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The Nine-Tailed Fox
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The Nine-Tailed Fox by Willow Healy is an atmospheric blend of historical fantasy, supernatural mystery, folklore, and suspense that transports readers deep into the hidden heart of Japan. Moving seamlessly between modern-day Tokyo and the turbulent final decades of the nineteenth century, Healy crafts a richly layered narrative where ancient curses, imperial secrets, and restless spirits continue to shape the lives of the living.
The Nine-Tailed Fox succeeds because it balances multiple genres without losing sight of its characters. It is at once a ghost story, a historical mystery, a supernatural thriller, and an exploration of love, jealousy, loyalty, and redemption. Richly atmospheric and steeped in Japanese culture, Willow Healy’s novel offers readers an absorbing journey into a world where the past is never truly buried and where ancient spirits still walk among the living.
For readers who enjoy folklore-infused fantasy, historical intrigue, supernatural mysteries, and stories that blend mythology with genuine suspense, The Nine-Tailed Fox delivers a compelling and imaginative reading experience that lingers long after the final page.
The Nine-Tailed Fox by Willow Healy is an atmospheric blend of historical fantasy, supernatural mystery, folklore, and suspense that transports readers deep into the hidden heart of Japan. Moving seamlessly between modern-day Tokyo and the turbulent final decades of the nineteenth century, Healy crafts a richly layered narrative where ancient curses, imperial secrets, and restless spirits continue to shape the lives of the living.
The Nine-Tailed Fox succeeds because it balances multiple genres without losing sight of its characters. It is at once a ghost story, a historical mystery, a supernatural thriller, and an exploration of love, jealousy, loyalty, and redemption. Richly atmospheric and steeped in Japanese culture, Willow Healy’s novel offers readers an absorbing journey into a world where the past is never truly buried and where ancient spirits still walk among the living.
For readers who enjoy folklore-infused fantasy, historical intrigue, supernatural mysteries, and stories that blend mythology with genuine suspense, The Nine-Tailed Fox delivers a compelling and imaginative reading experience that lingers long after the final page.
286 pages, Paperback
First published May 7, 2026
About the author
Willow Healy
3 books9 followersI’ve lived, traveled, and worked all over the world. I use my experiences and adventures in Japan, Nepal, Tibet,
Lesotho, Germany, and Canada, as a source of inspiration to write novels set in exotic locales and populated with memorable characters.
In Japan, I taught English to businessmen, and in Tokyo worked on NHK television and radio. In Nepal, I was marketing manager for a resort in the Himalayas. In Lesotho, Africa, I was representative for a Canadian parastatal which brought out short term volunteers to assist with a multitude of wonderful projects. While in Canada, I did marketing for a Native American art gallery specializing in stone sculpture. In the United States, among other things, I was a travel agent and customer relations manager for a software company.
I love discovering new and exciting authors, artists, musicians, hiking and travel.
Awards 2018
2020 Adventure Writers semi finalist
2nd in RWA Kiss of Death's Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mainstream Mystery/Suspense. http://www.rwakissofdeath.org/daphne
Lesotho, Germany, and Canada, as a source of inspiration to write novels set in exotic locales and populated with memorable characters.
In Japan, I taught English to businessmen, and in Tokyo worked on NHK television and radio. In Nepal, I was marketing manager for a resort in the Himalayas. In Lesotho, Africa, I was representative for a Canadian parastatal which brought out short term volunteers to assist with a multitude of wonderful projects. While in Canada, I did marketing for a Native American art gallery specializing in stone sculpture. In the United States, among other things, I was a travel agent and customer relations manager for a software company.
I love discovering new and exciting authors, artists, musicians, hiking and travel.
Awards 2018
2020 Adventure Writers semi finalist
2nd in RWA Kiss of Death's Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mainstream Mystery/Suspense. http://www.rwakissofdeath.org/daphne
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
August 16, 2026
There is definitely an interesting story in this genre-hopping fantasy thriller, though in some ways quite a lot going on which makes it feel somewhat convoluted. It is enjoyable, for sure, and the author Willow Healy undoubtedly has a clear passion for and knowledge of Japanese history and traditional culture – I suspect the main inspiration for the book. However, because the story is simultaneously mythical fantasy and modern-day noir, it does take some serious imagination on the part of the reader to immerse fully, at times. Don’t get me wrong, Willow is a vivid and engaging writer, and there is nothing wrong with crossing genres at all – I think it’s great – but I did feel at times that the crossover between past and present, fairytale and contemporary grit, was slightly imbalanced. There is certainly a long period in the book where we become so immersed in the modern-day mystery that the relevance of events from history starts to become a little blurred. It is a great tale overall, telling two stories in timelines over a century apart, which profoundly intertwine.
Honestly, it is difficult to ascertain which of the two narratives was more intriguing, and indeed whether they always worked effectively together. For example, the mystical human-fox figure seemed a little bizarre, in truth, particularly in the context of a conventional Yakuza-linked murder-mystery. I think that there are many cultures in the world – Japan being one of them – which are considered to be unquestioningly, fantastically mystical and mythical, but also wonder if the higher aspects of this fantasy can be suitably applied in a real-world setting of seedy businessmen, working escorts and killings. I won’t give away the story; I will say that Willow weaves it together well in the end; as a sum of its parts, the book probably works, but I have to admit that there were times when I had my doubts.
Willow Healy is a talent, and takes the opportunity to showcase her knowledge of Japan; I’m sure she is exceptionally well travelled and has a lingering love affair with the region. More importantly, though, she crafts a decent story and writes well. If you like books which cross genres between the contemporary and the mystical – and in a way far more traditionally creative than the current trend of urban fantasy – this might be for you. Also, if you are someone with an interest in Japanese culture, you’ll also find The Nine-Tailed Fox entertaining. Myself, I liked elements of it, but I’m still considering my thoughts on the project as a whole. I liked it a lot, though at times I was left wondering about its construction – and still find myself doing so, some time after reading. In that respect, of course, the blurb is spot on. I recommend taking a look for yourself. There are readers that will undoubtedly love it, for sure – just perhaps ensure that it ticks the right boxes for you first.
Honestly, it is difficult to ascertain which of the two narratives was more intriguing, and indeed whether they always worked effectively together. For example, the mystical human-fox figure seemed a little bizarre, in truth, particularly in the context of a conventional Yakuza-linked murder-mystery. I think that there are many cultures in the world – Japan being one of them – which are considered to be unquestioningly, fantastically mystical and mythical, but also wonder if the higher aspects of this fantasy can be suitably applied in a real-world setting of seedy businessmen, working escorts and killings. I won’t give away the story; I will say that Willow weaves it together well in the end; as a sum of its parts, the book probably works, but I have to admit that there were times when I had my doubts.
Willow Healy is a talent, and takes the opportunity to showcase her knowledge of Japan; I’m sure she is exceptionally well travelled and has a lingering love affair with the region. More importantly, though, she crafts a decent story and writes well. If you like books which cross genres between the contemporary and the mystical – and in a way far more traditionally creative than the current trend of urban fantasy – this might be for you. Also, if you are someone with an interest in Japanese culture, you’ll also find The Nine-Tailed Fox entertaining. Myself, I liked elements of it, but I’m still considering my thoughts on the project as a whole. I liked it a lot, though at times I was left wondering about its construction – and still find myself doing so, some time after reading. In that respect, of course, the blurb is spot on. I recommend taking a look for yourself. There are readers that will undoubtedly love it, for sure – just perhaps ensure that it ticks the right boxes for you first.
August 5, 2026
If you love Japanese lore and mysteries, you'll enjoy this book by Willow Healy. I enjoyed how the story bounced around initially between the past and present. We're introduced to the main character Mona and the old tea house she decides to reside it and from there the story unfolds naturally. I thought the fantastical elements were well done and all the main characters and side characters kept the story moving forward and interesting. I loved the introduction of the Emperor Meiji and his drive to modernize his country, clashing with those that wanted to stick to the old ways. I also enjoyed the two Sumo wrestlers and Mori-San, the restaurant owner, and how they lended depth to the story. Japan has such a fascinating history. I almost wanted more book as I found the witch a fascinating character and wish Mona had to interact with her more directly. I did find it a little odd the witch didn't act more boldly against Mona from the start, seems an all powerful witch wouldn't have much to be afraid of. I liked Mona a lot, she was a mix of brave and smart and while she had a lot of factors working against her, she didn't let that stop her from continuing to go about her day to day life. This book definitely didn't feel overly long and honestly I would have welcomed 100 more pages of action just to go into more detail with scenes and characters and maybe more trips into the past. Mona is the kind of character I could see come up in another book, maybe once back home and tumbles into another mystery that readers could tag along with.
June 12, 2026
An enjoyable multi genre historical fantasy set in current day Japan and the end of the 19th century Japan when Emperor Meiji ruled. This fictional story uses a mix of fictional and factual characters together with creatures from Japanese folklore in crafting an interesting and engaging story.
Briefly, English teacher Mona Marshall is working in Tokyo and has moved into an old teahouse in the grounds of a priority belonging to Mrs Ito, a descendant of Emperor Meiji. One night an earthquake causes a box hidden in the grounds to become visible and inside Mona finds a priceless sword which summons the emperor. He explains that he’s living in liminality because of a witches curse which kept him apart from his true love. The only way he can be released is if the witches curse is broken.
This is an atmospheric read full of Japanese culture, from the tales of folklore to Sumo wrestling, art, food and Yakuza (Japanese mafia). The title of the book references ‘Kitsune’ who gain more tails (up to nine) as they age and associated with Inari, the Shinto god of rice and agriculture. Mona is a good character but she certainly seems to have more than her share of bad luck! An entertaining read.
Briefly, English teacher Mona Marshall is working in Tokyo and has moved into an old teahouse in the grounds of a priority belonging to Mrs Ito, a descendant of Emperor Meiji. One night an earthquake causes a box hidden in the grounds to become visible and inside Mona finds a priceless sword which summons the emperor. He explains that he’s living in liminality because of a witches curse which kept him apart from his true love. The only way he can be released is if the witches curse is broken.
This is an atmospheric read full of Japanese culture, from the tales of folklore to Sumo wrestling, art, food and Yakuza (Japanese mafia). The title of the book references ‘Kitsune’ who gain more tails (up to nine) as they age and associated with Inari, the Shinto god of rice and agriculture. Mona is a good character but she certainly seems to have more than her share of bad luck! An entertaining read.
August 4, 2026
I wasn’t sure about this book when I got it, but I’m glad I gave it a chance because it was definitely worth reading. The setting is mostly at an old Tokyo teahouse, which has just been bought by an American teacher, Mona Marshall. She teaches English to students in the daytime and comes home to this quaint home in the evening. However, things are not as ‘quaint’ as she thinks they are. Little does she know that she has a huge secret lurking in her garden, until during an earthquake, the ground opens up to show a bright shiny sword. Hidden in her garden was the legendary sword of Musamune, who was the greatest sword maker in Japanese history. The sword had belonged to Emperor Meiji, whose ghost then appears. The Emperor and the sword were cursed by a witch and the curse can only be broken if a murder is solved before “…the last bell of New Years.” Mona embarks on a journey to find the culprit and gets involved in all sorts of adventures along the way, including being watched by the mob. Luckily, she has made friends with some Sumo wrestlers who know how to protect her. I liked this book, but at times the storyline was complicated. However, it was worth forging on with and I highly recommend it.
July 23, 2026
After a slow start, this one really gets going after the earthquake when Mona discovers the sword hidden under the willow tree in the grounds of the (once grand) estate that she's renting a tea house from.
The novel flicks back and forth between the late nineteenth century and present day as the choices that Lady Toshiko made affect the present day.
Mona is a likeable character who tries her best to stay level headed through some difficult and dangerous circumstances. She's aided by both her colleagues at the English school as well as a local restauranteur in her quest to defeat the witch and release the soul of Emperor Meiji onto the afterlife. However, the epilogue to round everything up does feel a little rushed and could easily be lengthened.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The novel flicks back and forth between the late nineteenth century and present day as the choices that Lady Toshiko made affect the present day.
Mona is a likeable character who tries her best to stay level headed through some difficult and dangerous circumstances. She's aided by both her colleagues at the English school as well as a local restauranteur in her quest to defeat the witch and release the soul of Emperor Meiji onto the afterlife. However, the epilogue to round everything up does feel a little rushed and could easily be lengthened.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 6, 2026
The Nine-Tailed Fox
The Nine-Tailed Fox is a mystery with magical realism rooted in Japanese folklore. It follows Mona, who moves to Japan to teach and rents a tea house with an interesting history that’s said to be cursed. She’s quickly drawn into the mystery as strange happenings involving a fox, a witch, and a couple in love begin to unfold. Her journey to uncover the truth is fraught with murder and strife.
I found some of the pacing to be too slow, and there were a few things that just didn’t connect for me, so the story didn’t always flow. But all in all, I think it was a decent read. I’d recommend it to readers who enjoy Japanese folklore and mysteries with magical realism. It isn’t heavy on the action, but it does contain some light action.
The Nine-Tailed Fox is a mystery with magical realism rooted in Japanese folklore. It follows Mona, who moves to Japan to teach and rents a tea house with an interesting history that’s said to be cursed. She’s quickly drawn into the mystery as strange happenings involving a fox, a witch, and a couple in love begin to unfold. Her journey to uncover the truth is fraught with murder and strife.
I found some of the pacing to be too slow, and there were a few things that just didn’t connect for me, so the story didn’t always flow. But all in all, I think it was a decent read. I’d recommend it to readers who enjoy Japanese folklore and mysteries with magical realism. It isn’t heavy on the action, but it does contain some light action.
August 13, 2026
The Nine-Tailed Fox is an atmospheric and richly imagined historical fantasy that brings Japanese folklore, supernatural mystery, and historical intrigue into a compelling modern narrative. Willow Healy's movement between present day Tokyo and the turbulent final decades of the nineteenth century creates a fascinating dialogue between past and present, where ancient curses and unresolved spirits continue to influence the living. The novel's greatest strength is its genre balance: it combines folklore, suspense, romance, and historical mystery without losing its emotional center. For readers fascinated by mythology, Japanese culture, ghost stories, and secrets buried across generations, this is an immersive story with strong crossover appeal.
August 7, 2026
I want to start by thanking Willow Healy and booksirens for the ARC of The Nine-Tailed Fox. The writing was a bit rushed at times, however, I enjoyed the story itself. The amount of “typos” became a bit distracting, as I noticed roughly one in every other chapter. I definitely recommend having a proofreading redone to fix the large amount of errors. I also felt that some characters felt a bit one-dimensional. However, with a bit more editing, I could see this book quickly becoming a hit. It was unique to any story I have read previously and I would like to see this story animated on tv. Thank you!
August 9, 2026
loved it !! love Mona... this is her story... a fast paced action packed mystery... it all started with that Tokyo teahouse.. she came to Japan to teach and live in a wonderful old teahouse but, that didn't happen .. this is what happened.. when an earthquake opens the garden.. a famous sword is unearthed and the ghost of the Emperor Meiji appears... now, she's got to solve a murder and lift a curse all before the last bell's of New Years... with the help of a couple of Sumo wrestlers... fighting off the yakuza ...! this was so good !!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 5, 2026
The Nine-Tailed Fox by Willow Healy was a fantastic read. I loved the complex story line that uses fantasy, supernatural mystery, folklore, and suspense to move me into the heart of Japanese culture. Healy crafted a fun, layered narrative where an ancient curse and restless spirits continue to shape the lives of the living. Look at the cover, the fox draws you into a great story.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews