What do you think?
Tokyo MPD Mysteries #4
A Taste of Poison
Time is running out for homicide detectives Hayashi Teruo and Miyazaki Shinji.
The protective wards on Teruo’s soul have faded out and Shinji returns to Hiroshima to dive into his mother’s mysterious past in a desperate attempt to save Teruo. A bitter meeting with his estranged grandparents leads Shinji toward a potential solution.
Back in Tōkyō, Teruo is drawn into a chilling investigation of four murders and an eerie crime scene. As Shinji discovers the terrifying extent of the killer’s powers, the Onmyōryō is sabotaging him in order to hide the threat against the entire community of supernaturals.
With the investigation going in circles and Teruo’s soul weakening, Teruo and Shinji face a gamble with the organization they spent so much time evading or lose everything.
*** A Taste Of Poison is a gay spicy detective romance with a paranormal twist. It's the fourth book in the series and the last one.***
The protective wards on Teruo’s soul have faded out and Shinji returns to Hiroshima to dive into his mother’s mysterious past in a desperate attempt to save Teruo. A bitter meeting with his estranged grandparents leads Shinji toward a potential solution.
Back in Tōkyō, Teruo is drawn into a chilling investigation of four murders and an eerie crime scene. As Shinji discovers the terrifying extent of the killer’s powers, the Onmyōryō is sabotaging him in order to hide the threat against the entire community of supernaturals.
With the investigation going in circles and Teruo’s soul weakening, Teruo and Shinji face a gamble with the organization they spent so much time evading or lose everything.
*** A Taste Of Poison is a gay spicy detective romance with a paranormal twist. It's the fourth book in the series and the last one.***
348 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 10, 2026
About the author
M. Kato
7 books104 followersI’m an author of MM Romance set in Japan. I love blending spicy romance with other genres, such as paranormal and mystery. If you enjoy a mix of genres and very steamy scenes, you’re in the right place!
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Keep in touch:
Newsletter signup for updates ➜ https://tinyurl.com/bdevcj26
BlueSky ➜ https://bsky.app/profile/mkato-author...
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
April 29, 2026
This was maybe the best book in this series.
Loved it and I am a bit sad that it is the last one
Loved it and I am a bit sad that it is the last one
March 14, 2026
A very good end to a quadrology, another good mystery that ties a normal investigation to the supernatural though I think the first book remains the best in that regard. A lot of the storylines had satisfying conclusions however one big one seems to have been mostly too neatly tied up which spoiled it a little bit. 4/5
June 6, 2026
⭐ 5 Stars
Did not realise this would be the end of the series. It was a fitting end, but can't help but still be sad that I won't be reading Shinji and Terou's story anymore. Hopefully we see the two in a spin-off someday.
Did not realise this would be the end of the series. It was a fitting end, but can't help but still be sad that I won't be reading Shinji and Terou's story anymore. Hopefully we see the two in a spin-off someday.
March 26, 2026
Ending story of the series. It was great to read the entire series and the characters were interesting. The setting was a combination of unfamiliar country and fantasy/mythic creatures. Well done with empathy for other cultures and still a series of plots that made the mystery a keeper on my e-reader. Try it, you'll like it.
April 28, 2026
I loved it!!!!
March 21, 2026
Loved this serie and universe. It could be interesting to have the story of Kazuya..
June 14, 2026
This novel probably had some of the creepiest and brutal crime scenes of the series. Not only the awkward position of the extractor teams' bodies but the bloodiness of the water kitsune's death. Takeda was a formidable fighter.
I loved the culmination of Teruo/Shinji's dynamic and the Onmyoro coming to a head here. Teruo is so softhearted now, his hard shell is basically erased when it comes to Shinji - he's a serious romantic that had been repressing himself terribly. And Shinji wanting to do things that are good for his health rather than clinging to familiar habits due to trauma was like reading about someone taking a deep breath after holding it in for so long. Really beautiful romance between the two.
I remember in the Red Collar how Shinji had chafed at the Onmyoryo's cruelty but could do nothing about it, Takeda forcing their hand was beautiful and tragic. I like how the novel emphasized that typically only death can really shock society into changing for the better (and sometimes even for the worse). I also liked the parallel between Shinji's father and Takeda, they both lost the loves of their life in unforeseen circumstances and it completely rewired their personalities to the detriment of their own lives (and Shinji's life). I also liked the parallel drawn between Shinji's grandparents and the Onmyoryo, both reticent to concede authority especially when they were in the wrong. Saving face was always the more important goal.
Horiuchi was a pretty steely character, I like how Kato didn't shy away from showing that she can be casually cruel (for the sake of science and secrecy) on her own as that is the work culture she's thrived in for so long and the sort of superiority the Onmyoryo traditionally love to dangle in front of its victims. You can't appreciate her sincerity in clearing out the rot of the Onmyoryo unless you know she enjoyed the toxic environment but had personal limits that didn't always align with the organization entirely. It's that flexibility that allows Teruo and Shinji to get a foot in despite all her stubbornness. And she's a lesbian! 🤩 (Her terrorizing Ogata was just perfect revenge for all the bullshit he's had Shinji endure.)
One of the stand out moments for me was Teruo seeking closure from Takeda and getting none. I loved how adamant Takeda was that she didn't regret her actions and especially not to the likes of Teruo who was able to benefit from the Onmyoryo's rule only because he has a condition they value. For those who lost their value, like Hiroshi ( and Shinji's mentor), they become automatically disposable. A part of Takeda's massacre was the defend against such cruelty. And I mean several people needed to die in retribution for Hiroshi's death but also his father Tamura Sr's death. To die so suddenly of a broken heart and orphan his only surviving child is just too high a price. It also perfectly demonstrated how dangerous it is for governments to have free reign over the death penalty. There is no level of insurance against innocent lives being taken due to corruption or by the design of a prejudicial system. I think one of the biggest insults the Onmyoryo dealt Tamura's family after Hiroshi's unjust execution was essentially giving Tamura's daughter blood money. They basically equated her to her brother's killers who also accepted money in exchange for the blood of the innocent to cover up their crimes. What a harrowing feeling that must've been.
I liked the complexity added with the extraction team's deaths as well. What culpability is assigned for blind obedience to a fascist organization? Clearly some of them were conflicted but in the end they chose obedience and paid for it with their lives. Shinji's mother in contrast risked her life to disobey the Onmyoryo and supernatural convention to do good deeds even if some part of it was unethical, would she have deserved execution for what she did? I definitely don't think so.
I also enjoyed Shinji's dilemma as an abuse victim, whose perpetrator was eventually executed for other crimes as well. He struggled with taking glee in his abuser's death. I don't think it's unethical to do so. Evil should be ridiculed no matter what. But I do appreciate the value in Shinji's struggle. Even when the death penalty or execution is necessary, there should be caution in taking too much pride in death dealing. What if one day you lose sight of the boundary between necessity and indulgence? (Takeda did to an extent. Shinji was right to fear death by extraction at her hand because her anger was so great and was thinly controlled.) Staying vigilant against such habits is always useful.
I loved Shinji's Shinigami powers being flipped to serve as a conduit for resurrection rather than death in Teruo's case. Keiko and Kazuya were very funny in the novel and provided some much needed levity in between all the somber moments. I am so tempted to ask the author create a romance novel for Kazuya. I'll miss his mischievous personality immensely! 5/5 stars.
I loved the culmination of Teruo/Shinji's dynamic and the Onmyoro coming to a head here. Teruo is so softhearted now, his hard shell is basically erased when it comes to Shinji - he's a serious romantic that had been repressing himself terribly. And Shinji wanting to do things that are good for his health rather than clinging to familiar habits due to trauma was like reading about someone taking a deep breath after holding it in for so long. Really beautiful romance between the two.
I remember in the Red Collar how Shinji had chafed at the Onmyoryo's cruelty but could do nothing about it, Takeda forcing their hand was beautiful and tragic. I like how the novel emphasized that typically only death can really shock society into changing for the better (and sometimes even for the worse). I also liked the parallel between Shinji's father and Takeda, they both lost the loves of their life in unforeseen circumstances and it completely rewired their personalities to the detriment of their own lives (and Shinji's life). I also liked the parallel drawn between Shinji's grandparents and the Onmyoryo, both reticent to concede authority especially when they were in the wrong. Saving face was always the more important goal.
Horiuchi was a pretty steely character, I like how Kato didn't shy away from showing that she can be casually cruel (for the sake of science and secrecy) on her own as that is the work culture she's thrived in for so long and the sort of superiority the Onmyoryo traditionally love to dangle in front of its victims. You can't appreciate her sincerity in clearing out the rot of the Onmyoryo unless you know she enjoyed the toxic environment but had personal limits that didn't always align with the organization entirely. It's that flexibility that allows Teruo and Shinji to get a foot in despite all her stubbornness. And she's a lesbian! 🤩 (Her terrorizing Ogata was just perfect revenge for all the bullshit he's had Shinji endure.)
One of the stand out moments for me was Teruo seeking closure from Takeda and getting none. I loved how adamant Takeda was that she didn't regret her actions and especially not to the likes of Teruo who was able to benefit from the Onmyoryo's rule only because he has a condition they value. For those who lost their value, like Hiroshi ( and Shinji's mentor), they become automatically disposable. A part of Takeda's massacre was the defend against such cruelty. And I mean several people needed to die in retribution for Hiroshi's death but also his father Tamura Sr's death. To die so suddenly of a broken heart and orphan his only surviving child is just too high a price. It also perfectly demonstrated how dangerous it is for governments to have free reign over the death penalty. There is no level of insurance against innocent lives being taken due to corruption or by the design of a prejudicial system. I think one of the biggest insults the Onmyoryo dealt Tamura's family after Hiroshi's unjust execution was essentially giving Tamura's daughter blood money. They basically equated her to her brother's killers who also accepted money in exchange for the blood of the innocent to cover up their crimes. What a harrowing feeling that must've been.
I liked the complexity added with the extraction team's deaths as well. What culpability is assigned for blind obedience to a fascist organization? Clearly some of them were conflicted but in the end they chose obedience and paid for it with their lives. Shinji's mother in contrast risked her life to disobey the Onmyoryo and supernatural convention to do good deeds even if some part of it was unethical, would she have deserved execution for what she did? I definitely don't think so.
I also enjoyed Shinji's dilemma as an abuse victim, whose perpetrator was eventually executed for other crimes as well. He struggled with taking glee in his abuser's death. I don't think it's unethical to do so. Evil should be ridiculed no matter what. But I do appreciate the value in Shinji's struggle. Even when the death penalty or execution is necessary, there should be caution in taking too much pride in death dealing. What if one day you lose sight of the boundary between necessity and indulgence? (Takeda did to an extent. Shinji was right to fear death by extraction at her hand because her anger was so great and was thinly controlled.) Staying vigilant against such habits is always useful.
I loved Shinji's Shinigami powers being flipped to serve as a conduit for resurrection rather than death in Teruo's case. Keiko and Kazuya were very funny in the novel and provided some much needed levity in between all the somber moments. I am so tempted to ask the author create a romance novel for Kazuya. I'll miss his mischievous personality immensely! 5/5 stars.
July 11, 2026
Good ending
Well, wasn't that just a chef's kiss ending for Teruo and Shinji? 🥂 This finale leaned a bit more into the "aww" factor of romance than the "aha!" of mystery 🕵️♀️, but hey, it needed to tie up all those loose ends from the previous three books! 🎀 My only tiny gripe? This book seemed to have played a little game of hide-and-seek with its editor. 🙈 We're talking syntax errors and spelling mistakes – a few too many for a smooth sailing read! 🚤 Now, they weren't enough to sink the ship 🚢, but they did make my reading flow do a little stumble-bumble. 😅 Honestly, this is one of those rare gems 💎 I'd happily revisit, especially if it magically transforms into an audiobook. 🎧 Books 1 & 2's narration was pure ear candy! 🍬👂
Well, wasn't that just a chef's kiss ending for Teruo and Shinji? 🥂 This finale leaned a bit more into the "aww" factor of romance than the "aha!" of mystery 🕵️♀️, but hey, it needed to tie up all those loose ends from the previous three books! 🎀 My only tiny gripe? This book seemed to have played a little game of hide-and-seek with its editor. 🙈 We're talking syntax errors and spelling mistakes – a few too many for a smooth sailing read! 🚤 Now, they weren't enough to sink the ship 🚢, but they did make my reading flow do a little stumble-bumble. 😅 Honestly, this is one of those rare gems 💎 I'd happily revisit, especially if it magically transforms into an audiobook. 🎧 Books 1 & 2's narration was pure ear candy! 🍬👂
March 19, 2026
As Teruo's protective wards fade, it becomes increasingly dangerous for him to be with Shinji as they try to solve their most chilling murder investigation yet. Both mysteries had me turning pages to get to the perfect ending for Teruo and Shinji! And hopefully the beginning of the story for Kazuya!
June 29, 2026
*A Taste of Poison* is the fourth and final book in the series. I think it's the best one. It blends mystery and the romance between Teruo and Shinji quite well, gives us a glimpse into their mother's life, and offers a glimpse into the power struggles among the Shinigami.
May 31, 2026
This is another book I’ve spent a LOT of time waiting for. I more or less binged the first three books of the series, and have been waiting eagerly for this one.
The protective wards of Teruo’s soul are vanishing and in desperation, Shinji reaches out to his grandparents who seem reluctant to help. He gets some of his mother’s diaries however, and hopes he can find a way to save Teruo if he learns how she originally saved him.
In the meantime, a serial killer is after hidden members of the Onmyōryō and the supernatural organisation is attempting to block the investigation so as to protect their secrets.
As Teruo’s condition worsens and the killer seems to strike at will, Shinji and Teruo will have to choose whether to trust the Onmyōryō or not.
Ngl, this was everything I hoped for and more. Eastern mythology is like my favouritest thing ever and this had so many things I enjoyed. The mystery of the seemingly random murders, the way the Onmyōryō blocks the investigations, and the relationship between Teruo and Shinji which stays strong despite all the challenges they face, are all well depicted.
I really like Teruo and Shinji as characters, like they are both so soft for each other, but also don’t pull their punches when needed. I was really worried for a hot minute with everything looking so hopeless for our boy.
Just an amazing book all around. I’m sad the series is over because I wouldn’t mind seeing more of these two.
The protective wards of Teruo’s soul are vanishing and in desperation, Shinji reaches out to his grandparents who seem reluctant to help. He gets some of his mother’s diaries however, and hopes he can find a way to save Teruo if he learns how she originally saved him.
In the meantime, a serial killer is after hidden members of the Onmyōryō and the supernatural organisation is attempting to block the investigation so as to protect their secrets.
As Teruo’s condition worsens and the killer seems to strike at will, Shinji and Teruo will have to choose whether to trust the Onmyōryō or not.
Ngl, this was everything I hoped for and more. Eastern mythology is like my favouritest thing ever and this had so many things I enjoyed. The mystery of the seemingly random murders, the way the Onmyōryō blocks the investigations, and the relationship between Teruo and Shinji which stays strong despite all the challenges they face, are all well depicted.
I really like Teruo and Shinji as characters, like they are both so soft for each other, but also don’t pull their punches when needed. I was really worried for a hot minute with everything looking so hopeless for our boy.
Just an amazing book all around. I’m sad the series is over because I wouldn’t mind seeing more of these two.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews