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Last Stop Tokyo
‘A fine debut – fast-paced and bleak, with a vivid setting and gut-wrenching twists.’ MICK HERRON‘[An] impressive first thriller . . . the action is fast, copious and often unexpected. ’ The Times‘The vivid setting and skilfully plotted story is compelling and hard to put down.’ Daily Express‘One of the most impressive debut crime novels of the year. ’ Shots Mag‘A vivid and noirish tale of an Englishman abroad discovering that you can run from everything but yourself. James Buckler is one to watch.’ SIMON BECKETT, bestselling author of The Chemistry of Death********The funny thing with suffering is just when you think you’ve suffered enough, you realize it’s only the beginning.Alex thought running away would make everything better. Six thousand miles from the mistakes he’s made and the people he’s hurt, Tokyo seems like the perfect escape. A new life, a new Alex.The bright lights and dark corners of this alien and fascinating city intoxicate him, and he finds himself transfixed by this country, which feels like a puzzle that no one can quite explain. And when Alex meets the enigmatic and alluring Naoko, the peace he sought slips ever further from his grasp.After all, trust is just betrayal waiting to happen and Alex is about to find out that there’s no such thing as rock bottom. There’s always the chance it’ll get worse . . .********‘This is character-driven fare, but with a vivid sense of place that positively leaps off the page.’ Crimetime, Barry Forshaw‘Intriguing and highly compelling . . . Most definitely one of the most original and satisfying novels I have read this year.’ reflectionsofareader.blogspot‘Wow! Are you sure this is really a debut novel? . . . absolutely fantastic and had me totally hooked.’ aloverofbooks.wordpress‘ Last Stop Tokyo is a fast-paced yet easy read which I read in one sitting. Addictive. Magnetic. Glue. Call it what you like. I bloody loved it! What a debut.’ pageturnersnook.wordpress‘Continuous undercurrent of tensions that runs throughout the whole book . . . Last Stop Tokyo is tense, engaging and insightful.’ earlgreyandcupcakes.wordpress‘The story progresses to a thrilling and unexpected finale . . . a gripping and insightful read.’ tripfiction.com‘A riveting thriller and one I’ll be recommending to anybody who likes their books to feature the darker, seedier side of life . . . I found myself racing through the pages.’ hairpastafreckle72.blogspot‘What a web James Buckler has spun in this intoxicating debut novel. Full of descriptive, fast-paced scenes and an interesting take on life in Japan made this such an entertaining read for me . . . had me reading at a rate of knots.’ cescalizziereads.com‘I was well and truly hooked from the start . . . a story full of dark, seedy characters and exposes the darkest underbelly of Tokyo. I enjoyed every page and highly recommend it.’ randomthingsthroughmyletterbox.blogspot
352 pages, Paperback
First published August 24, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
July 16, 2017
'Trust is just betrayal waiting to happen.........' and this was certainly the case for Alex Malloy in "Last Stop Tokyo" written by James Buckler. All Alex wanted was a fresh start after leaving his troubles behind in London. However, after meeting up with his old friend Hiro and meeting his romantic interest the alluring and enigmatic Naoko, things just go from bad to worse.
I'm sadly ignorant of anything to do with Tokyo and Japan but after reading this book I feel I now know its beautiful places and people intimately as they were so meticulously and vividly described and portrayed.
I can't praise this book enough, I absolutely adored it and found it utterly compelling. The pages just flowed with a fast paced and gripping storyline - it keeps you frustrated at Alex's predicaments and has your stomach churning at the tension of what may come - at times you felt like shouting at the pages telling Alex not to do it!! I loved Alex's character too and found him very endearing and this made you feel all the more for him during the story. As for the ending, well... I'm astounded and really, really hope there's another to follow......PLEASE!
For a debut book this is superbly written - I loved how the prologue fitted into the story - and this is definitely one to look out for this year - I'm positive this will do well and I wish James Buckler every success with it.
5 huge stars!!!
I'm sadly ignorant of anything to do with Tokyo and Japan but after reading this book I feel I now know its beautiful places and people intimately as they were so meticulously and vividly described and portrayed.
I can't praise this book enough, I absolutely adored it and found it utterly compelling. The pages just flowed with a fast paced and gripping storyline - it keeps you frustrated at Alex's predicaments and has your stomach churning at the tension of what may come - at times you felt like shouting at the pages telling Alex not to do it!! I loved Alex's character too and found him very endearing and this made you feel all the more for him during the story. As for the ending, well... I'm astounded and really, really hope there's another to follow......PLEASE!
For a debut book this is superbly written - I loved how the prologue fitted into the story - and this is definitely one to look out for this year - I'm positive this will do well and I wish James Buckler every success with it.
5 huge stars!!!
August 20, 2017
Booktrail locations in the novel : Last stop Tokyo
If this book is anything to go by,Japan is a city of lights, frantic activity and a blur of bars, clubs, crowds bustling along the streets – like a camera on top speed showing the city as it really is all the time, not just on fast mode cinematic style.
A British man comes here to escape from his past and immediately crash lands in Tokyo. Experiences of an expat or a boy on a year abroad it is not, Alex is immediately thrilled with the fast, frenetic life, gets a Japanese girlfriend and then…..experiences an all together other side to the city and its law enforcement…
This is a city which sucks Alex in very quickly and without apology but Alex still manages to find more chaos and drama, more darkness and narrow alleyways and where the drug dealers and prostitutes hang out.
The busy city is one of bright lights alluring cafes, noise and chaos and it’s a world attractive and dangerous at the same time. I was also reminded of the programme Banged Up Abroad when you sit back and wait for the main character to do something very ill advised. Alex doesn’t disappoint.
It’s frenetic and crazy and whilst you do have to suspend belief for some of the story, it shows how one small thing can snowball and in a foreign country and culture that can have very surprising consequences
Events spiral quickly taking Alex with them and it was interesting to see the Japanese characters act according to pride and honour, the justice system can mean victims often receive blood money instead of justice.
The ending is abrupt and I think people will gain several opinions of what happens. It smacks you like that train has reached that Last Stop Tokyo and you’re left feeling that you’ve had a taste of Japan that’s 100% proof.
May 31, 2017
I'm torn between 3 and 4 stars... On one hand, quite well-written, interesting read, on the other - doesn't really have the feel of Japan, the plot is not very innovative and the main two characters frustrated me during the first 2/3 of the book.
Though the main point I didn't like was the ending. I personally don't like so many lose strings left!
All in all, I did want to pick it up and continue reading, and it did keep me interested and engaged. For me, personally, something was missing in the book, but it might be just me :)
Though the main point I didn't like was the ending. I personally don't like so many lose strings left!
All in all, I did want to pick it up and continue reading, and it did keep me interested and engaged. For me, personally, something was missing in the book, but it might be just me :)
April 27, 2018
Not a book for me it seems. Cliche after cliche. It feels like the author has been to Japan or read a few books and just wants to put everything that he knows into the pages. Back to the library it goes. A DNF at 19 pages.
July 27, 2017
I would like to thank Netgalley and Random House UK, Transworld Publishers for an advance copy of Last Stop Tokyo, the story of Alex's attempt to leave his old, troubled life in London and start afresh in Tokyo.
As the blurb states Alex didn't think that his life could get worse and yet it does. The man was a successful lawyer and yet it his poor judgement and naïveté, both in decision making and choice of friends, that leads him into the bad situations he gets into. It's hardly believable.
I didn't like the characters, there's hardly a decent one among them, never mind likeable so it's hard to get involved in the situations they find themselves in. It all seems a bit contrived and unconvincing.
Last Stop Tokyo is not for me.
As the blurb states Alex didn't think that his life could get worse and yet it does. The man was a successful lawyer and yet it his poor judgement and naïveté, both in decision making and choice of friends, that leads him into the bad situations he gets into. It's hardly believable.
I didn't like the characters, there's hardly a decent one among them, never mind likeable so it's hard to get involved in the situations they find themselves in. It all seems a bit contrived and unconvincing.
Last Stop Tokyo is not for me.
August 14, 2017
Stopped reading halfway through. Became uninterested in the plot, the characters were wooden, and the writing isn't exciting or particularly good.
August 2, 2018
Starkes Debüt über japanische Widersprüchlichkeit!
Ein starkes Debüt legt uns James Buckler vor, der selbst in Japan lebte und uns dieses Land der Widersprüche aus den Augen eines „gaijin“, eines Ausländers, zeigt.
An der Seite von Alex Malloy, der als Englischlehrer an der Excelsior School in Shinjuku Dori arbeitet, ziehen wir durch die Straßen Tokios. Eine Stadt des Lärms, des Rauchs, der Lichter, der 4-Liter-Sake-Flaschen und teuren Frauen, die sich ihre Einkäufe nur mithilfe von Boyfriends finanzieren können. Und das obwohl Japaner ständig auf Ruf und Ansehen bedacht sind.
Genau diese Widersprüche stellt Buckler in den Vordergrund. Geschäftsmäßiges Treiben wechselt zu ständigen Aberglauben, Ruf und Ansehen sind wichtiger als Gerechtigkeit und Freundschaft.
All das zeigt Buckler verpackt in eine Geschichte, die an eine Abwärtsspirale erinnert. Denn für Alex Malloy hätte Tokio eigentlich ein Neuanfang sein müssen, doch dieser Neuanfang erinnert in der Tat an eine Endstation, denn wenn mal die Yakuza hinter einem her, kann man sich nicht mehr viel erhoffen.
Zudem ist Alex eine Figur, die eigentlich alles richtig machen will, bei der aber das Schicksal wie eine Kettenreaktion des Bösen zuschlägt und ihn hinabzieht in den Strudel japanischer Doppeldeutigkeit und Tokios Unterwelt. Böse wird das enden, das ahnt der Leser. Und das lässt ihn bis zum Schluss den japanischen Ausflug genießen.
Wer Japan kennenlernen möchte, wird dieses Buch lieben. Ich habe jede Seite davon genossen. Uchi-soto. Drinnen und draußen.
Ein starkes Debüt legt uns James Buckler vor, der selbst in Japan lebte und uns dieses Land der Widersprüche aus den Augen eines „gaijin“, eines Ausländers, zeigt.
An der Seite von Alex Malloy, der als Englischlehrer an der Excelsior School in Shinjuku Dori arbeitet, ziehen wir durch die Straßen Tokios. Eine Stadt des Lärms, des Rauchs, der Lichter, der 4-Liter-Sake-Flaschen und teuren Frauen, die sich ihre Einkäufe nur mithilfe von Boyfriends finanzieren können. Und das obwohl Japaner ständig auf Ruf und Ansehen bedacht sind.
Genau diese Widersprüche stellt Buckler in den Vordergrund. Geschäftsmäßiges Treiben wechselt zu ständigen Aberglauben, Ruf und Ansehen sind wichtiger als Gerechtigkeit und Freundschaft.
All das zeigt Buckler verpackt in eine Geschichte, die an eine Abwärtsspirale erinnert. Denn für Alex Malloy hätte Tokio eigentlich ein Neuanfang sein müssen, doch dieser Neuanfang erinnert in der Tat an eine Endstation, denn wenn mal die Yakuza hinter einem her, kann man sich nicht mehr viel erhoffen.
Zudem ist Alex eine Figur, die eigentlich alles richtig machen will, bei der aber das Schicksal wie eine Kettenreaktion des Bösen zuschlägt und ihn hinabzieht in den Strudel japanischer Doppeldeutigkeit und Tokios Unterwelt. Böse wird das enden, das ahnt der Leser. Und das lässt ihn bis zum Schluss den japanischen Ausflug genießen.
Wer Japan kennenlernen möchte, wird dieses Buch lieben. Ich habe jede Seite davon genossen. Uchi-soto. Drinnen und draußen.
July 31, 2024
The book has a good premise but I'm not sure it delivers on it: most people would regard being struck off as a lawyer and ostracised by your family as rock bottom (or close to it), so what if things actually got worse instead of better...
For someone with a history like Alex's, his actions are not the cleverest (annoying his boss, the drugs) and his emotional intelligence is not great (storming into Naoko's work and insisting they talk). Thus he ends up in situations which can only end badly. And they do. How did he make it as a solicitor in the first place if he acts then thinks? And I don't understand his continued feelings towards Naoko who utterly threw him under the proverbial bus...
Because Alex is therefore not particularly sympathetic, the fact that things get worse left me feeling "meh" which is a shame since the book has a good premise.
For someone with a history like Alex's, his actions are not the cleverest (annoying his boss, the drugs) and his emotional intelligence is not great (storming into Naoko's work and insisting they talk). Thus he ends up in situations which can only end badly. And they do. How did he make it as a solicitor in the first place if he acts then thinks? And I don't understand his continued feelings towards Naoko who utterly threw him under the proverbial bus...
Because Alex is therefore not particularly sympathetic, the fact that things get worse left me feeling "meh" which is a shame since the book has a good premise.
May 8, 2021
A great book if you're an expat living overseas in Asia like myself but more geared towards the under 40 crowd. I have lived in Asia since 2017 and many of us including myself are running from problems in the West..The character in the book, though, seems to have little interest in Japan or Asia and appears to be running from tragedy in Britain. A lot of the characters in the book are very superficial. However the whole thing about being an expat running away from the West to live in the Exotic Far East very much resonates with my own existence although I'm probably a good 20 to 25 years older than the main characters. I've never lived in Japan or Tokyo; I've only been to the airport but gives me a good insight into what it's like to be an expat in Tokyo. Their is a lot of racism towards Westerners in the East and the book is upfront about that.. The author lived in Japan and was probably drawing on his own life for source material...The chapter that took place in Thailand was mostly accurate; I can't say the same for Japan having never been there.. The book was pretty good though the main character Alex was not too likeable. The end was unclear and disappointing. It seems to set in motion a sequel. I would be all over that !
September 13, 2017
Like most crime novels set in Japan, I felt like this focused too much on the stereotypical seediness: prostitutes, yakuza and tattoos. I note that the author has been an English teacher there, and as I was one myself, I find it hard to shake off these cardboard-cut out crimes. The main female character Naoko was more interesting than the protagonist, but to be honest I lost interest half-way through the novel. I'm sure it would appeal to those who haven't actually lived in the country.
January 9, 2019
Alex escapes London for Tokyo after an incident causes him to lose his job and his reputation. There he meets mysterious and fiery Naoko who leads him into trouble he wasn't expecting. Whilst this kind of story isn't new, Buckler brings fresh energy to the tale and makes this very enjoyable and engaging.
October 30, 2019
Very sad. An unlucky hero.
August 27, 2017
James Buckler's debut novel is a riveting thriller and one I'll be recommending to anybody who likes their books to feature the darker, seedier side of life. I wasn't immediately gripped, this was a book that took a little while to really get its claws into me, I found the flashbacks at the start a little confusing and it took me a bit of time to decide how I felt about the characters. As the novel progressed though I found myself racing through the pages and when I'd finished reading it I had to take to Twitter to express my feelings about the ending (but more of that later!)
I have to admit there weren't any characters who I would want as friends, even the two protagonists, Alex and Naoko are often far from likeable. At best their actions can be described as frustrating but they are often impetuous and selfish. The fact that I cared about what happened to them is an indicator of the author's skill, flawed they may be but I was still invested in their lives. As the book progresses and more is revealed about their pasts their actions become clearer, they are damaged people who are seemingly drawn both to each other and to rash decisions that have devastating repercussions for them both.
Alex is working as a teacher in Tokyo, trying to keep his head down after losing his previous job in a law firm in London following a fatal accident. It seems though that trouble follows him and he finds himself accused of a crime he didn't commit, bad enough for a local man but harder still for a foreigner in a country where even the simplest of interactions can be fraught with cultural misunderstandings. Alex may be irritating at times but he's a good person who finds himself mixed up with some very bad people. This for me is where the novel really became enthralling with the creeping sense of dread that things are going to get a lot worse for Alex. Naoko is an enigma, the revelations from her past go some way to explaining her behaviour but she remains unpredictable throughout, as does her relationship with Alex.
The book focuses on the darker side of Tokyo, this is far from a tourist advert but James Buckler has brought the underbelly of this busy, chaotic, fascinating city to life. The time he has spent Japan and his obvious connection with the country pay dividends here and his vivid descriptions of the sights and sounds of the city, the food and the often strict customs that must be upheld brings a rich flavour to the novel.
So, back to that ending... No spoilers from me, suffice to say that the tension steadily builds towards a breathtaking conclusion. This is a memorable debut, violent and often bleak but imbued with a sharp wit that stops it becoming depressing. I'm not sure what James Buckler has planned next but I'm really looking forward to reading it.
I have to admit there weren't any characters who I would want as friends, even the two protagonists, Alex and Naoko are often far from likeable. At best their actions can be described as frustrating but they are often impetuous and selfish. The fact that I cared about what happened to them is an indicator of the author's skill, flawed they may be but I was still invested in their lives. As the book progresses and more is revealed about their pasts their actions become clearer, they are damaged people who are seemingly drawn both to each other and to rash decisions that have devastating repercussions for them both.
Alex is working as a teacher in Tokyo, trying to keep his head down after losing his previous job in a law firm in London following a fatal accident. It seems though that trouble follows him and he finds himself accused of a crime he didn't commit, bad enough for a local man but harder still for a foreigner in a country where even the simplest of interactions can be fraught with cultural misunderstandings. Alex may be irritating at times but he's a good person who finds himself mixed up with some very bad people. This for me is where the novel really became enthralling with the creeping sense of dread that things are going to get a lot worse for Alex. Naoko is an enigma, the revelations from her past go some way to explaining her behaviour but she remains unpredictable throughout, as does her relationship with Alex.
The book focuses on the darker side of Tokyo, this is far from a tourist advert but James Buckler has brought the underbelly of this busy, chaotic, fascinating city to life. The time he has spent Japan and his obvious connection with the country pay dividends here and his vivid descriptions of the sights and sounds of the city, the food and the often strict customs that must be upheld brings a rich flavour to the novel.
So, back to that ending... No spoilers from me, suffice to say that the tension steadily builds towards a breathtaking conclusion. This is a memorable debut, violent and often bleak but imbued with a sharp wit that stops it becoming depressing. I'm not sure what James Buckler has planned next but I'm really looking forward to reading it.
August 30, 2017
I read Last Stop Tokyo over one weekend, and was well and truly hooked from the start. I'll admit that at first glance, I wasn't sure if this was going to be my kind of book, but I've learnt never to judge a book by its cover (that cover didn't entice me, I will admit), and by the end of the five page prologue I was gasping for more; desperate to know what led Alex to this scene.
Alex Malloy is an English guy living and working in Tokyo. He's teaching English, just like lots of other Brits out there and this is a far cry from his previous career as a lawyer in London. Alex came to Tokyo to try to forget his past, and to start again in a place where nobody knows his history. However, there is one person in the city who does know. Hiro, his friend from University knows who Alex used to be, but he also thinks he knows why he's no longer that person.
Alex begins a relationship with Naoko; an attractive Japanese girl who works in an art gallery, they meet through Hiro, and like Alex, Naoko has a history that she wants to forget.
Neither Alex or Naoko are particularly likeable characters. Alex is gullible and easily led, whilst Naoko is determined and at times, hard hearted. Their relationship is difficult and full of tension which comes to a head one evening at the art gallery.
This is a story full of dark, seedy characters and exposes the darkest underbelly of Tokyo. The reader becomes familiar with the deadliest of deals, with corruption and crime and travels from the dirtiest of jail cells to the white beaches of Thailand.
Last Stop Tokyo is intriguing and paced very well. It twists and turns through the plot throwing up surprises that I certainly didn't anticipate. I enjoyed every page and highly recommend it.
https://randomthingsthroughmyletterbo...
Alex Malloy is an English guy living and working in Tokyo. He's teaching English, just like lots of other Brits out there and this is a far cry from his previous career as a lawyer in London. Alex came to Tokyo to try to forget his past, and to start again in a place where nobody knows his history. However, there is one person in the city who does know. Hiro, his friend from University knows who Alex used to be, but he also thinks he knows why he's no longer that person.
Alex begins a relationship with Naoko; an attractive Japanese girl who works in an art gallery, they meet through Hiro, and like Alex, Naoko has a history that she wants to forget.
Neither Alex or Naoko are particularly likeable characters. Alex is gullible and easily led, whilst Naoko is determined and at times, hard hearted. Their relationship is difficult and full of tension which comes to a head one evening at the art gallery.
This is a story full of dark, seedy characters and exposes the darkest underbelly of Tokyo. The reader becomes familiar with the deadliest of deals, with corruption and crime and travels from the dirtiest of jail cells to the white beaches of Thailand.
Last Stop Tokyo is intriguing and paced very well. It twists and turns through the plot throwing up surprises that I certainly didn't anticipate. I enjoyed every page and highly recommend it.
https://randomthingsthroughmyletterbo...
October 7, 2017
Last Stop Tokyo is the debut novel by exciting author James Buckler. I found it intriguing and highly compelling, I was drawn in by the writing style and hooked after the very first chapters.
Alex is an English teacher and goes to Japan, as a means of escape. He has a craving for anonymity. Things however do not run smoothly for him, a spiral of destruction leads him into dire situations.
He meets Naoko, who is a lady that he is almost compelled to, so drawn is he to her. What ensues is a gripping roller coaster of a read, that I was utterly beguiled by.
Tokyo itself is described in vivid detail, the bright lights of the big city, the noise and the hustle and bustle. There is always an undercurrent here though, one of imminent danger, a certain edge to the Tokyo that is described in this story. One where foreigners may not be fully welcomed.
The unlikeable characters, give the story depth and dimension and a certain hazardous reality to events.
At 280 pages, Last Stop Tokyo, packs quite a punch, it has an excellent finale, and a build up to it that is enough to keep the reader sitting on the edge of their seat. Most definitely one of the most original and satisfying novels I have read this year.
I would love to read more from James Buckler in the future, a bright fresh talent.
Alex is an English teacher and goes to Japan, as a means of escape. He has a craving for anonymity. Things however do not run smoothly for him, a spiral of destruction leads him into dire situations.
He meets Naoko, who is a lady that he is almost compelled to, so drawn is he to her. What ensues is a gripping roller coaster of a read, that I was utterly beguiled by.
Tokyo itself is described in vivid detail, the bright lights of the big city, the noise and the hustle and bustle. There is always an undercurrent here though, one of imminent danger, a certain edge to the Tokyo that is described in this story. One where foreigners may not be fully welcomed.
The unlikeable characters, give the story depth and dimension and a certain hazardous reality to events.
At 280 pages, Last Stop Tokyo, packs quite a punch, it has an excellent finale, and a build up to it that is enough to keep the reader sitting on the edge of their seat. Most definitely one of the most original and satisfying novels I have read this year.
I would love to read more from James Buckler in the future, a bright fresh talent.
January 30, 2019
I really really wanted to like this. Perhaps I put too much pressure on it? It buckled under my expectations.
That’s not to say I hated it. The storyline was interesting and I felt for Alex throughout the story, finding myself getting annoyed at him for doing something I thought was a bad idea - I like books that get me invested like that!
However... what was his deal with the girl? Someone does something like that to me, I would not be there to pick up the pieces. I didn’t get it. There was no reason for that.
Not only did I find the rest of the characters seriously unlikeable and their actions seriously unbelievable... the city itself was clearly supposed to be a character. I’ve been to Tokyo, love it, one of my favourite places in the world, but this story did it no justice. It tried to make it a character, but it became a boring one - anyone who’s been to Tokyo will surely agree it is anything but boring!
I wanted to give this a higher rating so badly but couldn’t bring myself to do it. If there’s s sequel I’ll probably jump on board to try and get more closure but otherwise this disappointed me.
That’s not to say I hated it. The storyline was interesting and I felt for Alex throughout the story, finding myself getting annoyed at him for doing something I thought was a bad idea - I like books that get me invested like that!
However... what was his deal with the girl? Someone does something like that to me, I would not be there to pick up the pieces. I didn’t get it. There was no reason for that.
Not only did I find the rest of the characters seriously unlikeable and their actions seriously unbelievable... the city itself was clearly supposed to be a character. I’ve been to Tokyo, love it, one of my favourite places in the world, but this story did it no justice. It tried to make it a character, but it became a boring one - anyone who’s been to Tokyo will surely agree it is anything but boring!
I wanted to give this a higher rating so badly but couldn’t bring myself to do it. If there’s s sequel I’ll probably jump on board to try and get more closure but otherwise this disappointed me.
June 20, 2018
I found this book annoying for many different reasons.
The book is set in Japan, and thus many Japanese terms/names/phrases, even sentences of dialogue is in Japanese. This is fine! Except there is no translation or explanation of what it means. In some circumstances I don't mind a bit of research, but this book really doesn't warrant it. The writing itself reeks of smugness, and the excessive use of Japanese isn't necessary and comes across as a middle-aged, middle-class person showing off.
The story is so-so, the writing average at best, with much room for improvement. The character's are dull and cliche ; Naoko is a text-book tsundere (
Avoid this book.
The book is set in Japan, and thus many Japanese terms/names/phrases, even sentences of dialogue is in Japanese. This is fine! Except there is no translation or explanation of what it means. In some circumstances I don't mind a bit of research, but this book really doesn't warrant it. The writing itself reeks of smugness, and the excessive use of Japanese isn't necessary and comes across as a middle-aged, middle-class person showing off.
The story is so-so, the writing average at best, with much room for improvement. The character's are dull and cliche ; Naoko is a text-book tsundere (
Avoid this book.
January 25, 2018
I read most of this book on my morning and evening commutes to and from work... in Tokyo. What a captivating novel that keeps you wanting more and literally at the edge of your seat. The plot was unpredictable for the most part and the characters were well-developed. I hated every single character in the book but for some reason I still loved the book.
"Last Stop Tokyo" will take you on a journey through the darkest parts of such an enthralling city.
"Last Stop Tokyo" will take you on a journey through the darkest parts of such an enthralling city.
July 26, 2017
A self-assured debut. Would recommend it.
August 25, 2017
Alex has fled to Tokyo to outrun the destruction of his life. Thinking of the furthest place from London, Tokyo seemed to be the perfect fit. The story starts off with Alex settled in and (secretly) dating his friend Hiro’s sister Naoki. Naoki has a turbulent past of her own and the couple have agreed not to discuss the details. After an argument about Alex’s past, Naoki breaks it off with him. Both of them want the relationship to suceed but they both refuse to reveal their failures.
Alex decides to test Naoki’s loyalty and ambushes her at a high profile event to talk about the future of their relationship. The night takes an even sourer turn when a colleague of Naoki’s decides to use the resulting argument to further her own position by sabotaging Naoki’s reputation. The argument resumes in private and turns into a fight which turns violent and the police are called. Alex is arrested and Naoki has a decision to make, tell the truth that he is innocent or lie and protect her reputation. Her decision puts Alex behind bars in a Japanese prison and no one can stop the resulting carnage.
I was genuinely on edge reading this story. When I started reading I was contemplating how bad their destructive relationship could get. My theory wasn’t even close! Buckler’s writing was superb, with a perfect clash of Japanese and British culture being the backdrop to a story of secrecy, self importance, pride and nasty consequences. Last Stop Tokyo is a truly immersive psychological thiller.
I liked Alex, trying to make it on his own after losing everything he worked hard for. Finding out his story through flashbacks made his treatment at the hands of Naoki even harder to digest. But when he is backed into a corner, he is a fighter at heart. Naoki was an interesting character too, I have very little knowledge about Japanese culture and mentality and it was intriguing to learn how much more invested in order and reputation they are compared to us Brits.
Last Stop Tokyo is many things and it encompasses a lot of themes that we all deal with day to day. From passion and betrayal to violence and hard choices. The atmosphere in this novel was constantly evolving with the tide of their relationship and personal choices. I recommend LST to all thriller readers who enjoy a story that is fast paced, uncontrollable and ends with an electrifying bang.
Alex decides to test Naoki’s loyalty and ambushes her at a high profile event to talk about the future of their relationship. The night takes an even sourer turn when a colleague of Naoki’s decides to use the resulting argument to further her own position by sabotaging Naoki’s reputation. The argument resumes in private and turns into a fight which turns violent and the police are called. Alex is arrested and Naoki has a decision to make, tell the truth that he is innocent or lie and protect her reputation. Her decision puts Alex behind bars in a Japanese prison and no one can stop the resulting carnage.
I was genuinely on edge reading this story. When I started reading I was contemplating how bad their destructive relationship could get. My theory wasn’t even close! Buckler’s writing was superb, with a perfect clash of Japanese and British culture being the backdrop to a story of secrecy, self importance, pride and nasty consequences. Last Stop Tokyo is a truly immersive psychological thiller.
I liked Alex, trying to make it on his own after losing everything he worked hard for. Finding out his story through flashbacks made his treatment at the hands of Naoki even harder to digest. But when he is backed into a corner, he is a fighter at heart. Naoki was an interesting character too, I have very little knowledge about Japanese culture and mentality and it was intriguing to learn how much more invested in order and reputation they are compared to us Brits.
Last Stop Tokyo is many things and it encompasses a lot of themes that we all deal with day to day. From passion and betrayal to violence and hard choices. The atmosphere in this novel was constantly evolving with the tide of their relationship and personal choices. I recommend LST to all thriller readers who enjoy a story that is fast paced, uncontrollable and ends with an electrifying bang.
July 17, 2018
I was between a 2 and a 3 for this read, but the ending convinced me to go for a 3. Yes, it's good.
Throughout the book I was expecting something more complicated, more inconceivable, more interesting. It felt like the story was too plain, something too expected that would have easily been done before even though I had not come across it sooner. Guy moves to a foreign country, is seemingly rejected by its society, gets in trouble due to it, also has a romantic interest that's part of said society, she picks her world over him. And when the yakuza get involved, you're just thinking 'this is Japan'.
I initially picked up this book because it matched perfectly well with my upcoming trip to Tokyo, and it would help getting me even more in the mood for it, with the bright and vibrant descriptions of places I have visited as well as places on my list. The routes are easily imaginable, as are the interactions and the gestures of the characters described. But it is just the end that takes it that extra degree further from your regular thriller set in Tokyo to something more memorable, making it a fine debut for the writer, as the blurb indicates.
Throughout the book I was expecting something more complicated, more inconceivable, more interesting. It felt like the story was too plain, something too expected that would have easily been done before even though I had not come across it sooner. Guy moves to a foreign country, is seemingly rejected by its society, gets in trouble due to it, also has a romantic interest that's part of said society, she picks her world over him. And when the yakuza get involved, you're just thinking 'this is Japan'.
I initially picked up this book because it matched perfectly well with my upcoming trip to Tokyo, and it would help getting me even more in the mood for it, with the bright and vibrant descriptions of places I have visited as well as places on my list. The routes are easily imaginable, as are the interactions and the gestures of the characters described. But it is just the end that takes it that extra degree further from your regular thriller set in Tokyo to something more memorable, making it a fine debut for the writer, as the blurb indicates.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 4, 2021
Started off so well and then flopped a bit. I loved the opening descriptions of Tokyo. The author has clearly spent some time there, perhaps even lived there. The beginning seemed suspenseful and interesting... I was anticipating another 5 star read... then Naoko and all Alex’s dramas. Like sooo many dramas and all so traumatic. The beatings. The corruption, the crazy (literally crazy) love. That horrible “friend” of Naoko’s. Hiro. It was too much. Too many consistently grotty horrible people in one story.
Maybe I’ve gotten used to my Japanese stories with a bit more subtlety. This was like a sledgehammer by the end.
I’m not saying I hated the whole thing. I think 3 stars is quite standard. It had such potential and it just didn’t quite work, worse for me as I love books set in Japan so much. I don’t think i would be so disappointed if it all went down in America.
However I did finish the book and I would read the author again if he wrote another book.
Maybe I’ve gotten used to my Japanese stories with a bit more subtlety. This was like a sledgehammer by the end.
I’m not saying I hated the whole thing. I think 3 stars is quite standard. It had such potential and it just didn’t quite work, worse for me as I love books set in Japan so much. I don’t think i would be so disappointed if it all went down in America.
However I did finish the book and I would read the author again if he wrote another book.
June 28, 2019
I was drawn to this book because it had Tokyo in the title. Ive been wanting to go to Japan for years and this book weirdly enough despite the story has made me want to go even more. There was so muh drama and new twists to the story on every page. Whenever i picked the book up and started reading again there was a new topic to be excited over. Wheather it being crime, romance, lust or danger this book was full of it. I loved the two main characters Alex and Naoko. Their lives were so complicated and exciting i loved the way they came to meet. I also loved how the author incorporated so much about Japan in the book. He mentioned trainstations, japanese langiage/phrases, food and areas in Tokyo you can visit. I loved this book so much and it is one of my most faviourate books of all time now. Cant say enough good things. 😀
July 23, 2017
James Buckler's debut literary thriller is a disappointing and contrived affair with a main character who doesn't get any agency until the final quarter (at which point his actions made him unsympathetic) while Naoko is such an over-reacting lunatic that I wondered what Alex saw in her while I didn't feel as if there was much insight into Tokyo or its inhabitants that I wouldn't get from a tourist book.
June 20, 2018
I really wanted to like this book, but there was something about the characters and the plot that meant I was never lost in it. I think there was a little depth in the characters and their motivations which meant I was never fully invested in them. It was a lot of telling of info rather than showing - however the twist at the end did rescue it somewhat. A good holidays read but not quite what I expected.
June 12, 2020
Easy to read but also easy to forget afterwards.
I wasn't overly impressed at all by this fictional novel.
It follows your typical 'Thriller' genre but just lacked something to reel me in & make me excited to pick it up during an evening.
It isn't overly long & therefore I managed to finish the novel.
It is well written & gets 2 stars for that, but I know the story will fade from me fast & I won't be re-reading it.
Quick & easy read. That is all it was for me.
I wasn't overly impressed at all by this fictional novel.
It follows your typical 'Thriller' genre but just lacked something to reel me in & make me excited to pick it up during an evening.
It isn't overly long & therefore I managed to finish the novel.
It is well written & gets 2 stars for that, but I know the story will fade from me fast & I won't be re-reading it.
Quick & easy read. That is all it was for me.
November 29, 2020
What. An. Ending!! I did not see that coming. But it makes so much sense!
I first heard about Last Stop Tokyo in his interview with the Writer's Routine podcast. I bought it the same day and it was everything I hoped it would be: an artfully written, tightly structured, pacy debut.
I can't wait to read Buckler's next novel!
I first heard about Last Stop Tokyo in his interview with the Writer's Routine podcast. I bought it the same day and it was everything I hoped it would be: an artfully written, tightly structured, pacy debut.
I can't wait to read Buckler's next novel!
June 15, 2023
One of the books that you just can't put down until you're done! I appreciate the intensity and fast-paced storyline that kept me on the edge, wanting to find out what happens next. You can't help but feel sorry for Alex for being a good chap, but always being at the wrong place at the wrong time I'd give it a 5/5 if the ending was less of a cliffhanger.
July 10, 2017
A nourish fish-out-of-water complex tale that is both enticing and gripping with a gut punch of an ending.
Full review here....
http://nexttotheaisle.blogspot.co.uk/...
Full review here....
http://nexttotheaisle.blogspot.co.uk/...
September 4, 2017
Despite the book not really having a likeable main character, it was strangely addictive.
Nicely set-up for a sequel.
Definitely worth a read!
***Spoiler***
The name Last Stop Tokyo is kind of a spoiler isn't it?
Nicely set-up for a sequel.
Definitely worth a read!
***Spoiler***
The name Last Stop Tokyo is kind of a spoiler isn't it?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews