I was trying to keep in mind that this novel is the latest of the series while it is my first. Unfortunately, the reader does not get much descriptions of Feudal Japan. Nothing about the environment, how the people live in their quarters or any interesting cultural subtleties. You are not transported. It is only about the crime. I am hoping it is due to the fact that this novel is the latest of the series and also wishing that the first is full of incredible descriptions and that it takes you on a real time travel trip.