Liza Dalby’s latest novel, Hidden Buddhas, is the kind of book that is nearly impossible to put down—two Buddhist priests, a beautiful but troubled artist, an American grad student, and a half-Japanese child are brought to life in this masterful story of suspense, mystery, intrigue and romance.

Hidden Buddhas is more than a compelling, page-turning story however. Liza Dalby’s new novel exemplifies all the reasons she has become known as one of America’s foremost purveyors of Japanese culture. The author of Geisha and The Tale of Murasaki, as a cultural anthropologist specializing in Japan, offers readers an informative, culturally accurate inside view of life in Japan along with great entertainment.

In this book, Dalby communicates the meaning and significance that the Buddhist doctrine of “Mappo” (the “degenerate” age of the Dharma, or Buddhist teaching) has had on Japanese life. Simultaneously, Dalby informs readers about the teachings concerning the “Future Buddha”, Miroku, that many in Japan are convinced will bring about a new “Authentic Age of the Dharma.” All of this is conveyed through the reality of the present state of Buddhism in Japan, not only in its popular and orthodox forms, but also in its more esoteric manifestations.

Liza Dalby’s compelling, eccentric, and vivid characters come to life as the events of their lives evolve and entwine around a mystery involving hundreds of Japanese temples that harbor secret statues (Hidden Buddhas) that seem to embody some strange power—a power that may be of global consequences…

Bottom Line: Whether you simply love a well crafted page-turner, or you are interested in a better understanding of Buddhism and Japanese culture, Hidden Buddhas delivers the goods!

–Ted Biringer, author of The Flatbed Sutra of Louie Wing