Spring Festival in Akaiwa — I.J. Parker

A governor's life is not an easy one. It is spring when everything starts going wrong for Akitada. The town is full of unruly festival visitors, three brutal murders remain unsolved because the suspects depart, and two rice merchants plot to defraud his administration. When his own trusted retainer rebels and embarks on a murderous vendetta, complaints multiply and Akitada faces not only dismissal but his family turns against him. In a desperate attempt to redeem himself, he risks not only his career but his life.