'A Clean Kill in Tokyo' follows the life of John Rain, a complex character who is a skilled assassin with a troubled past. Set in the intriguing backdrop of Japan, the story delves into Rain's personal struggles, his meticulous techniques to avoid detection, and the intricate web of relationships he navigates. The plot unfolds with twists and turns, involving corrupt politics, a dangerous romance, and a mission that puts Rain in the crosshairs of various adversaries. Barry Eisler's writing style vividly portrays the essence of Tokyo, incorporating detailed descriptions of the city's environment, culture, and customs, while keeping the narrative engaging and suspenseful.

Characters:

Characters are well-developed, with John Rain being a conflicted assassin grappling with his past and relationships.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is descriptive and engaging, vividly portraying Tokyo while occasionally being heavy-handed.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot features an assassin navigating a web of intrigue in Japan, filled with complex characters and unexpected twists.

Setting:

The setting is richly described, taking place in Tokyo and immersing the reader in its culture and intrigue.

Pacing:

The pacing is steady, mixing action with introspection, although some parts may feel slower due to exposition.

Notes:

John Rain is a half-Japanese, half-American assassin who specializes in making deaths look like accidents.

The author Barry Eisler has a background in the CIA and martial arts, which influences the authenticity of the combat scenes in the book.

The book was originally titled 'Rain Fall' before Eisler regained the rights and retitled it 'A Clean Kill in Tokyo.'

John Rain struggles with moral conflicts due to his experiences in Vietnam, where he justifies his actions in war, which later haunt him.

The story's setting in Tokyo is richly described, making the city feel like a character in its own right.

Rain's character has been compared to other iconic heroes like Jack Reacher due to his depth and complexity despite being an anti-hero.

The book combines elements of romance, political intrigue, and psychological exploration within the assassin's narrative.

Some readers found the informative descriptions of Japanese culture, locations, and customs both immersive and at times overwhelming to the plot.

The writing features a mix of action-packed sequences, suspense, and character development that keeps readers engaged.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Potential content warnings include themes of violence, assassination, trauma related to war, and psychological distress.

Has Romance?

There is a moderate level of romance, primarily involving the protagonist and a jazz singer, which adds tension to the plot but is complicated by their circumstances.

From The Publisher:

Previously published as Rain Fall

Name: John Rain.

Vocation: Assassin.

Specialty: Natural Causes.

Base of operations: Tokyo.

Availability: Worldwide.

Half American, half Japanese, expert in both worlds but at home in neither, John Rain is the best killer money can buy. You tell him who. You tell him where. He doesn't care about why...

Until he gets involved with Midori Kawamura, a beautiful jazz pianist-and the daughter of his latest kill.

A Clean Kill in Tokyo was previously published as Rain Fall, the first in the bestselling John Rain assassin series.

Ratings (6)

Incredible (1)
Loved It (1)
Liked It (2)
It Was OK (2)

Reader Stats (24):

Read It (6)
Want To Read (16)
Not Interested (2)

What can you read after
A Clean Kill in Tokyo?

See the list (100 books)

Meet New Books is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to products and services on amazon.com and its subsidiaries.
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.

A Clean Kill in Tokyo

Barry Eisler

Book 1 in the series:John Rain