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Reviews of the Detective Hiroshi series

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

“Pronko is the real deal, and Hiroshi is surely the finest fictional detective working in Japan right now.” Indie Reader

“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

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

Listen to Chapter One from Tokyo Juku below! Read by Peter Berkrot

Reviews of Tokyo Juku

“For both the detective and the teenager trying to clear her name, memories of ambition, failure, and the victim himself seem to follow them through the electric city of Tokyo. Pronko’s story is fast, efficient, and controlled; his observations about pressure and achievement are exceptional, and he expertly weaves them into all aspects of Tokyo life.” Kirkus Reviews Read full review

What truly brings the novel to life, though, are the characters; each vividly portrayed as their lives unfold between the lines. Michael Pronko’s characters simply exist, without ever needing to persuade.” BestsellersWorld Read Full Review

“As in every book in the series, Pronko is meticulous in his plotting. This is a police procedural where every part ticks along perfectly. The slow reveal of clues, the surprise twists, the pacing, the characters—they’re all excellent. Pronko is the real deal, and Hiroshi is surely the finest fictional detective working in Japan right now.” Indie Reader Read Full Review

“Pronko effortlessly doles out clues and red herrings, and, though the cast is large, they seem grounded and familiar. Tokyo Juku is an ideal selection for readers interested in mystery, Japanese culture, education, and crime procedurals.” Editor’s Pick Booklife Read Full Review

"Pronko’s thrilling plot is accompanied by keen social analysis, and Tokyo’s shadowy corners and diverse denizens are vividly brought to life by the careful prose, which is both viscerally compelling and informative, creating an immersive experience that characterizes this series. Tokyo Juku is a captivating and accessible whodunit fueled by an inventive cast of sleuths and Pronko’s infectious passion for Japan." Self-Publishing Review Read Full Review

“Detective Hiroshi’s latest case is a winner for prior fans and newcomers alike, standing alone while supporting the rest of the series with new characters, dilemmas, and insights about Japan. Given the story’s overall involving intrigue paired with a steady, solid infusion of Japanese cultural insights, readers are in for a treat.” D. Donovan, Sr. Reviewer, Midwest Book Review

“Tokyo Juku stands as a sophisticated, gripping, and culturally rich mystery, and provides readers with an intellectually stimulating, emotionally resonant, and profoundly satisfying experience—an indispensable installment in the Detective Hiroshi series.” The Book Revue ★★★★★ Read Full Review

“Five stars Tokyo Juku exposes the devastating cost of academic success in an exquisitely crafted murder mystery. While Hiroshi has always been capable of affection, the new book finds his emotional intelligence at an all-time high.” BestThrillers.com Read Full Review

“Tokyo Juku succeeds as both an intricately plotted mystery and an expansive cultural novel. The story is about education, but it’s also about human worth—how people measure themselves and how society measures them. Pronko captures the beauty and brittleness of modern life in Japan with a teacher’s insight and a detective’s precision.” Read Full Review Independent Book Review

“If you love Elmore Leonard-style prose and enjoy learning about the fascinating and fast-paced metropolis of Tokyo, I am sure you’ll love this engaging and exciting tale. You won’t see the ending coming, which is just what you want from a great detective novel.” Reader Views ★★★★★ Read Full Review

“Tokyo Juku is an insider's look at a defining, yet often hidden, aspect of modern Japanese society. Readers who appreciate character driven stories with personal journeys that make the story emotionally resonant and impactful should not miss this one.” Read Full Review
Feathered Quill

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.” ★★★★★