Mariko Oshiro is not only the first female detective in Tokyo, she's the only female detective in Tokyo and while she struggles to gain respect from her fellow detectives, her new boss is giving her the cases that have little hope of ever being solved, for instance an attempted theft of an antique samurai sword. Mariko wants to investigate the rumors of a large cocaine shipment being brought to Tokyo, but any infraction and her new boss will bust her down to meter maid or worse. As Mariko delves into the history of the sword, she becomes convinced that that the attempted theft of this fated blade is tied to the rumored shipment, but not even her boss wants her to follow her instincts. The only one who encourages her is Professor Yasuo Yamada, the sword's owner, who has plans for Mariko and the sword that she can't begin to comprehend.

DAUGHTER OF THE SWORD by Steve Bein has everything I love about the crime/mystery genre. Mariko is a strong female protagonist who struggles to fit into a male dominated world and Steve Bein does a wonderful job of depicting her. She's female without using her sexuality as a weapon or tool. She's intelligent and strong without emulating traditional male characteristics. There's a vulnerability that makes Mariko empathetic but it's her confidence in her path that makes her an amazing character. Mariko never tries to be anyone other than herself which is refreshing and wonderful to see in female protagonists.

Bein's sharply captured characterization isn't limited to Mariko. All his characters, whether in the present or in historical times, bring to life the culture in which they live and make it relevant to society today. I loved the history that is woven throughout the story and it's the history of Japan that sharply defines the culture it is today. Beautiful and ancient and so very different from American society, the history helps highlight characters motivation and actions. Culture and personality are complex and closely intertwined and Bein has a perfect example in Mariko as she struggles with her connecting her culture with her American upbringing.

This blending of historical fiction and the crime thriller works to create a stunning tale in DAUGHTER OF THE SWORD. I highly recommend Steve Bein's novels.