This is a great thriller in the noir tradition, violence, intrigue, blood lust and a great ending. Well worth the time.

Thank you Simon & Schuster for accepting my request to read and review Tokyo Kill on NetGalley.

Stars: 4.5

Refreshing. I thoroughly enjoyed this mystery/thriller. I would add historical fiction to the genre tag as well.

This story is interesting from page one. I was engaged the entire book. Lancet has written Tokyo Hill for smart people. There is no foul language. The murder scenes are clear and concise. This is not a slasher or trashy. As I read, the scenes naturally appeared; I didn't have to struggle to visualize. I moved from line to line with ease.

Towards better than 80% of the story, I found myself wanting to skim and skip. Don't judge me too harshly, I acknowledge doing so would have been childish. I really wanted to know the ending.

This is so cleverly written I now know skipping ahead would have extended my quest for answers. The ending is tricky, not complicated, and realistic. I let out an audible "oh my, wow. I didn't see that coming."

Please read the synopsis, I'm not repeating it. This is my first encounter with Japanese and Chinese mob/gangs -- cartels? I find the historical portion matter of fact and confidently written. The familial cultures were solidly written as well.

Lancet has one other book, and I'm looking forward to reading it in 2024. I would recommend this for smart, and educated people with class. I would gift this with a bottle of wine, a candle, and take-out.

When I pick up a book, this is exactly what I expect.

"Tokyo Kill" by Barry Lancet is an electrifying and captivating thriller that seamlessly weaves together elements of World War II history, present-day Tokyo, and the dangerous world of Chinese Triads. The story unfolds as an elderly veteran seeks protection from Brodie Security, setting off a chain of events that thrusts Jim Brodie, the protagonist and antiques dealer, back into the world of investigations.

What starts as a seemingly straightforward security detail quickly escalates into a gripping tale of murder and mystery, pulling Brodie and his team into a web of intrigue involving Chinese spies, kendo warriors, and a group of ruthless killers with a sinister mission. Lancet skillfully immerses the reader in the complexities of Tokyo's underworld, masterfully balancing action with historical and cultural references.

The novel's strength lies in its rich character development and immersive storytelling. Jim Brodie, with his sharp wit and tenacity, makes for a compelling lead, and his interactions with the diverse cast of supporting characters bring depth to the narrative. The seamless blending of historical events and modern-day espionage adds an extra layer of intrigue, keeping readers on the edge of their seats throughout.

Barry Lancet's meticulous research is evident in the authenticity of the settings and the historical context, elevating the overall reading experience. From the vivid streets of Tokyo to the enigmatic world of the Triads, each location and subplot feel vivid and well-crafted.

"Tokyo Kill" is a riveting page-turner that keeps readers hooked from start to finish. Lancet's ability to combine history, culture, and pulse-pounding action sets this book apart as a must-read in the thriller genre. Whether you're a fan of mystery, historical fiction, or espionage thrillers, this novel is sure to leave you craving for more of Jim Brodie's adventures.

I requested this book thinking it would fit perfectly with my upcoming trip to Japan.

Unfortunately the style of writing for Japantown did not appeal to me, and sadly this was a DNF for me.

As a result, I have not read the sequel Tokyo Kill.

As I did not read the book, I will not be placing any reviews on online sites such as Goodreads or Amazon.

A Thrilling Sequel To Barry Lancet’s Debut Novel..

After wading through the tragedy of San Francisco’s Japantown murders, struggling antiques dealer Jim Brodie is back in Japan for a well-earned vacation. But checking in at the PI firm Brodie inherited from his father, he immediately acquires a new case: a Japanese World War II veteran shows up and spins a dark story connected to the war and a pair of violent home invasions committed in the Tokyo only days earlier.

Brodie agrees to provide protection for the old warrior, but soon an unexpected murder shocks him and his crew, and they begin a wild ride through the worlds of war atrocities, Japanese kendo clubs, the backstreets of Yokohama’s unfathomable Chinatown, and Chinese spies. With the crusty PI Noda at his side, Brodie pokes around where he’s not wanted, and when a friend is delivered up to him in pieces Brodie is once again running for his life—while seeking the answers he needs to save it.
I loved this book from beginning to end. A crazy roller coaster of ups and downs, and a few sideways slams thrown in for good measure!

great thriller.. as a traveler and writer with knowledge of Japan & China i enjoyed very much the touch of history. it is based on a dark spot in japan history - the time they invaded China and looted a lot of her treasures and history. the plot is amazing in the way it start with protecting an old Japanese soldier but as it evolve we find out all the evil of war and human nature. in between a great knowledge of Lancet and i admired love he shows for Japanese swords. great read.

Tokyo Kill is the second Jim Brodie thriller by Barry Lancet. Released in 2014 by Simon & Schuster, it's 336 pages and is available in hardcover, paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.

This is a very well written modern thriller with an imperfect but morally responsible protagonist and a lot of gritty realism. It's set in Asia, and it's clear the author is intimately familiar with the setting and culture and does a good and believable job taking the reader along. Jim Brodie is compelling, meticulous and morally unambiguous, which gets him into difficulties more often than not. He's an expert in Japanese art, as well as partner and heir to his father's PI agency.

Although it's the second book in the series, the mystery and denouement are self contained here, and readers who jump in with this book won't have difficulties following the story. There are now four books extant in the series and they're all well constructed and exciting, so the series as a whole would be a good candidate for a weekend binge read.

The story is peppered throughout with transliterated Japanese words and phrases. The words are italicized in the text and translate easily in context (the author is quite adept). It adds verisimilitude without adding difficulty.

The plotting is taut and the complex story is interwoven skillfully. There are several disparate subplot threads throughout and they are wound together seamlessly.

Four stars. An exciting and transportive read. Some light swearing and a fair bit of gunplay and violence.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

I didn’t realize this was in 2014 and second in a series but this was so good! So fun to read and I really did love the choke point part of the story. Very amusing to me! 4 stars.

Ebook/Mystery:. I want to thank Netgalley for a copy of this book. I had heard a lot about it and the first book in the series, which I have not read. From what I guess, Brody has moved from San Francisco to Japan.
The book was okay. I was able to read it while my waiting for my son during his karate classes and his tutor (most fitting). The characters are well formed, but there was absolutely no humor in any of the book.

This was such a thrilling read , From the first page I was hooked.. Well written giving a good insight into the culture and happenings in Japan,

Jim Brodie's agency has been hired to protect and elderly Japanese gentleman from attacks that are happening to a specific set of soldiers who were in a secret branch of the army, while providing security for the elder it is the son that is brutally murdered and Jim brodie has been called in to identify the body this sends him chasing after who killed his clients son and after a rather brutal visit to a dojo he knows begins to wonder what he is up against

With the help of his lead detective, Jim survives deadly attacks and learns about the things that men will kill to keep and how far they are willing to go.

I really enjoyed reading this boook. The story is fast-paced, full of action, and gives the reader a lot of insights into Japanese culture and way of life. Brodie mixes well the Eastern and Western cultures, feels at home on both sides of the world, and has strong ties with his co-workers and a few friends. He also is a loving father who wishes to be more present to his young daughter. What really called my attention is his determination to find the truth and to reach the end of all matters he pursues. This is the first book I read by Barry Lancet and I´ll be looking forward to reading the other books in this series. Great thriller!

This book was just a nice combination of art, spy, action, mob all meshed up together… and that ending was a head spinner

Electrifying, Tokyo Kill is fast-paced and one of those books you will not be able to put down until the very end.

Jim Brodie an antique dealer is back in Japan after experiencing the tragedy of San Francisco's Japantown murders. He now has inherited his father's PI firm and is deep in a new case where he needs to be careful or else he will find himself running for his life.

Can't wait to read more!!

Unfortunately I wasn't all that keen on this book. I tried I really did but it just wasn't doing it for me.
There is a lot of background on Japanese history and culture and while needed (to a point) it just felt a little heavy for me.

I really enjoyed reading this boook. The story is fast-paced, full of action, and gives the reader a lot of insights into Japanese culture and way of life. Brodie mixes well the Eastern and Western cultures, feels at home on both sides of the world, and has strong ties with his co-workers and a few friends. He also is a loving father who wishes to be more present to his young daughter. What really called my attention is his determination to find the truth and to reach the end of all matters he pursues. This is the first book I read by Barry Lancet and I´ll be looking forward to reading the other books in this series. Great thriller!

I've been reading detective mysteries for most of my life. There are only a few authors whose books I will automatically pre-order and I have this love for Barry Lancet's Jim Brodie series.

I apologize for the delay in submitting a review for this book - I had devoured it once it was available so this delay has no excuse.

Jim Brodie is a mix of the occupations of his parents: (1) a respected Private Investigator who had well respected companies in Tokyo and in San Fransisco and (2) an Asian Antiquities and Art expert/dealer. His father had owned and ran the detective agency while his mother was a well respected dealer in East Asian Art. Brodie is comfortable in both Japanese and American cultures. He is Caucasian but has spent long periods of his life in Japan among Japanese (not just expats). Brodie is a single father, raising his half-Japanese daughter after the death of his beloved wife.

Tokyo Kill is the second book in the series and the mystery comes to him in Tokyo. A salaryman and his 96 year old father come to Brodie for protection. The older man was a soldier in Manchuria and many of the officers he served with during the war have been brutally killed. Brodie's investigation takes us deep into Japanese history and culture with humor and sensitivity.

If you haven't yet read Barry Lancet, the Jim Brodie series is a must! Read the books in order - it makes a huge difference!

Didn't like this one either, in fact I couldn't finish it to be honest. I find the characters unlikable and the writing to be forced and fake.

A good crime detective novel with the added benefit of being set in Japan, which makes a difference from America / UK etc. I enjoyed the characters and the story. Thanks for letting me review this book

Tokyo Kill by Barry Lancet.
This is book 2 of the Jim Brodie series.
A good read. Good story although I did have trouble at the start of the book. Words were missing and I couldn't quite understand it. 3*.

John Brodie is back! What he thought was going to be a short business trip and a simple vacation with his daughter turns into so much more. His day starts out simply enough. A man requests protection because he believes that members of his unit from World Ward 2 are being targeted. What starts as a simple security case soon takes a dark turn. Brodie is thrown into a murder case when the son of his client is murdered. This case will take him into dangerous waters and will see him go up against another scary cast of enemies. Another great book in the Brodie series.