24:1 The Hell Screen by I. J. Parker

It's an interesting read. a fast-paced murder mystery set in 11Th century japan, the hell screen is a roller-coaster ride of surprises. In the prologue, the action is started with the killing of a young girl, who was choked to death, and, while dead, a couple slash off her face, and decapitate the dead child. On that same night, Sukewara akitada is returning back to his home, as his mother is dying.
That's it for getting you into the book. I liked it, even if the action was occasionally a little slow. I thought it interesting that a painter in the book would take a year to paint a screen with all 4 seasons on it. It seems to be full of Confucian knowledge. I'd say 9/10. Pretty good book, all in all.