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Only In Tokyo Mystery #1
Nightshade
First in an all-new series of mysteries that could happen only in Tokyo...
Yumi Hata went to school in the U.S., but now--back in Tokyo, living with her parents and working as an English translator--she no longer fits in with the fiercely traditional Japanese. If not for her friend Rika, Yumi would feel completely isolated, so when Rika is found dead--suspected of "jisatsu," taking part in a suicide pact--Yumi is devastated.
Fortunately, the police investigator in charge of Rika's case is Yumi's old schoolmate Kenji, who also wants to clear Rika's name. As Yumi and Kenji dig up more evidence, they discover that Rika's "suicide" is not what it seemed.
Chasing Rika's murderer, Yumi and Kenji encounter doll-faced Lolita fashionistas, trendy bars inhabited by the social elite, and the dark side of a suicide pact website. The clock is ticking as they race to find the killer before the next victim is targeted...
Includes more than two dozen photos of Japan!
Yumi Hata went to school in the U.S., but now--back in Tokyo, living with her parents and working as an English translator--she no longer fits in with the fiercely traditional Japanese. If not for her friend Rika, Yumi would feel completely isolated, so when Rika is found dead--suspected of "jisatsu," taking part in a suicide pact--Yumi is devastated.
Fortunately, the police investigator in charge of Rika's case is Yumi's old schoolmate Kenji, who also wants to clear Rika's name. As Yumi and Kenji dig up more evidence, they discover that Rika's "suicide" is not what it seemed.
Chasing Rika's murderer, Yumi and Kenji encounter doll-faced Lolita fashionistas, trendy bars inhabited by the social elite, and the dark side of a suicide pact website. The clock is ticking as they race to find the killer before the next victim is targeted...
Includes more than two dozen photos of Japan!
381 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 14, 2012
About the author
Jonelle Patrick
6 books33 followersJonelle Patrick is the author of five novels set in Japan, and has been writing about Japanese culture and travel since she first moved to Tokyo in 2003. In addition to The Last Tea Bowl Thief and the Only In Tokyo mystery series, she produces the monthly newsletter Japanagram, and blogs at Only In Japan and on her travel site, The Tokyo Guide I Wish I’d Had.
She also teaches at writing workshops, appears as a panelist at Thrillerfest, and was the keynote speaker at the Arrow Rock Writing Workshop.
She’s a graduate of Stanford University and the Sendagaya Japanese Language Institute, she’s also a member of the Mystery Writers of America, International Thriller Writers, and Sisters in Crime. She divides her time between Tokyo and San Francisco.
Author website: https://jonellepatrick.com
Only In Japan blog: http://jonellepatrick.me
Monthly newsletter: https://japanagram.me
Facebook: JonellePatrickAuthor
Twitter: @jonellepatrick
Instagram: @jonellepatrick
She also teaches at writing workshops, appears as a panelist at Thrillerfest, and was the keynote speaker at the Arrow Rock Writing Workshop.
She’s a graduate of Stanford University and the Sendagaya Japanese Language Institute, she’s also a member of the Mystery Writers of America, International Thriller Writers, and Sisters in Crime. She divides her time between Tokyo and San Francisco.
Author website: https://jonellepatrick.com
Only In Japan blog: http://jonellepatrick.me
Monthly newsletter: https://japanagram.me
Facebook: JonellePatrickAuthor
Twitter: @jonellepatrick
Instagram: @jonellepatrick
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
March 19, 2013
This book is a wonderful cascade of detail, thrill, and fashion. You feel as if you start to know your way around Tokyo, and the Lolita scene as well. I've never seen a book before that went so much into detail with Lolita styles, and this was just purely awesome to me. I've always loved that scene, and this made it all the more real to me.
Okay, now to get down and dirty. <3 I loved Ghost. He was probably my favourite character. He was a hacker that truly stood out wherever he went, and he knew how to embrace his differences, and not let them get in his way. It made me want to cry to find out he had once had a twin, and it made me realize that he also had something at stake in the investigation. If he could help that boy, then I think that it will help him too.
Yumi was a very brave girl, I do have to say that. Or maybe she was slightly stupid, but hey, I guess I'd probably be stupid too if that had been my best friend. She went to great lengths and beyond in order to get to the bottom of what happened to Rika. I do like that we got to at least get a glimpse of Rika before she died, as well. It makes her more real than just words, and a faceless, lifeless corpse. That is often how it occurs in novels, as well, so this was a great way to help the readers get into the story.
As for the writing style, Jonelle hooks you by throwing you straight into the action. Not only does she throw you into the action, but it's in the killer's eyes. This gives you a perspective that transcends the usual. She is a detailed writer, and she makes beautiful imagery, and situations that just sweep you away.
All in all, I loved this book, and I can't wait for the next one. <3 <3
Okay, now to get down and dirty. <3 I loved Ghost. He was probably my favourite character. He was a hacker that truly stood out wherever he went, and he knew how to embrace his differences, and not let them get in his way. It made me want to cry to find out he had once had a twin, and it made me realize that he also had something at stake in the investigation. If he could help that boy, then I think that it will help him too.
Yumi was a very brave girl, I do have to say that. Or maybe she was slightly stupid, but hey, I guess I'd probably be stupid too if that had been my best friend. She went to great lengths and beyond in order to get to the bottom of what happened to Rika. I do like that we got to at least get a glimpse of Rika before she died, as well. It makes her more real than just words, and a faceless, lifeless corpse. That is often how it occurs in novels, as well, so this was a great way to help the readers get into the story.
As for the writing style, Jonelle hooks you by throwing you straight into the action. Not only does she throw you into the action, but it's in the killer's eyes. This gives you a perspective that transcends the usual. She is a detailed writer, and she makes beautiful imagery, and situations that just sweep you away.
All in all, I loved this book, and I can't wait for the next one. <3 <3
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 21, 2017
For a mystery fan, what's more fun than discovering a terrific new author? I heard about Jonelle Patrick from a mutual friend who's also her agent -- a recommendation I trusted enough to buy her first book, Nightshade. Now I can't wait to read her whole "Only in Tokyo" mystery series.
Nightshade starts with three bodies in a car in the parking lot of a Shinto shrine -- an inexplicable scene which looks like a triple suicide, except that the third victim has no link to her two "parents." When the dead girl's best friend, Yumi, learns the horrible news, she spots other distortions in the picture the police are eager to accept. Yumi's discovery that the detective in charge is her old school friend Kenjo, who's grown into an unexpectedly attractive man, churns up all kinds of complications, first to the case and then to her ripening romance with a corporate heir. Woven through the Tokyo scenery are online connections which become strands in the web that threatens to drag Yumi to the same deadly fate as her friend.
Jonelle Patrick is not only an outstanding plotter (rare) but an outstanding writer (very rare). To top it off, she has a sharp sense of what makes Japan fascinating and also baffling to Americans. I was intrigued to learn about the Goth Lolita crowd, maid cafes (where the waitress's job goes beyond serving the customer to fawning all over him), arranged marriages, the hierarchy in Japan's police force, and so much more. This is a compelling mystery with distinctive characters, a fast-moving plot, a strong romantic thread, and a wonderful setting. I'd have preferred a full resolution at the end rather than a read-the-next-book teaser, but the core mystery was resolved, so that's a minor quibble. Highly recommended!
Nightshade starts with three bodies in a car in the parking lot of a Shinto shrine -- an inexplicable scene which looks like a triple suicide, except that the third victim has no link to her two "parents." When the dead girl's best friend, Yumi, learns the horrible news, she spots other distortions in the picture the police are eager to accept. Yumi's discovery that the detective in charge is her old school friend Kenjo, who's grown into an unexpectedly attractive man, churns up all kinds of complications, first to the case and then to her ripening romance with a corporate heir. Woven through the Tokyo scenery are online connections which become strands in the web that threatens to drag Yumi to the same deadly fate as her friend.
Jonelle Patrick is not only an outstanding plotter (rare) but an outstanding writer (very rare). To top it off, she has a sharp sense of what makes Japan fascinating and also baffling to Americans. I was intrigued to learn about the Goth Lolita crowd, maid cafes (where the waitress's job goes beyond serving the customer to fawning all over him), arranged marriages, the hierarchy in Japan's police force, and so much more. This is a compelling mystery with distinctive characters, a fast-moving plot, a strong romantic thread, and a wonderful setting. I'd have preferred a full resolution at the end rather than a read-the-next-book teaser, but the core mystery was resolved, so that's a minor quibble. Highly recommended!
June 6, 2013
the story itself is a good enough mystery, but what makes this book is the exposure of Japanese traditions old and new.
the extreme found in both.
exposing the suicide culture and the dress-up culture, as well as the very strong "conformism" to the way "things are supposed to be."
its up to the foreigner (who is deeply mistrusted of course, at first, but proves himself worthy) to help things move along. (perhaps this is the surrogate for the author...?)
for these social observations make this book stand out.
having lived in Japan, this all makes perfect sense to me, but I wonder how this would seem to someone who has not lived in Japan.
the extreme found in both.
exposing the suicide culture and the dress-up culture, as well as the very strong "conformism" to the way "things are supposed to be."
its up to the foreigner (who is deeply mistrusted of course, at first, but proves himself worthy) to help things move along. (perhaps this is the surrogate for the author...?)
for these social observations make this book stand out.
having lived in Japan, this all makes perfect sense to me, but I wonder how this would seem to someone who has not lived in Japan.
August 30, 2012
I really enjoyed all the details and learning about Tokyo and Japanese social customs. The mystery wasn't as tidy as I would've liked for a book (I'm sure crime in real life is not tidy). I liked Yumi as a character at the beginning of the book, but I didn't like the person she becomes at the end. I was expecting her to be the protagonist and the star of this series but she came off more as the damsel in distress. Maybe she will be in the next books or maybe Kenji is the main character? I look forward to reading the next installment.
September 4, 2012
This is a very promising debut novel. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the lifestyle of the young unmarried people in Tokyo as well as the descriptions of the setting. The cherry blossoms and the sudden rain showers created a special atmosphere. I found the characters either likeable or acceptable but I did get annoyed at Yumi. She seemed quite grown up and independent in many ways but then seemed unable to maintain that confidence. The author explained her motivations but I was still annoyed with her. It will be interesting to see what the next book in the series will be like.
August 4, 2019
Reading this series backwards is a bit weird, since it feels a bit like going back in time with the characters, but one I enjoyed no less. Like the other two books in the series that I’ve read (Fallen Angel and Painted Doll), some very Japanese cultural elements feature in this one – in particular the people around the girl who got killed – but there are also elements of Japanese arranged marriages being discussed here. The theme of this particular one that makes it different from the other books of the series is the practice of ritual suicide in Japan, where it is still seen as an act of honour rather than something that society as a whole tries to protect against. It’s a rather interesting point of view, the idea that there are active suicide discussion forums is disturbing to say the least, but I thought it revealed elements of passed-down Japanese businesses where the one at the helm would rather remove himself from the picture allowing the next generation to start off with a clean slate rather than deal with mistakes of the past.
I’ve always found Kenji Nakamura a friendly detective, shy at times, and a very likeable protagonist and this one was no different. I know some other readers who weren’t such big fans of the loveline in this series in general – personally I do like to see a touch of outside work relationships in my police characters (I feel like it helps me to get to know the characters better outside of their work life). The central Rika Ozawa mystery itself I thought was played out really well, with what I thought was a slightly heartbreaking ending, although I’m not quite sure I liked the hijacking of the Shrine Killer storyline which seemed to appear out of the blue midway through and completely take over the plot (casting aside the central characters in the process, which I liked even less). I get that the author was trying to create some tension between Kenji and Mori towards the end, but I thought the introduction of so many new characters from the task force once the plot in general was so deep into the Ozawa mystery itself was a bit distracting. Still an enjoyable ride, and I can’t wait to read the other book in this series that I haven’t yet read. 4.5 stars, but as I felt the storyline got a bit disjointed from the time the Shrine Killer was introduced, 4 stars on Goodreads.
I’ve always found Kenji Nakamura a friendly detective, shy at times, and a very likeable protagonist and this one was no different. I know some other readers who weren’t such big fans of the loveline in this series in general – personally I do like to see a touch of outside work relationships in my police characters (I feel like it helps me to get to know the characters better outside of their work life). The central Rika Ozawa mystery itself I thought was played out really well, with what I thought was a slightly heartbreaking ending, although I’m not quite sure I liked the hijacking of the Shrine Killer storyline which seemed to appear out of the blue midway through and completely take over the plot (casting aside the central characters in the process, which I liked even less). I get that the author was trying to create some tension between Kenji and Mori towards the end, but I thought the introduction of so many new characters from the task force once the plot in general was so deep into the Ozawa mystery itself was a bit distracting. Still an enjoyable ride, and I can’t wait to read the other book in this series that I haven’t yet read. 4.5 stars, but as I felt the storyline got a bit disjointed from the time the Shrine Killer was introduced, 4 stars on Goodreads.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 9, 2020
A fun mystery novel if you want a page-turner that won't make you think too hard.
September 29, 2020
Enjoyable mystery with the added bonus of learning about Japanese culture.
May 17, 2013
I want to thank the author and Libboo for a chance to read/review
It was not only an interesting read, it was educational on many aspects of modern Japanese cultures.
This wasn't a page turner, even though it is a murder mystery. It was more gentle for those of us who can't handle the tension of more hard-core mysteries. There were moments, of course, but for the most part we get to see our characters grow and learn from mistakes. The characters and their world were believable and kept me interested in what would happen next.
I saw a couple oopsies, one involved the time being around 10 in the morning yet the afternoon sun was shining. Another was the word 'wear' where 'wore' would be better. But I am not good at actual editing. If the story is good I hardly see mistakes. I think the worst is the interruption of the story for the Libboo ads. I usually have to read with text-to-speech helping me out and so those were blaring and yanked me right out of the story.
A warning about the theme of the story being about suicide and murder. Though handled well, I think, it still might be upsetting to some. Otherwise there is enough romance and intrigue to keep you reading.
Thank you for the opportunity to read this. I look forward to the sequel.
It was not only an interesting read, it was educational on many aspects of modern Japanese cultures.This wasn't a page turner, even though it is a murder mystery. It was more gentle for those of us who can't handle the tension of more hard-core mysteries. There were moments, of course, but for the most part we get to see our characters grow and learn from mistakes. The characters and their world were believable and kept me interested in what would happen next.
I saw a couple oopsies, one involved the time being around 10 in the morning yet the afternoon sun was shining. Another was the word 'wear' where 'wore' would be better. But I am not good at actual editing. If the story is good I hardly see mistakes. I think the worst is the interruption of the story for the Libboo ads. I usually have to read with text-to-speech helping me out and so those were blaring and yanked me right out of the story.
A warning about the theme of the story being about suicide and murder. Though handled well, I think, it still might be upsetting to some. Otherwise there is enough romance and intrigue to keep you reading.
Thank you for the opportunity to read this. I look forward to the sequel.
February 14, 2015
I really love these books set in Tokyo. I am learning a lot about Japanese culture, and the story is thrilling and entertaining. I really find amazing that the author decided to include photographs of different places and cultural things related to the development of the story. I had already read another one in this series and I really enjoyed it, so I decided to read the rest of them. Suspense, mysteries, and love in the exotic setting of Tokyo.
Kenji Nakamura is a police officer who faces a weird case: a group suicide that looks really odd. What is a Goth Lolita doing committing suicide together with a high-profile married couple? When he finds Yumi Hata, a friend from his high school times, at the police station, claiming that the dead girl is her best friend, things get complicated. It doesn't help they have a crush on each other and Yumi is about to get engaged. Together, they will try to investigate who would be interested in killing Yumi's best friend. Suspense and thrilling situations will keep you turning the pages of this action-packed novel.
Very well written, I really enjoyed this book. Perfect for a weekend of doing nothing but reading.
Kenji Nakamura is a police officer who faces a weird case: a group suicide that looks really odd. What is a Goth Lolita doing committing suicide together with a high-profile married couple? When he finds Yumi Hata, a friend from his high school times, at the police station, claiming that the dead girl is her best friend, things get complicated. It doesn't help they have a crush on each other and Yumi is about to get engaged. Together, they will try to investigate who would be interested in killing Yumi's best friend. Suspense and thrilling situations will keep you turning the pages of this action-packed novel.
Very well written, I really enjoyed this book. Perfect for a weekend of doing nothing but reading.
December 7, 2013
3.5 stars (Goodreads really needs to allow half stars!!)
This book had both good and mediocre points for me. I found the mystery itself to be quite predictable, but this could be because I write suspense myself and am forever guessing whodunit in books and movies well before most people (I drive my husband nuts with this). I also found it hard to connect with the characters on an emotional level, often finding that Patrick's choice of words created distance between me and the story.
What I really enjoyed however -- and I mean REALLY enjoyed -- was the portrayal of Japanese culture. Patrick absolutely shone at describing her setting; and her depiction of the Japanese way of life, their traditions, and the subcultures such as Lolita was utterly fascinating. I'll most likely be seeking out the next in the series.
This book had both good and mediocre points for me. I found the mystery itself to be quite predictable, but this could be because I write suspense myself and am forever guessing whodunit in books and movies well before most people (I drive my husband nuts with this). I also found it hard to connect with the characters on an emotional level, often finding that Patrick's choice of words created distance between me and the story.
What I really enjoyed however -- and I mean REALLY enjoyed -- was the portrayal of Japanese culture. Patrick absolutely shone at describing her setting; and her depiction of the Japanese way of life, their traditions, and the subcultures such as Lolita was utterly fascinating. I'll most likely be seeking out the next in the series.
November 25, 2013
A good series entry, though I found the story longer than it seemed at first. I had read of young Japanese women who like to dress up in Bo-Peep outfits, so wasn't all "Wow - what's this!" when that appeared as part of the plot. The café with the French Maid outfits did strike me as creepy - sorry! That all having been said, the cultural background given by Patrick is strong enough that I'm planning on reading the next book in the series. Hopefully, there'll be more of police tech Loud (a/k/a "Rowdy") in that one; I had thought that since Yumi is bi-lingual, and he's Australian, they'd come to interact during the investigation.
April 19, 2021
This was my favorite book I read in 2020 (and I've re-read it twice since then). Patrick immerses the reader in modern Japanese culture. The Mad Hatter bar, the restaurants and cafes, hangover cures, food, concerts, shrines and festivals...I felt like I was actually there. I couldn't help but trying to decide if my Japanese highschool self would've been a Goth Lolita. The characters are engaging (the relationship between two of the main characters was wonderful!). I enjoyed the other two books in the series also and hope Patrick writes more. I don't often rate five stars, but my mind keeps returning to this book, so I've upped its rating to five.
March 5, 2016
This novel is one of those great crime thrillers with a whodunit storyline. I loved that it was set in Japan and incorporated slang terms and cultural aspects. I always enjoy reading novels that are told from a different cultural standpoint because it is just so refreshing. The story itself was good and the reader was given plenty of clues throughout so that you could solve the mystery on your own. I especially liked that there was a romantic aspect involved; it added a little spice to the whole scene! Overall, this was a great crime fiction novel with enough Japanese lingo to keep me happy
February 8, 2017
I read this book while on vacation and very much enjoyed it! The mystery was fun to follow, and the though the conflict in the romantic plotline was one we have seen before, it was one that I enjoyed and wanted to see through to the end.
More importantly, the details about Japanese culture and subcultures were fascinating, especially as someone who hopes to travel to Japan for the first time in the near future. These elements whet my appetite for further exploration of this culture about which I know so little.
This read was great fun and I am looking forward to reading Fallen Angel.
More importantly, the details about Japanese culture and subcultures were fascinating, especially as someone who hopes to travel to Japan for the first time in the near future. These elements whet my appetite for further exploration of this culture about which I know so little.
This read was great fun and I am looking forward to reading Fallen Angel.
August 24, 2012
This is a wonderful debut mystery that mystery lovers, Japanophiles, and anyone who loves immersion in a new and interesting subculture (in this case, Goth Lolitas and suicide websites in Tokyo) will be unable to put down.
October 3, 2012
loving so far! excellent mystery with romance on the side, plus a lot of fascinating stuff about Japanese street fashion and various subcultures there.
February 19, 2015
I really enjoyed this book and plan on reading the next in the series. Having travelled to Japan it was fun to read about the locations and social situations and be able to envision them :-)
June 21, 2015
This was a fun vacation read while traveling in Japan. I have the next book in the series queued up.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews