I.J. Parker’s “Hell Screen” published in Persian

TEHRAN – “The Hell Screen” by detective and mystery writer Ingrid J. Parker has recently arrived at Persian bookstores.
Parker is best known for creating Sugawara Akitada, who solved crimes in the Heian era of ancient Japan.
Originally published in 2003, the book was translated by Samiramis Babai. Qatreh is the publisher of the Persian edition.
Eleventh-century Japan: After a difficult but successful assignment as provisional governor of Eichigo, Akitada Sugawara is finally allowed to return to Heian Kyo.
But instead of a triumphant homecoming accompanied by his beautiful wife and young son, Akitada must ride ahead of his entourage to the sickbed of his dying mother.
Fading light and a steady downpour interrupt his journey, forcing him to take refuge in a temple where a brilliantly illustrated hell screen and a piercing cry disturb his restless sleep.
Upon his arrival, Akitada finds his mother, sick and bitter, cursing his return, while his youngest sister, Yoshiko, forsakes her own happiness to serve as the elderly woman’s nurse and maid.
Only his sister Akiko seems fortunate, married to a wealthy nobleman, Toshikage, and expecting their first child.
But appearances prove to be deceptive, for it is not long before Akitada is asked to help clear his brother-in-law’s name.
In the course of his investigation, Akitada learns that his night at the temple was disturbed by more than a terrible scream.
A woman has been murdered, and because of his reputation for detective work, Akitada must solve another mystery.
Personal and professional interests begin to merge as Akitada becomes ensnared in a tangled web of deceit and malevolence that will, in the end, strike very close to home.
Photo: front cover of the Persian edition of Ingrid J. Parker’s book “The Hell Screen”.
MMS/YAW
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