The Pillow Book

The Pillow Book is a popular long-running thriller series set in 10th century Japan about an unlikely and compelling duo.

Written by Robert Forrest, it captures a strange, magical world - simultaneously utterly remote and wonderfully familiar to our own - and it tells a cracking mystery at the same time.

With the Empress Teishi dead, Lady Shonagon has been banished from the Imperial Palace and separated from her policeman. Under Imperial guard, she is sent back to her only remaining relative, her brother Takai.

But there has been no love lost between Shonagon and her brother since they were children, and Shonagon must set out once more on her own in search of her friend Saisho.

Meanwhile, the villain Ikiryo walks abroad, and no one is safe.

Shonagon - Ruth Gemmell

Yukinari - Cal MacAninch

Takai/Ikiryo - Simon Donaldson

Saisho - Victoria Liddelle

Amaterasu - Joanna Tope

Uke - Meg Fraser

Landlord/Policeman - Antony Strachan

Director: Lu Kemp

A BBC Scotland production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in August 2018.

Robert Forrest's popular thriller set in 10th-century Japan.

The young Emperor has disappeared from the Palace into the wilds of Japan, to learn the ways of his people. Mischievous as ever, he leaves behind him a challenge addressed to his champion and favourite, Lieutenant Yukinari, to find him. And, of course, Yukinari must be accompanied by his guide in the ways of palace life, the Lady Shonagon. The Emperor makes two conditions: that the couple travel unaccompanied and in disguise, dressed in peasant garb, a prospect that Lady Shonagon - a connoisseur of all the finer luxuries of life - finds both appalling and humiliating.

Inspired by the writings of Sei Shonagon, a poet and lady-in-waiting to the Empress of the 10th Century Japanese court.

Written by Robert Forrest.

Shonagon............... Ruth Gemmell

Yukinari...................Cal Macaninch

Emperor...................Freddie Rayner

Kei..........................Brian Ferguson

Peasant..................John Paul Hurley

Directed by Lu Kemp.

The Emperor has disappeared into the wilderness beyond the palace walls.

Robert Forrest's popular thriller set in 10th-century Japan.

The young Emperor has disappeared from the Palace into the wilds of Japan, to learn the ways of his people. Mischievous as ever, he has left behind him a challenge addressed to his champion, and favourite, Lieutenant Yukinari to find him. And, of course, Yukinari must be accompanied by his guide in the ways of palace life, the Lady Shonagon. The Emperor has made two conditions: that the couple travel unaccompanied and in disguise, dressed in peasant garb, a prospect that Lady Shonagon - a connoisseur of all the finer luxuries of life - finds both appalling and humiliating. Now on the road, Lady Shonagon is confronted with a world in which she is unknown and unrecognised. While the Emperor himself is delighting in his new life as anonymous wanderer.

Inspired by the writings of Sei Shonagon, a poet and lady-in-waiting to the Empress of the 10th Century Japanese court.

Written by Robert Forrest.

Shonagon...........Ruth Gemmell

Yukinari..............Cal Macaninch

Emperor.............Freddie Rayner

Kei....................Brian Ferguson

Dosser..............John Paul Hurley

Isuzu.................Meg Fraser

Directed by Lu Kemp.

Robert Forrest's popular thriller set in 10th-century Japan.

The young Emperor has disappeared from the Palace into the wilds of Japan, to learn the ways of his people. Mischievous as ever, he has left behind him a challenge addressed to his champion Lieutenant Yukinari, and the detective's associate the Lady Shonagon, to find him.

As the couple travel anonymously through Japan on the trail of the young royal, the Emperor himself is beginning to learn lessons - in fence building and facing his nemesis, the Bandit king, Inokichi.

Inspired by the writings of Sei Shonagon, a poet and lady-in-waiting to the Empress of the 10th Century Japanese court.

Written by Robert Forrest.

Shonagon...........Ruth Gemmell

Yukinari..............Cal Macaninch

Emperor..............Freddie Rayner

Kei.....................Brian Ferguson

Isuzu..................Meg Fraser

Inokichi...............Gary Lewis

Directed by Lu Kemp.

The Emperor begins to learn lessons - in fence building and facing his nemesis, Inokichi.

Robert Forrest's popular thriller set in 10th-century Japan.

The young Emperor has disappeared from the Palace into the wilds of Japan, to learn the ways of his people. Mischievous as ever, he has left behind him a challenge addressed to his champion Lieutenant Yukinari, and the detective's associate the Lady Shonagon, to find him.

As the couple travel anonymously through Japan on the trail of the young Emperor, the boy has been kidnapped by his nemesis, the Bandit king, Inokichi. Meanwhile, Lieutenant Yukinari and Lady Shonagon find themselves, and each other, in a secret rose garden.

Inspired by the writings of Sei Shonagon, a poet and lady-in-waiting to the Empress of the 10th Century Japanese court.

Written by Robert Forrest.

Shonagon..........Ruth Gemmell

Yukinari ............Cal Macaninch

Emperor............Freddie Rayner

Inokichi.............Gary Lewis

Directed by Lu Kemp.

The young Emperor has been kidnapped by his nemesis, the bandit king Inokichi.

Robert Forrest's popular thriller set in 10th-century Japan.

The young Emperor has disappeared from the Palace into the wilds of Japan, to learn the ways of his people. Mischievous as ever, he has left behind him a challenge addressed to his champion Lieutenant Yukinari, and Yukinari's associate the Lady Shonagon, to find him.

But a bandit king, Inokichi, is abroad in Japan. He knows everything that happens in the land that he terrorizes and has taken the young man, the Lieutenant and the Lady captive. Yukinari knows Inokichi of old, they were boys together, and this meeting has been a long time coming for both of them.

Inspired by the writings of Sei Shonagon, a poet and lady-in-waiting to the Empress of the 10th Century Japanese court.

Written by Robert Forrest.

Shonagon.........Ruth Gemmell

Yukinari............Cal Macaninch

Emperor...........Freddie Rayner

Inokichi............Gary Lewis

Directed by Lu Kemp.

Lady Shonagon and Yukinari finally find the Emperor, but the bandit king has captured him.

Robert Forrest's popular thriller set in 10th-century Japan.

Yukinari returns to the palace to find that the Lady Shonagon's affections are no longer his, and furthermore his lover is not pleased to see him. Instead she is focused on unravelling a mystery that Yukinari cannot understand: the mystery of her friend's marriage - a passionate affair between a woman of royal blood and a young low-born poet that seems to be moving towards an increasingly dark place.

Meanwhile, the entire palace is captivated by the Emperor's new pet - a tiger sent all the way from India.

Inspired by the writings of Sei Shonagon, a poet and lady-in-waiting to the Empress of the 10th Century Japanese court.

Written by Robert Forrest.

Directed by Lu Kemp.

Yukinari returns to the palace to find the Lady Shonagon's affections have strayed.

Robert Forrest's popular thriller set in 10th-century Japan.

Yukinari has returned to the palace to ask the Lady Shonagon to be his wife, only to discover that his lover is already married. Furthermore, Shonagon is obsessed by a new mystery, one that Yukinari cannot understand: the mystery of her friend's marriage - a passionate affair between a woman of royal blood and a young low-born poet that seems to be moving towards an increasingly dark place.

Meanwhile, the entire palace is captivated by the Emperor's new pet - a tiger sent all the way from India.

Inspired by the writings of Sei Shonagon, a poet and lady-in-waiting to the Empress of the 10th Century Japanese court.

Written by Robert Forrest.

Directed by Lu Kemp.

Yukinari finds his presence in the palace is not welcomed and Shonagon's mind diverted.

Robert Forrest's popular thriller set in 10th-century Japan.

Yukinari has returned to the palace to ask the Lady Shonagon's to be his wife, only to discover his lover is already married. And the Lady Shonagon is obsessed by a new mystery, one that Yukinari cannot understand: the mystery of her friend's marriage - a passionate affair between a woman of royal blood and a young low-born poet that seems to be moving towards an increasingly dark and tempestuous place.

Meanwhile, the entire palace is captivated by the Emperor's new pet - a tiger sent all the way from India.

Inspired by the writings of Sei Shonagon, a poet and lady-in-waiting to the Empress of the 10th Century Japanese court.

Written by Robert Forrest.

Directed by Lu Kemp.

As Shonagon feared, the passion between young lovers Komatsu and Zushio explodes.

Robert Forrest's popular thriller set in 10th-century Japan.

Yukinari has returned to the palace to ask the Lady Shonagon's to be his wife, only to discover his lover is already married. Furthermore, the Lady Shonagon has become obsessed by a new mystery, one that Yukinari cannot understand: the mystery of her friend's marriage - a passionate affair between a woman of royal blood and a young low-born poet. That mystery has now met a tragic end, but Shonagon is sure that the explanation everyone else seems so prepared to accept is far from being the whole truth.

Meanwhile, the Emperor's new pet, a tiger sent all the way from India, paces in its cage in the palace grounds.

Inspired by the writings of Sei Shonagon, a poet and lady-in-waiting to the Empress of the 10th Century Japanese court.

Written by Robert Forrest.

Directed by Lu Kemp.

A tragedy has happened, and Shonagon is determined to unravel the mystery.

Robert Forrest's popular thriller set in 10th-century Japan.

Yukinari has returned to the palace to discover that his lover, the Lady Shonagon, is married. Shonagon claims to want peace and tranquillity and yet her determination to unravel the mystery of a crime committed on the Palace grounds threatens her favoured position in the palace. Shonagon is asking questions, and looking into dark corners, and Yukinari fears for her safety while he struggles to understand why she will not let this mystery lie.

Meanwhile the Emperor's new pet, a tiger all the way from India, roars inside its cage in the palace grounds.

Inspired by the writings of Sei Shonagon, a poet and lady-in-waiting to the Empress of the 10th Century Japanese court.

Written by Robert Forrest.

Directed by Lu Kemp.

At her own risk, Shongon continues to investigate a mystery that Yukinari considers solved

Robert Forrest's popular thriller set in 10th-century Japan.

Lady Shonagon and Lieutenant Yukinari return! But this time, not together...

Despite her conviction that she is unable to bear children, Shonagon has fallen pregnant by Yukinari. She has gone into labour prematurely, and the process is as distasteful to her as the idea of being a mother is.

Meanwhile, Yukinari, believing the child to be due a month later has answered the summons of a childhood friend, Takashi. He arrives at the rural outpost where the two boys grew up to find his old friend much changed.

Inspired by the writings of Sei Shonagon, a poet and lady-in-waiting to the Empress of the 10th Century Japanese court.

Written by Robert Forrest.

Directed by Lu Kemp.

Yukinari is summoned to visit his old friend Takashi. Shonagon is confined in the palace.

Robert Forrest's popular thriller set in 10th-century Japan.

Despite her conviction that she is unable to bear children, Shonagon has fallen pregnant by Yukinari. She has gone into labour prematurely, and the process is as distasteful to her as the idea of being a mother is. Shonagon attempts to the deliver the child, assisted by her harassed friend Saisho.

Meanwhile, Yukinari, believing the child to be due a month later, has answered the invitation of a childhood friend, Takashi. The two have been revisiting their youth, drinking and climbing hills together. But Yukinari begins to suspect that he has been summoned here, not for a holiday, but in a professional capacity - to uncover the mystery behind his friend's wife's murder.

Inspired by the writings of Sei Shonagon, a poet and lady-in-waiting to the Empress of the 10th Century Japanese court.

Written by Robert Forrest.

Directed by Lu Kemp.

Yukinari suspects that there is an ulterior motive to Takashi's invitation to visit.

Robert Forrest's popular thriller set in 10th-century Japan.

Despite her conviction that she is unable to bear children, Shonagon has fallen pregnant by Yukinari. Shonagon has gone into labour a month early, and the process, even the idea of being a mother, was initially distasteful to her. But the labour is long, and Shonagon is beginning to change her attitude towards the new arrival.

Meanwhile, Yukinari, believing the child to be due a month later has answered the invitation of a childhood friend, Takashi. The two have been revisiting their youth, drinking and climbing hills together. But Yukinari begins to suspect that he has been summoned here, not for a holiday, but in a professional capacity - to uncover the mystery behind his friend's wife's murder.

Inspired by the writings of Sei Shonagon, a poet and lady-in-waiting to the Empress of the 10th Century Japanese court.

Written by Robert Forrest.

Directed by Lu Kemp.

Shonagon begins to change her attitude towards the new arrival.

Robert Forrest's popular thriller set in 10th-century Japan.

Despite her conviction that she is unable to bear children, Shonagon has fallen pregnant by Yukinari. She has gone into labour prematurely, and the process is long and troubled. Assisted by her friend Saisho, Shonagon feels trapped in the women's quarters and, in the intensity of the situation, unsolicited truths begin to emerge between the two women.

Meanwhile, Yukinari, believing the child to be due a month later has answered the invitation of a childhood friend, Takashi. The two have been revisiting their youth, drinking and climbing hills together. But Yukinari begins to suspect that he has been summoned here, not for a holiday, but in a professional capacity - to uncover the mystery behind his friend's wife's murder.

Inspired by the writings of Sei Shonagon, a poet and lady-in-waiting to the Empress of the 10th Century Japanese court.

Written by Robert Forrest.

Directed by Lu Kemp.

Unsolicited truths begin to emerge between Shonagon and her friend Saisho.

Robert Forrest's popular thriller set in 10th-century Japan.

Despite her conviction that she is unable to bear children, Shonagon has fallen pregnant by Yukinari. She has gone into labour prematurely, and the process is long and troubled.

Meanwhile, Yukinari, believing the child to be due a month later has answered the invitation of a childhood friend, Takashi. The two have been revisiting their youth, drinking and climbing hills together. But Yukinari realises he has been summoned here, not for a holiday, but in a professional capacity - to uncover the mystery behind his friend's wife's murder. And Yukinari, the quiet listener, has solved the puzzle.

On his return from his old stamping ground, Yukinari hears that Shonagon has gone into early labour and rushes to her side.

Inspired by the writings of Sei Shonagon, a poet and lady-in-waiting to the Empress of the 10th Century Japanese court.

Written by Robert Forrest.

Directed by Lu Kemp.

Robert Forrest's popular thriller set in 10th-century Japan.

Yukinari has taken the Emperor to see a natural wonder - an underground cave sparkling with a thousand diamonds. But these are not diamonds, they crumble at the touch, and these caves are patrolled by a pack of wolves. A pack of wolves and their strange, un-wolf-like leader.

Inspired by the writings of Sei Shonagon, a poet and lady-in-waiting to the Empress of the 10th Century Japanese court.

Written by Robert Forrest.

Shonagon...Ruth Gemmell

Yukinari...Cal Macaninch

Empress...Laura Rees

Emperor...Paul Ready

Uzume...Jessica Hardwick

Directed by Lu Kemp.

A BBC Scotland Production for Radio 4.

A new mystery set in 10th century Japan for Lady Shonagon and her Lieutenant Yukinari.

Robert Forrest's popular thriller set in 10th-century Japan.

The Emperor has become fascinated with a young woman he and Yukinari discovered living among wolves. The girl has been bought back to the palace for cleansing and examination. But what the Emperor sees in this strange, wild girl is a mystery to those who love and serve him.

Inspired by the writings of Sei Shonagon, a poet and lady-in-waiting to the Empress of the 10th Century Japanese court.

Written by Robert Forrest.

Shonagon...Ruth Gemmell

Yukinari...Cal Macaninch

Empress...Laura Rees

Emperor...Paul Ready

Uzume...Jessica Hardwick

Directed by Lu Kemp.

A BBC Scotland Production for Radio 4.

A new mystery set in 10th century Japan for Lady Shonagon and her Lieutenant Yukinari.

Robert Forrest's popular thriller set in 10th-century Japan.

The feral girl is sheltered and housed within the Palace walls, given Lady Shonagon as her tutor, and allowed to frequent the company of the Emperor and Empress. The Emperor insists that the girl has something to teach them, and that he for one intends to listen.

Meanwhile, there is trouble abroad beyond the palace walls - forest fires, earthquakes and wolves coming out of the hills and down into the towns. The people of the palace are beginning to wonder whether the girl wields an uncanny power over it all.

Inspired by the writings of Sei Shonagon, a poet and lady-in-waiting to the Empress of the 10th Century Japanese court.

Written by Robert Forrest.

Shonagon...Ruth Gemmell

Yukinari...Cal Macaninch

Empress...Laura Rees

Emperor...Paul Ready

Uzume...Jessica Hardwick

Directed by Lu Kemp.

A BBC Scotland Production for Radio 4.

A new mystery set in 10th century Japan for Lady Shonagon and her Lieutenant Yukinari.

Robert Forrest's popular thriller set in 10th-century Japan.

The Emperor is sickening, a disturbance of his mind has become a fever and the feral girl is appearing to him in dreams. The Empress attends to him, for once without her ladies. She is determined to return her husband to health herself, regardless of palace etiquette. And she will go to any lengths necessary to do so.

Inspired by the writings of Sei Shonagon, a poet and lady-in-waiting to the Empress of the 10th Century Japanese court.

Written by Robert Forrest.

Shonagon...Ruth Gemmell

Yukinari...Cal Macaninch

Empress...Laura Rees

Emperor...Paul Ready

Uzume...Jessica Hardwick

Directed by Lu Kemp.

A BBC Scotland Production for Radio 4.

A new mystery set in 10th century Japan for Lady Shonagon and her Lieutenant Yukinari.

Robert Forrest's popular thriller set in 10th-century Japan.

Trouble abroad. Wolves in the town, forest fires, storms and earthquakes. The Emperor is sick, and his fever grows worse. A feral girl, sometimes woman sometimes wolf, roams the palace. But the Empress has taken matters into her own hands, and like a Kambai warrior will restore the Palace and her Emperor to health.

Inspired by the writings of Sei Shonagon, a poet and lady-in-waiting to the Empress of the 10th Century Japanese court.

Written by Robert Forrest.

Shonagon...Ruth Gemmell

Yukinari...Cal Macaninch

Empress...Laura Rees

Emperor...Paul Ready

Uzume...Jessica Hardwick

Directed by Lu Kemp.

A BBC Scotland Production for Radio 4.

A new mystery set in 10th century Japan for Lady Shonagon and her Lieutenant Yukinari.

Robert Forrest's popular thriller set in 10th-century Japan.

Lieutenant Yukinari's patience with the affairs and intrigues of the palace is reaching breaking point. On the Empress's command, the policeman finds himself interviewing a Palace Lord without any sense of the crime that might have been committed.

Inspired by the writings of Sei Shonagon, a poet and lady-in-waiting to the Empress of the 10th Century Japanese court.

Written by Robert Forrest.

Directed by Lu Kemp.

A BBC Scotland Production for Radio 4.

Yukinari's patience with the affairs and intrigues of the palace reaches breaking point.

Robert Forrest's popular thriller set in 10th-century Japan.

Lieutenant Yukinari turns renegade as he doggedly attempts to root out conspirators in the Palace, regardless of the consequences.

Inspired by the writings of Sei Shonagon, a poet and lady-in-waiting to the Empress of the 10th Century Japanese court.

Written by Robert Forrest.

Directed by Lu Kemp.

A BBC Scotland Production for Radio 4.

Yukinari turns renegade as he doggedly attempts to root out conspirators in the palace.

Robert Forrest's popular thriller set in 10th-century Japan.

Yukinari finds himself unexpectedly thrown together with his oldest friend Takashi, a man who seems much changed since the two of them last met.

Meanwhile, within the Palace, Shonagon is determined to find out where Yukinari has gone and whether Lord Asaji may hold the key to the policeman's disappearance.

Inspired by the writings of Sei Shonagon, a poet and lady-in-waiting to the Empress of the 10th Century Japanese court.

Written by Robert Forrest.

Directed by Lu Kemp.

A BBC Scotland Production for Radio 4.

Yukinari is thrown together with his oldest friend Takashi, who seems much changed.

Robert Forrest's popular thriller set in 10th-century Japan.

Shonagon investigates Yukinari's disappearance from the Palace. Meanwhile the Lieutenant finds himself held hostage by his childhood friend, Takashi, who - it appears - has been commissioned to deliver the Lieutenant's head to someone within the Palace walls.

Inspired by the writings of Sei Shonagon, a poet and lady-in-waiting to the Empress of the 10th Century Japanese court.

Written by Robert Forrest.

Directed by Lu Kemp.

A BBC Scotland Production for Radio 4.

Robert Forrest's popular thriller set in 10th-century Japan.

Shonagon receives an invitation to visit Lord Asaji in his grotto. Meanwhile Takashi delivers the Lieutenant Yukinari's head, as he was commissioned to do.

Inspired by the writings of Sei Shonagon, a poet and lady-in-waiting to the Empress of the 10th Century Japanese court.

Written by Robert Forrest.

Directed by Lu Kemp.

A BBC Scotland Production for Radio 4.

Lady Shonagon receives an invitation to Lord Asaji's sacred grotto.

Robert Forrest's popular thriller set in 10th-century Japan.

Shonagon and Yukinari find themselves finally alone in a small house in the country. Their solitude is interrupted by the death of the Empress's father - a man who alone protects the Empress's position at court. And, if the position of the Empress is at risk, so too is the safety and security of Lady Shonagon herself.

The Pillow Book is inspired by the writings of Sei Shonagon, a poet and lady-in-waiting to the Empress of the 10th Century Japanese court.

Written by Robert Forrest.

Directed by Lu Kemp.

A BBC Scotland Production for Radio 4.

The death of the lord chancellor threatens the security of Shonagon's position at court.

Robert Forrest's popular thriller set in 10th-century Japan.

Shonagon and Yukinari have returned to the Palace. Shonagon, to attend to her beloved Empress after the death of her father, and Yukinari to investigate the death of a palace lady - who appears to have been murdered by her drunken and deluded husband.

The Pillow Book is inspired by the writings of Sei Shonagon, a poet and lady-in-waiting to the Empress of the 10th Century Japanese court.

Written by Robert Forrest.

Directed by Lu Kemp.

A BBC Scotland Production for Radio 4.

A palace lady has been murdered - apparently by her drunken and deluded husband.

Robert Forrest's popular thriller set in 10th-century Japan.

Two funerals on the same day: one in the city, with full pomp and ceremony for the Empress's father, the Lord Chancellor; the other, outside the city walls, for the erratic and errant Lady Mazago. Shonagon and Yukinari attend different funerals, with the intention of solving the same murder - that of Lady Mazago.

The Pillow Book is inspired by the writings of Sei Shonagon, a poet and lady-in-waiting to the Empress of the 10th Century Japanese court.

Written by Robert Forrest.

Directed by Lu Kemp.

A BBC Scotland Production for Radio 4.

Shonagon and Yukinari attend separate funerals - to solve the same crime.

Robert Forrest's popular thriller set in 10th-century Japan.

Shonagon suspects there may be more to the murder of Lady Mazago than Lieutenant Yukinari perceives. And, as conspiracy rumbles through the Palace, Shonagon is summoned to an interview with Lord Korechicka - a man infamous for his temper.

The Pillow Book is inspired by the writings of Sei Shonagon, a poet and lady-in-waiting to the Empress of the 10th Century Japanese court.

Written by Robert Forrest.

Directed by Lu Kemp.

A BBC Scotland Production for Radio 4.

Shonagon is summoned to a meeting with the volatile Lord Korechika.

Robert Forrest's popular thriller set in 10th-century Japan.

Alone once more in the house outside the city, Shonagon and Yukinari find themselves more embroiled in affairs of state, and the plans of Retired Emperor Kazan, than they would ever wish to be. And now it is for Shonagon, not her lieutenant, to speak for the dead.

The Pillow Book is inspired by the writings of Sei Shonagon, a poet and lady-in-waiting to the Empress of the 10th Century Japanese court.

Written by Robert Forrest.

Directed by Lu Kemp.

Retired Chancellor Kazan reveals his cards.

Robert Forrest's popular thriller set in 10th-century Japan.

Following the Empress Teishi's father's death, a new Chancellor holds power in the Palace. He has ensured his daughter now occupies the throne, as Empress and First

Consort to the Emperor.

Summoned to a meeting with the new Empress, Shonagon is visited by a disturbing vision.

The Pillow Book is inspired by the writings of Sei Shonagon, a poet and lady-in-waiting to the Empress of the 10th-century Japanese court.

Written by Robert Forrest.

Directed by Lu Kemp.

A BBC Scotland Production for Radio 4.

Shonagon is summoned to meet the new empress, a strange and disturbing encounter.

Robert Forrest's popular thriller set in 10th-century Japan.

Having fainted in her first meeting with the new young Empress Shoshi, Lady Shonagon is humiliated and disgraced - and now, she finds herself investigated.

The Pillow Book is inspired by the writings of Sei Shonagon, a poet and lady-in-waiting to the Empress of the 10th-century Japanese court.

Written by Robert Forrest.

Directed by Lu Kemp.

A BBC Scotland Production for Radio 4.

Lady Shonagon disgraces herself in front the empress, who sends her spies to investigate.

Robert Forrest's popular thriller set in 10th-century Japan.

Shonagon begins to connect the visitations by her Empress Teishi with a story she was once told by a drunken, but earnest, Lord - about a living ghost.

The Pillow Book is inspired by the writings of Sei Shonagon, a poet and lady-in-waiting to the Empress of the 10th-century Japanese court.

Written by Robert Forrest.

Directed by Lu Kemp.

A BBC Scotland Production for Radio 4.

Concerned for Shonagon, Yukinari attempts to unravel the visions.

Exhausted by the interviews with Yukinari, Lady Shonagon attempts to find some peace within the palace grounds, but the visions will not let her rest - and rage like the coming storm.

The Pillow Book is inspired by the writings of Sei Shonagon, a poet and lady-in-waiting to the Empress of the 10th-century Japanese court.

Written by Robert Forrest.

Directed by Lu Kemp.

A BBC Scotland Production for Radio 4.

Shonagon leaves the palace during a storm, but she is pursued by disturbing visions.

The storm is passing, Lady Shonagon decides to revist a game of her youth and wander the palace corridors at night. She intends to wander alone, but that is not to be...

The Pillow Book is inspired by the writings of Sei Shonagon, a poet and lady-in-waiting to the Empress of the 10th-century Japanese court.

Written by Robert Forrest.

Directed by Lu Kemp.

A BBC Scotland Production for Radio 4.

Shonagon and Saisho wander the palace at night. But they are not alone.

------

The new young Empress has been on the throne for a year, and the iron-fist of her rule is being felt by all within the Imperial Palace. Meanwhile, the Empress Teishi is in child-bed. While the Emperor waits fretfully outside, only Lady Shonagon is permitted to attend her.

The Pillow Book is inspired by the writings of Sei Shonagon, a poet and lady-in-waiting to the Empress of the 10th Century Japanese court. First aired in 2008, this is now the eleventh and concluding series of The Pillow Book, told in across a week.

Written by Robert Forrest.

Directed by Lu Kemp.

A BBC Scotland Production for Radio 4.

A new mystery set in 10th-century Japan for Lady Shonagon and her Lieutenant Yukinari.

Robert Forrest's popular thriller set in 10th-century Japan.

The Empress Teishi is in child-bed. Her labour has been long and fitful, and the Empress's talk is becoming increasingly delirious. Shonagon begs to be allowed to summon the mid-wife, but is refused. Meanwhile the Emperor waits fretfully outside for the news of his beloved, and the safe delivery of their new son and heir.

The Pillow Book is inspired by the writings of Sei Shonagon, a poet and lady-in-waiting to the Empress of the 10th Century Japanese court.

Written by Robert Forrest.

Directed by Lu Kemp.

A BBC Scotland Production for Radio 4.

A new mystery set in 10th-century Japan for Lady Shonagon and her Lieutenant Yukinari.

Robert Forrest's popular thriller set in 10th-century Japan.

The Empress Teishi is gravely ill following the delivery of her daughter. Flouting all convention and etiquette, the Emperor enters the Empress's chamber to be with his beloved.

The Pillow Book is inspired by the writings of Sei Shonagon, a poet and lady-in-waiting to the Empress of the 10th Century Japanese court.

Written by Robert Forrest.

Directed by Lu Kemp.

A BBC Scotland Production for Radio 4.

A new mystery set in 10th-century Japan for Lady Shonagon and her Lieutenant Yukinari.

Robert Forrest's popular thriller set in 10th-century Japan.

The Emperor and Lady Shonagon keep vigil over their beloved Empress Teishi. The Emperor invites Shonagon to compose a list while they wait - a list of moments in the life of Lady Shonagon.

The Pillow Book is inspired by the writings of Sei Shonagon, a poet and lady-in-waiting to the Empress of the 10th Century Japanese court.

Written by Robert Forrest.

Directed by Lu Kemp.

A BBC Scotland Production for Radio 4.

A new mystery set in 10th-century Japan for Lady Shonagon and her Lieutenant Yukinari.

Robert Forrest's popular thriller set in 10th-century Japan.

The Empress Teishi is dead. Nothing now stands in the way of Empress Shoshi reforming the palace, and reform starts with a despicable and squalid example of corruption - the relationship between a Palace Lady and a policeman... Shonagon and Yukinari are summoned to the throne room.

The Pillow Book is inspired by the writings of Sei Shonagon, a poet and lady-in-waiting to the Empress of the 10th Century Japanese court.

Written by Robert Forrest.

Directed by Lu Kemp.

A BBC Scotland Production for Radio 4.

A new mystery set in 10th-century Japan for Lady Shonagon and her Lieutenant Yukinari.

Robert Forrest's popular thriller set in 10th-century Japan.