Tokyo Kill

Rating: 3* of five

The Publisher Says: In the second thriller of this new series from “a fresh voice in crime fiction” (Kirkus Reviews), antiques dealer-turned-P.I. Jim Brodie matches wits with an elusive group of killers chasing a long-lost treasure that has a dangerous history.

When an elderly World War II veteran shows up unannounced at Brodie Security begging for protection, the staff thinks he’s just a paranoid old man. He offers up a story connected to the war and to Chinese Triads operating in present-day Tokyo, insisting that he and his few surviving army buddies are in danger.

Fresh off his involvement in solving San Francisco’s Japantown murders, antiques dealer Jim Brodie had returned to Tokyo for some R&R, and to hunt show more down a rare ink painting by the legendary Japanese Zen master Sengai for one of his clients—not to take on another case with his late father’s P.I. firm. But out of respect for the old soldier, Brodie agrees to provide a security detail, thinking it’ll be an easy job and end when the man comes to his senses.

Instead, an unexpected, brutal murder rocks Brodie and his crew, sending them deep into the realm of the Triads, Chinese spies, kendo warriors, and an elusive group of killers whose treachery spans centuries—and who will stop at nothing to complete their mission.

I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA NETGALLEY. THANK YOU.

My Review: Oh great...Japanese assassin dynasty first, now Chinese triads.

Not my favorite transition. Nor is the grafting on of the seemingly inescapable "love interest," a woman (natch) to help Our Hero forget the wife he lost before book one began. I'm not as forgiving the second time out. The same "Asian assassin dynasty is invincible until white guy raised in their culture comes along to show 'em how it's done because because they killed his wumman" stuff that turned me off of James Bond happens here.

Do better. This crud's tired and so am I. Though I admit the artistic bit of the series interests me, it felt totally unintegrated into the story this time; permaybehaps the miasma of heterosexuality, always disagreeable to me, got in my way.

Wharever; I'm out. show less

I really enjoy the Brodie series. The story is a good mystery but the setting makes it a little more interesting to me. I spent several years in Japan and was fascinated by the culture. It is a country with a rich history that is so different from the west. Jim Brodie lives in both worlds. In the first book of the series he was primarily in the U.S. Tokyo Kills is primarily in Japan and gives the reader a little view into this unique culture.

As for the story, Brodie security is hired to investigate a series of home invasions and murders. The murders seem to link back to a group of WW II veterans. The bodies begin to pile up and Brodie's crew has no leads it becomes a race to keep there client safe. It is a fast paced race to the show more conclusion.

Highly recommend the series. show less

While Japantown takes place primarily in the US, Tokyo Kill is predominately set in Japan, with a thoughtful look into its past. Having the mystery set among something that the Japanese don’t like to talk about lends a familiarity about the subject to foreign readers. Top it off with plenty of action, characters that aren’t infallible and an exciting finale, Lancet will leave you wanting more.

Free review copy.

Even better than the first book, more action, but it was less superhuman especially for an antiques dealer. The book again obviously takes place in Tokyo but it also goes to America and beyond.
Thankfully the daughter has a much smaller role in this book.

TOKYO KILL BY BARRY LANCET is the second book in the series as well as the second book of his I've read. I read the first book and thought wow the author cant top this but in TOKYO KILL he did manage to top it.
Mr. Lancet writes a book that hits the ground running. Fast paced, and twists and turns that keeps you off balance to the very end.
Jim Brodie, mild mannered antique dealer & kick ass owner of a Japanese detective agency gets mixed up with the worst of the worst, the triads who are gang members on steroids when it comes to killing and maiming. His client a WWII Japanese officer who is the triads target.

This Jim Brodie series is a must read for thriller lovers.

I recieved this book free in exchange for a honest and unbiased show more review. show less

Tokyo Kill (A Crime Fiction Thriller)
By: Barry Lancet
Simon & Shuster Pages. 330 September 2014
Copy Courtesy of The Reading Room
Reviewed by: tk

An imaginative non-stop thrilling action adventure. The pages will turn so fast that the book is finished, and leaves you wanting more…

Jim Brodie is owner of Brodie Security Detective Agency, deals with antiquities and collectables, a single father raising a young daughter, but also seems to collect his own series of unfortunate events along the way to solving an international hidden treasure hunt.

The unrelenting talent, research and personal experience this author brings to the reader is astounding. The descriptive narration is so complete that you can see it in your mind eye as the events show more take place. The many talents of Jim Brodie are endless, yet believable. Along with his supporting cast of colorful characters, they will take you on an incredible journey.

Barry Lancet offers you a unique look at his personal travels, his knowledge of the Japanese culture, collectibles, and historical references are what really places this story in a class of its own. Sit back and enjoy! 5/5 show less

Even better than the first book, more action, but it was less superhuman especially for an antiques dealer. The book again obviously takes place in Tokyo but it also goes to America and beyond.
Thankfully the daughter has a much smaller role in this book.