From the Publisher
"A five-star detective read. It is unique, intriguing, and will hook the reader from beginning to end." Reader Views
"For anyone who loves crime and cop novels, or Japanophiles in general, this is a terrific thriller." Blue Ink Review
"This exotic crime thriller is a lightning-fast chase to the finish line that'll leave hearts pounding and pages turning." Best Thrillers
"A well-paced and absorbing mystery, with quick action and a look at urban life, an utterly page-turning adventure." Foreword Reviews
"Mystery readers will relish the progress of a detective torn between two cultures, the reader of Japanese literature will truly appreciate the depth of background." Midwest Book Review
"Tokyo comes to vivid life in this taut thriller, an unrelenting portrayal of a strong female character and the heart-pounding search to find her." Publishers Daily Reviews
"A heartfelt, thoughtful ode to a strange and beautiful city, in the way that so many classic detective novels are. Lyrically written, with plenty of suspense." IndieReader
Kirkus Reviews
2017-05-24
In Pronko's (Motions and Moments: More Essays on Tokyo, 2015, etc.) first foray into thrillers, a Tokyo detective investigates a death by train that may be just one in a series of murders. It seems white-collar crime is Detective Hiroshi Shimizu's specialty. His fluency in English makes him ideal for chasing down foreigners who've ripped off investors, among other things, and working with departments overseas. But he's still a part of the homicide branch, so lead Detective Takamatsu calls Hiroshi to the scene at Tamachi Station, where a male foreigner's mangled body lies on the tracks. Security cameras caught an earlier glimpse of a woman near the victim, but it's unclear if his death was murder, suicide, or accidental. Evidence on the deceased leads the investigation to the various night clubs in Roppongi. Based on a theory that the unidentified female is a hostess (and a perfect cover for Takamatsu's favorite pastime of drinking excessively), the detectives frequent the clubs. Hiroshi and his new assistant, Akiko, meanwhile, look into previous suicides by train, ones that might not be suicides at all. Discovering a link between the vics draws Hiroshi closer to a woman whose plan could put the detectives in a speeding train's path. Pronko's early introduction to the possible killer fosters sympathy with her perspective and back story. But there's still mystery and suspense. Her motive isn't initially apparent, and readers will surely anticipate a murder every time she strikes up a conversation with a man. Tokyo is welcoming without being exoticized; its foods are delicious but sometimes practical. Ramen noodles, for example, are excellent hangover comfort food. Pronko, for good measure, adds tasty metaphors: an inevitable hangover makes Hiroshi's eyeballs feel "like they were roasted in salt." Supporting characters occasionally steal the spotlight, especially Akiko, who excels at research (when paperwork proves essential to the case's resolution), and Detective Sakaguchi, a former sumo wrestler. An absorbing investigation and memorable backdrop put this series launch on the right track.
