The Typhoon Lover

Rei Shimura Mysteries, Book 8

By: Sujata Massey

Narrated by: Zehra Fazal

Length: 10 hrs and 8 mins

Publisher's Summary

A young woman with a foothold in two cultures, Rei Shimura has gone wherever fortune and her unruly passions have led her throughout her chaotic 20s. Now, after the streamers for her 30th birthday celebration have been taken down, the Japanese-American antiques dealer and part-time sleuth finds herself with an assignment to find and authenticate an ancient Middle Eastern pitcher that disappeared from Iraq's national museum.

The piece is believed to be in the hands of a wealthy Japanese collector, whose passion for beauty extends to Rei herself. But when a devastating typhoon hits Tokyo, Rei is trapped with the object of her investigation - and with much, much more than the fate of an ancient pitcher at risk.

©2005, 2006 Sujata Massey (P)2013 Sujata Massey

Rei at her finest

Years ago, I came across the first mystery of Sujata Massey (in book form) and loved it. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that her latest Rei Shimura mystery was available here. The narration was excellent - I kept track of the various characters without problem. There are several sub-stories to the main story which added to the richness of this mystery. What I particularly love about this series is the way Sujata Massey weaves in interesting details of Japanese history and culture.

Since I always listen to audiobooks while knitting, I spend long spells engrossed in books. Some books lend themselves to short bursts of listening, but this is not one of them.

I hope Rei returns as I am sure she will (fingers crossed).

Love the series but this one is not my favorite

Started this series when we were planning a trip to Japan and kept reading once we were back. Actually could recommend that, as you do learn quite a few interesting details about Japanese customs, habits, daily life and mindset through these books. What I like best: the main character is quite believable in my opinion, I know other readers have disagreed with that but in fact I know quite a few intelligent, adventurous "expats" who strongly resemble Rei and who do, indeed, flounder about well into their thirties (in regard to career and personal life). Further, I like the fact that the author finds so many different contexts and even geographic settings, which avoids the redundancy that otherwise can set in when a series has this many installments. All of that said, I did not much like this particular volume. It really piled on the implausibilities to the point of almost making me angry, it was boring for many stretches, and left me with an overall downer feeling.

Spoiled brat descibes her life

The story begins with a pointless party to celebrate (of course) Rei and continues on its journey to banality.

The writer describes everything in detail but instead of creating an atmosphere or depth it merely acts as clunky and unnecessary exposition. Such as Rei's shopping trip to get rainclothes, what rainclothes, where she got them, why she bought those particular rainboots and how she wrote it off as an expense,
The actual plot however; (Rei's mission, her career background or any interesting historical context regarding the artefact), is vague, glossed over or omitted entirely. There are also major plot points that do not make any logical sense. and character interactions and motives that are implausible. The writer also appears to have gotten all her information regarding history and archaeology from Wikipedia which is a huge disappointment

Rei is a uninteresting and shallow character with no redeeming qualities and certain actions she takes make her even more detestable. But then there are no interesting, likable or believable characters in the entire book so she is in good company.

Fun Sexy Spy

The Typhoon Lover is a thrilling adventure full of Japanese custom and heritage along with sexy adventurous fun. While the main character Rei is both alluring and morally aprehensable at times it is an interesting read with ups and downs twists and turns. Definately worth both time and money.

Product Placement Overload

What would have made The Typhoon Lover better?

A main character who was not completely superficial and banal m

What was most disappointing about Sujata Massey’s story?

No real mystery. Lots of brand name dropping n

What three words best describe Zehra Fazal’s voice?

Poor accents.

What character would you cut from The Typhoon Lover?

Rei.

Beautiful, well-narrated and a great story!

I am very familiar with Sujata Massey's great books and so I didn't hesitate when this one came out on audible. I am more than happy with this recording because it is even more fun than reading the novel was!

The narrator has a beautiful voice and the accents, especially the japanese ones, are perfect. As an added bonus, now I know how to pronounce the japanese words and names. Highly recommended audiobook for all Rei fans and those that like a good gripping novel with a unique main character.