About
Reviews
Search
Submit
Home

Mystery Books for Sale

[ Home ]
[ About | Reviews | Search | Submit ]


  

DESHI
by John Donohue
St Martin's Minotaur, February 2005
272 pages
$23.95
ISBN: 0312288077


Buy in the UK | Buy in Canada

DESHI is an excellent tale of clashing cultures featuring college professor and martial arts expert Connor Burke. When a Japanese businessman who had been engaged in the seemingly simple and innocuous act of calligraphy is found shot in the temple at his home, Burke is once again drawn into helping the NYPD investigate the matter by his detective brother Micky.

The only clue that the police appear to have is a calligraphic message found at the scene that involves the supporters of a revered Tibetan lama and two prior murders. Burke's involvement draws him into the strange and mysterious world of a martial arts master Kita Takanobu and he soon finds himself chasing a trail that will lead him to a mountain retreat with deadly consequences.

Not having read SENSI the first book in the series I was not sure what to make of DESHI. To me it is a novel of two elements. It is part thriller, part description of a particular aspect of Japanese culture. The author gives the reader an in-depth look at those who practice the martial arts as well as the predicament of Tibet and the efforts of the Chinese to wipe out Buddhism and the monks who practice the belief.

The thriller aspect of the novel is very well written and the author immerses the reader in the story and the various skirmishes that take place. The action is fast and frantic and Burke comes across as a rather agreeable protagonist. Using martial arts as the background for DESHI is an interesting premise and certainly makes for an attractive read and there is also no doubt that it will be enjoyed by those who read the first book in the series.

On the other hand, for someone who has only read the second book I was to some extent frustrated. I felt that for a second book the information about martial arts and Japanese culture overwhelmed the main thriller part of the story, which was a shame. The information could have been expressed with a lot more ingeniousness. However, I got the feeling that this is a series that will get better as it progresses. DESHI is well worth reading for a very good insight into Japanese culture and martial arts disciplines.

Reviewed by Ayo Onatade, April 2005

[ Top ]


QUICK SEARCH:

 

Contact: Yvonne Klein (ymk@reviewingtheevidence.com)


[ About | Reviews | Search | Submit ]
[ Home ]