Death at the Crossroads is the first novel in Dale Furutani’s Samurai Mystery trilogy. It introduces the protagonist Matsuyama Kaze and sets the stage for his multi-book quest through feudal Japan.

Plot Synopsis

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The story begins in 1603, a period of immense upheaval as the Tokugawa Shogunate begins its long reign. Matsuyama Kaze is a ronin (a masterless samurai) who formerly served a lord loyal to the defeated Toyotomi clan. Following the deaths of his Lord and Lady, Kaze has sworn a solemn vow to find their nine-year-old

daughter, who was kidnapped to be sold into slavery during the chaos of war.

 

1. The Discovery

 

While traveling toward the town of Suzaka, Kaze discovers the body of a merchant at a literal crossroads, killed by a single arrow to the back. Shortly after, he encounters a local charcoal seller named Jiro, who is also at the scene.

 

2. The Investigation

 

Kaze is drawn into the local politics of the region. The district magistrate and the local lord are eager to close the case quickly and attempt to pin the murder on Jiro or a notorious local bandit chief, Boss Kuemon.

Despite his primary mission to find the missing girl, Kaze’s sense of justice—and his curiosity—compels him to investigate. He uses a combination of sharp observation and "samurai logic" to sift through a cast of suspicious characters, including:

• A village prostitute with her own secrets.

• Shifty local officials.

• A group of mountain outlaws.

 

3. The "Demon" of the Village

 

In a sub-plot that adds a touch of the eerie to the historical realism, Kaze also investigates rumors of a "demon" terrorizing a nearby village. He eventually unmasks the supernatural threat as a very human deception, demonstrating his pragmatic and skeptical nature.

 

4. Resolution

 

Kaze eventually identifies the true killer of the merchant, revealing a motive rooted in greed and local corruption. By solving the crime, he saves the innocent Jiro from execution. The novel ends with Kaze resuming his journey, having gained a lead that moves him one step closer to finding his lord's daughter.

Key Highlights

• The Character of Kaze: Furutani intentionally modeled Kaze after the "wandering warrior" archetype made famous by Toshiro Mifune in films like Yojimbo. He is a man of few words, immense physical skill, and a dry sense of humor.

• Educational Element: Furutani uses the narrative to explain 17th-century Japanese customs, the social hierarchy of the Edo period, and the philosophy of Bushido.

• Historical Accuracy: The book captures the specific atmosphere of Japan just after the Battle of Sekigahara, where thousands of samurai suddenly found themselves unemployed and wandering a changing landscape.