I loved [b:The Ghost in the Tokaido Inn|827500|The Ghost in the Tokaido Inn (Samurai Detective, #1)|Dorothy Hoobler|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1388637258s/827500.jpg|813224] and [b:The Demon in the Teahouse|802045|The Demon in the Teahouse (Samurai Detective, #2)|Dorothy Hoobler|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1388178207s/802045.jpg|788007] growing up. They were some of the earliest books I read and reread. In that sense, A Samurai Never Fears Death felt like a treat to me. Old friends, new plot.
That said...I forgot how clunky the writing is. Plot was interesting but occasionally struck an odd note....like the entire character of Asako.
It's a good novel for juvenile and young adult readers. Recommended.