The Curse of the Matsumoto Cherrywood—Book One

Book One (human made): "This curse, of times long gone, of now, must be set down with indelible ink and read out loud… If there is any hope, it is in the record; for evil prefers silence and withers in the telling."
Ghosts past visit Edo's golden era. Japanese ancients, infidelity and power lust… a young artist and his floating world lover. A journey from ancient Nara, through 16th century one-hundred year wars, down to the 1750's publishing district of Shinbashi, woodblock colour printing, fashion and crime. The Ukiyo–the floating world–where customers incognito meet with their imprisoned courtesans. On slow and fast trains and on foot, the sights of the Nakasendo, the inland highway, its mountain passes, river crossings, checkpoint inns and its ghosts. In Book One the yakuza, organised crime thugs chase the oldest prizes–lust, money and power. In Book Two, a few good cops, lay chase and the seeds of new love sprout. The tragedy of this ancient curse takes hold; in Book Three, from the Mount Ontaké pilgrim hut, to Matsumoto Castle and to journey's end in Melbourne, Australia, a devastatingly unexpected dénouement. The Curse of the Matsumoto Cherrywood is a slow-burn saga told in the light of incendiary lamps.

'I felt utterly transported, challenged and stimulated stylistically, never doubting the hand that held the narrative tiller; sure, in control, confident, a writer on top of his game.' 'The research and knowledge of Japan, both its language and culture is meticulous. He weaves this knowledge, together with an innate sense of drama seamlessly into his narrative to create an overall immensely satisfying and immersive experience.' 'Brilliant storytelling!'