The Moving Blade
A Tokyo Mystery
Bernard Mattson devoted his life to Japanese-American relations. As the go-to man in Tokyo for behind-the-scenes diplomacy, he helped keep the Japanese-American alliance in balance, and East Asia at peace. Right before he’s about to give an important address on the future of Asia, he’s killed in his home—his stomach slit open by a sword.
His estranged daughter, Jamie, a beautiful half-Japanese, half-American wants to know why. She stumbles on clues that suggest he was killed for what he found in the national archives while researching his own autobiography. His book manuscript and upcoming speech have disappeared, and Jamie soon finds out her father uncovered dangerous secrets.
Detective Hiroshi Shimizu and sumo wrestler-turned-detective Sakaguchi dive into the neighborhoods of shitamachi, the back alleys of Golden Gai and the Yokosuka Naval Base to find the sword-wielding killer. When more bodies turn up, Hiroshi must leave the safe confines of his office and use his gut instincts to find what was in Mattson’s book that was enough to kill for.
With advice from veteran detective Takamatsu, who is on suspension, Hiroshi uncovers what Mattson knew—and what it meant. With the future of East Asia in the balance, Hiroshi decides his own safety comes in second, even if he’s too late.
The Moving Blade is the second Tokyo-based mystery in the detective Hiroshi series by award-winning author Michael Pronko.
“One of the year’s best thrillers.”
— Best Thrillers
“A stellar novel with a unique storyline and setting.”
— Booklife Prize
“A true page turner.”
— Blue Ink Review
“Main characters come alive with intelligence, curiosity and imperfections.”
— Blue Ink Review
“This is a great crime novel.”
— Crime Fiction Lover
Awards
Selected as one of 2018’s Best Books by Kirkus Reviews
Grand Prize Winner Chanticleer Reviews Global Thrillers (2018)
Winner Independent Press Award for Crime Fiction (2019)
Gold Award Literary Titan Book Award (2018)
Five Star Honoree B.R.A.G. Medallion (2018)
Gold Award Independent Publisher Awards for Mystery (2019)
Other Novels by Michael Pronko
