Murder at the Tokyo American Club, has never been so amusing in book form! Imagine your favorite detective mystery with a cross cultural comedy twist in Japan. Humans have a lot in common with each other, and the new president of Tokyo American Club, J.B. Culhane III, jumps right into the deep end. Only 2 months on the job, a major TAC dinner is held one Friday night. Outside the banquet hall, to the horror of several members, a human head is found floating in the swimming pool. Beside it is a headless body in a tuxedo, but the two do not match! Japanese police detective, Tim Kawamura, is sent to the scene only to discover this classic murder mystery. That is where the story begins.
Readers will enjoy learning about Gordy Sparks, the head of a US meat exporter to Japan and how he has adapted and made some grey zone decisions for his business. We learn about the headless Pete Peterson, TAC General Manager and his Tokyo lifestyle in Japan, his 3 marriages, and his beginnings back in the USA. The TAC purchasing manager Mr. Takashita, married to Mrs. Takeshita, the TAC head of cleaning services. How do they have dual lives in the same home separately, living like ships in the dark. Finally Butch Percy, the recreation director who seems always on edge. He hides the biggest family secret saved for the end. Many other characters are all types we have met or seen, and can relate to.
The Top 3 Takeaways from this book that impact any reader are:
1) There is a lot in common with many people who panic in a high stress situation.
2) No matter how well you plan, real events can make those plans useless quickly.
3) Men and women are human and make mistakes. Often funny and sometimes horrifying.
The author's past as a former TAC president for 6 years, is crystal clear. Robert J. Collins is a master at knowing how the club works and the human dynamics within. It is the people described, and the reactions that they make that has them come across as very human. It is this well crafted ability, that makes this mystery story so enjoyable. No spoiler alert on who the murderer is here. Read it in full glorious detail by yourself. It is a wonderful light read for the weekend. Highly Recommended!
2) No matter how well you plan, real events can make those plans useless quickly.
3) Men and women are human and make mistakes. Often funny and sometimes horrifying.
The author's past as a former TAC president for 6 years, is crystal clear. Robert J. Collins is a master at knowing how the club works and the human dynamics within. It is the people described, and the reactions that they make that has them come across as very human. It is this well crafted ability, that makes this mystery story so enjoyable. No spoiler alert on who the murderer is here. Read it in full glorious detail by yourself. It is a wonderful light read for the weekend. Highly Recommended!
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