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Obake Neko (Ghost Cat): A Pacific Tale
It begins with a disappearance…
In the waning days of World War II, the Obake Neko is the last surviving Sen-Toku—a huge secret aircraft-carrier submarine created by the Imperial Japanese Navy. As the war comes to an end, the Obake Neko sets sail back to Japan with a cargo of unimaginable value. In the chaos of Japanese surrender, the clandestine vessel and its crew vanish in the seas of the South Pacific.
Fifty-five years after the war’s end, former U.S. Navy pilot, Bud Brennan breaks into Pearl Harbor’s submarine museum in Hawaii. Bud’s son, Mike, is still raw from the death of his wife and grappling with a new career but still jumps in to help his dad.
But when Bud’s antics garner the attention of the Navy’s JAG, Mike realizes his father may possess knowledge about the near-mythical Obake Neko and its fabled cargo—knowledge that is also of great value to the Japanese Yakuza.
Now, Mike must scramble to learn the whole truth of his father’s decades-old connection with the legendary Japanese submarine and fight to defend his father from relentless military authorities and deadly Yakuza operatives.
Even decades later, the Obake Neko and its legendary cargo are still worth killing over. Can Mike discover the truth and protect his dad before deadly assailants succeed in silencing Bud forever?
In the waning days of World War II, the Obake Neko is the last surviving Sen-Toku—a huge secret aircraft-carrier submarine created by the Imperial Japanese Navy. As the war comes to an end, the Obake Neko sets sail back to Japan with a cargo of unimaginable value. In the chaos of Japanese surrender, the clandestine vessel and its crew vanish in the seas of the South Pacific.
Fifty-five years after the war’s end, former U.S. Navy pilot, Bud Brennan breaks into Pearl Harbor’s submarine museum in Hawaii. Bud’s son, Mike, is still raw from the death of his wife and grappling with a new career but still jumps in to help his dad.
But when Bud’s antics garner the attention of the Navy’s JAG, Mike realizes his father may possess knowledge about the near-mythical Obake Neko and its fabled cargo—knowledge that is also of great value to the Japanese Yakuza.
Now, Mike must scramble to learn the whole truth of his father’s decades-old connection with the legendary Japanese submarine and fight to defend his father from relentless military authorities and deadly Yakuza operatives.
Even decades later, the Obake Neko and its legendary cargo are still worth killing over. Can Mike discover the truth and protect his dad before deadly assailants succeed in silencing Bud forever?
- GenresHistoricalMystery
349 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 14, 2018
93 people are currently reading
162 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
November 26, 2020
Obake Neko is a slow burn historical fiction. I found there to be readability issues in some parts. It's a good war story outside the war. It's unique & the research has been done. But when you get bogged down in the reading, you know the readability could be better, which has nothing to do with the story.
It's a tale of a secret Japanese sub set off near the end of the war under an Allied air raid as it ventures out to sea. But what is it carrying, and what cargo will it pick up from its Axis allies? And who controls the ghost cat? If you like a unique perspective on WWII, this is a good story for you, but don't expect a fast-paced thriller.
It's a tale of a secret Japanese sub set off near the end of the war under an Allied air raid as it ventures out to sea. But what is it carrying, and what cargo will it pick up from its Axis allies? And who controls the ghost cat? If you like a unique perspective on WWII, this is a good story for you, but don't expect a fast-paced thriller.
June 28, 2018
4 stars
This is a great mystery story that covers a period of time at the end of the Pacific war and the present. The story is both well written and plotted. I enjoyed the characters, especially Sensei. It is a story about an imaginary submarine called Obake Neko or the Ghost Cat. She had been hauling supplies to the soldiers on the Pacific Islands until she was requisitioned on a secret mission.
Meanwhile an American war plane goes down and its four survivors are floating in a raft in the water when the pilot named Bud spots the submarine. What follows is both an adventure and a mystery. It comes back to life in the present when Bud, the only survivor of the floating raft, breaks into the local Navy base near Pearl Harbor to steal documents and then sets them on fire.
The Japanese officer structure and the technical details of the Obake Neko were very interesting. (How much is real, I don’t know. Aircraft on a submarine? How does that work?) I certainly look forward to reading more of Mr. Gillespie’s novels.
I want to thank NetGalley and David Michael Gillespie for forwarding to me a copy of this great book for me to read, enjoy and review.
This is a great mystery story that covers a period of time at the end of the Pacific war and the present. The story is both well written and plotted. I enjoyed the characters, especially Sensei. It is a story about an imaginary submarine called Obake Neko or the Ghost Cat. She had been hauling supplies to the soldiers on the Pacific Islands until she was requisitioned on a secret mission.
Meanwhile an American war plane goes down and its four survivors are floating in a raft in the water when the pilot named Bud spots the submarine. What follows is both an adventure and a mystery. It comes back to life in the present when Bud, the only survivor of the floating raft, breaks into the local Navy base near Pearl Harbor to steal documents and then sets them on fire.
The Japanese officer structure and the technical details of the Obake Neko were very interesting. (How much is real, I don’t know. Aircraft on a submarine? How does that work?) I certainly look forward to reading more of Mr. Gillespie’s novels.
I want to thank NetGalley and David Michael Gillespie for forwarding to me a copy of this great book for me to read, enjoy and review.
August 1, 2018
Obake Neko (Ghost Cat): A Pacific Tale is history and mystery wrapped up in one novel, but David Gillespie combines more than one mystery within its pages. Mike Brennan seems to have his hands full between keeping his father's secret and still preventing him from being court marshaled. Helping his best friend find and preserve the burial place of Kamehameha the Great. Plus, working for his driven uncle.
I found Obake Neko (Ghost Cat): A Pacific Tale very well written, humorous at times. David Gillespie slowly discloses information while going back to the time when Bud Brennan encountered the Japanese submarine, making this a very interesting thriller. The history recorded in this novel shows a lot of research went into writing this book. I will recommend this to history crazed readers, though most would enjoy this fascinating read.
I found Obake Neko (Ghost Cat): A Pacific Tale very well written, humorous at times. David Gillespie slowly discloses information while going back to the time when Bud Brennan encountered the Japanese submarine, making this a very interesting thriller. The history recorded in this novel shows a lot of research went into writing this book. I will recommend this to history crazed readers, though most would enjoy this fascinating read.
June 15, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed the first half of this book. There is no doubt that this is an incredibly creative writer that is very good at creating unique situations. There were a lot of interesting twists and turns I did not see coming (which is unusual for me, I tend to find books and most especially mysteries predictable).
I also really loved the history to the book. I have many relatives that were involved in WWII and as they age and pass on a lot of their stories are lost. I love the idea of taking a real life situation and putting a what-if spin on it. It was an excellent history lesson on WWII Japanese submarines—not an area I was an expert in.
However about halfway through the book I felt like the author ran out of steam. The situations were still pretty remarkable but they relied a lot more on coincidence. (Who thinks of a group of boy scouts shooting invasive species with paint ball guns filled with herbicide to control invasive species? But then what are the chances that the boy scouts will choose the most inopportune moment to march onto private property behind a house owned by a gang to use them?) It didn’t feel like the main character was solving his problems or making progress so much as tripping through situations that happened to work out or run into people that trusted him and helped him for no particular reason.
It can be a little hard to follow. You’re already jumping between times and locations and the author likes to start with ‘He was on the plane to Guam’ and two paragraphs later tell you how we ended up on a plane to Guam. Often it took me a few paragraphs to find my place.
The author also likes to say the main character got the information but not share it immediately with the reader. That’s a pretty normal trick but I was fatigued at how often the author used it by the end.
I was also a little put off by how the female characters are treated. The main character seems to be a bit of a player despite his apparent devotion to his (now dead) wife. Women are picked up and easily dismissed despite an apparent earlier infatuation. It isn’t unusual for him to lie to them or tell them where to go or what to do but ‘it’s better if I don’t explain it all to you.’ Even his mother’s gravestone is dismissive. His father gets a full name, military information. His mother gets, ‘Mary His Wife’.
It had a strong beginning but by the end I was just ready to be done with it. Which was unfortunate for such a creative story told in such a unique way.
I also really loved the history to the book. I have many relatives that were involved in WWII and as they age and pass on a lot of their stories are lost. I love the idea of taking a real life situation and putting a what-if spin on it. It was an excellent history lesson on WWII Japanese submarines—not an area I was an expert in.
However about halfway through the book I felt like the author ran out of steam. The situations were still pretty remarkable but they relied a lot more on coincidence. (Who thinks of a group of boy scouts shooting invasive species with paint ball guns filled with herbicide to control invasive species? But then what are the chances that the boy scouts will choose the most inopportune moment to march onto private property behind a house owned by a gang to use them?) It didn’t feel like the main character was solving his problems or making progress so much as tripping through situations that happened to work out or run into people that trusted him and helped him for no particular reason.
It can be a little hard to follow. You’re already jumping between times and locations and the author likes to start with ‘He was on the plane to Guam’ and two paragraphs later tell you how we ended up on a plane to Guam. Often it took me a few paragraphs to find my place.
The author also likes to say the main character got the information but not share it immediately with the reader. That’s a pretty normal trick but I was fatigued at how often the author used it by the end.
I was also a little put off by how the female characters are treated. The main character seems to be a bit of a player despite his apparent devotion to his (now dead) wife. Women are picked up and easily dismissed despite an apparent earlier infatuation. It isn’t unusual for him to lie to them or tell them where to go or what to do but ‘it’s better if I don’t explain it all to you.’ Even his mother’s gravestone is dismissive. His father gets a full name, military information. His mother gets, ‘Mary His Wife’.
It had a strong beginning but by the end I was just ready to be done with it. Which was unfortunate for such a creative story told in such a unique way.
July 22, 2018
You know exactly what you’re getting with this book and yet it still manages to be impressive and intriguing. It seems to a simple story about finding treasures lost to time by the war with a core father son relationship, which, by the way, is done excellently. Pretty standard, right? Yes, it follows the story of a standard post war mystery, and yet it manages to surpass expectations everywhere.
What David Michael Gillespie has managed to do is take a simple, realistic, and interesting plot and elevate it into something gripping. A real page turner, more mystery and intrigue is around every corner. This is, in part, due to the fantastic writing, but also due to the relationship between father and son, brought ever closer as they get closer and closer to the treasure.
This is a tale that’s been told many times in films such as Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade and adventure or mystery books the world over, but Obake Neko never falls into parody or mere imitation.
Mainly because of the nuances of character and good and evil. This isn’t simply a story about another Allied victory over Axis powers. It is a story about how good can overcome evil at its heart, but the understanding behind Japanese military strategy and the human nature between war and conflict makes it so much more than just a story about winning the war. This is especially because of the time frame it spans. Starting from the close of the war and taking the reader to more recent times, the ripples and repercussions of the war are still felt.
The research and time that went into writing this book are therefore evident, and the way they are put into a story is brilliant. It’s so much more than just a book about finding treasure and finding yourself. It’s a book set in a realistic world filled with nuanced characters.
What David Michael Gillespie has managed to do is take a simple, realistic, and interesting plot and elevate it into something gripping. A real page turner, more mystery and intrigue is around every corner. This is, in part, due to the fantastic writing, but also due to the relationship between father and son, brought ever closer as they get closer and closer to the treasure.
This is a tale that’s been told many times in films such as Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade and adventure or mystery books the world over, but Obake Neko never falls into parody or mere imitation.
Mainly because of the nuances of character and good and evil. This isn’t simply a story about another Allied victory over Axis powers. It is a story about how good can overcome evil at its heart, but the understanding behind Japanese military strategy and the human nature between war and conflict makes it so much more than just a story about winning the war. This is especially because of the time frame it spans. Starting from the close of the war and taking the reader to more recent times, the ripples and repercussions of the war are still felt.
The research and time that went into writing this book are therefore evident, and the way they are put into a story is brilliant. It’s so much more than just a book about finding treasure and finding yourself. It’s a book set in a realistic world filled with nuanced characters.
July 2, 2018
I particularly appreciate historical fiction where an author has clearly done their research, and I definitely got to enjoy that here.
I also have a thing for military fiction that doesn’t focus on the bangs but rather on the people; a little less action and a little more humanity, and once again, the author does a fine job of delivering on that front.
Furthermore, the quality of the writing is excellent; the dialogue credible (often a stumbling block for many writers who manage to tick the other boxes), the world immersive, and the plot well-constructed and well-balanced.
I try to report on some positive and negative for all books I review, no matter how good or bad, but there are some books that make this difficult one way or the other. In this case, it’s difficult to find a point of criticism! If there is any, it may be that while the characters were very human, I never found myself very invested in any of them—but that may speak more of me as a person than the author as a writer!
All in all, a brilliant book that I’d not hesitate to recommend to fans of the genre.
I also have a thing for military fiction that doesn’t focus on the bangs but rather on the people; a little less action and a little more humanity, and once again, the author does a fine job of delivering on that front.
Furthermore, the quality of the writing is excellent; the dialogue credible (often a stumbling block for many writers who manage to tick the other boxes), the world immersive, and the plot well-constructed and well-balanced.
I try to report on some positive and negative for all books I review, no matter how good or bad, but there are some books that make this difficult one way or the other. In this case, it’s difficult to find a point of criticism! If there is any, it may be that while the characters were very human, I never found myself very invested in any of them—but that may speak more of me as a person than the author as a writer!
All in all, a brilliant book that I’d not hesitate to recommend to fans of the genre.
July 28, 2018
During the World War II, German allies, the Japanese, embarked on a refit of a submarine to undertake a mission other than those slated for submarines during this period. Set on course for Germany, the I-403 possessed cargo whose contents were unknown to the crew at that time.
U.S. Flight Lieutenant Bud Brennan, on the course of a failed mission with the B-4 Liberator, stumbles upon the I-403 submarine, and its mysterious cargo. Circumstances surrounding the sighting are unrevealed, and records of the event are unavailable.
More than six decades later, Brennan is on the verge of a court martial, regarding circumstances surrounding the failed mission, the sighting of the I-403 submarine, and details on the cargo contents on the I-403. Hinging on the help from his son, Michael, Brennan must seek for ways to avoid indictment and liability of the cargo transfer of the Obake Neko (Ghost Cat).
Simply, a professional storywriter at his best. Still at a loss if the events actually happened or they are the work of fiction.
U.S. Flight Lieutenant Bud Brennan, on the course of a failed mission with the B-4 Liberator, stumbles upon the I-403 submarine, and its mysterious cargo. Circumstances surrounding the sighting are unrevealed, and records of the event are unavailable.
More than six decades later, Brennan is on the verge of a court martial, regarding circumstances surrounding the failed mission, the sighting of the I-403 submarine, and details on the cargo contents on the I-403. Hinging on the help from his son, Michael, Brennan must seek for ways to avoid indictment and liability of the cargo transfer of the Obake Neko (Ghost Cat).
Simply, a professional storywriter at his best. Still at a loss if the events actually happened or they are the work of fiction.
August 9, 2018
This fascinating tale by David Michael Gillespie will take you back in time to World War II. As this war is coming to a close, there’s still a major secret the Japanese Navy has: the Obake Neko. This is a huge submarine that also serves as an aircraft carrier. However, as the secret vessel works its way back to Japan, a catastrophe occurs and the ship disappears. The story then goes to present day where at Pearl Harbor a former U.S. Navy pilot breaks into a submarine museum. Eventually, it’s believed that he might know some information about this mysterious vessel. However, the information he might know poses a huge danger to his life.
If you’re looking for a gripping novel that you won’t be able to put down, definitely check out this book. It’s not only filled with interesting historical information but packed with suspense. At 347 pages, it might be a little long of a read, but it’s a novel every history and suspense fan should add to their to-read list.
If you’re looking for a gripping novel that you won’t be able to put down, definitely check out this book. It’s not only filled with interesting historical information but packed with suspense. At 347 pages, it might be a little long of a read, but it’s a novel every history and suspense fan should add to their to-read list.
August 25, 2018
I was up all night because I couldn’t put it down!
Obake Neko (Ghost Cat): A Pacific Tail by David Michael Gillespie is a pleasant surprise. I wasn’t expecting to be enthralled by this book, war books aren’t really my thing but it didn’t take Michael Gillespie long to pull me in and get my imagination running! This book is most definitely a war book from the moment you begin but as you read it slowly changes and it quickly becomes filled with mystery and intrigue. Gillespie uses real history and true fats to build around his story which gives it a sense of reality and believability. It is truly a work of art the way he worked everything in and still kept his story captivating enough that his audience won’t want to put it down… at least I didn’t. I was up all night reading because once I started reading, I couldn’t put it down until it was done! I hope to read more from Michael Gillespie soon!
Obake Neko (Ghost Cat): A Pacific Tail by David Michael Gillespie is a pleasant surprise. I wasn’t expecting to be enthralled by this book, war books aren’t really my thing but it didn’t take Michael Gillespie long to pull me in and get my imagination running! This book is most definitely a war book from the moment you begin but as you read it slowly changes and it quickly becomes filled with mystery and intrigue. Gillespie uses real history and true fats to build around his story which gives it a sense of reality and believability. It is truly a work of art the way he worked everything in and still kept his story captivating enough that his audience won’t want to put it down… at least I didn’t. I was up all night reading because once I started reading, I couldn’t put it down until it was done! I hope to read more from Michael Gillespie soon!
June 4, 2018
I come from a family that had three generations of sailors before me, so military history is something I’ve grown up hearing. I really enjoyed the style of this story as it bounced back and forth between history and the fiction the author created. I loved the legend of the ship and how everything came to light as the author cleverly constructed his story. I would love to read more historical fiction from this author as you can tell he put a lot of thought and research into his work. Sometimes, fiction in this genre is hit or miss because some authors do make it sound like you’re reading a history book, which isn’t my cup of tea. Not the case here as the story comes to life and is exciting from the very beginning. I am even planning on reading this book again, because I know I missed out on some of the details that the author strategically placed.
June 19, 2018
Obake Neko is the mythical Japanese ghost ship that disappeared on its way home at the end of WWII. As most War stories center on the main events of the conflicts, in this case it would be Europe or even north Africa, this book centers around the Pacific area of Japan and how the US Navy may or may not fit into the disappearance. When US Navy Veteran Bud breaks into a museum and destroys documents, his son is informed and must come to grips with the fact that his father may not have been telling him the truth all these years. A truth that may well kill them.
Starting off with a cliff hanger, this book stays fast paced throughout, and is infused with historical tidbits as well as plot points that can twist what the reader might think they know so far of the story to come. I thought this story was well written and easily able to grasp my attention.
Starting off with a cliff hanger, this book stays fast paced throughout, and is infused with historical tidbits as well as plot points that can twist what the reader might think they know so far of the story to come. I thought this story was well written and easily able to grasp my attention.
June 19, 2018
Obake Neko (Ghost Cat): A Pacific Tale by David Michael Gillespie is a great book with an intriguing tale to tell. Obake Neko was a Japanese ship that vanished, filled with a mysterious cargo. With an in-depth prologue at the beginning of the book that details Bud's experiences on a life boat, and the alternating chapters between present day and the year 1944, Gillespie has written a compelling mystery. This is a complex war mystery story, but Gillespie does an admirable job of clarifying the information as one goes along reading. Certainly the war story is the focus of this novel, but the relationship between father and son is also looked at as they try to solve a puzzling mystery. Solid writing, good research, interesting historical facts, a fast paced plot and realistic characters all make this a satisfying read. Highly recommend for a compelling and impressive read.
July 20, 2018
Books like this, telling a story of war that doesn’t necessarily depict any fight or something similar are the highlights for me when it comes to books about war.
Even if I don’t know a lot about the previous war, it is not a problem for me to go and do my research, and once I did that I notice how the author masterfully crafted this story, the hints of fiction intertwined between historical events are amazing, also, I like this approach the author took with the story going back and forth from the father’s perspective at war and the son at the current time unraveling the mystery that involves his father in the disappearance of the legendary ‘Obake-Neko’.
This was a completely unexpected surprise, but it caught you from the moment you start and then, there is no going back, a fine read that I recommend to everyone, a thrilling take on World War II.
Even if I don’t know a lot about the previous war, it is not a problem for me to go and do my research, and once I did that I notice how the author masterfully crafted this story, the hints of fiction intertwined between historical events are amazing, also, I like this approach the author took with the story going back and forth from the father’s perspective at war and the son at the current time unraveling the mystery that involves his father in the disappearance of the legendary ‘Obake-Neko’.
This was a completely unexpected surprise, but it caught you from the moment you start and then, there is no going back, a fine read that I recommend to everyone, a thrilling take on World War II.
July 25, 2018
Obake Neko is essentially a tale about searching for sunken treasure. What makes this a standout story is the wonderful and insightful writing. The book is well researched, which is evidenced with the interwoven historical accounts of the varies moments in the book. It's a well paced book, that I really struggled to put down until i'd finished it completely.
I absolutely loved the relationship that exists between Mike and his dad, Bud. For me, the telling of a hunt for Japanese treasure, told through their eyes – largely Mike's eyes, was what made this story very special. I was immediately drawn in from the beginning. You feel the pain that Mike feels when he talks about losing his wife, but you feel the tenderness, love and respect that he feels for his father. I'm a great believer in the power of the characters in books, and Obake Neko/ Ghost Cat delivers on all fronts.
I absolutely loved the relationship that exists between Mike and his dad, Bud. For me, the telling of a hunt for Japanese treasure, told through their eyes – largely Mike's eyes, was what made this story very special. I was immediately drawn in from the beginning. You feel the pain that Mike feels when he talks about losing his wife, but you feel the tenderness, love and respect that he feels for his father. I'm a great believer in the power of the characters in books, and Obake Neko/ Ghost Cat delivers on all fronts.
July 27, 2018
Obake Neko is one great suspense novel. There is mystery at every step- what happened to Bud on the sea and how did he survive capture by the Japanese submarine and where are his colleagues; How did Bud get the money to invest in XEROX; What type of cancer was Spit suffering from; What was the secret mission for Toshi and Jiro; Why does Kawika shy away from showing his terrific swimming skills and allow Mike to be the local hero; Would Mike have a relationship with Sam or Kawika's sister, etc. That said the book is simply spell bounding. As a reader I tried to guess and second guess, but was pleasantly surprised when most of my guesses went wrong and instead I was in for new revelations. The author makes one complete round from the start of the book to the end and serves us a delightful tale.
August 3, 2018
I loved this story. It has adventure, mystery, a bit of fantasy, some history. It was really an interesting story that had me wondering what would come next. I love historical fiction with a twist, so this was right up my alley.
Bud was a great character, along with his son, Mike, who helped give the story a realistic sort of adventure to it. With the use of real life places and spooky stories of the past, I felt the author did a great job researching and did not take the integrity of the story lightly. This can sometimes be overlooked with authors thinking historical fiction means they can rewrite history, when really it should compliment history. Even though there is a bit of fantasy in this book, certainly, I feel there are still very realistic parts that make is a historians dream fiction read.
Bud was a great character, along with his son, Mike, who helped give the story a realistic sort of adventure to it. With the use of real life places and spooky stories of the past, I felt the author did a great job researching and did not take the integrity of the story lightly. This can sometimes be overlooked with authors thinking historical fiction means they can rewrite history, when really it should compliment history. Even though there is a bit of fantasy in this book, certainly, I feel there are still very realistic parts that make is a historians dream fiction read.
August 5, 2018
I enjoyed this novel very much, it is just what I needed for this scorching hot summer days here where I live. Obake Neko intrigued me first with the title, then with the cover and finally grabbed me when I passed about 5 or 6 pages. It is a very suspenseful, rich and well written book, with plenty of details and stuff you might not even notice, but appreciate if you do. It is a history novel and there is no good history novel without patient researching your material when you write it. The author did a good job there. I am not an expert in WW2, but everything seems believable and realistic enough, but also exciting and cool so it is not boring. Perfect balance of facts and fiction. Characters are likable and well rounded so it is really easy to get into the whole story. I loved it, that is a five star book for me, simple as that.
June 19, 2018
An incredible story of a fictional event that sounds very real
This is a story of mystery, treasure, and the search for the truth while trying to stay alive. A secret submarine from the end of world war 2 has been headed home to Japan when it disappears in route. The story takes on a mythic feel and people begin to wonder if it really exists. The present day adventure begins with a break in to the pearl harbor exhibit. The journey is fast paced and takes you on an action packed ride through the sorted history to the mission to find this boat. The characters are well developed and easy to relate to. I enjoyed the storyline and would recommend this one to all the historical adventure loving readers out there.
This is a story of mystery, treasure, and the search for the truth while trying to stay alive. A secret submarine from the end of world war 2 has been headed home to Japan when it disappears in route. The story takes on a mythic feel and people begin to wonder if it really exists. The present day adventure begins with a break in to the pearl harbor exhibit. The journey is fast paced and takes you on an action packed ride through the sorted history to the mission to find this boat. The characters are well developed and easy to relate to. I enjoyed the storyline and would recommend this one to all the historical adventure loving readers out there.
August 25, 2018
David Gillespie is a very talented creative writer that has produced a brilliant novel inspired by history and wrapped in mystery. The plot twists throughout this book have very unexpected outcomes that destroy the typical predictability factor. I found the time jumps throughout the book further poked my curiosity and often resulted in me reading well into the early hours of the morning. My knowledge of the Japanese Navy’s role in World War II is very limited but that did not affect my understanding of the story. I loved the father and son bond and how it intensified through the book. Would highly recommend reading Obake Neko.
July 19, 2018
Secrets, mysteries and an unimaginable discovery, this is a brilliantly written book. I never knew what to expect and was gripped throughout.
The father-son relationship is played out very well and their supportiveness of each other is heart warming.
I really enjoyed the historical aspect to the books, although it is of course a work of fiction there has obviously been a lot of research go into the writing of these.
After living in Tokyo for 6 months, I love anything to do with Japan and it was nice to have this influence within the book.
The father-son relationship is played out very well and their supportiveness of each other is heart warming.
I really enjoyed the historical aspect to the books, although it is of course a work of fiction there has obviously been a lot of research go into the writing of these.
After living in Tokyo for 6 months, I love anything to do with Japan and it was nice to have this influence within the book.
September 20, 2018
Sometimes I get to a point where I feel bogged down in a certain genre and need a change. That is when a Mystery is always my go-to. I feel like they make me think and help get my mind off of things more than any other genre. This one was doubly satisfying because there were historical elements that really give the story more of an authenticity.
The plot was fast paced and flowed smoothly and the characters were those who I really liked reading about. They were interesting and compelling.
The plot was fast paced and flowed smoothly and the characters were those who I really liked reading about. They were interesting and compelling.
September 23, 2018
This novel really took me by surprise. I wasn't sure what to expect and I can say that it completely knocked me off my feet. Such vivid imagery and a great plot and flow to the storyline. The author managed to completely submerse me in the novel from the very beginning. I really enjoyed the trials the characters went through and the history woven throughout. Lots of surprises and times that will make you second guess what you think will happen along the way.
June 22, 2018
Incredible story
And it’s too bad that it’s fiction.
As the story unfolds, talking about Japan’s surrender and the disappointment of Japanese solders on Guam, I remember hearing those stories when I was on Guam in the late 1960’s which made me want the Ghost Cat to be true.
Thanks for a wonderful story that I really wanted to be true.
And it’s too bad that it’s fiction.
As the story unfolds, talking about Japan’s surrender and the disappointment of Japanese solders on Guam, I remember hearing those stories when I was on Guam in the late 1960’s which made me want the Ghost Cat to be true.
Thanks for a wonderful story that I really wanted to be true.
July 25, 2018
History is Mystery!
An historical fiction that connects to reality simply due to its story style, characters, events and smooth transition. The story revolves around the bake Neko that was a Japanese cargo ship which vanished in the past and with a mission to find the ship and the mystery behind it. The author’s creativity, the knowledge of genre is the highlight that keeps reader truly engaged
An historical fiction that connects to reality simply due to its story style, characters, events and smooth transition. The story revolves around the bake Neko that was a Japanese cargo ship which vanished in the past and with a mission to find the ship and the mystery behind it. The author’s creativity, the knowledge of genre is the highlight that keeps reader truly engaged
August 27, 2018
A book with several plots
A well written book with lots of action. A real page turner. Mike sets out to solve a problem for his dad but also must help a friend resolve a family issue. The Obake Neko is a submarine that holds the answers to the problems Mike encounters. There are many issues that need to be solved, making this a complex story.
A well written book with lots of action. A real page turner. Mike sets out to solve a problem for his dad but also must help a friend resolve a family issue. The Obake Neko is a submarine that holds the answers to the problems Mike encounters. There are many issues that need to be solved, making this a complex story.
October 4, 2018
This novel is unique and unlike anything I’ve read recently. It really does take you out of a typical box from even the typical Mystery or Historical. It’s got a great premise and the author delivers a unique and authentic experience at the same time. I was very surprised by that and satisfied after reading!
June 8, 2018
Wonderful historical fiction story about a son and his father trying to uncover hidden secrets of a vanished Japanese submarine. This story definitely pulls you in and you'll not be able to put it down until you've finished the whole thing!
August 25, 2018
Terrific read
I read an average of four books a week. This one is the best I have read in many months. And no, I am not going to comment on the plot or characters since I refuse to create a spoiler.
I read an average of four books a week. This one is the best I have read in many months. And no, I am not going to comment on the plot or characters since I refuse to create a spoiler.
September 14, 2018
A good read
I enjoyed the book. The characters were developed nicely. Good mixture of present time and World War 2. The plot was good and pretty much believable. Looking forward to reading more from the author. Recommended.
I enjoyed the book. The characters were developed nicely. Good mixture of present time and World War 2. The plot was good and pretty much believable. Looking forward to reading more from the author. Recommended.
April 1, 2019
This was a book within a book within a book.
History, mystery and adventure.
When I had to put the book down it was very hard to.
There are nice twists and turns in the book.
I would give it more stars if I could.
History, mystery and adventure.
When I had to put the book down it was very hard to.
There are nice twists and turns in the book.
I would give it more stars if I could.
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