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“Hirahara has a keen eye for the telling detail and an assured sense of character.” —Los Angeles Times
At Dodger Stadium it’s Japan vs. Korea in the World Baseball Classic, but before the first pitch is thrown, Mas Arai finds himself in the middle of a murder. Mysteries layer atop mysteries in this sixth in the award-winning series featuring the most unlikely of sleuths, an aging, widowed, not-exactly-communicative gardener from Altadena, California.
Who is that unusual woman throwing knuckleball pitches to warm up the Japanese team? Who sent thugs to threaten Mas and accuse him of treason? And what were in the deleted files on the murdered sportswriter’s computer—and did they hold secrets that led to his death?
The more mysteries Mas uncovers, the deeper he gets drawn into a situation that soon grows dangerous—including the danger of losing the affection of the woman he might someday admit he loves.
“What makes this series unique is its flawed and honorable protagonist. . . . A fascinating insight into a complex and admirable man.” —Booklist (starred review)
“Written with heart, depth and pace, Hirahara’s sixth case is hard to put down.”
— Kirkus Reviews
“Mas Arai is a wholly original sleuth—reluctant, curmudgeonly, and irresistible. In Sayonara Slam, he delves into baseball, World War II, and the complex history between Japan and Korea, all while grappling with that most enduring mystery, love. Hirahara has created a story that’s both meaningful and great fun; you’ll be cheering until the very last play.”
— Nina Revoyr, author of Lost Canyon, Southland, and Wingshooters
"Few amateur detectives are as warm-hearted and welcome as the elderly Mas.”
— J. Kingston Pierce, The Rap Sheet