The Ennin Mysteries: Collected Stories 21-25

Amazon Reviews for ENNIN

'Absolutely engaging... There is so much mystery here...' Joanna Daneman (USA), #1 HALL OF FAME AMAZON REVIEWER

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

'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 mysterythat I have...' Postscripter

'Five stars...' Daphne Frampton

'I especially like the sort of quiet and abiding love that exists betweenEnnin and Kukai, master and scribe. Also, there's a kind of sweepingmajesty 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 thecharacters... My only complaint? I have read all the Ennin Mysteries - I want more...' Momma Dahama

'Amazing... An inspiration...' Valentine Williams

'Well-written... I've enjoyed many Ennin mysteries... Satisfying as always...' S. Pearson

'A FUN READ!' Cowboy-not Wyoming

'I love the different stories Ben Stevens comes up with... There is always a twist, and the solutions are imaginative...' Jay Gold

'I like the writer, I like the mysteries...' Amazon Customer

'Really enjoyable...' Menarue

THE 60-FOOT BUDDHA

A defeated daimyo is forced to construct a gigantic, 60-foot copper statue of the Buddha...

A workman falls to his death from the bamboo scaffolding - apparently while trying to steal some of what is contained within this great statue...

But what, exactly, IS inside this statue...?

A SLAVE'S TALE

An enigma has washed up, scarred and half-dead, upon the shores of southern Japan -

'His physique is superb; clearly he is as strong as an ox. He easily stands head and shoulders above most Japanese males. In age, he appears to be still in his early twenties. His teeth are a gleaming white, his skin as black as charcoal. He speaks no known tongue - certainly not Japanese, nor any of the familiar gaijin languages such as Portuguese, Dutch or English. Yet his eyes sparkle with evident intelligence, and he looks frankly and without the least sign of nervousness or fear at anyone who attempts to address him.

'So far as determining who he is, where he comes from or indeed discovering anything at all concerning him, however, all attempts have as yet been in vain...'

THE SUN THIEF

A group of Christians face being crucified by a cruel and despotic daimyo.

Only Ennin can save them - although Kukai is quickly confused by his master's seemingly contradictory actions...

THE TOYMAKER

The body of a talented toymaker has been found in his workshop, a poisoned dart lodged in his forehead.

The investigating magistrate suspects the assassin to be a ninja - but Ennin is not so sure...

THE POET

A famous poet visits Ennin, early one afternoon.

But for what reason, exactly, does he seek this meeting...?