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Shig Sato #1
The Gangster's Son
Facing retirement and weary from caring for his terminally ill wife, Tokyo police Inspector Shig Sato returns to Azabu Police Station and teams up with his old partner, Detective Ken Abe, for his last month with the department.
On his first night back, a young waitress at a jazz club is murdered. Her boyfriend, an American Marine, is missing, and the club owner is nowhere to be found. Sato knows that if the American has anything to do with the murder, it could ignite a political and diplomatic firestorm. Sato believes that find the American is his first duty.
Then Sato learns that the club owner is the son of prominent crime boss Ses Fujimori. Ties between the Fujimoris and Satos go back a generation. It’s something the inspector cannot escape, especially since he asked Fujimori for help in solving a case early in his career. Fujimori agreed, knowing that Sato would be in his debt. With his son now a murder suspect, what will Fujimori demand in return for his cooperation? What price will Sato pay to bring a young woman’s killer to justice?
On his first night back, a young waitress at a jazz club is murdered. Her boyfriend, an American Marine, is missing, and the club owner is nowhere to be found. Sato knows that if the American has anything to do with the murder, it could ignite a political and diplomatic firestorm. Sato believes that find the American is his first duty.
Then Sato learns that the club owner is the son of prominent crime boss Ses Fujimori. Ties between the Fujimoris and Satos go back a generation. It’s something the inspector cannot escape, especially since he asked Fujimori for help in solving a case early in his career. Fujimori agreed, knowing that Sato would be in his debt. With his son now a murder suspect, what will Fujimori demand in return for his cooperation? What price will Sato pay to bring a young woman’s killer to justice?
- GenresMystery
ebook
First published November 25, 2013
53 people are currently reading
108 people want to read
About the author
Joseph Mark Brewer
10 books39 followersJoseph Mark Brewer grew up in Ohio and at an early age developed an interest in reading, writing, and discovering the world around him. An enlistment as a journalist in the US Navy gave him the opportunity to travel throughout Europe and Asia. He has continued working at that craft at publications in the US, Canada, and Japan. His years there are the inspiration for his 12-part Shig Sato Mystery series.
When he's not writing about Shig and Japan, he's busy with the upcoming Tom Becker, Bounty Hunter series; a magical realism romance, and a historical novel about an unlikely murder linked to the 1919 "Black Sox" World Series scandal. He also writes a variety of short fiction, such as his warm-hearted collection of holiday short stories SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN. Some of his short stories have appeared in the international anthologies TWISTED TALES and CROOKED TALES.
When he's not writing about Shig and Japan, he's busy with the upcoming Tom Becker, Bounty Hunter series; a magical realism romance, and a historical novel about an unlikely murder linked to the 1919 "Black Sox" World Series scandal. He also writes a variety of short fiction, such as his warm-hearted collection of holiday short stories SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN. Some of his short stories have appeared in the international anthologies TWISTED TALES and CROOKED TALES.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
June 6, 2015
"Follow the clues . Clues will always tell you what happened and take you where you must go..."
A classic crime thriller . Manages to encompass suspense, tenderness and vivid characterisation . Japan is an alien culture to most and Brewer's key protagonist Shig Sato has a likeable ruggedness mixed with old school charm a perfect blend of mind muscle and a great deal of pathos that transcends cultural stereotypes.
A skilfully written and distinguished work that is both entertaining and absorbing .
March 25, 2015
As a fellow (foreign) author, I have to admit that I’m a bit jealous of Mr. Brewer and his novel “The Gangster’s Son”. Not only did he write an original and tight story set in 1991 in Japan, with references to the American military presence in the country, but interwoven in the tale is a subtle, very profound knowledge of Japanese culture. Having been a martial arts student for almost 30 years, I have always nurtured a keen interest in the Japanese society. Over the years I have had many Japanese sensei and I not only tried to learn their moves but to understand their way of thinking. As a result, I published “Return to Hiroshima” in 2010 in Holland and Belgium. So, I read “The Gangster’s Son” with great interest and growing fascination. I’m not going to summarize the plot: you can find résumés in other reviews. Let me just state that it is a fresh, intelligent, and complex plot and that the police procedures are very convincing. I want to convey especially my admiration for the way Joe Brewer has blended the “exotic” culture and ubiquitous human emotions like compassion, fear and sadness. Japanese may think different in many ways from Westerners but in the end they face the same emotions. The result of this suspenseful but also poignant mixture is far from a run-of-the-mill thriller but a compelling story with multi-layered characters. Congratulations, mr. Brewer, I feel a new twang of jealousy coming up….
March 8, 2015
The Gangster’s Son was one of the best books I’ve read in a while. Joe Brewer’s writing style – clearly rooted in journalistic training – brought each character to life almost immediately. There were multiple threads moving in sync, but not one of them stumbled over another, nor confused the reader. There were good guys, bad guys and guys in between, but you care about just about every one of them. Can’t wait till the next adventure with Shig Sato.
Strong recommendation for The Gangster’s Son.
Strong recommendation for The Gangster’s Son.
April 4, 2015
Excellent mystery. Clever writing. I particularly enjoyed the interplay of characters with the main character, Shig Sato. He is well developed, and I look forward to reading the next Shig Sato novel.
May 30, 2015
Finally, an intriguing detective thriller set in Japan that refuses to turn the lead characters into caricatures, and base its premise on such tropes as sushi and martial arts. Reading author Joseph Brewer's biography, he did a tour of duty in the US Navy and spent considerable time in Asia. The author’s regard and insider perspective on Japan in general, and Tokyo in particular, bring an authenticity and sense of immediacy to this richly rendered narrative.
I liked Shig Sato, the senior detective driven to solve the mystery of the murdered nightclub waitress. He is flawed in the way us humans tend to be; trapped by family history and tradition. Witnessing the good detective navigate his way between the shoals of organized crime, corrupt superiors, influence peddling corporate titans, ambivalent subordinates, and the American military and personal heartbreak--in his quest to track down loathsome yakuza street punks--makes for a fascinating read.
By lifting the veil, ever so slightly, on the Japanese's enigmatic (to Westerners) ways and rich culture, Brewer helps us understand our larger world a little better—without sacrificing a damn good read. He doesn't flinch from unsettled matters such as the resistance in some quarters to the American military presence in Japan or the ethnic divisions that divide, specifically bigotry; Nor should he as this is the world that his relentless detective, Shig Sato, inhabits. With the detective's wonderful debut in "The Gangster's Son", I look forward to soon reading the next Shig Sato mystery.....
Review by Mark Fine The Zebra Affaire
I liked Shig Sato, the senior detective driven to solve the mystery of the murdered nightclub waitress. He is flawed in the way us humans tend to be; trapped by family history and tradition. Witnessing the good detective navigate his way between the shoals of organized crime, corrupt superiors, influence peddling corporate titans, ambivalent subordinates, and the American military and personal heartbreak--in his quest to track down loathsome yakuza street punks--makes for a fascinating read.
By lifting the veil, ever so slightly, on the Japanese's enigmatic (to Westerners) ways and rich culture, Brewer helps us understand our larger world a little better—without sacrificing a damn good read. He doesn't flinch from unsettled matters such as the resistance in some quarters to the American military presence in Japan or the ethnic divisions that divide, specifically bigotry; Nor should he as this is the world that his relentless detective, Shig Sato, inhabits. With the detective's wonderful debut in "The Gangster's Son", I look forward to soon reading the next Shig Sato mystery.....
Review by Mark Fine The Zebra Affaire
February 1, 2014
Disclaimer: I received an e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
Shig Sato took a hiatus from the police department, working security details for the Japanese elite to spend more time with his wife. However, now he's back at his desk and ready for action. Too bad his very first night back, a waitress is murdered at a jazz club owned by the son of a family friend. Shig must decide which is a higher priority: solving the case and bringing her killer to justice, or supporting his honor code to a friend to whom he is indebted.
This was a very interesting book from the start, and it really pulled me in. I felt like I understood the various cultural aspects, even though I have basically no idea about anything Japanese. The author does a very good job of explaining various ideas related to the area, the culture, the way of life, etc. As for Shig, I really identified with him: He's a man working at a job he loves, trying to do the right thing by everyone, but he just can't seem to make everything line up to keep everyone happy. Haven't we all been down that road a time or two? The only problem is, he gets stuck between a rock and a hard place once certain details of the case come to light, and he must contemplate his next point of action very carefully. What does he decide to do? You'll have to read it to find out.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a good mystery, who has a penchant for police procedurals, and/or who might be interested in learning a little about the Japanese culture.
4 stars
Shig Sato took a hiatus from the police department, working security details for the Japanese elite to spend more time with his wife. However, now he's back at his desk and ready for action. Too bad his very first night back, a waitress is murdered at a jazz club owned by the son of a family friend. Shig must decide which is a higher priority: solving the case and bringing her killer to justice, or supporting his honor code to a friend to whom he is indebted.
This was a very interesting book from the start, and it really pulled me in. I felt like I understood the various cultural aspects, even though I have basically no idea about anything Japanese. The author does a very good job of explaining various ideas related to the area, the culture, the way of life, etc. As for Shig, I really identified with him: He's a man working at a job he loves, trying to do the right thing by everyone, but he just can't seem to make everything line up to keep everyone happy. Haven't we all been down that road a time or two? The only problem is, he gets stuck between a rock and a hard place once certain details of the case come to light, and he must contemplate his next point of action very carefully. What does he decide to do? You'll have to read it to find out.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a good mystery, who has a penchant for police procedurals, and/or who might be interested in learning a little about the Japanese culture.
4 stars
April 17, 2015
I typically don't read this type of novel but I found I really enjoyed it.
The Gangster's Son starts off as "a mystery who done it" centering around the murder of Kimi Yamada. The veteran inspector Shig Sato is on the case and quickly start working the clues. As the novel progresses we were given extensive background on inspector Shig Sato and we see he is not only a loving husband and an honorable man he is also a very dedicated police inspector.
The actual mystery of the case wasn't that difficult for the inspector to solve but, there is a bit of an unexpected twist at the end. This novel is building the world of the Shig Sato Mysteries. We meet the main characters and get insight on who they are. Are they friend vs foe, what roles they are going to play in Shig's world. I think it is a great start and I am very curious to see what comes next especially with Superintendent Tanaka gunning for Soto!....Sara
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The Gangster's Son starts off as "a mystery who done it" centering around the murder of Kimi Yamada. The veteran inspector Shig Sato is on the case and quickly start working the clues. As the novel progresses we were given extensive background on inspector Shig Sato and we see he is not only a loving husband and an honorable man he is also a very dedicated police inspector.
The actual mystery of the case wasn't that difficult for the inspector to solve but, there is a bit of an unexpected twist at the end. This novel is building the world of the Shig Sato Mysteries. We meet the main characters and get insight on who they are. Are they friend vs foe, what roles they are going to play in Shig's world. I think it is a great start and I am very curious to see what comes next especially with Superintendent Tanaka gunning for Soto!....Sara
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https://www.facebook.com/BBReviews
June 4, 2017
This is a very good crime investigation novel, involving the main character soon-to-retire Detective Shig Sato, who needs to solve a murder case that could involve the son of a yakuza empire boss with whom he has a family debt that he may need to pay back. He needs to solve the crime by meeting his obligations to his job, meet the debt he believes he owes to the yakuza family, and avoid a high ranking official who is trying to destroy Sato's career before his retirement. (NB There's a clever twist near the end that occurs to help him to all of this.)
The sequence of events and the following investigations, along with Sato's own emotional trauma, are very well constructed. It also includes a clear insight to the Japanese culture, without it being too obvious or distracting.
Looking forward to reading the follow-up stories.
The sequence of events and the following investigations, along with Sato's own emotional trauma, are very well constructed. It also includes a clear insight to the Japanese culture, without it being too obvious or distracting.
Looking forward to reading the follow-up stories.
June 17, 2017
This is a great thriller, when I started it I immediately felt comfortable with the authors slow style of writing. It is reminiscent of the old time detectives of the 1930's and 40's. Shiv has a keen intellect and years of experience behind him so he knows exactly how to catch his criminals. In his last case before his retirement he has a lot to deal with which makes his job much more difficult. Especially the illness of his beloved wife which is heartbreaking and divided loyalties from childhood obligations. I really love this author and want to read all his books.
May 6, 2021
As my first introduction to this author, I was pleasantly surprised. The narrative voice was easy, the pace good and the plot held my interest throughout. It was really good to have an introduction to a familiar genre in a different setting and one that was very authentically portrayed. I liked the protagonist, Shig Sato, flawed but honourable, but even more than our detective, I really liked his wife. At the end, it was her I felt a sadness at leaving. I recommend this.
May 10, 2017
Murder Mystery Set In Tokyo
This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and there is a lot to like. The descriptions of neighborhoods in Tokyo and of the people were excellent. I would have liked to get a better feel for the main character’s ability as a super sleuth. Perhaps the author is saving that for the next books in the series. An interesting read.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and there is a lot to like. The descriptions of neighborhoods in Tokyo and of the people were excellent. I would have liked to get a better feel for the main character’s ability as a super sleuth. Perhaps the author is saving that for the next books in the series. An interesting read.
March 10, 2018
Kimi
A young woman, a waitress named Kimi Yamada, is found murdered in the alley of a nightclub. Shig Sato, along with his team, Abe, Kato and Endo start the investigation by looking at the boyfriend first. This is the inspector's last case on the police force. He's retiring and becoming a private investigator. Some sad moments but a very enjoyable read!
A young woman, a waitress named Kimi Yamada, is found murdered in the alley of a nightclub. Shig Sato, along with his team, Abe, Kato and Endo start the investigation by looking at the boyfriend first. This is the inspector's last case on the police force. He's retiring and becoming a private investigator. Some sad moments but a very enjoyable read!
July 12, 2018
A murder of a young girl. Where will it lead? Will they find out about Sato’s secret? Can they find the killer(s)? What will the top brass do? What about his arch enemy find anything on him? How’s his wife will she make it or not?
January 10, 2018
A brilliant thrilling cop / crime drama I loved it!!!!
October 9, 2019
First of this series I have read. Fast paced plenty of plot twists.
Wii be reading book one when I complete this review.
Wii be reading book one when I complete this review.
June 26, 2020
Good story
Good characters
Fascinating plot
Great read
Well worth a Read
Good characters
Fascinating plot
Great read
Well worth a Read
September 29, 2015
With his first novel, Joseph Mark Brewer has created a fascinating character in Shig Sato. Set in 1991 Japan this is not just another murder mystery or detective story. With subtle and not so subtle hints at the political climate of the time, Japan’s gangster culture and the yakuza, and the antipathy for the American military presence in Japan, Brewer builds a tale of suspense. This who-done-it is richly written, setting the stage for old friendships and the Japanese respect for paying off “debts”. A society based on honor also has a dark side and the responsibilities of the past are sometimes used for dishonest gains. Shig Sato is a man of honor who is returning to work after taking time off to care for his terminally ill wife. As he investigates the murder of a cocktail waitress he must navigate the thorny paths of possible American military involvement, the uneasy relationship of an old friend’s son to the crime, and the jealousy of others in the police force who seek to dishonor him. Juggling all these balls he is also coping with the deterioration of his wife’s medical condition and the knowledge she does not have long to live. The latter is important to the plot since it often explains some of the missteps this smart investigator makes as he searches the clues for answers to the mystery. Torn between debts from his past and his drive for justice, Sato must decide what is right. It is his dying wife who finally leads him to the answer. Vividly bringing the terrain of Japan to life with his descriptions of neighborhoods and their inhabitants, Brewer skillfully allows Sato to lead us through his hunt for the killer. With a surprising twist at the end, Sato proves he is more than capable in spite of the road blocks he faces. This is a clever story that held my interest from the beginning. I look forward to the next adventure of Shig Sato. There are some typos and errors but the story is so good they had no impact on my enjoyment of the book.
August 9, 2014
I lived in Japan for a few years and when I stumbled across this mystery (my preferred genre) this book piqued my curiosity so I gave it a look, despite the author being previously unpublished. I was only able to finish five chapters before I finally gave up on this poorly written thriller. The prose is pedestrian at best with a tendency toward overly livid prose. The characters are weakly sketched (and not terribly original) and the story, as much as there is one, is awkwardly handled and not very interesting. Pass with extreme prejudice on this less than average work.
April 3, 2017
The first in a Shig Sato mystery certainly starts the series off with a bang.. A well written with a strong plot and interesting characters keeps you page turning and wanting more. Lots of suspense, drama, surprises and lots of twists will keep you on the edge of your seat. A great book that will make you want to read #2 ASAP. No spoilers here - but you will love this book.
April 5, 2017
reviewed on amazon
April 18, 2017
Did I like it?
Absolutely. It’s a bit like a cosy mystery. No gore, no descriptive sex. (no sex at all, it’s located in Japan) There are several possibilities for a series (for example: back story is only hinted at, Sato retiring, becoming a PI. Commissioner already mentioned that he might need him in the future). And not to forget I’m kind of Japanophile. "shinnichi" (親日) in Japanese.
What I didn’t like
That it took me so long to discover it. And I do have a little problem with the piece concerning the super-rich. The possible future client when Sato retires. Link was made via the commissioner. Who could remember that Sato thinks about becoming a PI after his retirement. Super rich reveals that he has links with the Fujimori clan. And then? If it’s a hint to future books then fine for me. If not, then what’s the point of it? It’s a loose thread. Revealing something about Sato’s character?
Would I recommend it?
For sure. A mystery without gore, a bit of police procedure. Interesting characters with a lot of potential for upcoming books. Recommended. And as I said I’m kind of Japanophile
Absolutely. It’s a bit like a cosy mystery. No gore, no descriptive sex. (no sex at all, it’s located in Japan) There are several possibilities for a series (for example: back story is only hinted at, Sato retiring, becoming a PI. Commissioner already mentioned that he might need him in the future). And not to forget I’m kind of Japanophile. "shinnichi" (親日) in Japanese.
What I didn’t like
That it took me so long to discover it. And I do have a little problem with the piece concerning the super-rich. The possible future client when Sato retires. Link was made via the commissioner. Who could remember that Sato thinks about becoming a PI after his retirement. Super rich reveals that he has links with the Fujimori clan. And then? If it’s a hint to future books then fine for me. If not, then what’s the point of it? It’s a loose thread. Revealing something about Sato’s character?
Would I recommend it?
For sure. A mystery without gore, a bit of police procedure. Interesting characters with a lot of potential for upcoming books. Recommended. And as I said I’m kind of Japanophile
November 2, 2018
this is the best ebook i have read to date. the author does not feel obliged to rush it or to overlook character. the pacing of this book is just perfect - you enjoy every word. not too many. not too few. no padding and no rushing, this is great writing. the several characters feel very real even though i have never been to japan or met a Japanese. you want to read more of these characters. and to read more of this really different world.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews