December 6 (67)

December 6
Martin Cruz Smith

Smith is one of my favorite authors.. known for taking a deep (and often historical accurate) look in his books. This concerns Harry Niles a gaijin (foreigner) living in Japan. Except he IS Japanese, son of missionaries, he grew up in Japan, and lived among the Japanese as his parents (whom he detested) traveled trying to convert souls. Now an adult and owns a bar, and runs various scams. The war with China has brought mixed feelings, the diplomatic community does not think that Japan will attack the US.. But Harry has bigger problems like the Col who wants him dead, and his girlfriend who thinks double suicide is romantic.. and the husband of his mistress.
He seems to avoid the bigger problems.. but will he escape Japan and return to the US like his money did?
The book has more to do with his problems, and very little to do with Perl Harbor.. but still a good book.