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Reiko Watanabe & Inspector Aizawa #4
Secrets Beneath Tokyo
Tokyo, November 1934
A crazed arsonist stalks the city, burning buildings seemingly at random. Inspector Kenji Aizawa is brought onto the case to assist Inspector Hino, an aging veteran of the Metropolitan Police Department. But Aizawa's troubles only mount when he's called by his old partner, the geisha Reiko Watanabe.
Reiko alerts him to the sudden appearance of a secret death squad calling itself the Jitte Squad, operating within the Metropolitan Police. Commanded by Sergeant Fujita, they target corrupt businessmen, including Aizawa's old enemy, the banker Isamu Takano. But when a naive geisha, Emigiku, holds the key to identifying the Jitte Squad, Reiko and Aizawa put aside their differences to protect her. Complicating matters further is Aizawa's plucky wife Minori, determined to make a name for herself as a reporter.
Troubling too is the international situation as American baseball star Babe Ruth tours Japan on a goodwill mission, clashing against a clique of Japanese admirals dead set on scrapping a Naval limitations treaty in order to construct a new super weapon.
Aizawa and Reiko investigate the two cases through a maze of Japanese politics, right-wing patriotic societies, bitter factionalism within the Imperial Army and Navy, and newspaper circulation wars. Each string of clues unearth secrets buried under the city - foreboding, dangerous, and shocking.
Secrets Beneath Tokyo is the fourth installment of the Reiko Watanabe/Inspector Aizawa series, showing the political upheaval and complex drama of 1930s Japan as it slides deeper into the dark valley of militarism and war.
A crazed arsonist stalks the city, burning buildings seemingly at random. Inspector Kenji Aizawa is brought onto the case to assist Inspector Hino, an aging veteran of the Metropolitan Police Department. But Aizawa's troubles only mount when he's called by his old partner, the geisha Reiko Watanabe.
Reiko alerts him to the sudden appearance of a secret death squad calling itself the Jitte Squad, operating within the Metropolitan Police. Commanded by Sergeant Fujita, they target corrupt businessmen, including Aizawa's old enemy, the banker Isamu Takano. But when a naive geisha, Emigiku, holds the key to identifying the Jitte Squad, Reiko and Aizawa put aside their differences to protect her. Complicating matters further is Aizawa's plucky wife Minori, determined to make a name for herself as a reporter.
Troubling too is the international situation as American baseball star Babe Ruth tours Japan on a goodwill mission, clashing against a clique of Japanese admirals dead set on scrapping a Naval limitations treaty in order to construct a new super weapon.
Aizawa and Reiko investigate the two cases through a maze of Japanese politics, right-wing patriotic societies, bitter factionalism within the Imperial Army and Navy, and newspaper circulation wars. Each string of clues unearth secrets buried under the city - foreboding, dangerous, and shocking.
Secrets Beneath Tokyo is the fourth installment of the Reiko Watanabe/Inspector Aizawa series, showing the political upheaval and complex drama of 1930s Japan as it slides deeper into the dark valley of militarism and war.
378 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 30, 2024
52 people are currently reading
15 people want to read
About the author
Matthew Legare
8 books71 followersMatthew Legare has always loved reading, writing, and history. He’s combined his passions to tell stories set during little-known, but fascinating, events of the past. His style is a smooth blend of old pulp magazines and contemporary thrillers, which makes for a pulsating read.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
July 25, 2024
Wow
I love these books with Kenji andReiko I am glad that this won’t be the last of the team. I was a little disappointed. I thought they would marry, but he married someone else for intrigue, suspense, treachery, deceit, and backstabbing. What a great story.
I love these books with Kenji andReiko I am glad that this won’t be the last of the team. I was a little disappointed. I thought they would marry, but he married someone else for intrigue, suspense, treachery, deceit, and backstabbing. What a great story.
July 2, 2024
Secrets Beneath Tokyo – Matthew Legare
Book 4 in the Reiko Watanabe and Inspector Aizawa series.
I have always wondered what the forces were that led to Japan’s monstrous behaviour prior to and during World War 2. In this book Legare at least touches upon some of the answers, by scrutinising the competing powers that acted upon Japan’s decision processes in the late 1930s.
Both the extreme left and the extreme right in Japan had groups prepared to murder, to bomb and to burn their way to their purported goals. On their own and without sponsorship they might well have remained on the’ loony fringes’. However, when they are supported variously by politicians, the Imperial Navy, Japan’s army and the Tokyo police then the consequences of their actions become more lethal and profound.
Superficially this is a story about Inspector Aizawa trying to catch an arsonist. Reiko Watanabe provides him with the eyes and ears of a geisha, who can remain largely unconsidered and unnoticed in the background of events. Normally the geisha is bound to near silence by her training, but Reiko has come to the realisation that she and Aizawa are striving for the future and the soul of their country. They both want to protect the traditional values that underpin their world, and yet recognise the importance of adapting to a changed world. Reiko and the Inspector’s relationship is hard to pin down. There is affection, perhaps more, but he is married and honourable and they both know they are engaged upon a serious task requiring their full attention.
Japan is and was a country largely without the natural resources required for industrial development and to many in Japan such development could only be achieved by territorial expansion by whatever means. Japan’s actions in Korea and Manchuria exemplify this attitude. Aizawa and Watanabe throughout, try to steer a course between the politicians, some of whom want a measured approach to developing their country, and the army and navy, which both want larger military arsenals and capabilities in the event their expansionary efforts meet resistance, particularly from the USA.
This is a superbly researched book. At every stage the Japan represented feels palpable and real. The character development of the principal protagonists from the previous 3 books is logically progressed and somehow more intimate. Yet, this book can be read without having read the others. The investigations to unravel the truth behind the murders and the arson are self-contained and particular to this book. It is an excellent read and I recommend it strongly. I also recommend that you read Legare’s 3 earlier books, which are similarly well researched, have excellent plots and show the progression of Reiko and Aizawa’s relationship.
Book 4 in the Reiko Watanabe and Inspector Aizawa series.
I have always wondered what the forces were that led to Japan’s monstrous behaviour prior to and during World War 2. In this book Legare at least touches upon some of the answers, by scrutinising the competing powers that acted upon Japan’s decision processes in the late 1930s.
Both the extreme left and the extreme right in Japan had groups prepared to murder, to bomb and to burn their way to their purported goals. On their own and without sponsorship they might well have remained on the’ loony fringes’. However, when they are supported variously by politicians, the Imperial Navy, Japan’s army and the Tokyo police then the consequences of their actions become more lethal and profound.
Superficially this is a story about Inspector Aizawa trying to catch an arsonist. Reiko Watanabe provides him with the eyes and ears of a geisha, who can remain largely unconsidered and unnoticed in the background of events. Normally the geisha is bound to near silence by her training, but Reiko has come to the realisation that she and Aizawa are striving for the future and the soul of their country. They both want to protect the traditional values that underpin their world, and yet recognise the importance of adapting to a changed world. Reiko and the Inspector’s relationship is hard to pin down. There is affection, perhaps more, but he is married and honourable and they both know they are engaged upon a serious task requiring their full attention.
Japan is and was a country largely without the natural resources required for industrial development and to many in Japan such development could only be achieved by territorial expansion by whatever means. Japan’s actions in Korea and Manchuria exemplify this attitude. Aizawa and Watanabe throughout, try to steer a course between the politicians, some of whom want a measured approach to developing their country, and the army and navy, which both want larger military arsenals and capabilities in the event their expansionary efforts meet resistance, particularly from the USA.
This is a superbly researched book. At every stage the Japan represented feels palpable and real. The character development of the principal protagonists from the previous 3 books is logically progressed and somehow more intimate. Yet, this book can be read without having read the others. The investigations to unravel the truth behind the murders and the arson are self-contained and particular to this book. It is an excellent read and I recommend it strongly. I also recommend that you read Legare’s 3 earlier books, which are similarly well researched, have excellent plots and show the progression of Reiko and Aizawa’s relationship.
July 4, 2024
November 1934 Ninth Year of the Showa Era
Secrets Beneath Tokyo begins in the dark alleyways of Asakusa housing the “erotic grotesque nonsense” of Tokyo and sets the stage to introduce the arsonist known as Tatsumaki, referred to as the Great Dragon Twist bomber, who is terrorizing the town with targeted fires started in the darkest of night. Are political motivations behind these wanton acts?
Arson in the 1930’s Japan was a serious threat to society because the buildings were made of wood and rice paper further fueling the fire to spread through the neighborhood. So this is a serious case unofficially assigned to Inspector Kenji Aizawa and it is garnering a lot of media attention. The complicated and layered relationship between Reiko Watanabe and the Inspector is again ignited as they conspire outside of official lines of inquiries to track down criminal elements in Tokyo society. Reiko has two personas - a Geisha wrapped in a traditional kimono and a ‘moga’ the modern girl of Japan. A moga is a flapper wearing short skirts and smoking cigarettes - a vast contrast. Reiko’s previous uncover work with the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department links her to Inspector Aizawa in a curious relationship based on a mutual love of Japan - its values, history and culture. The character of Reiko develops and strengthens throughout the novel illustrating the role of a geisha in Tokyo 1930’s.
International politics, Army/Navy rivalries, societal hierarchy, super patriots, wealthy businessmen and low-life gangsters build the structure of the novel’s story line. The narrative has an exciting pulse throughout the storyline moving the reader along from one new interesting character to the next.
Matthew Legare’s ‘Author’s Notes’ to the reader includes historical facts that enhance the reader’s understanding of the events in the novel. Throughout the book unfamiliar Japanese terms include a brief translation and definition giving the storyline an authentic flavor. Legare’s prose conjures up images, atmosphere and the attitude of life in Japan of the 1930’s. A thriller mystery with Japanese culture and history as the plot. Don’t miss it.
Secrets Beneath Tokyo begins in the dark alleyways of Asakusa housing the “erotic grotesque nonsense” of Tokyo and sets the stage to introduce the arsonist known as Tatsumaki, referred to as the Great Dragon Twist bomber, who is terrorizing the town with targeted fires started in the darkest of night. Are political motivations behind these wanton acts?
Arson in the 1930’s Japan was a serious threat to society because the buildings were made of wood and rice paper further fueling the fire to spread through the neighborhood. So this is a serious case unofficially assigned to Inspector Kenji Aizawa and it is garnering a lot of media attention. The complicated and layered relationship between Reiko Watanabe and the Inspector is again ignited as they conspire outside of official lines of inquiries to track down criminal elements in Tokyo society. Reiko has two personas - a Geisha wrapped in a traditional kimono and a ‘moga’ the modern girl of Japan. A moga is a flapper wearing short skirts and smoking cigarettes - a vast contrast. Reiko’s previous uncover work with the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department links her to Inspector Aizawa in a curious relationship based on a mutual love of Japan - its values, history and culture. The character of Reiko develops and strengthens throughout the novel illustrating the role of a geisha in Tokyo 1930’s.
International politics, Army/Navy rivalries, societal hierarchy, super patriots, wealthy businessmen and low-life gangsters build the structure of the novel’s story line. The narrative has an exciting pulse throughout the storyline moving the reader along from one new interesting character to the next.
Matthew Legare’s ‘Author’s Notes’ to the reader includes historical facts that enhance the reader’s understanding of the events in the novel. Throughout the book unfamiliar Japanese terms include a brief translation and definition giving the storyline an authentic flavor. Legare’s prose conjures up images, atmosphere and the attitude of life in Japan of the 1930’s. A thriller mystery with Japanese culture and history as the plot. Don’t miss it.
August 10, 2025
Tokyo Police try to do their job in the 1930s during nationalism and financial stress - 4 stars
Secrets beneath Tokyo reads easily rather than as a stuffy historical novel. It gave a good understanding of the Japanese thinking leading up to World War II. The political situation in the 1930s in Tokyo has ultra-nationalists, weak political parties, organized criminal gangs, and wealthy businessmen vying for their place in the sun. The traditions of a structured society with men in charge and a few women trying to get into leadership positions is shown with a vigilante group, the army and the navy all jostling for power.
Traditional geisha, tea houses, and salarymen go about their business. Tokyo had a major fire in the 1920s in which cheaply make houses of paper (not wood or stone) were consumed in fire tornados. One newspaper invited Babe Ruth and other All American baseball players to come to Japan as a peace initiative between Japan and the United States, but the ultra- nationalists were incensed that foreigners came to Japan even though there had been many decades of local Japanese baseball culture.
The relationship between the captains of industry, politicians, and the military which made backroom deals out of public view was a key part of the story. Police Inspector Aizawa was uncorruptible, resisting quick conclusions and trying to identify facts before acting had a variety of less-than-honest police associates that he had to deal with. Reiko Watanabe is a former policewoman who has become a Geisha and n emotional interest in Aizawa.
The story is loaded with intrigue, traipsing in abandoned subway tunnels, backroom dealing. Geisha's dancing and playing a stringed instrument were all parts of Japanese tradition. I had some difficulty with the unfamiliar Japanese names but was able to easily understand the story. The author stated that his aim was for entertainment rather than sticking strictly to history so that the story was entertaining. There were many twists and surprises making me want to continue into the next chapter without taking a break.
Secrets beneath Tokyo reads easily rather than as a stuffy historical novel. It gave a good understanding of the Japanese thinking leading up to World War II. The political situation in the 1930s in Tokyo has ultra-nationalists, weak political parties, organized criminal gangs, and wealthy businessmen vying for their place in the sun. The traditions of a structured society with men in charge and a few women trying to get into leadership positions is shown with a vigilante group, the army and the navy all jostling for power.
Traditional geisha, tea houses, and salarymen go about their business. Tokyo had a major fire in the 1920s in which cheaply make houses of paper (not wood or stone) were consumed in fire tornados. One newspaper invited Babe Ruth and other All American baseball players to come to Japan as a peace initiative between Japan and the United States, but the ultra- nationalists were incensed that foreigners came to Japan even though there had been many decades of local Japanese baseball culture.
The relationship between the captains of industry, politicians, and the military which made backroom deals out of public view was a key part of the story. Police Inspector Aizawa was uncorruptible, resisting quick conclusions and trying to identify facts before acting had a variety of less-than-honest police associates that he had to deal with. Reiko Watanabe is a former policewoman who has become a Geisha and n emotional interest in Aizawa.
The story is loaded with intrigue, traipsing in abandoned subway tunnels, backroom dealing. Geisha's dancing and playing a stringed instrument were all parts of Japanese tradition. I had some difficulty with the unfamiliar Japanese names but was able to easily understand the story. The author stated that his aim was for entertainment rather than sticking strictly to history so that the story was entertaining. There were many twists and surprises making me want to continue into the next chapter without taking a break.
May 31, 2024
In "About the Author" he notes:
Matthew Legare has always loved reading, writing, and history.
This novel shows that he is a master at combining those skills to bring the reader a must read story. He pulls in real history and very gently wraps a compelling mystery around these real events and real people. As you read you will pick up the cultural aspects that were so significant in Japan at this time. Subtle details like: “pleased with such modesty, a requirement in front of superiors" easily explains how the characters work together. At all times "etiquette must be observed. Specific words and terms were spoken in order to show proper respect."
The author weaves the details and characters in such a way that your best guess at "Who, What, Why" will often mislead you, a good sign of a well written story. Yet these details are all significant in telling the story. Things are often conveyed with great subtlety, "sometimes an order was unnecessary when inference sufficed." That certainly explains much of the action, but will leave the reader guessing.
Just guess at the meaning of "The moon looks very beautiful tonight.” Certainly a very pleasant way to end the book.
This is a must read for mystery lovers, particularly if you want to bring some Japanese culture and history into your reading.
Matthew Legare has always loved reading, writing, and history.
This novel shows that he is a master at combining those skills to bring the reader a must read story. He pulls in real history and very gently wraps a compelling mystery around these real events and real people. As you read you will pick up the cultural aspects that were so significant in Japan at this time. Subtle details like: “pleased with such modesty, a requirement in front of superiors" easily explains how the characters work together. At all times "etiquette must be observed. Specific words and terms were spoken in order to show proper respect."
The author weaves the details and characters in such a way that your best guess at "Who, What, Why" will often mislead you, a good sign of a well written story. Yet these details are all significant in telling the story. Things are often conveyed with great subtlety, "sometimes an order was unnecessary when inference sufficed." That certainly explains much of the action, but will leave the reader guessing.
Just guess at the meaning of "The moon looks very beautiful tonight.” Certainly a very pleasant way to end the book.
This is a must read for mystery lovers, particularly if you want to bring some Japanese culture and history into your reading.
July 3, 2024
Full disclosure: I received an advance copy to review and I am a big Legare fan. I have purchased and read the previous Watanabe/Aizawa novels (including the series prequel, Conspiracy in Tokyo) and found them to be well-researched and written thrillers set in inter-war Japan. Crime, political intrigue, historical context, police procedural - all the elements I enjoy in this genre. This latest installment, like the previous ones, will stand on its own if it's your first Legare read, but if you want to get the full flavor of the story arc and characters, you should read the others as well - they are all as good as "Secrets." Legare weaves in actual events and figures of this period with plausible literary license to create stories that hook you in early and keep you engaged throughout the novel. In this fourth story, what seemingly appears to be, for Aizawa, an arson investigation spreads into a deeper and more complex case. And the underlying-but-not-manifested love interest between Reiko and Kenji (yeah, it's been there all along) of the previous novels is complicated by Kenji's recent marriage. It's not a primary story element but it's been there throughout and it will be interesting to see how Legare resolves this in the future. I have also read Legare's Tom Lai series, set in inter-war Shanghai and they are as good as Watanabe/Aizawa. I recommend those, too.
January 4, 2026
#4 in the Reiko Watanabe/Inspector Aizawa pre WWII Japanese mystery series set in 1930's Tokyo with the militarism and political turmoil that shaped Japan in the years leading up to the second world war serving as the background. Opens in November, 1934.
An arsonist bend on restoring Japan to its traditional roots is setting fires to make that happen. Plus, a secret police force bend on bringing to "justice" the leaders of a financial scandal who escaped punishment because of their connections along with rivalries between the army and navy to both influence events and gain the upper hand. Aziawa finds himself investigating the arsonist and becomes intangled in these others because his former helper Reiko Watanabe seeks his help to aid a friend of hers who the secret police force is seeking because she witnessed one of their actions.
The two have been estranged for a couple of years and must rwwork their relationship in order to investigate the two cases through a maze of Japanese politics, right-wing patriotic societies, bitter factionalism within the Imperial Army and Navy, and newspaper circulation wars. Complicating matters further is Aizawa's wife Minori's efforts to make a name for herself as a reporter.
An arsonist bend on restoring Japan to its traditional roots is setting fires to make that happen. Plus, a secret police force bend on bringing to "justice" the leaders of a financial scandal who escaped punishment because of their connections along with rivalries between the army and navy to both influence events and gain the upper hand. Aziawa finds himself investigating the arsonist and becomes intangled in these others because his former helper Reiko Watanabe seeks his help to aid a friend of hers who the secret police force is seeking because she witnessed one of their actions.
The two have been estranged for a couple of years and must rwwork their relationship in order to investigate the two cases through a maze of Japanese politics, right-wing patriotic societies, bitter factionalism within the Imperial Army and Navy, and newspaper circulation wars. Complicating matters further is Aizawa's wife Minori's efforts to make a name for herself as a reporter.
August 24, 2024
With so much that was good or even very good about this book, it was extremely tedious of a read for me. First, way too many typos, repeated sentences, dropped prepositions, and other editing errors that should have been addressed before publishing. I wonder if these are just in the ebook - and a result of digitizing it - or if they’re also in the original print publication. Second, Legare has included Japanese words and terms in profusion, throughout the book, in almost every sentence and/or paragraph, and in the majority of instances not including the English meaning. I love to read words in the language of the setting, but prefer to have an idea of their meaning.
The historical information is amazing, and I trust Legare’s research. I think he should put more care into his storytelling as well.
After finishing Secrets, I thought I wouldn’t read any more of his books (I’ve read all of this series so far) because of the month-long at times frustrating chore of reading this one. But I will read more of his work because of the ‘substantiality’ of his work (if I can just make up words here!), and hope for the best!
The historical information is amazing, and I trust Legare’s research. I think he should put more care into his storytelling as well.
After finishing Secrets, I thought I wouldn’t read any more of his books (I’ve read all of this series so far) because of the month-long at times frustrating chore of reading this one. But I will read more of his work because of the ‘substantiality’ of his work (if I can just make up words here!), and hope for the best!
July 11, 2024
Always been a fan of the lead characters in this fascinating ride-down-memory-lane series, and this latest installment didn't disappoint. The era explored here is interesting enough without any embellishments, deep insights into the Japanese's arms race buildup to WW2, with an elaborate and authentic plot, Secrets Beneath Tokyo transports you to the nitty gritty of the the military preparation efforts, often beset with inter-service rivalry between the army and the navy officers. Another interesting tangent is the mysterious infernos that threaten to consume all of Tokyo and believed to be the work of a mad visionary, weaved delightfully with the main thread of the story, which is a renegade police unit on a gruesome mission to bring to book guilty industrialists, who've escaped justice. All in all, Secret Beneath Tokyo dazzles with its plentiful action and numerous references from a very ill-understood epoch of the Japanese People
June 3, 2024
I hated to see this story end. I wanted it to go on and on. The characters are stellar. The information about the Japanese culture is eye-opening. Modest, polite, the rules handed down for generations. Fact and fiction blend seamlessly in this outstanding novel. You'll enjoy the addition of Babe Ruth and The All Americans playing baseball and their acceptance in Japan. An outstanding addition to this fantastic series. Highly Recommended. I received this book from the author and this is my honest review.
June 30, 2024
Received the book for a voluntary, honest ARC review.
Inspector Aizawa and Reiko Watanabe join forces again to find the culprits behind the arson caused by Tatsumaki, the Great Dragon Twist. Inspector Aizawa must also deal with the Jitte Squad, police vigilantes, handing out their version of justice against the zaibatsu leaders.
Plenty of plot changes reflect the difficult times and lives of the Japanese during the turbulent years leading up to WWII with America.
The book is exciting and entertaining. I enjoyed the book.
Inspector Aizawa and Reiko Watanabe join forces again to find the culprits behind the arson caused by Tatsumaki, the Great Dragon Twist. Inspector Aizawa must also deal with the Jitte Squad, police vigilantes, handing out their version of justice against the zaibatsu leaders.
Plenty of plot changes reflect the difficult times and lives of the Japanese during the turbulent years leading up to WWII with America.
The book is exciting and entertaining. I enjoyed the book.
July 6, 2024
This is one of a series but each book stands alone as well. The characters have become so interesting and truly three demential. Inspector Aizawa is now married which brings a certain conflict regarding his relationship with Reiko. They put their emotional feelings aside to find the answer of the intrigue facing Japan.
As always, the convoluted political intrigue of Japan is the main story. Love it!
As always, the convoluted political intrigue of Japan is the main story. Love it!
July 12, 2024
Another good read
The politics are getting scary, especially since I know how it all ends in real life.
The mystery unravels slowly.
The only thing is, I wish there were a list of characters with a very short description of who each is. Because I find some of the Japanese names too similar.
Oh, by the way, and this is not a spoiler, Inspector Aizawa is now married. Lucky man.
The politics are getting scary, especially since I know how it all ends in real life.
The mystery unravels slowly.
The only thing is, I wish there were a list of characters with a very short description of who each is. Because I find some of the Japanese names too similar.
Oh, by the way, and this is not a spoiler, Inspector Aizawa is now married. Lucky man.
July 25, 2024
Another great read from Matthew Legare. Apart from the exciting story itself there is always so much one can follow up on if your interest lies in Japanese history or undoubtedly it will start after reading his books
Fourth in the Inspector Aizawa and Reiko Watanabe series. I am very fond of these two now!
Fourth in the Inspector Aizawa and Reiko Watanabe series. I am very fond of these two now!
November 17, 2024
Tokyo is burning and Inspector Azawa must solve the mystery of "whodunit". Corruption is rampant. Reiko and Azawa join forces and find politics plays a big part in solving the mystery.
Secrets Beneath Tokyo, by Matthew LeGegare, is another great Japanese mystery. It is definitely worth your time to read the story.
Secrets Beneath Tokyo, by Matthew LeGegare, is another great Japanese mystery. It is definitely worth your time to read the story.
September 9, 2024
Reiko & the Inspector continue their adventures in pre WWll Tokyo. This series continues to guide the reader thru the machinations, political & military, which lead Japan into the war. Oh, and there's some murder & arson along the way! Keep 'em coming!
March 24, 2025
Hard to follow the characters
There are so many Japanese names and terms that at times it was hard to understand who was who and to keep the plot. But it was a good read.
There are so many Japanese names and terms that at times it was hard to understand who was who and to keep the plot. But it was a good read.
July 5, 2024
1934. Tokyo. A hot breeze is blowing and it’s not from the weather as an arsonist, going by the name Tatsumaki, is on the loose leaving behind destruction, deceit, and death in the form of murder, all to return Japan to its traditional unwestern culture. But fear not because Police Inspector Keigo Aizawa is on the case bringing with him his unwavering belief in duty, truth and justice - an honest man operating within a system plagued with corruption. Along with his friend, civilian Geisha Reiko Watanabe they find themselves enmeshed in a conspiracy that includes some of Japan’s most influential power brokers from the police , press, politics and military leading them to the heart of the Secrets Beneath Tokyo. Mr. Legare again shows his ability to weave a well researched historical mystery keeping the pace rapid fire from the beginning to its inevitable conclusion. Kudos to Matthew Legare for Secrets Beneath Tokyo, perhaps the best entry yet in this marvelous entertaining and enthralling series. You won’t be disappointed !
January 14, 2025
I've probably said this in a previous review, but Mr. Legare's Aizawa novels are always fascinating because they offer a unique window into a time and place few Americans have the opportunity to visit: Inter-war Japan. He's clearly done tons of research into the multitude of conflicting factions both within Japan and without, and at the fads and fashions at a time when Japan had done - and was still doing - a rapid transition from the feudalism of the Tokugawa era to the adoption of Western technologies and culture.
In this fourth book that complexity had a tendency to bog me down as a reader. There is such an intricate web of competing interests, parties, factions, companies and independent actors that there were times when I just had to "wing it" on details. I assume that's a function of the simple facts of what existed at the time and Legare's faithful integration of them into the story, but to put on the critic's hat (the caveat being: I'm sitting in the reader's armchair rather than doing the heavy lifting of actual authorship, so... "Easy for me to say,") I think this one would've benefited from whittling down that complexity a bit. Assuming such could be done without disturbing the story's structure.
Nonetheless, another excellent adventure in a time and place largely hidden from Westerners, and which kicks into overdrive by roughly midpoint and builds to one of the best dramatic crescendos - actually multiple crescendos - in recent memory. Eagerly awaiting the next in the series.
In this fourth book that complexity had a tendency to bog me down as a reader. There is such an intricate web of competing interests, parties, factions, companies and independent actors that there were times when I just had to "wing it" on details. I assume that's a function of the simple facts of what existed at the time and Legare's faithful integration of them into the story, but to put on the critic's hat (the caveat being: I'm sitting in the reader's armchair rather than doing the heavy lifting of actual authorship, so... "Easy for me to say,") I think this one would've benefited from whittling down that complexity a bit. Assuming such could be done without disturbing the story's structure.
Nonetheless, another excellent adventure in a time and place largely hidden from Westerners, and which kicks into overdrive by roughly midpoint and builds to one of the best dramatic crescendos - actually multiple crescendos - in recent memory. Eagerly awaiting the next in the series.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews