This is a sequel to THE GHOST IN THE TOKKAIDO INN. Sixteen year old Seikei is determined to solve some mysteries on his own without involving Judge Ooka, a samurai. As in the other books in this series, the history of Japan is interwoven into the plot. This book delves into the world of the puppet theaters in Japan in the 18th century.

For another story about the Japanese puppet theaters, try MASTER PUPPETEER by Katherine Paterson.