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Connor Burke and Yamashita Sensei #4
Kage: The Shadow
In the seemingly trackless waste of the desert outside Tucson, Arizona, a coyote cross border smuggler is found dead, another victim of the escalating violence on the southwest border.
At the same time, a mysterious best-selling writer's death deepens the controversy surrounding his works.
Rumors surround the late Elliot Westmann, with dark hints of mystic vendettas and a confrontation with an assassin sent to punish Westmann for violating a code of secrecy in his books.
Westmann's daughter hires Connor Burke to assist in unraveling the mystery of her father's death, which the police have labeled as accidental. He is led from the scholarly assessment of Westmann's work to the investigation of Xochi, a magnetic young student of ancient Native cultures and secret trails across the desert.
In the withered and unforgiving landscape of the Southwest, Connor Burke works to pierce the cloud of mystery surrounding Westmann, his work, and a cryptic manuscript that has captured the deadly interest of rival smuggling gangs. Borders are dangerous, and as he uncovers clues suggesting the real reasons why Westmann was killed, he places himself and those he loves in deadly peril. Burke's only hope to solve this mystery is to appeal for the aid and guidance of his teacher, Yamashita. That won't be easy this time.
Kage builds on the characters and plots of the previous Burke novels Sensei , Deshi , and Tengu . It advances the ever-deepening relationship between student and teacher while weaving in time-honored themes of the martial arts— conduct, ordeal, and courage, with events as current as today's headlines.
At the same time, a mysterious best-selling writer's death deepens the controversy surrounding his works.
Rumors surround the late Elliot Westmann, with dark hints of mystic vendettas and a confrontation with an assassin sent to punish Westmann for violating a code of secrecy in his books.
Westmann's daughter hires Connor Burke to assist in unraveling the mystery of her father's death, which the police have labeled as accidental. He is led from the scholarly assessment of Westmann's work to the investigation of Xochi, a magnetic young student of ancient Native cultures and secret trails across the desert.
In the withered and unforgiving landscape of the Southwest, Connor Burke works to pierce the cloud of mystery surrounding Westmann, his work, and a cryptic manuscript that has captured the deadly interest of rival smuggling gangs. Borders are dangerous, and as he uncovers clues suggesting the real reasons why Westmann was killed, he places himself and those he loves in deadly peril. Burke's only hope to solve this mystery is to appeal for the aid and guidance of his teacher, Yamashita. That won't be easy this time.
Kage builds on the characters and plots of the previous Burke novels Sensei , Deshi , and Tengu . It advances the ever-deepening relationship between student and teacher while weaving in time-honored themes of the martial arts— conduct, ordeal, and courage, with events as current as today's headlines.
298 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2011
14 people are currently reading
140 people want to read
About the author
John Donohue
36 books87 followersJohn Donohue is a novelist and martial artist whose novels in the Burke Yamashita series, Sensei, Deshi, Tengu and the forthcoming (July 2011) Kage all explore the world of elite martial arts training and the implications of a life of action
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
January 25, 2014
I don't read a lot of thrillers, but I've read all four of Donohue's novels. Donohue's characters don't just wade in with guns blazing; they live with the consequences of their actions. His main character, Burke, a scholar and advanced martial artist, can deal with a tough situation--Donohue writes a good fight scene. Burke has the sardonic humor characteristic of the genre. He's also a fully formed character with a family, a social life, a profession, and a fully developed range of opinions and quirks. But most importantly for me, he's reflective. He brings not just his martial skill to a fight, but his martial philosophy and mind-body training. In other words, Donohue's work has depth and texture.
In terms of depth and texture, "Kage" is probably Donohue's best work yet. I finished the book in two days, recommended to everyone at my dojo, and am thinking about reading it again. It's a really good read, and it's much more than a really good read.
In terms of depth and texture, "Kage" is probably Donohue's best work yet. I finished the book in two days, recommended to everyone at my dojo, and am thinking about reading it again. It's a really good read, and it's much more than a really good read.
November 28, 2017
The fourth entry in the Connor Burke series.
Burke is settling into his role as Yamashita's senior student, and even has a girlfriend.
He attends a writers' conference in Arizona, where the novelists don't really like what he has to say. While there, he is hired for an academic job. He is to find whether a discredited but popular writer faked his seminal work.
While taking a break, he finds that not everything is as it seems.
The trouble follows him back to New York, and Connor Burke finds himself in a fight to the death.
Some character growth throughout the series, although Burke still seems unbelievably naive to me.
Burke is settling into his role as Yamashita's senior student, and even has a girlfriend.
He attends a writers' conference in Arizona, where the novelists don't really like what he has to say. While there, he is hired for an academic job. He is to find whether a discredited but popular writer faked his seminal work.
While taking a break, he finds that not everything is as it seems.
The trouble follows him back to New York, and Connor Burke finds himself in a fight to the death.
Some character growth throughout the series, although Burke still seems unbelievably naive to me.
September 6, 2017
A highly enjoyable read. Last of a series on tales by Mr. Donohue!
August 20, 2011
In the seemingly trackless waste of the desert outside Tucson, Arizona, a coyote cross border smuggler is found dead, another victim of the escalating violence on the southwest border.
At the same time, a mysterious best-selling writer’s death deepens the controversy surrounding his works.
Rumors surround the late Elliot Westmann, with dark hints of mystic vendettas and a confrontation with an assassin sent to punish Westmann for violating a code of secrecy in his books.
Westmann’s daughter hires Connor Burke to assist in unraveling the mystery of her father’s death, which the police have labeled as accidental. He is led from the scholarly assessment of Westmann’s work to the investigation of Xochi, a magnetic young student of ancient Native cultures and secret trails across the desert.
In the withered and unforgiving landscape of the Southwest, Connor Burke works to pierce the cloud of mystery surrounding Westmann, his work, and a cryptic manuscript that has captured the deadly interest of rival smuggling gangs. Borders are dangerous, and as he uncovers clues suggesting the real reasons why Westmann was killed, he places himself and those he loves in deadly peril.
SEEMS LIKE A COMPLICATED PLOT? WELL IT IS- BUT IN THE HANDS OF A MASTER WRITER LIKE JOHN DONOHUE- EVERYTHING FITS TOGETHER LIKE A PERFECT PUZZEL.
Connor Burke is a character that only a writer of Mr. Donohue's master skills can create- complicated- yet accessible- Connor Burke is the glue that ties the events together- and in a very real sense- becomes the reader's guide and friend as we journey together throughout the dangerous lands of the Southwest.
A truly great book- one to read- and then geton to the next Connor Burke novel!!!
A JAMES MASON COMMUNITY BOOK CLUB MUST READ
RICK FRIEDMAN
FOUNDER
THE JAMES MASON COMMUNITY BOOK CLUB
At the same time, a mysterious best-selling writer’s death deepens the controversy surrounding his works.
Rumors surround the late Elliot Westmann, with dark hints of mystic vendettas and a confrontation with an assassin sent to punish Westmann for violating a code of secrecy in his books.
Westmann’s daughter hires Connor Burke to assist in unraveling the mystery of her father’s death, which the police have labeled as accidental. He is led from the scholarly assessment of Westmann’s work to the investigation of Xochi, a magnetic young student of ancient Native cultures and secret trails across the desert.
In the withered and unforgiving landscape of the Southwest, Connor Burke works to pierce the cloud of mystery surrounding Westmann, his work, and a cryptic manuscript that has captured the deadly interest of rival smuggling gangs. Borders are dangerous, and as he uncovers clues suggesting the real reasons why Westmann was killed, he places himself and those he loves in deadly peril.
SEEMS LIKE A COMPLICATED PLOT? WELL IT IS- BUT IN THE HANDS OF A MASTER WRITER LIKE JOHN DONOHUE- EVERYTHING FITS TOGETHER LIKE A PERFECT PUZZEL.
Connor Burke is a character that only a writer of Mr. Donohue's master skills can create- complicated- yet accessible- Connor Burke is the glue that ties the events together- and in a very real sense- becomes the reader's guide and friend as we journey together throughout the dangerous lands of the Southwest.
A truly great book- one to read- and then geton to the next Connor Burke novel!!!
A JAMES MASON COMMUNITY BOOK CLUB MUST READ
RICK FRIEDMAN
FOUNDER
THE JAMES MASON COMMUNITY BOOK CLUB
September 26, 2012
This was my 4th book in the Connor Burke and Yamashita Sensei series and it was my least favorite.
Granted, I think that it was an okay book and I am glad that I read it, but the key elements of the series; the bond between Connor and Yamashita, the interaction between Connor's brother Micky and his partner Art and the focus on a NYC locale, are all woefully lacking in this book.
I appreciate Donohue’s desire to take us outside of our comfort zone, but the introduction of a Native American tracker group and Mexican drug cartel as the central plot is a distraction from the martial arts theme and honestly not particularly intriguing.
Lastly, I would appreciate it if Donohue would decide what he wants to do with Sarah’s character. When she was initially introduced, I could see the potential for a variety of subplots between her craft and Connor’s but as the series has progressed, she too has become a distraction, both figuratively and literally.
Still, I would recommend this book if you are committed to the continuation of the series. And, I hope that there are more books in the series to come.
TD
Granted, I think that it was an okay book and I am glad that I read it, but the key elements of the series; the bond between Connor and Yamashita, the interaction between Connor's brother Micky and his partner Art and the focus on a NYC locale, are all woefully lacking in this book.
I appreciate Donohue’s desire to take us outside of our comfort zone, but the introduction of a Native American tracker group and Mexican drug cartel as the central plot is a distraction from the martial arts theme and honestly not particularly intriguing.
Lastly, I would appreciate it if Donohue would decide what he wants to do with Sarah’s character. When she was initially introduced, I could see the potential for a variety of subplots between her craft and Connor’s but as the series has progressed, she too has become a distraction, both figuratively and literally.
Still, I would recommend this book if you are committed to the continuation of the series. And, I hope that there are more books in the series to come.
TD
May 18, 2024
Suckered into a trip to the South West to speak before a writers convention, Connor is offered a job.It seemed like a simple and easy way to make a little extra, review the work of Elliot Westermann.
But as with most things it wasn't exactly going as planned, Connor stumbles upon something that others are willing to kill to have and keep secret.
As Connor tries to protect Sarah and stay alive he finds himself involved in something way out of his league. His brother Mick and Art have warned him, and so has his Sensei and surrogate father Yamashita.
This is the latest in the Connor Burke series and it did not fail to deliver. This was an excellent murder mystery but it was also great in the character assessment of himself as he struggles with who and what he is.
This is a book not only for Martial artist or enthusiast of murder mysteries, it is for anyone who just enjoys a well written and laid out story.
But as with most things it wasn't exactly going as planned, Connor stumbles upon something that others are willing to kill to have and keep secret.
As Connor tries to protect Sarah and stay alive he finds himself involved in something way out of his league. His brother Mick and Art have warned him, and so has his Sensei and surrogate father Yamashita.
This is the latest in the Connor Burke series and it did not fail to deliver. This was an excellent murder mystery but it was also great in the character assessment of himself as he struggles with who and what he is.
This is a book not only for Martial artist or enthusiast of murder mysteries, it is for anyone who just enjoys a well written and laid out story.
June 18, 2012
Three stars wouldn't be enough and four stars is a little too much and this is why:
I am intrigued by Burke and Yamashita and their world. I'm drawn into their relationship. I'm caught up with Burke's inner struggle with who he is and the world he now see's as a result. But I've also, in previous books, really enjoyed the martial arts. The description of technique, the intricate fight scenes, the appreciation and understanding of the way.
I know the real world does not always allow for everything to be settled with a sword, but its Connor Burke's world and why I read the books.
Still a great effort but now as good as the first three.
I am intrigued by Burke and Yamashita and their world. I'm drawn into their relationship. I'm caught up with Burke's inner struggle with who he is and the world he now see's as a result. But I've also, in previous books, really enjoyed the martial arts. The description of technique, the intricate fight scenes, the appreciation and understanding of the way.
I know the real world does not always allow for everything to be settled with a sword, but its Connor Burke's world and why I read the books.
Still a great effort but now as good as the first three.
January 6, 2012
While not a martial arts fan, I do enjoy a good thriller and this latest offering by John Donohue was excellent. For some reason (maybe because I'm not into martial arts) I kept putting off reading this book, but once I got started, I had trouble putting it down. Topical with the Mexican drug issues, honest with his relationship with Sarah, the reality of having to fight for his (and Sarah's)lives vs. the classroom exercises where no one is actually killed, is drama at it's best. Tightly scripted, well written. Next time I won't wait so long to read Donohue's thriller featuring Connor Burke. I want to know where he and Connor will go next.
September 5, 2013
Always gets a bit heavy on mysticism but I still love this series of crime novels. It's refreshing to have a non cop protagonist and where the action is on hand to hand and away from guns. It sounds like a small thing but the shift for a crime novel in these two elements really works o ma ke everything fresh. This also only works cause the novel stills authentic...its not Jason Bourne one punch and lights out, Jackie Chan style acrobatics but the author knows what a real fight and martial arts training is like and most importantly writes about it in a way the reader gets it also. After the last novel which kind of stretched too far into techno thriller territory this is a return to form.
October 19, 2012
I am quite an avid reader of thrillers and although I am only half-way through this book I love it.
I have also read Tengu so was really looking forward to the next book and so far I am not disappointed.
I love ther relationship between Sensei and Sempai which at times go beyond earthly tie (becomes spiritual), it is a good and well developed story line.
I have also read Tengu so was really looking forward to the next book and so far I am not disappointed.
I love ther relationship between Sensei and Sempai which at times go beyond earthly tie (becomes spiritual), it is a good and well developed story line.
June 1, 2012
I've read all the Connor Burk novles and this is by far the best one. The author keeps the pace moveing and keeps the reader interested. Even if you are not into the martial arts it is a great thriller to read. Of course you will have to read the others to understand the bacground of the main character. I recommend it!
May 19, 2012
Great read. A perfect mix of police procedural and martial arts. Donohue has a knack for capturing the reality of both worlds and the skepticism they have of each other. It's obvious he knows what he's writing about.....I hope he can keep cranking !
October 13, 2011
Good combination of suspense and humor.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews