Claws of the Cat

“While Spann demonstrates admirable attention to detail in her ninja detective debut, it’s the contemporary tone of her prose that makes this intriguing 16th-century historical so accessible. ”

— Library Journal (starred review, mystery debut of the month)

[A]n intriguing tale with dramatic descriptions and vivid characterizations, revealing that love, jealousy, and greed not only are universal emotions, but also remain unchanged by the centuries.”

— New York Journal of Books

“Spann’s debut provides an absorbing look at Japanese culture along with a sharp mystery.”

– Kirkus Reviews

“Spann matches period detail with a well-developed whodunit plot in her promising debut, the first in a new series set in 16th-century Japan.”

— Publishers Weekly

“This new series follows the detective adventures of Hiro, a ninja in 16th-century Japan. The addition of Father Mateo, a Portuguese Jesuit priest Hiro has sworn to protect, gives added perspective. Spann displays her knowledge and expertise while presenting a fascinating and complicated mystery. This is fun, historically entertaining and a very good book.”

— RT Book Reviews (4 stars)

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When a samurai is brutally murdered in a Kyoto teahouse, master ninja Hiro Hattori has just three days to find the killer before the dead man’s vengeful son kills both the beautiful geisha accused of the crime and Father Mateo, the Jesuit priest that Hiro has pledged his own life to protect. The investigation plunges Hiro and Father Mateo into the dangerous waters of Kyoto’s floating world, where they quickly learn that everyone from an elusive teahouse owner to the dead man’s dishonored brother has a motive to keep the samurai’s death a mystery.

A message for readers and book clubs:

I hope you enjoy reading Claws of the Cat and also the extra features on this website. If you have questions about the novel, or scheduling author appearances, or even just want to say hello, feel free to email me

Enter the world of claws

Author’s Notes: Fact vs. Fiction

“Talk Like a Ninja: Japanese Terms

Real Ninjas

Cast of Characters

Weapons of the Shinobi & Samurai

Readers Guide, Web

Reader’s Guide, PDF

The Shinobi Series