Reviews of Tokyo Tempos

Kirkus Reviews (December 2024)
“Pronko succeeds in imbuing Tokyo with serene magic, and readers may feel compelled to book plane tickets upon completing this volume.” Read More

IndieReader
“The prose is beautifully weighted, a sense of place evoked, and telling details precisely set—not just the sights, but the sounds and the smells of the city.” Read more

Independent Book Review
“Tokyo Tempos is a charming, unaffected, and yet profoundly philosophical collection of essays on the colorful chaos that is Tokyo.” read more

“Hiroshi is now as synonymous with Tokyo crime fiction as Harry Bosch is to LA noir.” Best Thrillers

“Pronko is the real deal, and Hiroshi is surely the finest fictional detective working in Japan right now.” Indie Reader

“This continues to be an international police procedural that is suspenseful and has its own amazing flavor. My advice is to start reading this amazing series today!” ReaderViews

Reviews of Tokyo Juku

“Pronko’s story is fast, efficient, and controlled; his observations about pressure and achievement are exceptional, and he expertly weaves them into all aspects of Tokyo life.” Kirkus Reviews Read full review

What truly brings the novel to life, though, are the characters; each vividly portrayed as their lives unfold between the lines. Michael Pronko’s characters simply exist, without ever needing to persuade.” BestsellersWorld Read Full Review

“The slow reveal of clues, the surprise twists, the pacing, the characters—they’re all excellent. Pronko is the real deal, and Hiroshi is surely the finest fictional detective working in Japan right now.” Indie Reader Read Full Review

"Pronko’s thrilling plot is accompanied by keen social analysis, and Tokyo’s shadowy corners and diverse denizens are vividly brought to life by the careful prose, which is both viscerally compelling and informative." Self-Publishing Review Read Full Review

“Tokyo Juku stands as a sophisticated, gripping, and culturally rich mystery, and provides readers with an intellectually stimulating, emotionally resonant, and profoundly satisfying experience.” The Book Revue ★★★★★ Read Full Review

“Five stars Tokyo Juku exposes the devastating cost of academic success in an exquisitely crafted murder mystery. While Hiroshi has always been capable of affection, the new book finds his emotional intelligence at an all-time high.” BestThrillers.com Read Full Review

“Tokyo Juku succeeds as both an intricately plotted mystery and an expansive cultural novel. Pronko captures the beauty and brittleness of modern life in Japan with a teacher’s insight and a detective’s precision.” Read Full Review Independent Book Review

“If you love Elmore Leonard-style prose and enjoy learning about the fascinating and fast-paced metropolis of Tokyo, I am sure you’ll love this engaging and exciting tale. You won’t see the ending coming.” Reader Views ★★★★★ Read Full Review

Reviews of A Guide to Jazz in Japan

The Japan Society
Blending rich history, cultural depth, and insider travel tips, it’s a heartfelt tribute to Japanese jazz, all told with the convivial style of someone who knows the scene like the back of his hand. Read More

Kirkus Reviews
”There’s always the danger that guides like this can feel snobbish or exclusionary, but here, Pronko effectively welcomes readers into the Japanese jazz experience, which will appeal to tourists and armchair travelers alike.”

Booklife by Publishers Weekly
“Musically inclined tourists will find A Guide to Jazz in Japan an invaluable planning aide, while armchair travelers fascinated by the music and scene will relish the detailed account of a country’s love affair with jazz.” Editor’s Pick

ReaderViews (May 2025)
“The ultimate jazz-lovers’ dream when it comes to breaking down the what, where, and how of jazz in Japan. The writing draws you into each venue, giving you that you-are-there feeling, as if you’re walking around the jazz clubs taking it all in.” ★★★★★