Michael Pronko

Tokyo Juku Release Date October 27!
Preorder now!

Reviews of the Detective Hiroshi series

“Hiroshi is now as synonymous with Tokyo crime fiction as Harry Bosch is to LA noir.” Best Thrillers

“The author uses his wealth of sheer passion for the area and its people, and writes this unique color and vibrancy into his characters and their surroundings. This continues to be an international police procedural that is suspenseful and has its own amazing flavor. My advice is to start reading this amazing series today!” ReaderViews

“The immersive descriptions of the megacity paint a vivid picture for those who are yet to explore Tokyo for themselves. This mystery and crime thriller doesn’t let up in intrigue or intensity.” Book Commentary

“Hiroshi is an interesting and relatable character, and it’s easy to understand how he has carried this series to four books (and hopefully more to come).” Sublime Book Review

“With a believable cast of characters, an engrossing storyline, and superb writing, Pronko has delivered a hard-boiled whodunit any murder mystery fan will enjoy.” Literary Titan

 
 

Reviews of A Guide to Jazz in Japan

The Japan Society
Japan boasts world-class festivals, smoky Shinjuku clubs, and cutting-edge experimental sounds, making it one of the planet’s most passionate and unique jazz hotspots. Blending rich history, cultural depth, and insider travel tips, it’s a heartfelt tribute to Japanese jazz, all told with the convivial style of someone who knows the scene like the back of his hand. Read More

Kirkus Reviews
”There’s always the danger that guides like this can feel snobbish or exclusionary, but here, Pronko effectively welcomes readers into the Japanese jazz experience, which will appeal to tourists and armchair travelers alike.”

Booklife by Publishers Weekly
“Musically inclined tourists will find A Guide to Jazz in Japan an invaluable planning aide, while armchair travelers fascinated by the music and scene will relish the detailed account of a country’s love affair with jazz. Practical, passionate guide to jazz in Japan that also celebrates the country and art form.” Editor’s Pick

ReaderViews (May 2025)
“The ultimate jazz-lovers’ dream when it comes to breaking down the what, where, and how of jazz in Japan. The writing draws you into each venue, giving you that you-are-there feeling, as if you’re walking around the jazz clubs taking it all in. You’ll be amazed at the education you’ll receive just by reading this.” ★★★★★

 

Reviews of Tokyo Tempos

Kirkus Reviews (December 2024)
“Pronko succeeds in imbuing Tokyo with serene magic, and readers may feel compelled to book plane tickets upon completing this volume.” Read More

The Book Revue (December 2024)
“This book gave me a new appreciation for Tokyo's complex beauty, reminding me of the careful balance of tradition and modernity that makes this city and Japan as a whole so alluring.” Read More

Feathered Quill (December 2024)
“Tokyo Tempos is a poignant and passionate presentation of Tokyo as a city of contrast, not just a setting but a living entity representing the modern tension between innovation, progress, and the roots of tradition.” Read More

IndieReader
“The prose is beautifully weighted, a sense of place evoked, and telling details precisely set—not just the sights, but the sounds and the smells of the city.” Read more

Independent Book Review
“Tokyo Tempos is a charming, unaffected, and yet profoundly philosophical collection of essays on the colorful chaos that is Tokyo.” read more

 

Novels by Michael Pronko

Non-Fiction by Michael Pronko

 
 
 

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