Rei Shimura Mysteries by Sujata Massey

Salaryman's Wife
Rei Shimura is a 27-year-old English teacher living in one of Tokyo's seediest neighborhoods. She doesn't make much money, but she wouldn't go back home to California even if she had a free ticket. Her holiday, to an ancient castle town, is marred by the murder of the beautiful wife of a high-powered businessman. Who killed Setsuko Nakamura, and why is Hugh Glendinning, the handsome Scottish lawyer who works with Setsuko's husband leaning so hard on Rei for help? Rei suspects the police aren't looking in the right places, so she does. What she discovers is blackmail and deceit going back 50 years.

This is the first in the series featuring Rei Shimura, Japanese American living in Tokyo. I read this book probably 7 years ago as my friend Karen recommended it to me. I completely forgot who did in until it was revealed at the end. Plus we see how Rei gets her start on collecting antiques as this is major part of her life in future books.

2. Zen Attitude
3. Flower Master
4. Floating Girl
5. Bride's Kimono
6. Samurai's Daughter
7. Pearl Diver
8. Typhoon Lover
9. Girl in aBox