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Coming December 20

Tokyo Tempos Early Reviews

"An artful love letter to an inimitable city. Pronko's obvious reverence for Japan is clear, and he writes with a blend of humility and pride that only comes from deeply loving your chosen home. No matter the topic, Pronko approaches his subjects with respect and a playful sense of awe that is both endearing and convincing. Taking a poetic, personal, and aesthetic brush to a dynamic landscape, this collection is an impressive and rousing homage from a gifted storyteller." SPR Review (read more)

“A fantastic collection that does a wonderful job of capturing Tokyo’s ultra-layered experiences, even if they are mere moments, through succinct, immersive entries. The bite-sized format lends itself perfectly to Pronko’s reflective style, allowing readers to savor his keen observations, packing a lot of texture into impressively compact pieces.” Reader’s Favorite

“These vignettes insert readers into the beating heart of Tokyo’s culture, offering insights and knowledge that is nearly impossible to find in more general books about travel to Tokyo, and understanding its special culture.” D. Donovan, Midwest Book Review (Read More)

Reviews Shitamachi Scam

“A master craftsman, painting a fascinating portrait of a city and its underbelly through engaging characters and depictions of crime that are more gray than black-and-white.” IndieReader

“He uses shitamachi for great atmospheric effect, gradually building a sense of darkness and claustrophobia while erecting a landscape primed for white-knuckled physicality.” BestThrillers.com

“The pacing of this story is pitch-perfect, and the conflicts are well-conceived and executed. It's a simple story told in intricate layers. But even in the gritty storytelling, you get a sense of positivity.” ★★★★★Reader Views

Reviews of Tokyo Tempos

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

“For readers familiar with Pronko’s excellent Detective Hiroshi series of Japanese-set crime thrillers, it will come as no surprise that 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.” IndieReader (Read more)

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

“Pronko captures the essence of a city that pulses with both tradition and innovation, inviting readers to discover the countless small moments that define life in one of the world's most fascinating urban landscapes.” Reader’s Favorite

“These aren’t just snippets of Tokyo and the usual touristy accounts of the big attractions. Pronko takes a deeper look at what makes Tokyo hum, what gives it the appeal that draws thousands of visitors every year.” Reader Views Five Stars

Reviews of Shitamachi Scam

“Pronko’s knowledge of Japanese life is simply extraordinary—with painstaking care, he limns its shadowy contours and ambiguities. An absorbing drama conveyed with incisive intelligence.” Kirkus Reviews

“Pronko’s meaty thriller confidently shifts between the tireless footwork of Hiroshi and team and Takuya’s quest to confront the swindle threatening to swallow up his own. Towering above the human drama is the vibrant, chaotic character of Tokyo itself.” Independent Book Review

“A book that operates on multiple levels—and is successful with each of them. The clever plot, engaging characters and haunting themes will stay with readers long after they read the last page.” Booklife (February 2024) Editor’s Pick