| THE BOOKS |
John Donohue's Deshi is another excellent tale of clashing
cultures, an exquisitely flavored and nuanced mystery featuring
college professor/martial arts expert Connor Burke, a character
whose background mirrors the author's own. . .Although the
publisher of Deshi (Japanese for student) bills the novel as a
"martial arts thriller," it is much more than that. True, it has its
share of action and suspense, but Donohue's story is also one of
insight and reflection, written by an author who understands the
dichotomy between East and West and uses that knowledge to
flavor his already compelling prose.
David J. Montgomery in the Chicago Sun-Times
Using an economy of words that echoes the unclut¬tered
atmosphere of the dojo. the tradi¬tional Japanese training hall,
Donohue glides effortlessly between the disciplined, mystical
culture of the martial arts com¬munity and the chaotic thrum, of
the streets. Peppered with musings of Eastern philosophy, gritty
cop lingo and occasion¬al understated humor, this mystery with
its flesh protagonist will appeal to all kinds of readers, not just
martial arts aficionados.
Publsiher's Weekly
Burke is a great protagonist, a bit reminiscent of Robert B.
Parker's Spenser - just as sensitive, a little less of a wise guy, but
certainly a character with three dimensions and the potential to
grow ever more interesting over the course of the long series he
undoubtedly deserves.
John Keenan in the World-Herald
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