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My Father The Yakuza: He was supposed to be dead. An addictive psychological thriller
"This book sucked me in from the very first chapter and kept me reading because I needed to know what happened next." — Jasmine, Goodreads Reviewer
"Wow. This book had me hooked from the very first page." — Ann, Goodreads Reviewer
"I was in tears more than once, and this story will stay with me for a long time." — Susan, Goodreads Reviewer
Some fathers should stay buried.
In Tokyo, two people are about to collide in a reunion twenty-two years overdue. The daughter: driven and dangerous, a young American journalist who discovered years ago that her father isn't dead. Since then, Emily Watson has been preparing—learning the language, the shadows, and the ways to hunt a ghost in Tokyo. Everything to find the man her mother swore was gone. The father: brutal and haunted, a man who thought he'd buried his past along with his conscience. Jack Turner has prepared for nothing except forgetting.
But the yakuza forget nothing, and forgive even less. When Emily walks into Club Sazanami and locks eyes with Jack Turner—the father who should be dead—their connection triggers a chain of violence that will consume Tokyo. Hideki Sato, the sadistic heir who's been waiting twenty-two years for revenge, sees his opportunity. Emily's investigation draws blood. Jack's carefully constructed distance begins to crack.
And then Emily discovers the truth about why her mother really lied. About what Jack did. About what's in her blood.
Who wants Jack Turner destroyed? And what will Emily become when she learns she's more like him than she ever imagined?
Set in Kabukicho's neon-lit underworld, My Father, the Yakuza is a dark, twisty thriller about deadly secrets, inherited violence, and the monsters we become.
"Wow. This book had me hooked from the very first page." — Ann, Goodreads Reviewer
"I was in tears more than once, and this story will stay with me for a long time." — Susan, Goodreads Reviewer
Some fathers should stay buried.
In Tokyo, two people are about to collide in a reunion twenty-two years overdue. The daughter: driven and dangerous, a young American journalist who discovered years ago that her father isn't dead. Since then, Emily Watson has been preparing—learning the language, the shadows, and the ways to hunt a ghost in Tokyo. Everything to find the man her mother swore was gone. The father: brutal and haunted, a man who thought he'd buried his past along with his conscience. Jack Turner has prepared for nothing except forgetting.
But the yakuza forget nothing, and forgive even less. When Emily walks into Club Sazanami and locks eyes with Jack Turner—the father who should be dead—their connection triggers a chain of violence that will consume Tokyo. Hideki Sato, the sadistic heir who's been waiting twenty-two years for revenge, sees his opportunity. Emily's investigation draws blood. Jack's carefully constructed distance begins to crack.
And then Emily discovers the truth about why her mother really lied. About what Jack did. About what's in her blood.
Who wants Jack Turner destroyed? And what will Emily become when she learns she's more like him than she ever imagined?
Set in Kabukicho's neon-lit underworld, My Father, the Yakuza is a dark, twisty thriller about deadly secrets, inherited violence, and the monsters we become.
253 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 9, 2025
2 people are currently reading
8 people want to read
About the author
Theo St. John
4 books4 followersTheo St. John is an author with a background in Civil Engineering and a career in the audiovisual field. After years working in film, television, and advertising production, he turned to fiction, exploring the boundaries between emotion and morality. His writing combines cinematic precision with a raw, visual literary sensibility. Fascinated by the psychology of identity and the choices that define human nature in moments of crisis, St. John crafts stories where silence carries as much weight as words.
My Father the Yakuza is his debut novel—an intense and introspective work that places the reader between the legacy of blood and the burden of truth.
My Father the Yakuza is his debut novel—an intense and introspective work that places the reader between the legacy of blood and the burden of truth.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
December 8, 2025
This book was everything I never knew I needed in a crime thriller. First of all, it was fast paced and twisty, keeping you on edge throughout the entire book, dying to know what was coming next.
But also, can we talk about how even though the subject matter surrounded the Yakuza(Japanese mafia), and therefore was rife with violence and criminal networking and betrayal and questionable loyalties, it was also some of the most beautiful and heart pricking writing I have ever read in my entire life, evoking the deepest emotions?
In the beginning our main character Emily unearths her mom’s diary and a secret photo, and finds out her mother has been lying to her for 22 years, and she does indeed have a father, living in Tokyo, and he is none other than Jack Turner, a notorious enforcer for the Yakuza.
Emily sets out for Tokyo and before she knows it the city, and the hierarchy of the Yakuza, have sucked her in deep and even though all she wants is to know her own father, it may not be that simple as she becomes entangled with the violence and betrayal that tails her flesh and blood.
From beginning to end this story had me absolutely enthralled and there is no way I could have put it down for anything less than a natural disaster.
I cannot wait to read more by this author, and his writing is truly truly inspiring.
But also, can we talk about how even though the subject matter surrounded the Yakuza(Japanese mafia), and therefore was rife with violence and criminal networking and betrayal and questionable loyalties, it was also some of the most beautiful and heart pricking writing I have ever read in my entire life, evoking the deepest emotions?
In the beginning our main character Emily unearths her mom’s diary and a secret photo, and finds out her mother has been lying to her for 22 years, and she does indeed have a father, living in Tokyo, and he is none other than Jack Turner, a notorious enforcer for the Yakuza.
Emily sets out for Tokyo and before she knows it the city, and the hierarchy of the Yakuza, have sucked her in deep and even though all she wants is to know her own father, it may not be that simple as she becomes entangled with the violence and betrayal that tails her flesh and blood.
From beginning to end this story had me absolutely enthralled and there is no way I could have put it down for anything less than a natural disaster.
I cannot wait to read more by this author, and his writing is truly truly inspiring.
December 7, 2025
I had the pleasure of receiving this as an e-ARC and voluntarily will be giving my honest review. This book was interesting it had me from the beginning wanting to know what was going to happen!! Emily is a Journalist traveling to Japan from the States in search of her father who she never met! As a journalist for Tokyo she digs things up about her father in her efforts to find him. Her mother left him because he was Yakuza! You definitely have to read to see how the story unfolds!!
“Set in Kabukichō’s neon-lit underworld, My Father the Yakuza is a dark, twisty crime thriller about buried truths, dangerous inheritances, and the violence that runs in our blood.”
“Set in Kabukichō’s neon-lit underworld, My Father the Yakuza is a dark, twisty crime thriller about buried truths, dangerous inheritances, and the violence that runs in our blood.”
December 14, 2025
Thrill Ride No Brakes the Whole way Through!!
This was a fast paced psychological thriller that had me from the first chapter! It is so well written. I was watching a fast, action-packed movie in my head the whole way AND I was so THERE FOR IT! The story’s center and FMC is Emily, who travels to Tokyo to find information about her father, Jack who is supposed to be dead. The story unfolds from Emily’s perspective and her emotion-driven desire to find him. She does find her father alive and 2nd in command to the head of the Yakuza and what happens next is such great story. The story has a great flow between past and present via flashbacks, to give us more info about Emily and her parents and how they became “broken”. I don’t want to give any spoilers but just know I was on the edge of my chair and I reached every emotion! I loved it and cannot wait for the next book in this series.
This was a fast paced psychological thriller that had me from the first chapter! It is so well written. I was watching a fast, action-packed movie in my head the whole way AND I was so THERE FOR IT! The story’s center and FMC is Emily, who travels to Tokyo to find information about her father, Jack who is supposed to be dead. The story unfolds from Emily’s perspective and her emotion-driven desire to find him. She does find her father alive and 2nd in command to the head of the Yakuza and what happens next is such great story. The story has a great flow between past and present via flashbacks, to give us more info about Emily and her parents and how they became “broken”. I don’t want to give any spoilers but just know I was on the edge of my chair and I reached every emotion! I loved it and cannot wait for the next book in this series.
November 8, 2025
At twenty-two, Emily travels from the U.S. to Japan to search for the father she has never met, a man her mother loved, but left because he was part of the yakuza. With a journalism degree and a job at a Tokyo paper, Emily starts digging into dangerous territory, work that usually gets reporters killed, but her motive is personal. The story follows her search, the risks she takes, and the development of a possible father-daughter relationship.
This actually ended up being a much stronger read than I expected, especially since this isn’t my usual genre. If a second book ever comes out, I’d read it without hesitation.
The pacing is exactly right. It never drags or rushes the story along. Because of this, the characters actually have space to grow and develop. I cared about them, reacted to them, and felt something when things went wrong for the ones I connected with.
The people you’re meant to dislike are easy to dislike, and the emotional moments land because the author has done his job and laid the groundwork.
The plot stays focused, there are no pointless detours, no confusion, no wandering threads. The setting feels real and authentic, especially the inner workings of the yakuza “family” and how those relationships shape the characters.
I read it in one day, which says a lot. The writing made me want to know whether or not Emily would find her father, whether she would tell him the truth, or if she'd just become another yakuza victim.
If you want a character-driven story with tension, emotion, action, and a tight plot, this is a solid pick.
This actually ended up being a much stronger read than I expected, especially since this isn’t my usual genre. If a second book ever comes out, I’d read it without hesitation.
The pacing is exactly right. It never drags or rushes the story along. Because of this, the characters actually have space to grow and develop. I cared about them, reacted to them, and felt something when things went wrong for the ones I connected with.
The people you’re meant to dislike are easy to dislike, and the emotional moments land because the author has done his job and laid the groundwork.
The plot stays focused, there are no pointless detours, no confusion, no wandering threads. The setting feels real and authentic, especially the inner workings of the yakuza “family” and how those relationships shape the characters.
I read it in one day, which says a lot. The writing made me want to know whether or not Emily would find her father, whether she would tell him the truth, or if she'd just become another yakuza victim.
If you want a character-driven story with tension, emotion, action, and a tight plot, this is a solid pick.
January 14, 2026
3.5⭐️ The story took a little while for me to get into at first mainly because of the Japanese terms, but once everything clicked it became fast paced, tense and action packed.
Emily Watson travels to Tokyo to track down the father she thought was dead, only to discover he is a feared Yakuza enforcer. As she digs deeper she becomes entangled in the dangers of violent rivalries and family secrets.
The world building was strong, the authors descriptions so vivid that I could easily picture the bright neon lights of Tokyo and feel the danger of the criminal underworld. At times the writing style leant towards statements rather than flowing sentences but for me that added to the intensity. I was not expecting the outcome, really appreciating the unpredictable ending.
Emily Watson travels to Tokyo to track down the father she thought was dead, only to discover he is a feared Yakuza enforcer. As she digs deeper she becomes entangled in the dangers of violent rivalries and family secrets.
The world building was strong, the authors descriptions so vivid that I could easily picture the bright neon lights of Tokyo and feel the danger of the criminal underworld. At times the writing style leant towards statements rather than flowing sentences but for me that added to the intensity. I was not expecting the outcome, really appreciating the unpredictable ending.
December 8, 2025
Great story and i hope a second book will be as great as this one!!
This was for me a unique story with ups and downs describing a Family that didn't know existed. Finding her father a Yakuza and learning about the past und her familie as well as her why she is the way she is. The end was action full and a kinda sad end.. but the prolouge gives me hope that her story will continue this great as well.
The character description was great as well as the worldbuilding of tokio, where the story mainly takes place.
This was for me a unique story with ups and downs describing a Family that didn't know existed. Finding her father a Yakuza and learning about the past und her familie as well as her why she is the way she is. The end was action full and a kinda sad end.. but the prolouge gives me hope that her story will continue this great as well.
The character description was great as well as the worldbuilding of tokio, where the story mainly takes place.
December 4, 2025
This book started off as a fascination for me, googling all things Tokyo that I was not familiar with (which was everything). I’d read, google a word translation, read some more, google a Japanese tradition. Then it all came together and hit me hard! I went from interested to panicked! Emily headed to Tokyo to find her father, an American in the Japanese Mafia - The Yakuza. He doesn’t even know she exists, her mother ran away to save her from that life. No spoilers, but it doesn’t go smooth. Yakuza do not play nice and Jack has enemies. This is not a HEA. My tears fell and my heart ached. BUT there is a book two on the horizon!!!!
December 7, 2025
If you want to feel some raw and intense emotion, this is your book. I didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as I did since this isn’t the type of book I grab first. It was pretty easy to follow and I was curious what’s next the whole way though. The beginning had me a little “eh” feeling but it most certainly picked up and captivated my attention!
December 12, 2025
My Father the Yakuza had me hanging on every single word. Just when I thought I knew where the story was going, it completely surprised me. The tension, the emotions, the unexpected turns—it all pulled me in fast and never let go. And that ending… absolutely wrecked me. 😭 This was not what I expected in the best way possible.
November 8, 2025
This is a heartfelt and haunting story of love, betrayal, and the unbreakable ties of family. I was in tears more than once, and this story will stay with me for a long time.
Emily grew up believing her father was dead, but as a determined journalist, she never stops digging for the truth. When she discovers her mother’s old diary, it sends her on a journey to Japan—one that leads her deep into the dangerous world of the Yakuza and closer to the secrets of her own past.
Haunted by a sense of darkness within herself, Emily’s search for her father becomes as much about uncovering her identity as it is about reuniting her family. Alongside Emily’s journey, readers are swept into the love story of her parents, Jack and Amy—a powerful and emotional tale of resilience, sacrifice, and survival against impossible odds.
This book offers a vivid look into both the beauty and the seedier side of life in Tokyo, weaving together love and loss in a way that lingers long after the final page. I would recommend it to everyone, though readers should be prepared for the raw and sometimes dark realities it portrays.
Emily grew up believing her father was dead, but as a determined journalist, she never stops digging for the truth. When she discovers her mother’s old diary, it sends her on a journey to Japan—one that leads her deep into the dangerous world of the Yakuza and closer to the secrets of her own past.
Haunted by a sense of darkness within herself, Emily’s search for her father becomes as much about uncovering her identity as it is about reuniting her family. Alongside Emily’s journey, readers are swept into the love story of her parents, Jack and Amy—a powerful and emotional tale of resilience, sacrifice, and survival against impossible odds.
This book offers a vivid look into both the beauty and the seedier side of life in Tokyo, weaving together love and loss in a way that lingers long after the final page. I would recommend it to everyone, though readers should be prepared for the raw and sometimes dark realities it portrays.
November 17, 2025
I received this arc and immediately dove in. What a great story that really sucks you in. I couldn’t stop reading it! I can’t wait to read more from this author.
December 16, 2025
This book sucked me in from the first page and took me on a journey of a daughter trying to find and connect with her father.
Theres a kinship between Jack and Emily that the author writes so amazingly despite only one of the characters knowing theyre related.
The writing of this book was done in such a way that you want to keep reading. Like I cant fully explain it, but it was amazing.
I did find myself getting bored/lost a little bit. Which I know contradicts what I just wrote, but there were just some parts, small, like a page where I had to put the book down for just a moment. But once I picked it back up I was in the throws of the story once again.
It was all very intriguing with Takeshi and Hadeki. A father and son but not at all. A gaijin choosen to be the son. I probably just butchered all that. The story between Jack and Hadeki kept me on the edge of my seat. I would recommend this book.
Theres a kinship between Jack and Emily that the author writes so amazingly despite only one of the characters knowing theyre related.
The writing of this book was done in such a way that you want to keep reading. Like I cant fully explain it, but it was amazing.
I did find myself getting bored/lost a little bit. Which I know contradicts what I just wrote, but there were just some parts, small, like a page where I had to put the book down for just a moment. But once I picked it back up I was in the throws of the story once again.
It was all very intriguing with Takeshi and Hadeki. A father and son but not at all. A gaijin choosen to be the son. I probably just butchered all that. The story between Jack and Hadeki kept me on the edge of my seat. I would recommend this book.
December 10, 2025
Fascinating story of a woman seeking out her father in Japan. Interesting Characters, plenty of drama, overall a great read!
November 10, 2025
This book sucked me in from the very first chapter and kept me reading because I needed to know what happened next. Set in the neon-lit streets of Tokyo, it follows journalist Emily Watson as she discovers her supposedly dead father is a powerful Yakuza lieutenant.
The story is tense, gritty, and full of twists, with family secrets and moral dilemmas that hit hard. I did find it slightly confusing at times with the Japanese words and phrases sprinkled throughout — I had to look a few up — but that also added an authentic, immersive feel to the setting.
The story is tense, gritty, and full of twists, with family secrets and moral dilemmas that hit hard. I did find it slightly confusing at times with the Japanese words and phrases sprinkled throughout — I had to look a few up — but that also added an authentic, immersive feel to the setting.
November 14, 2025
Wow! What a ride for Emily. This book pulled all of my heart strings. Loved the story line and the action. Fast paced & kept me wanting more which I love in a story. Highly Recommend!
November 25, 2025
I received this book as an ARC directly from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This story jumps right in with a young 22year old desperately seeking who her father is. Her mother seems to have sunk into a depression and she is determined to answer her lingering questions. She takes a job in Tokyo and discovers the seedy underbelly of crime lords is where she’ll find her answers.
I enjoyed the fast paced stance of this book and the realism that seeking answers does not always result in happy endings. I did feel the story jumped around a bit too much and some times it took a minute to orient myself on whose point of view we were in. There were jump around during the some time period and same gaps that left me questioning why certain characters or topics were introduced when they were immediately sidelined.
Overall an enjoyable story that made me feel like I was in the Bourne series set in Japan.
This story jumps right in with a young 22year old desperately seeking who her father is. Her mother seems to have sunk into a depression and she is determined to answer her lingering questions. She takes a job in Tokyo and discovers the seedy underbelly of crime lords is where she’ll find her answers.
I enjoyed the fast paced stance of this book and the realism that seeking answers does not always result in happy endings. I did feel the story jumped around a bit too much and some times it took a minute to orient myself on whose point of view we were in. There were jump around during the some time period and same gaps that left me questioning why certain characters or topics were introduced when they were immediately sidelined.
Overall an enjoyable story that made me feel like I was in the Bourne series set in Japan.
November 25, 2025
I received this book as an ARC directly from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This story jumps right in with a young 22year old desperately seeking who her father is. Her mother seems to have sunk into a depression and she is determined to answer her lingering questions. She takes a job in Tokyo and discovers the seedy underbelly of crime lords is where she’ll find her answers.
I enjoyed the fast paced stance of this book and the realism that seeking answers does not always result in happy endings. I did feel the story jumped around a bit too much and some times it took a minute to orient myself on whose point of view we were in. There were jump around during the some time period and same gaps that left me questioning why certain characters or topics were introduced when they were immediately sidelined.
Overall an enjoyable story that made me feel like I was in the Bourne series set in Japan.
This story jumps right in with a young 22year old desperately seeking who her father is. Her mother seems to have sunk into a depression and she is determined to answer her lingering questions. She takes a job in Tokyo and discovers the seedy underbelly of crime lords is where she’ll find her answers.
I enjoyed the fast paced stance of this book and the realism that seeking answers does not always result in happy endings. I did feel the story jumped around a bit too much and some times it took a minute to orient myself on whose point of view we were in. There were jump around during the some time period and same gaps that left me questioning why certain characters or topics were introduced when they were immediately sidelined.
Overall an enjoyable story that made me feel like I was in the Bourne series set in Japan.
November 30, 2025
My Father, The Yakuza is a gripping, atmospheric thriller that blends family secrets, identity, and underworld danger. Theo St. John delivers a fast paced story.The Tokyo setting is vivid, the tension sharp, and the characters are layered and compelling.
Overall this is a highly engaging, emotional read that kept me turning pages. Perfect for fans of gritty crime fiction and character-driven mysteries.
Overall this is a highly engaging, emotional read that kept me turning pages. Perfect for fans of gritty crime fiction and character-driven mysteries.
November 10, 2025
i really like this book, a little confusing at first but really good! the ending was sad in my opinion i even teared up a little 🙁
November 23, 2025
My Father, the Yakuza was completely outside my usual reading style, but I was surprised by how quickly it pulled me in. From the very beginning, I was invested in the daughter’s journey—her heart, determination, and unwavering belief that her father was still alive made her story incredibly compelling.
The path they each take to find one another, and ultimately save each other, is written with a depth and emotional weight that really stayed with me. While the story includes some traumatic and difficult moments, the payoff at the end made every step of the journey worthwhile.
Overall, this was a powerful, well-written story that captivated me far more than I expected. I’m truly glad I gave it a chance.
The path they each take to find one another, and ultimately save each other, is written with a depth and emotional weight that really stayed with me. While the story includes some traumatic and difficult moments, the payoff at the end made every step of the journey worthwhile.
Overall, this was a powerful, well-written story that captivated me far more than I expected. I’m truly glad I gave it a chance.
November 24, 2025
This story was so raw and real. First and foremost, it was a honest to god story about familial relationships and how messy love really is. It conveys this while also keeping a fast tempo of action and some major imagery. It truly felt like Tokyo was alive and ready to eat them all. I read this in one sitting it was absolutely worth the read. And just wow what a gut wrenching ending.
December 9, 2025
I was asked to read this as an arc review. My Father The Yahuza is a great story set in Tokyo that sucks you right in. the story is well written and its full of suspense and tears.
November 29, 2025
This Book held me captive. It was written well, wasn't to slow or to fast. Easy to follow the story line without having to much extra unnecessary detail. I liked how there was a mini dictionary in the back to help with most uncommon words.
I'm trying to avoid spoilers. It was a suspenseful story. I normally wouldn't buy this genre, but I loved this book. I definitely recommend it.
I'm trying to avoid spoilers. It was a suspenseful story. I normally wouldn't buy this genre, but I loved this book. I definitely recommend it.
December 9, 2025
What an incredible read! My Father, the Yakuza pulled me in from the very first chapter and didn’t let go. It’s emotional, intense, and beautifully written. The mix of family drama, crime, and culture made it impossible to put down.
I loved how the story explored what it’s like to grow up under the shadow of someone powerful and dangerous, and how it shows both love and fear in such a complicated father and child relationship. It felt real, raw, and completely captivating.
This book is a must read for me I just couldn’t put it down you really feel Emily’s pain , hurt and anger . This book was giving to me as an ARC and this is my voluntary and honest review.
I loved how the story explored what it’s like to grow up under the shadow of someone powerful and dangerous, and how it shows both love and fear in such a complicated father and child relationship. It felt real, raw, and completely captivating.
This book is a must read for me I just couldn’t put it down you really feel Emily’s pain , hurt and anger . This book was giving to me as an ARC and this is my voluntary and honest review.
December 10, 2025
My Father The Yakuza was well written and a story full of suspense and love. This book had me in tears at the end.
The book showed great culture of Japan that I didn’t understand before reading.
The complexities of this book are intricate and captivating to the audience. It takes you on a wild ride that is fueled by familial love and need to protect.
The book showed great culture of Japan that I didn’t understand before reading.
The complexities of this book are intricate and captivating to the audience. It takes you on a wild ride that is fueled by familial love and need to protect.
December 6, 2025
3.5 ⭐
My Father, The Yakuza completely surprised me in the best possible way. This isn’t a genre I usually reach for, but from the very first chapter, I was hooked. What begins as a young woman searching for answers becomes a gripping, emotional, and deeply human story about identity, legacy, and the weight of the secrets we inherit.
At twenty-two, Emily travels from the U.S. to Japan to find the father she has never met—a man her mother once loved but left because of his ties to the yakuza. With her journalism degree and a job at a Tokyo newspaper, she starts digging into territory that gets reporters killed. The stakes are high, but her motivation is intensely personal, and that’s what gives the story its emotional punch. Her search isn’t just about finding a man—it’s about finding herself.
The pacing is spot on. It never drags, never rushes. The characters have room to breathe and grow. I cared about them more than I expected to, and when things went wrong for the ones I connected with, I felt it. The people you’re meant to dislike are easy to dislike, and the emotional moments land hard because the groundwork is so well laid.
The worldbuilding is vivid without being overwhelming. The inner workings of the yakuza “family,” the layers of loyalty, fear, and hierarchy, and the cultural depth of Japanese traditions all feel authentic and respectfully handled. Learning the meanings of different customs and phrases added richness to the story that I absolutely loved.
I read this book in a single day—because I had to know whether Emily would find her father, what she would do with the truth once she had it, and whether she’d survive the dangerous world she was stepping into. The writing is cinematic, emotional, and haunting in a way that reminded me of Taken, but more character-driven and far more personal.
By the end, I was in tears for Emily and everything she endured. And knowing there will be a second book—where she returns to Japan not just seeking answers, but seeking revenge for the people lost along the way—makes this story even more powerful. Her arc is far from over, and I can’t wait to follow her into the next chapter of her journey.
ARC — voluntary & honest review
My Father, The Yakuza completely surprised me in the best possible way. This isn’t a genre I usually reach for, but from the very first chapter, I was hooked. What begins as a young woman searching for answers becomes a gripping, emotional, and deeply human story about identity, legacy, and the weight of the secrets we inherit.
At twenty-two, Emily travels from the U.S. to Japan to find the father she has never met—a man her mother once loved but left because of his ties to the yakuza. With her journalism degree and a job at a Tokyo newspaper, she starts digging into territory that gets reporters killed. The stakes are high, but her motivation is intensely personal, and that’s what gives the story its emotional punch. Her search isn’t just about finding a man—it’s about finding herself.
The pacing is spot on. It never drags, never rushes. The characters have room to breathe and grow. I cared about them more than I expected to, and when things went wrong for the ones I connected with, I felt it. The people you’re meant to dislike are easy to dislike, and the emotional moments land hard because the groundwork is so well laid.
The worldbuilding is vivid without being overwhelming. The inner workings of the yakuza “family,” the layers of loyalty, fear, and hierarchy, and the cultural depth of Japanese traditions all feel authentic and respectfully handled. Learning the meanings of different customs and phrases added richness to the story that I absolutely loved.
I read this book in a single day—because I had to know whether Emily would find her father, what she would do with the truth once she had it, and whether she’d survive the dangerous world she was stepping into. The writing is cinematic, emotional, and haunting in a way that reminded me of Taken, but more character-driven and far more personal.
By the end, I was in tears for Emily and everything she endured. And knowing there will be a second book—where she returns to Japan not just seeking answers, but seeking revenge for the people lost along the way—makes this story even more powerful. Her arc is far from over, and I can’t wait to follow her into the next chapter of her journey.
ARC — voluntary & honest review
November 11, 2025
I received an eARC from the author and am leaving this review completely voluntarily.
Wow. This book had me hooked from the very first page. It’s fast-paced, emotional, and deeply haunting. Within these pages, you’ll find love, betrayal, the unbreakable ties of family, and the dark things we’re willing to do for the people we care about. By the time I reached the end, I was in tears for Emily and everything she had to endure.
Emily, a 22-year-old woman, grew up believing her father was dead—until she discovers her mother’s old diary. That single discovery sets off a chain of events that takes her all the way to Tokyo in search of the man she never knew. What she finds there is more than she ever could have imagined.
The Japanese lore and traditions woven throughout this story are absolutely beautiful. I loved learning the meanings behind the words and customs—it gave the story such authenticity and depth. It had a cinematic quality to it too, with a tone that reminded me a bit of Taken, but more emotional and layered.
My Father, The Yakuza is a story that’s going to stay with me for a long time. I can’t wait to see what Theo St. John does next.
Wow. This book had me hooked from the very first page. It’s fast-paced, emotional, and deeply haunting. Within these pages, you’ll find love, betrayal, the unbreakable ties of family, and the dark things we’re willing to do for the people we care about. By the time I reached the end, I was in tears for Emily and everything she had to endure.
Emily, a 22-year-old woman, grew up believing her father was dead—until she discovers her mother’s old diary. That single discovery sets off a chain of events that takes her all the way to Tokyo in search of the man she never knew. What she finds there is more than she ever could have imagined.
The Japanese lore and traditions woven throughout this story are absolutely beautiful. I loved learning the meanings behind the words and customs—it gave the story such authenticity and depth. It had a cinematic quality to it too, with a tone that reminded me a bit of Taken, but more emotional and layered.
My Father, The Yakuza is a story that’s going to stay with me for a long time. I can’t wait to see what Theo St. John does next.
November 16, 2025
A noir thriller in which an American girl, brought up by a single mom, discovers that her father is a member of a yakuza gang. Travelling to a seedy area of Tokyo to try and find him, she hopes that meeting him will help her understand where her own love of violence comes from. Except that this yakuza gang is in the midst of a succession struggle and they prefer to stay in the shadows. A body count is the result.
I wasn't massively grabbed by this one - there's not quite enough description to fully immerse in this underbelly of Tokyo and our heroine seems to easily find her father rather than having to work for it.
With swearing. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I wasn't massively grabbed by this one - there's not quite enough description to fully immerse in this underbelly of Tokyo and our heroine seems to easily find her father rather than having to work for it.
With swearing. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 10, 2025
This was a departure from my normal fantasy and romance or dark romance. This was crash course on the Japanese Yakuza as a 22yr old Emily leaves for Japan as a journalist. She goes in hopes of finding her father, who her mother left there when pregnant with her. She goes down a path that gets her noticed and puts everyone in danger. It’s fast paced, with lots of action to keep you entranced.
December 13, 2025
A gripping, character-driven story that pulled me in from the first chapter with its mix of family drama, danger, and emotional depth. The pacing is tight, the characters are well developed, and the portrayal of Tokyo and the yakuza world feels authentic and immersive. A powerful and engaging read that left me hopeful for a sequel.
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