The story unfolds with all the excitement of a superb murder mystery in a sweeping notorious portrait of an exotic land. Sano Ichiro, the Shoguns most honorable investigator is summoned to the Imperial Palace to find the murder of Harume, a concubine poisoned while applying a Lover's tattoo. Sonas new bride Reiko insist on helping him with the case. Reiko's Samurai blood and warriors skill alarm her new husband, who expected a docile wife. But Reiko is only the first of many surprises.