Professor Jaya Jones goes to Kyoto, Japan to see her best friend, Sanjay (The Hindi Houdini) perform the opening act in the highly impossible Indian Rope Trick that will also include the famous Japanese magician Akira. Jaya also has arranged a meeting with a Japanese history professor to solve the mystery of a Dutch trading ship that vanished over 200 years ago. But things start going wrong when Akira finds someone has broken into his secret workshop and has tried to sabotage his equipment A mysterious ninja also seems to be following Jaya and Sanjay. Akira's assistant Yako appears to be a kitsune, a mythical fox spirit, which allows Akira to combine ancient Japanese folklore with his illusions. But when a murder occurs, Sanjay has to step up to lead the upcoming televised performance but his personal feelings for Jaya are affecting his magic mojo. With the help of fellow magicians Sebastien and Hiro, as well as her librarian friend Tamarind, Jaya searches for a historical diary which may provide the key to the Indian Rope Trick and help her find the Dutch trading ship.

The details about Japanese culture (shrines, temples, food, transportation) is well integrated into the story. This is another strong entry in the Jaya Jones mystery series and is highly recommended.

I received an eARC via Netgalley and Henery Press with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and provided this review.

This is my first adventure with Jaya Jones, but it will not be my last. Even though THE NINJA’S ILLUSION is the fifth book in the series, I had no trouble getting to know the characters and jumping right into the story. Jaya is planning to spend Thanksgiving with her magician friend Sanjay, who is in Japan to do a show with legendary illusionist Akira. But all is not well with Sanjay; sabotage, discord with Akira, and a ninja are threatening to ruin the show. While Jaya is in Kyoto, she also meets with a fellow professor about a missing eighteenth century Dutch trading ship. Things are definitely tense, and when Akira dies by a murderous hand, the danger definitely rises. Jaya must do all she can to help keep both she and Sanjay safe so that the show can go on as planned.

While reading THE NINJA’S ILLUSION, I felt like I was on the trip of a lifetime to Japan. Pandian’s attention to detail and obvious affection for the country and culture are evident in every word. I was immersed in the location with her vivid descriptions. This was my favorite aspect of the book. Jaya is a likeable, intelligent protagonist, and her friends are diverse and appealing. They each add a little something special to the tale. The emphasis on stage magic is not really my thing, but the big televised show is an impressive spectacle and enjoyable. The subplot regarding the Dutch trading ship and missing treasure is far more to my liking, and I wish there was more emphasis given to its story. Pandian does a deft job of meshing the plots together for a satisfying and entertaining read.

I recommend THE NINJA’S ILLUSION to fans of cozy mysteries set in exotic locations and those looking for more adventure than the typical cozy provides.

What a marvelous ride! This is an action packed adventure with lots of history woven in.
Jaya is fascinating.
We get more insight into her, and Sanjay, and Lane.
Great magicians. Spectacular tricks.
A terrific read.

Totally enjoyed reading this novel! So sorry I didn't get it read and reviewed before it was archived. My mom passed away and it's been a brutal month. Thank you for understanding.

“The Ninja’s Illusion” by Gigi Pandiana is the fifth book in the “Jaya Jones Treasure Hunt” series. It is not necessary to have read the previous books in the series because the author provides quick background comments in the context of the storyline to fill in anything needed from the previous books. However, as a new reader I had to spend some time sorting out all the players.
This story is about magic, stage magic with all its redirection, illusion, and trickery. Jaya, the main character, travels to Japan with her stage magician friend, Sanjay. While there, she researches a tantalizing centuries-old mystery. Clues abound, but just like stage magic, distractions abound as well. Jaya and her friends struggle to find answers as secrets from both the past and the present converge.
The characters are interesting and likeable. Pandian’s vivid descriptions create an exotic and genuine sense of place by interweaving abundant Japanese culture, traditions, and folklore into the plot. The pace is generally fast with only a few slower sections.
I received a copy of “The Ninja’s Illusion” from Gigi Pandian, Henery Press, and NetGalley. I found the story interesting even though I had not read any of the previous books. I enjoyed reading “The Ninja’s Illusion,” and now I must go back and find the treasures in the other books in the series

Wow, this is book five?! I so wish I'd read the first four before this one...guess I'll have to back track. Great fast paced, edge of your seat action...while you're trying to figure out the clues the plot is two steps ahead of you.. A love triangle, both Dutch and Japanese history, magic and more is in store for you in this book.

Well crafted mystery with a great plot, setting and characters. I recommend to readers who enjoy a mystery and a touch of magic

THE NINJA'S ILLUSION by Gigi Pandian
The Fifth Jaya Jones Treasure Hunt Mystery

Jaya Jones is overwhelmed with requests for help, both in historical research and treasure hunting. When Dr. Nakamura has questions about her work on the East India trade routes she decides to go to Japan in person. It's the perfect time as her best friend Sanjay, the Hindi Houdini, is also in Japan working with a controversial stage magician who supposedly can perform real miracles. But when Sanjay tells her not to come and the video call is prematurely disconnected, Jaya gets worried. Sure, Sanjay can be overdramatic, but something in his expression and voice said the danger was very real. Now Jaya is off on another adventure filled with history, peril, and treasure!

I always get excited when I hear that a new Jaya Jones mystery is being released, but when I discovered her latest would take her to Japan I was positively giddy! I'm fascinated by Japanese culture and traditions and they are entwined in this novel with dexterity.

Illusion, deception, betrayal, and ninjas! All that and more can be found in this fifth Jaya Jones adventure. Gigi Pandian once again makes history come alive with stories, both past and present. rich in detail, filled with vivid descriptions and compelling characters. With slight of hand and misdirection the center of the magicians' universe these characters, magician or not, are forced to look deeply within themselves and decide if who they see is who they truly want to be. Which persona is the true self? Are they willing to accept their own truth and, if so, at what cost?

THE NINJA'S ILLUSION is more than a compelling mystery. It's a serious character study and a fascinating historical story amid the intriguing backdrop of Japan. It also has plenty of humor and lots of action. In short, THE NINJA'S ILLUSION delivers everything I could ask for in a book.

The Ninja's Illusion is the fifth book in the Jaya Jones Series about a history/archeology professor turned treasure hunter/mystery solver. This time Jaya is headed for Kyoto, Japan to support her friend, Sanjay's debut show with another famed Japanese magician. At the same time, she was invited to help with some research about a Dutch ship that traveled to Japan, that has no mention in any written historical papers but whose presence is very much noted in some paintings. But like any other Jaya Jones mystery things do not appear as it should. Now a murder is needing to be solved but is Jaya's mysterious ship connected with the magic act of a famed Japanese illusionist? I love all Jaya Jones mysteries since they give great historical facts about things that are relatively uncommon knowledge. Plus Kyoto, Japan as the setting, one of the most beautiful and culturally rich places on earth, a great setting for this particular murder mystery. The plot appears simple but again is more complex than the author would let on thus adding to that edge of trying to guess where this is headed. There are a lot of other subplots regarding Jaya's personal conflicts but they actually never get in the way of the main storyline, therefore, these books can be read as a standalone. The Ninja's Illusion is a definite edge of your seat page-turner!

I didn't know what to expect when I started this book, but it was a pleasant surprise! The story was great, the characters were fascinating and I loved the setting. This was the first book I'd read in the Jaya Jones Treasure Hunt Mysteries, but I will definitely be reading more.

Jaya Jones is a treasure hunter/historian from San Francisco. She goes to Japan to see her closest friend Sanjay, an Indian magician, perform with a Japanese magician named Akira. They are going to perform the famous and never before seen Indian rope trick, where the magician, his assistant and the rope all disappear into thin air.

After Jaya arrives, she finds a ninja has been following and threatening Akira and Sanjay. She wants to keep Sanjay safe, so she starts to do some investigating. Who is Akira's assistant really? What's with the prop they're using - is it really "magic"? The plot takes some twists and turns along the way and ending is a complete surprise.

I highly recommend this book. It's complex and kept me on my toes. Thanks to the Henery Press and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The Ninja’s Illusion is a lovely piece of misdirection and stage management, much like the trick that Jaya Jones’ best friend Sanjay, the “Hindu Houdini”, performs onstage as part of his magic act.

And it’s great fun to read.

This is a cozy mystery, and much of the fun, and the mystery, revolves around Jaya and her group of friends. Her best friend Sanjay has come to Japan to work with an ultra-famous Japanese magician on a trick that is famous for its impossibility – the Indian Rope Trick. But someone is stalking both Sanjay and Akira, so there is clearly much more going on than meets the eye.

Jaya, a respected historian and increasingly well-known treasure hunter, comes to Japan to support Sanjay. And to assist a Japanese historian who has unearthed a historical mystery that relates to Jaya’s area of expertise, the history of the Dutch East India Company.

But when Sanjay’s mentor is killed in a brutal attack, Jaya’s historical research takes a definite back seat to the need to figure out who killed Akira, and why. Because if it’s all about the secret of his marquee trick, then Sanjay may be next on the killer’s list. But if the trick isn’t the motive, then what is?

When Jaya finds that her original historical research leads right back to Akira and the trick that can’t be done, she has a difficult time separating the threads of her research from the increasingly desperate attempts to find something that Akira left hidden.

If all the clues from both puzzles point to the same mystery, then what is the real mystery after all? And can Jaya and her friends figure out the solution before it’s too late?

Escape Rating B+: The Ninja’s Illusion is the fifth book in the Jaya Jones Treasure Hunt series, and I had a great time with it. I have not read the previous books in the series, which begins in Artifact, and there were references to events from previous books that flew a bit past me, but I still had a terrific time with this one. Enough of a terrific time that I went back and bought the first four. I can’t wait to see how we get to this point, and the ways in which Jaya’s friendships with the other characters have developed over the series.

One of the reasons I enjoyed this book so much is that it feels like a bit of an homage to the late Elizabeth Peters’ Vicky Bliss series. While Vicky Bliss was a librarian rather than a historian, she also spent much of her madcap career hunting for mysterious historical artifacts and treasures, and was surrounded by a very similar cast of “irregulars” including an elderly mentor (Sebastien in Jaya’s life, Herr Professor Anton Z. Schmidt in Vicky’s) and an on-again, off-again lover who is as much thief as he is adventurer (Lane Peters for Jaya and John Smythe for Vicky) as well as a supporting cast of friends and fellow researchers. While there are plenty of differences, the feeling of Nancy Drew jumping out of the frying pan into the fire and falling in love with someone completely impossible feels very familiar. And as Elizabeth Peters is sadly no longer with us to continue the Vicky Bliss series, it is very, very nice indeed to have a read-alike that looks like it has the legs to keep going.

The historical piece of the puzzle also reminds me of the historical setting of the Shinobi Mysteries by Susan Spann. So if the historical parts of this puzzle sound as fascinating to you as they did to me, take a look at Claws of the Cat, the first book in Spann’s series. That one of Akira and Sanjay’s stalkers in The Ninja’s Illusion is costumed as a shinobi, or ninja, makes the link between the two just that much closer.

Magic is at the heart of this story. Not magic like in Harry Potter, but magic like in stage magic. David Copperfield. The hand is quicker than the eye. Illusions, misdirection, smoke and mirrors. Jaya spends most of the case distracted. Some of her distraction is internal, she’s trying to resolve a sudden confusion in her relationships with and between Sanjay and Lane. So she’s not thinking on all cylinders, and she’s away from home and missing her usual resources, like her librarian best friend Tamarind Ortega, who definitely reads like “one of us”, librarians, that is.

Jaya is also distracted by the endless distractions offered by what begins as two cases, Akira and Sanjay’s stalker, and her historical research into a Dutch East India Company ship of the 1790s that managed to lose itself in history by flying a false flag. Things continue along the paths of confusion for quite a long time, as just because the two cases are coming together it does not mean that there is a single perpetrator, or even a single motive, for all events.

This case is like the old story of the blind men and elephant. Each person seems to be grasping a different part, and drawing different and equally erroneous conclusions about the nature of the elephant and the case.

So if you like madcap adventures with likable characters and multiple mysteries to solve, The Ninja’s Illusion will provide not a very good time, and that’s no illusion.

was hooked by the first line, (I'm better at finding lost treasures than a phone buried in the bottom of my bag.) Boy, can I relate to that, not that I’ve found any treasures but who know what lurks in the bottom of my bag.
Jaya Jones is on her way to Japan during Thanksgiving break to accompany her best friend, Sanjay aka the Hindi Houdini while he will be performing the opening act in the highly impossible Indian Rope Trick that will also include the famous Japanese Magician, Akira. This would be a fantastic opportunity for Sanjay, but Jaya gets a video call from him telling her not to come to Japan then the call mysteriously drops. Of course, that doesn't stop her from flying off to Japan to see what's got Sanjay so spooked. She's also got a tentative meeting set up with a Japanese professor she had met during a history conference a few years ago to discuss European trade in Japan during its isolation period.
When she lands in Japan she meets up with Sanjay who is not himself. Things are getting dangerous on the set where the magicians are to perform. They’ve experienced several accidents that look like someone is sabotaging their equipment. The two magicians can no longer trust each other and it looks like things are getting worse.
Sanjay himself is about ready to catch the next flight back to San Francisco but it would not be a wise career move for him to do so. Meanwhile, he’s got to try to deal with the situation and stay safe. Jaya is going to stick this out with Sanjay, he needs her now more than ever.
Jaya is also trying to come to terms regarding her longtime boyfriend Lane. She tried to speak to him before she left for Japan but it wasn’t the right time. They have some unresolved issues that really need to get taken care of. She even finds herself questioning just how deep are her feelings for Sanjay?
The way Ms. Pandian described the rich Fall setting in Japan, I could almost close my eyes and visualize myself being there with all the distinct colors of leaves floating around me. The Japanese traditions plus their gracious culture made this an outstanding read. I was not only entertained by the mystery but I also learned some historical facts regarding Japan. I would like to think Henery Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this e-galley in exchange for my unbiased opinion.

This is the first of Gigi Pandian's books that I have read. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It is excellent, very well written and the backdrop totally authentic. The plot was marvellous and I cannot praise it enough.
Jaya Jones' best friend, Sanjay was working with a well known magician in Japan. They were re-creating the Indian Rope Trick, which is an impossible illusion. Things began to get out of hand when Akira, the Japanese magician finds that someone had sabotaged one of his tricks, in a way that could have killed the performer.. And then there is the ninja, all in black who keeps turning up.
Brilliant brilliant book - impossible to put down. Totally recommended!

Over the past year, I have become a huge fan of author Gigi Pandian, having read all the books in her series called The Accidental Alchemist. This is my first time reading a book in the Jaya Jones Treasure Hunt series, and I didn't know what to expect. I loved that I didn't have to start with the first book in order to enjoy this latest novel. The setting is so compelling, the characters so well-developed, and the action so thrilling, that I was fully immersed in the experience. I loved it!

What I Liked:
Setting:

As someone who lived in Japan, and has taken my family to Kyoto just a few years ago, I was very impressed with the level of detail about Japan and it's culture in this book. There are so many small touches that help to make the novel's setting authentic. From the tiny portions of food served to explaining the subtle insult of being called a gaijin (foreigner), the author gets everything right.

I loved her use of all the city's temples and shrines as a backdrop for this book. I have been to many of these places and her descriptions are spot on.

I also enjoyed how the Americans in the book were wide-eyed with wonder seeing Japan for the first time. It really is a place that is so different from the United States that the first-time visitor is often overwhelmed.

Diversity of Characters:

I got a huge grin on my face when I read that Jaya Jones, the main character, was just about five feet tall. Yes, I am that height, and I loved that nobody gave her grief over how short she was. Tamarind, Jaya's librarian friend, is tall and has an "ample" frame. When someone is presented as short (or big) in a book, it is usually as part of a comic element. Thank you, Ms. Pandian, for showing that people come in all shapes and sizes, and for not treating people's physical attributes as a joke.

Characters:

As I have not read any of the previous books in the series, I went in without any knowledge of the central characters. But that was not a problem because the author took the time to give a good amount of exposition around each person. I found Jaya and her group of friends to be smart and fun, but also flawed.

Jaya is a modern-day Indiana Jones. A History professor who also is passionate about uncovering mysteries of antiquity, Jaya uses her research skills to uncover the story behind the event. I liked that she was accomplished in her profession without being perfect. Jaya is human and makes mistakes. She also owns up to her errors and seeks out the help of those she trusts.

Sanjay (Jaya's best friend) is a magician who goes to Japan to ride on the coattails of the island nation's best known magician, Akira. He is an imperfect person who's ambition, at times, overrides common sense. But he is also a loyal friend who worried for Jaya's safety with a killer on the loose, and I could see why Jaya adored him.

Story:

The story centers around a magic trick called "the world's greatest illusion", the Indian Rope Trick. As the story progresses, we learn about the historical context of this real-life magic trick. It's a great way to explore the question of an historical narrator's reliability (or in other words: fake news!).

Of course, there is a murder as someone is out to stop the show. Or is there another motive? Jaya becomes concerned for Sanjay and begins to research one of the historical figures who claimed to have seen the trick. Could knowing more about this long dead person lead to the modern killer?

This really was a solid whodunit, and I didn't know for sure who the murderer was until the end. I enjoyed that the clues were there for the reader to figure it out for themselves. The author didn't throw in a detail at the last minute that would change who the killer is.

I also liked that Jaya didn't try to solve everything solo. She knows her limits and seeks the help of her friends, and the police. Jaya is not James Bond, and she accepts this. Nevertheless, there is plenty of action as the characters become entangled in the quest to find the murderer (and maybe even uncover some treasure!).

This was a highly enjoyable mystery. It is the first one I have read in the series, but I feel it is a series best read in order. The characters were very well developed. I absolutely loved the setting. It felt like I really was in Japan. The mystery was intriguing, but the ending wasn't my favorite.

This is a well written cozy mystery that leaves the reader wanting the next story.

I really wanted to love this, but it just left me a bit cold. I'd read the previous installment in the series, but still felt a little bit lost with some of the ongoing story lines. I compared the previous book to Vicky Bliss, but with less peril. But this one felt like it had even less peril and the mystery felt more remote from Jaya than the previous one. There's still potential here and the mystery is still well done (although I could see some of the twists coming), but it didn't live up to the blurb for me.

I was randomly selected to receive this as an ARC from NetGalley. This is my honest review of it. I love the Jaya Jones series and was anxious to read this one. It never disappointed. Each time Jaya gets involved in treasure hunts, the locations and history used makes you want to see those places. The Fushimi Imari shrine drew me in this time. But aside from that, Gigi does an exceptional job in writing a mystery that has you trying to figure it out right up to the very end. And the way this one ends, I'm curious what her next exploit will be.
I first read about Jaya in the prequel Fool's Gold in Other People's Baggage. After that, I've read all the books in the series. I think you'll enjoy reading about Jaya and her friends and family. Just try it.

In this the fifth installment of the Jaya Jones mysteries, Jaya is meeting her best bud Sanjay in Kyoto to see his act and the famed Akira do his impossible rope climbing illusion. 

From the start things aren't quite as they appear. Who is this mysterious Ninja they keep catching glimpses of? While tricks turn into murder Jaya turns to research and hidden secrets about a missing ship hundreds of years ago.

I enjoyed the mystery and the history of this clever book! Jaya and her friends are memorable and talented. A very entertaining and informative book. My favorite type!

Netgalley/Henery Press   Release Date is this Tuesday, October 3rd!

I really enjoyed The Ninja's Illusion. As with her other Jaya Jones mysteries, Gigi Pandian makes the country the characters are visiting, its culture and pertinent history accessible and interesting.

There are 2 different mysteries at play. One involves the magicians; the other involves history. Each mystery is captivating in its own way. The mysteries begin even before Jaya has left the States for Japan. I found myself caught up in the book. There were a few lulls, but overall there is more action than not. Even during the lulls, the plot is moving forward, which is as it should be.

The characters are interesting and likable. And there is a good variety of characters. The story about the kitsune who has become a magician's assistant brings an exotic flavor to the plot. I liked that it was up in the air for much of the book as to just how much of a mischevious spirit fox she really was.

Overall, it's a well-written mystery made even better by Pandian's treatment of the location and culture. The history that is blended in makes the reading a richer experience. I gave this book 4 out of 5 stars.

Disclaimer: I received an ARC copy of the book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions herein are my own and freely given.