A classical mystery in which a female pupil is murdered in the mansion of a master of nagauta, and the young Daisuke Ijuin confronts the truth behind the passions of a family and disciples devoted to the performing arts.

In a closed old household where the shamisen resounds, art, blood ties, and passion draw tragedy inside.

A historical adventure novel set in the Tenpo era, beginning when Satsuma retainer Shibushi Heita receives a secret order to investigate the wealthy Daimaruya kimono house. Across Kyoto, Edo, Osaka, Nagasaki, and Satsuma, the Satsuma domain, Daimaruya, the shogunate's covert agents, and the Kishu house confront one another within a web of commerce and espionage.

A merchant house's sphere of trade and the shogunate's shadowy intelligence network draw Satsuma into a conflict that stretches across a century.