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Tokyo

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Tokyo

By: Mo Hayder
Narrated by: Bert Kwouk, Emily Woof
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Student Grey Hutchins comes to Tokyo seeking answers to what happened during the notorious Nanking Massacre in which, in one city, the Imperial Japanese Army killed up to 300,000 civilians. Only one man can help her, a survivor of the Massacre, and now a visiting professor at the prestigious university of Todai in Tokyo; a man who is rumoured to possess documentary evidence of Nanking. But first Grey must gain his trust. Increasingly desperate and alone, she accepts a job as a hostess at the "Some Like It Hot" club, an upmarket nightspot catering for Japanese businessmen and wealthy gangsters. One gangster dominates, an old man in a wheelchair guarded by a nurse with sharpened teeth, said to rely on a powerful elixir for his continued wealth and well-being. It is an elixir which other members of the club want for themselves, at any price.©2004 Mo Hayder; (P)2004 Random House AudioBooks Fiction Genre Fiction Literary Fiction
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Critic reviews

"Hayder's horrible ability for making you fear for your life is a very modern achievement." (Daily Telegraph)
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very compelling and a true gift to the mind.but darker than the devil's door

brilliantly chilling

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I first read Tokyo 20 years ago as a teenager, and it left a mark on me that no number of intervening books could erase. Returning to it after so long, I was quickly reminded why. This novel is lean, fast-paced, and dripping with character. Both the modern-day 1990 and historical 1937 storylines are gripping, weaving together a tense narrative that leaves you craving more. Grey, the protagonist, is a fascinatingly scarred and peculiar figure, and her journey pulls you in with unsettling intensity. The dark moments are unforgettable—haunting scenes that linger long after you’ve turned the final page. My only criticism is that the story feels a little restrained; it could have dived deeper into Tokyo’s seedy depths, raised the stakes further, and leaned more heavily into the horrors of Nanking. Even so, it’s a book that lingers like a shadow in your mind.

Emily Woof and Bert Kwouk deliver solid performances in the audiobook. Woof captures Grey’s oddness well, but her voice for Jason was grating and nearly intolerable. In contrast, Kwouk’s narration of the 1937 sections was smooth and engaging, adding weight to those diary-style passages. Together, they carry the story competently, though not without flaws.

Stuck with me for two decades…

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This audiobook had me listening at every opportunity - it would be a real page turner if I had bought a hard copy. The story sucks you in immediately and the audiobooks ability to reveal information piece by piece is what makes it compulsive. The story centres around a young woman searching for information concerning her specialist field of interest; the Nanking Massacre, and an aged Chinese

Professor. Their stories become inter-twinned with the Professor's personal recollections of Nanking forming context and vital back story for the plot. Throw in the Japanese Yakuza, some vivid characters and a excellent dialogue and you have 'Tokyo'. Although violent at times - which can be expected when reviewing the subject matter - this story strikes a balance between a gripping haunting thriller and a tale of compassion and loss. Don't misunderstand me, there is humour to be found, and you can't help but grow attached to many of the characters, but at its roots this audiobook is a good old fashioned thriller. Don't hesitate - give it a listen.

A real page turner - so to speak.

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I read this book over 15 years ago, and bizarrely became friends with the author shortly after in a complete coincidence! She was far kinder and sweeter than her books would suggest. I loved the book then and the Audible reading is really good. Both narrators are fabulous and keep you hooked in. Well worth it. I do think Audible could honour the late Burt Kwouk by spelling his name right!

Loved it

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An excellent thriller, set in Japan, with a fascinating central character. It works really well with two narrators (one male, one female), both of whom are excellent. Gripping, though some may find it gory in parts.

Thriller...

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