THE LAST TRAIN
Detective Hiroshi, Volume 1

by Michael Pronko

Narrated by: Peter Berkrot

Production by: Raked Gravel Press

Mystery & Murder in Tokyo!

Detective Hiroshi finds himself going head-to-head with an ex-hostess who has murdered an American businessman and who may have designs on killing him as well. Hiroshi discovers that money not only talks but kills. The desire for money goes much deeper into the sordid underbelly of Tokyo as many are eager to sell their souls for a bit of it. Hiroshi, having led a sheltered life, quickly discovers the dangers he is about to face and that not everything is as it seems. Sometimes a death is more than it appears.

The author, Michael Pronko takes an average mystery and turns it into much more. Slow and deliberate, Pronko creates the mystery and characters weaving a careful story. It is obvious that Pronko knows Japan and its culture well and this was an added benefit to the story. The characters were well-developed although a few of them bore some basic stereotyped characteristics. Although you knew who the murderess was, it was a game of “catch me if you can” which made the story more intriguing.

The narrator, Peter Berkrot, did a noteworthy job of portraying the characters. His voice was clear, and his cadence was smooth and steady. I have not had the pleasure of hearing Berkrot before but thoroughly enjoyed his performance.

A solid mystery with lots of added visuals through the author’s use of rich and vivid details. I am interested in seeing how Detective Hiroshi grows throughout the series.

There were no issues with the quality or production of this audiobook, it was clear and well produced.

Disclaimer: This Audiobook was provided free of charge by the author, narrator, and/or publisher in exchange for a non-bias, honest review.