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Ways to Die in Tokyo
"[A] stunning debut thriller... Five stars for fans of Japan, action, and protagonists with a (long) shot at redemption." -- Barry Eisler, New York Times bestselling author
A down-on-his-luck MMA fighter thinks he's hit rock bottom. But his troubles are only just beginning.
For years Hank Fisher has chased his dream of becoming a mixed martial arts champion. Now he's on a losing streak in his adopted home of Tokyo, Japan, and realizing maybe the dream was never meant to be. Broke, divorced, and alone, he hasn't seen his ex-wife and twin sons in two years and has no idea where they are. He gets kicked out of his gym after an altercation with a training partner and thinks he's hit rock bottom.
But Fisher's troubles are only just beginning. The PI he hired to find his family wants more money before he'll tell Fisher where they are. So when a friend tells Fisher about a high-paying bodyguard gig for a yakuza group, Fisher throws caution to the wind and takes the job.
But the job doesn't go as planned, and within forty-eight hours, Fisher has hurt one of the men he was hired to protect, unwittingly stolen a bag of drug money, and become a possible murder suspect. On the run from a pack of ruthless gangsters, the cops and a US federal agent he doesn't know whether he can trust, it doesn't seem like things can get any worse for Hank Fisher.
Until, that is, his friends start dying.
Now he has to stay alive long enough to save his family from the same fate.
A down-on-his-luck MMA fighter thinks he's hit rock bottom. But his troubles are only just beginning.
For years Hank Fisher has chased his dream of becoming a mixed martial arts champion. Now he's on a losing streak in his adopted home of Tokyo, Japan, and realizing maybe the dream was never meant to be. Broke, divorced, and alone, he hasn't seen his ex-wife and twin sons in two years and has no idea where they are. He gets kicked out of his gym after an altercation with a training partner and thinks he's hit rock bottom.
But Fisher's troubles are only just beginning. The PI he hired to find his family wants more money before he'll tell Fisher where they are. So when a friend tells Fisher about a high-paying bodyguard gig for a yakuza group, Fisher throws caution to the wind and takes the job.
But the job doesn't go as planned, and within forty-eight hours, Fisher has hurt one of the men he was hired to protect, unwittingly stolen a bag of drug money, and become a possible murder suspect. On the run from a pack of ruthless gangsters, the cops and a US federal agent he doesn't know whether he can trust, it doesn't seem like things can get any worse for Hank Fisher.
Until, that is, his friends start dying.
Now he has to stay alive long enough to save his family from the same fate.
386 pages, Paperback
Published April 7, 2022
17 people are currently reading
57 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
April 22, 2022
Such a good read, well written, compelling storyline that was twisty and unpredictable, and well developed characters. I couldn't put this book down.
July 3, 2022
3 stars!
I think I was left a bit underwhelmed. I ADORED the plot which is why I picked it up but for me personally, it could've been a lot better???
Maybe it's just my expectations talking but I felt that the plot was a bit all over the place. And it was more of "lets give our MMC ALL the bad luck we can find" which for some reason didn't really resonate with me.
Also, I felt that the first chapter was really throwing people off so instead of calling it 'chapter 1', it should be the prologue or something. It had no relation to the next chapters for a while so there's that.
I liked the ending though and enjoyed the way it was written. Felt like a full circle coming. But I also think this would work much better as a movie script than a book but that's just me.
*** I received this book as an ARC from Netgalley ***
I think I was left a bit underwhelmed. I ADORED the plot which is why I picked it up but for me personally, it could've been a lot better???
Maybe it's just my expectations talking but I felt that the plot was a bit all over the place. And it was more of "lets give our MMC ALL the bad luck we can find" which for some reason didn't really resonate with me.
Also, I felt that the first chapter was really throwing people off so instead of calling it 'chapter 1', it should be the prologue or something. It had no relation to the next chapters for a while so there's that.
I liked the ending though and enjoyed the way it was written. Felt like a full circle coming. But I also think this would work much better as a movie script than a book but that's just me.
*** I received this book as an ARC from Netgalley ***
September 23, 2024
When I first started reading the book, I wasn't too sure that it was something that I would continue to read. Once you get through the first few chapters, everything started to meld together and I really enjoyed it! Hank Fischer is an MMA fighter who convinces his wife to uproot their lives and move to Tokyo in the hopes that he can pursue that as a career choice. Despite intensive training, he doesn't achieve the success that he hopes for. This and the injuries he sustains, changes him and makes him predisposed to violent behaviour. After a violent episode with his wife and son; they leave him and don't provide a forwarding address. He hires a private detective who does locate them but wants more money before he'll provide Hank with the information. Hank doesn't have the money, so he contacts his friend Akio for a quick and well paying gig. Unfortunately, the job involves a Japanese crime organization (Yakuza) and it goes awry. As Hank flees from the gangsters, anyone that he has associated is a risk from being harmed or killed. I won't divulge any further details but it's a wild ride to the finish!
January 23, 2026
What a fantastic read!
I picked up this booked knowing nothing about the storyline, except for the title giving away that it is set in Tokyo. But coming out of it, I feel like I’ve learnt so much about Tokyo as well as enjoying a well thought-out and constructed thriller.
The first few chapters were a bit slow and left me wondering what was going on but then the novel all of a sudden hits the ground running. And while some parts the main character gets *very* lucky, it’s not impossible or unbelievable to imagine the situations happening in reality, which just adds to the charm of this story.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a crime or thriller novel.
I picked up this booked knowing nothing about the storyline, except for the title giving away that it is set in Tokyo. But coming out of it, I feel like I’ve learnt so much about Tokyo as well as enjoying a well thought-out and constructed thriller.
The first few chapters were a bit slow and left me wondering what was going on but then the novel all of a sudden hits the ground running. And while some parts the main character gets *very* lucky, it’s not impossible or unbelievable to imagine the situations happening in reality, which just adds to the charm of this story.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a crime or thriller novel.
March 30, 2024
I received a complimentary copy from Thomas Ran Garver through Voracious Readers Only! This book is fast-paced, with lots tension. In an awesome way! I was rooting for the main character the entire time, personally. There’s violence which was awesome and not heavy handed. For once I could actually follow the fight scenes, so thank you Garver! I liked how there was a love story but that it didn’t overshadow anything. I’ve never been to Tokyo, now I’m feeling like I need to go, because of this book! I couldn’t put it down.
August 28, 2022
I DNF this
October 23, 2023
I loved this book! I got a chance to read it through Voracious Readers and I’m so happy i did! We are currently planning a trip to Japan so i was super excited to get this! The story kept me on my toes! So much is happening all the time ! Sometimes you forget its based on a super short timeline! All of the characters and their stories flow so well together.
May 22, 2024
A really enjoyable book
crimes and corruption in Tokyo
had me engrossed from beginning to the end
definitely recommended
crimes and corruption in Tokyo
had me engrossed from beginning to the end
definitely recommended
July 22, 2025
I was sent this book by Author for a honest review.Really good book. Easy to read for me described well can imagine in my head. enjoyed reading and would recommend.
Want to read
May 1, 2022Ways to Die in Tokyo by Thomas Ran Garver was a Home Run! This novel is well written with great character development. Do yourself a favor and purchase this book now. Thank you to NetGalley and BookBaby for this copy.
April 10, 2023
READ MY FULL REVIEW AT Best Thriller Books
Make sure to check out the full review
Make sure to check out the full review
March 19, 2024
Hank Fischer is no super hero. He makes some mistakes in life and in combat. He's no Jason Bourne and he's no James Bond. He gets beat up and cut and bruised and sore. He get through life with perseverance and the love for his family despite his flaws. It's the realistic component to Hank that makes this book compelling and gritty. The author's background in marshal arts shines through in the action sequences and the many twists and turns of the plot keep up the suspense. Nice job sir!
April 16, 2024
Ways to Die in Tokyo is one of those stories that keep you reading through the night, when he thought his life could not get any worse it was when his troubles really began. The story has a great plot, lots of action, it's well-written and fast-paced, a must-read for the lovers of the genre!
I thank Mr. Garver, his publisher, and NetGalley for the copy of this book.
I thank Mr. Garver, his publisher, and NetGalley for the copy of this book.
April 3, 2023
This was a mix of thriller and romance, the violence didn't spoil it, however it was sometimes hard to believe our 'hero' was still alive!!! I cared about the characters and enjoyed the story as it unfolded. I received a complimentary copy through Voracious readers only and look forward to reading future novels by this author.
March 23, 2023
Hank Fisher is a MMA fighter living in Tokyo whose life is about to take a turn for the worse. It goes from bad and continues to get worse. All he wants is do is find his wife and kids but it seems like everyone is against him. This is a terrific read. Hank is a very interesting character and I really felt bad for how his life was going. Lots of action, fighting and bad guys. Can Hank redeem himself? You don't want to stop reading until you get to the exciting end. Definitely recommend this book and looking forward to reading more from the author. I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers Only.
September 29, 2023
Ways to Die in Tokyo is the action book that like it's main character, washed-up MMA fighter Hank Fisher, keeps going and going and going.
With every page turn, Fisher seems to face more and more people who are out to get him; and he's not at all helped by some of his decision making.
All of this keeps the plot ticking along at a fast pace. Even when Fisher has a tiny bit of recovery time, the tension is still there lurking in the background, and that keeps you turning the page, hoping against hope that his next decision will assist him to pull everything together and get himself out of the hole he keeps digging for himself.
This is a fabulous book if you're a fan of action thrillers, and especially so if you have a hankering for some Japanese Yakuza action.
Many thanks to both the author and VRO for the complimentary copy on which this review is based.
With every page turn, Fisher seems to face more and more people who are out to get him; and he's not at all helped by some of his decision making.
All of this keeps the plot ticking along at a fast pace. Even when Fisher has a tiny bit of recovery time, the tension is still there lurking in the background, and that keeps you turning the page, hoping against hope that his next decision will assist him to pull everything together and get himself out of the hole he keeps digging for himself.
This is a fabulous book if you're a fan of action thrillers, and especially so if you have a hankering for some Japanese Yakuza action.
Many thanks to both the author and VRO for the complimentary copy on which this review is based.
October 8, 2023
A great first novel - action packed & in a part of the world I would love to spend time in.
A down on his luck MMA fighter and an American transplant to Japan, Hank Fisher just can't win for losing.
When he gets kicked out of the gym for an overzealous response to dirty fighting tactics by his training partner, his downward spiral accelerates until he finds himself in the middle of a Yakuza turf war, the body count is rising & the only person he can turn to is an US LEO who slept with his wife.
Although a fairly standard formula, I enjoyed the small glimpses of Japanese culture & I liked the characters for the most part.
However, I did feel that the main protagonist was just a little too unlucky for believability. I also lost any desire for the "little guy" to win when he resorted to the usual violence when things didn't go his way with his family.
My thanks to the author via Voracious Readers Only for the chance to read his book in exchange for review.
A down on his luck MMA fighter and an American transplant to Japan, Hank Fisher just can't win for losing.
When he gets kicked out of the gym for an overzealous response to dirty fighting tactics by his training partner, his downward spiral accelerates until he finds himself in the middle of a Yakuza turf war, the body count is rising & the only person he can turn to is an US LEO who slept with his wife.
Although a fairly standard formula, I enjoyed the small glimpses of Japanese culture & I liked the characters for the most part.
However, I did feel that the main protagonist was just a little too unlucky for believability. I also lost any desire for the "little guy" to win when he resorted to the usual violence when things didn't go his way with his family.
My thanks to the author via Voracious Readers Only for the chance to read his book in exchange for review.
February 23, 2023
This book is a fast paced thriller and full of action in every nook and cranny of the narration. As a debut book, the plot is well thought out and cleverly conceptualized. It is about a MMA fighter who is inadvertently involved in Japan's underworld of organized crime. The protagonist is not the typical hero either as his backstory is not under ideal circumstances. The setting is in Tokyo which the author is obviously familiar with as he points out the local customs and traditions of the country as the story unfolds. The reader is given a glimpse of how the gangster scene works in Japan- " the other side of Japan" as one of the characters would say. Some action scenes were too "incredible" but other that, the reader will be captivated and enthralled with the twists and turns of story development. I received a copy of this book from VRO in exchange for a review.
May 23, 2022
I was very pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. It's every bit as good as Barry Eisler's series set in Japan and I hope that Garver has more books to come.
If, like me, you're an old Japan hand, you'll be very pleased at the accuracy of description and Japanese terms. But the characters and story are what makes this book. I could not put it down what with all the twists and turns and seemingly impossible situations that our poor hero gets himself into. And... dare I say... this would make an absolutely awesome movie.
I wasn't sure when I heard this was a first book and my initial expectations were not high, but boy was I wrong. Author, keep writing, please!
If, like me, you're an old Japan hand, you'll be very pleased at the accuracy of description and Japanese terms. But the characters and story are what makes this book. I could not put it down what with all the twists and turns and seemingly impossible situations that our poor hero gets himself into. And... dare I say... this would make an absolutely awesome movie.
I wasn't sure when I heard this was a first book and my initial expectations were not high, but boy was I wrong. Author, keep writing, please!
November 4, 2023
I got to be an ARC reader on this book and it was totally worth it! Thank you to the author and Voracious Readers Only for the chance! This was an action packed storyline I couldn’t find my way out of! We’ve all been where Hank is, just trying to pull ourselves out of trouble or tough times but when he sticks his foot in it, Hank really makes a mess of things. I couldn’t stop, I had to see if he’d be reunited with his family and survive the trouble he got into! I almost have to wonder if he’s going to do something next!
August 1, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️¾
Ways to Die in Tokyo is a moody, atmospheric dive into Tokyo’s underbelly, with rich detail and a noir vibe that really pulls you in. I especially loved Hiroshi, the retired detective turned bar owner—his quiet complexity gave the story real weight.
Some of the middle dragged a bit with overly poetic descriptions that slowed the pace, but the emotional payoff in the final chapters—especially the scene by the Kanda River—was worth it. A thoughtful, haunting read that lingers after the last page.
Ways to Die in Tokyo is a moody, atmospheric dive into Tokyo’s underbelly, with rich detail and a noir vibe that really pulls you in. I especially loved Hiroshi, the retired detective turned bar owner—his quiet complexity gave the story real weight.
Some of the middle dragged a bit with overly poetic descriptions that slowed the pace, but the emotional payoff in the final chapters—especially the scene by the Kanda River—was worth it. A thoughtful, haunting read that lingers after the last page.
July 10, 2023
I got Ways to Die in Tokyo from Voracious Readers only. I absolutely enjoyed this book, it was well written and it was easy to care for and be intrigued by the main character which kept me glued to the book. However, I think the plot was a bit much, so many things happening. But that aside, it was a great read!
March 2, 2023
This was a free book from voracious reader, for a review. It took me a while to get into this book. Then it started to move and I couldn't stop reading it until I finished the book. The twists and turns, and the moving between characters cliffhangers kept me going. I loved it.
May 28, 2022
Good stuff. Reminded me of a Barry Eisler story. Good pacing, good action, interesting characters. A good bet for thriller fans. Recommended.
Thanks very much for the free ARC for review!!
Thanks very much for the free ARC for review!!
July 28, 2023
A free book from Voracious Readers thank you
A well written thriller with good characters and a well developed plot. Unexpected twists keep you engaged.
A well written thriller with good characters and a well developed plot. Unexpected twists keep you engaged.
September 10, 2023
I received a copy of this book for free from Voracious Readers Only in exchange for an honest review.
OK, so I admit I'm very biased. I'll snap up anything if it's set in my favourite city/former home that I haven't been back to in way too long, and I'll forgive a lot in a book if it takes me back there. That said, I don't think there was much that needed to be forgiven here. I was pretty much hooked from the start and finished it in one sitting, enjoying the last of this unseasonable September heatwave which only added to the nostalgia.
I did bounce off the detailed descriptions of fight scenes, but I'm sure a martial artist would love them. I was extremely irritated at the main character's ex-wife for refusing to even entertain the notion that when someone tells you you're in danger, maybe a little healthy paranoia would be a good thing. But apart from those two tiny things, I really enjoyed this one and agree with the reviewer I saw below who said that it would make a fantastic movie.
(Bonus points for setting a chase scene in a department store I used to shop in when I fancied a treat for dinner, and for ensuring I never look at a yakitori skewer the same way again.)
OK, so I admit I'm very biased. I'll snap up anything if it's set in my favourite city/former home that I haven't been back to in way too long, and I'll forgive a lot in a book if it takes me back there. That said, I don't think there was much that needed to be forgiven here. I was pretty much hooked from the start and finished it in one sitting, enjoying the last of this unseasonable September heatwave which only added to the nostalgia.
I did bounce off the detailed descriptions of fight scenes, but I'm sure a martial artist would love them. I was extremely irritated at the main character's ex-wife for refusing to even entertain the notion that when someone tells you you're in danger, maybe a little healthy paranoia would be a good thing. But apart from those two tiny things, I really enjoyed this one and agree with the reviewer I saw below who said that it would make a fantastic movie.
(Bonus points for setting a chase scene in a department store I used to shop in when I fancied a treat for dinner, and for ensuring I never look at a yakitori skewer the same way again.)
August 29, 2022
★★★ 3 stars!
A little trainwreck-y but good.
This one was like 'if you wanna know how much crap is too much to put on a guy before he starts going berserk on the yakuza, stay tuned'.
The writing was good. Though I did have a hard time keeping up in the beginning, setting the atmosphere of the book helped. It painted an unsettling image of Japan that's very key to the feel of danger and rush in this whole book. The thriller part, I'd say, was in the rush of it all — he's running, and hiding, and chasing and then fighting, plotting, then fighting once more. It was fast-paced and packed. I would say though, I'm a little bummed to know that it was all just rowdy delinquent juvenile gangster pulling the strings.
And, Lisa annoyed the living crap out of me.
I just realized that I read so little of the works that's set in Asia which shocked me a little 'cause I'm Asian, omg.
Also, that cover is so pretty.
Thanks so much to Netgalley for the copy!
Plot: ★★★
Writing: ★★★
Publication date: 07 April 2022
I received an advance copy in exchange for honest thoughts and review.
A little trainwreck-y but good.
This one was like 'if you wanna know how much crap is too much to put on a guy before he starts going berserk on the yakuza, stay tuned'.
The writing was good. Though I did have a hard time keeping up in the beginning, setting the atmosphere of the book helped. It painted an unsettling image of Japan that's very key to the feel of danger and rush in this whole book. The thriller part, I'd say, was in the rush of it all — he's running, and hiding, and chasing and then fighting, plotting, then fighting once more. It was fast-paced and packed. I would say though, I'm a little bummed to know that it was all just rowdy delinquent juvenile gangster pulling the strings.
And, Lisa annoyed the living crap out of me.
I just realized that I read so little of the works that's set in Asia which shocked me a little 'cause I'm Asian, omg.
Also, that cover is so pretty.
Thanks so much to Netgalley for the copy!
Plot: ★★★
Writing: ★★★
Publication date: 07 April 2022
I received an advance copy in exchange for honest thoughts and review.
February 23, 2023
Hank is down on his luck, he's a fighter on a losing streak and he can't find his ex-wife and children. He decides that he will take a job as a bodyguard for some dangerous people. Everything that can go wrong is going wrong for him. Now he has a fight to survive for his life and family. A crime thriller that has suspense and thrills. The plot and characters are artfully written. A fast-paced thriller story.
Disclaimer: Thank you NetGalley and BookBaby, Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Titles for this copy and I am leaving this review.
Disclaimer: Thank you NetGalley and BookBaby, Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Titles for this copy and I am leaving this review.
April 21, 2025
3.5/5
This is an entertaining, super fast-paced thriller set in Tokyo. It follows an American MMA fighter who gets caught up with local criminals and has all the action and twists you'd expect from that plot summary. It also has a tonne of fascinating background about the the city and local culture that manages to provide a rich backdrop for the breakneck thriller without getting in the way of the story. If you enjoy this kind of book, 'Ways to Die in Tokyo' is definitely worth checking out.
This is an entertaining, super fast-paced thriller set in Tokyo. It follows an American MMA fighter who gets caught up with local criminals and has all the action and twists you'd expect from that plot summary. It also has a tonne of fascinating background about the the city and local culture that manages to provide a rich backdrop for the breakneck thriller without getting in the way of the story. If you enjoy this kind of book, 'Ways to Die in Tokyo' is definitely worth checking out.
November 12, 2022
Ways to Die in Tokyo is a nicely-paced thriller set in Japan with plentiful twists and action along the way. I loved the characters and total immersion into Japanese culture. Arguably, some of the situations are over the top, but this isn’t realism. Instead, it is a popcorn read that entertains from the get-go and doesn’t stop until the end.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews