Ink and Ashes
Review
By Booklist
Utah is one of the last places to expect a high-stakes Yakuza mystery, but when Claire discovers a letter inkanji from her deceased father to her stepfather, it sets off a chain of events that brings past crimes and secrets out of the dark. How did the two know each other? Why did her father anticipate an early death? Claire proves a savvy sleuth. By researching her Japanese heritage and her father’s past, she begins to piece the puzzle together with the help of her brothers and friends, whose Japanese pop-culture knowledge (gleaned from manga and samurai films) helps Claire to decipher clues. The excitement and difficulties of the investigation are heightened when Claire becomes the victim of someone’s anger at school. Additionally, she discovers that her brothers and friends have been messing with her love life, revealing that even more people in Claire’s life aren’t who she believed them to be. Maetani’s fast-paced debut will appeal to readers who like their intrigue with a generous helping of romance.
Reviews & Comments
Kirkus ReviewsShelf Awareness
School Library Journal
Publishers Weekly
The Horn Book
Ally Condie, author of the #1 New York Times bestselling MATCHED Trilogy
Sarwat Chadda, author of USBBY Outstanding International Book THE SAVAGE FOREST
Lamar Giles, author of FAKE ID and ENDANGERED
Edgar Award-winning author Alane Ferguson
Mette Ivie Harrison, author of New York Times Notable Book THE BISHOP'S WIFE
Brodi Ashton, author of VOYA Perfect 10 book EVERNEATH
Brandon Sanderson, New York Times bestselling author