I.J. Parker

I.J. Parker is a renowned author, best known for her eleventh century Japanese nobleman/detective series, the Akitada Mysteries. Set in Heian Japan, these mysteries feature protagonist Sugawara Akitada, a young nobleman who solves crimes while navigating the complexities of the Heian court. Parker's vivid and meticulously researched depictions of Heian Japan have earned her a devoted following among historical fiction and mystery fans.

Parker's writing career spans several decades, and she has produced a substantial body of work in addition to the Akitada Mysteries. Her fiction often explores themes of justice, morality, and personal growth, and she is known for her complex and well-developed characters. Parker's ability to bring historical settings to life has been praised by critics and readers alike, and her work has been translated into several languages.

In addition to her work as a novelist, Parker has also been an active member of the writing community. She has served as the president of the Mystery Writers of America's New York Chapter and has been a frequent speaker at writing conferences and workshops. Parker's contributions to the literary world have been recognized with numerous awards and accolades, including multiple nominations for the Edgar Award and the Agatha Award. Despite her success, Parker remains a humble and dedicated writer, committed to her craft and to sharing her love of storytelling with readers around the world.
Sugawara Akitada Books
# Title Year
1 Rashomon Gate 2002
2 The Hell Screen 2003
3 The Dragon Scroll 2005
4 Black Arrow 2006
5 Island of Exiles 2007
6 The Convict's Sword 2009
7 The Fires of the Gods 2010
8 The Masuda Affair 2010
9 Death on an Autumn River 2011
10 The Emperor's Woman 2012
11 Death of a Doll Maker 2013
12 The Crane Pavilion 2014
13 The Old Men of Omi 2014
14 The Shrine Virgin 2015
15 The Assassin's Daughter 2015
16 The Island of the Gods 2015
17 Ikiryo: Vengeance and Justice 2017
18 The Kindness of Dragons 2018
19 The Nuns of Nara 2019
20 Massacre at Shirakawa 2020
21 The Lucky Gods of Otsu 2021
Sugawara Akitada Series in Chronological Order
# Title Year
1 The Dragon Scroll 2005
2 Rashomon Gate 2002
3 Black Arrow 2006
4 Island of Exiles 2007
5 The Hell Screen 2003
6 The Convict's Sword 2009
7 The Masuda Affair 2010
8 The Fires of the Gods 2010
9 Death on an Autumn River 2011
10 The Emperor's Woman 2012
11 Death of a Doll Maker 2013
12 The Crane Pavilion 2014
13 The Old Men of Omi 2014
14 The Shrine Virgin 2015
15 The Assassin's Daughter 2015
16 The Island of the Gods 2015
17 Ikiryo: Vengeance and Justice 2017
18 The Kindness of Dragons 2018
19 The Nuns of Nara 2019
20 Massacre at Shirakawa 2020
21 The Lucky Gods of Otsu 2021
Sugawara Akitada Short Stories/Novellas
# Title Year
1 The Kamo Horse 2003
2 Fox Magic 2011
3 The Water Sprite 2011
4 The Curio Dealer's Wife 2011
5 Akitada's First Case 2011
6 Akitada and the Way of Justice 2011
7 Akitada's Holiday 2012
8 Three Tales of Love and Murder 2012
9 Confessions 2012
Hollow Reed Books
# Title Year
1 Dream of a Spring Night 2011
2 Dust Before the Wind 2012
Standalone Novels
# Title Year
1 The Sword Master 2012
2 The Left-Handed God 2013