September!

Now’s a great time to start reading A Murder on Teramachi Street. This first book in the series takes place in the autumn. In Kyoto, it is still hot, but there are unmistakable signs that the summer is over.

Children are back in school, the spirits that came to visit during the August Obon festival have returned to their own world. Pumpkin products are appearing in America, but in Japan we’re more likely to see pastry with sweet potato, chestnuts, or persimmons as the season progresses. If you walk through neighborhoods you’re likely to smell fish being grilled.

As summer ends, Keiko is more inclined to make a Japanese breakfast for herself. Rice, miso soup, grilled mackerel and pickles are what she craves in this season.

Traditional Japanese breakfast with grilled fish, rice, miso soup, and side dishes — *A beautifully arranged Japanese breakfast features grilled fish, rice, miso soup, and colorful side dishes.*

TIP: When in Kyoto try eating breakfast here. This is what I had for breakfast there.

Hello,

I’m Sara

I’m the author of a cozy mystery series set on Teramachi Street in Kyoto. In 1976 I participated in a study abroad program called the Associate Program of Kyoto (AKP). It gave me a tantalizing taste of Kyoto, but it wasn’t enough for me. So in 1978, after graduating from university, I returned to Kyoto on my own. One night a man stopped and asked if I was waiting for the bus. I was indeed. He let me know that the last bus had already gone and offered to drive me home. Not wanting to spend money on a taxi, I accepted. As he drove, he asked me if I needed a job. I certainly did. He smiled and said that he owned a restaurant and gave me his card. And that’s how I ended up waitressing at a small restaurant on Teramachi Street much like the one that appears in this series. One of the other waitresses became my best friend in Kyoto. Over forty years later we are still in touch and I named my main character for her.

Stay updated on everyone’s latest adventures by subscribing to my newsletter.