beyond this Point, which also happens to be by Choldenko, is an odd story with a surreal quality. It’s interesting that both of her books highlight the struggles and strengths of sibling bonds.
