Shitamachi Scam

After the suspicious deaths of a seventy-something woman and a student recluse, Detective Hiroshi tracks down a gang of scammers who target retirees, robbing them of their life savings. Hiroshi teams up with Detective Ishii, who’s been running a women’s crime task force. Together, they find out who has been ripping off the pensions, retirement accounts, and even the deeds to homes. The gang focused on shitamachi, the older, eastern side of the city, a place just waiting for urban renewal.

With his personal life on hold (almost), Hiroshi finds out how complex the traditional life of Tokyo still is. With old-school Detective Takamatsu and ex-sumo wrestler Chief Sakaguchi watching his back, Hiroshi searches for who’s behind the scams, and who’s behind the scammers. In Tokyo, there isn’t always respect for the aged. Sometimes, it’s the opposite.

Shitamachi Scam is the sixth in the Detective Hiroshi series

“Michael Pronko lives, breathes, and captures the streets and culture of Tokyo as the story evolves, one of the strengths of the Detective Hiroshi cases in general and Shitamachi Scam in particular.” D. Donovan Midwest Book Review

“As in his other books, Pronko succeeds in delivering yet another dimension of the megacity that is Tokyo. He uses shitamachi for great atmospheric effect, gradually building a sense of darkness and claustrophobia while erecting a landscape primed for white-knuckled physicality.” BestThrillers.com

“The pacing of this story is pitch-perfect, and the conflicts are well-conceived and executed. It's a simple story told in intricate layers. But even in the gritty storytelling, you get a sense of positivity. He makes Tokyo come to life for readers who are curious about the city and wonder what it’s like there.” Reader Views

“If you are a fan of thrilling crime and mystery novels, you will certainly enjoy how this series lifts the veil and reveals the criminal behavior behind some of the perceived politeness, formality, and mystique of Japanese culture.” Reader’s Favorite