The Jade Setter of Janloon

In this tense mystery set just before the events of Lee’s Green Bone Saga series, an apprentice jade setter from a neutral clan is drawn into the complicated intrigue between the No Peak and Mountain clans. Pulo Oritono dreams of expanding his master’s profitable shop or even seeking official clan patronage, but his master, Isin, is content to serve all sides equally. After someone steals the distinctive moon blade of the Mountain’s leader from the shop, Pulo’s coworker Malla is arrested for the crime, leaving Pulo determined to clear her name by catching the real thief, who he believes to be Isin’s shiftless nephew, Nuo. If he can’t resolve the issue soon, there’s no telling what the Mountain clan will do. Pulo’s investigation leads him deep into clan politics and Janloon’s seedy underbelly. It’s a welcome return to the Green Bone setting; the emphasis on family loyalty and personal responsibility meshes well with the noir tone and examination of systematic exploitation of the indigenous Abukei, while jade-empowered feats of combat add wuxia flair. This short but satisfying escapade will delight series fans. Agent: Jim McCarthy; Dystel, Goderich & Bourret. (Apr.)