At the Sharpe End [Paperback]

I've always been a fan of books in related genres - mysteries, action, spy-adventures and such. Also, I live in Japan - so the fact that it took place here captured my interest too.

I need to be honest though - I had never read any of Hugh's work before, and I have to admit, my expectations weren't very high.

As it turns out, this was a big mistake on my part.

I tore through this book in 3 evenings - one of the best reads I've had in a long time. I hated to put it down and looked forward all day to getting back to it after finishing my work.

This was a much better story than many in this genre I have read from major publishers - including some of the "best-sellers" of the past decade.

Why?

First, the characters, action, setting and dialogue in this story are written with such believable and convincing detail, that even though the plot should have seemed a bit over the top, I totally felt like I was reading - almost watching - a true story unfold before me.

As the story takes place here in Japan, I can also confirm Hugh has done an incredible job describing places many of us expats are very familiar with in and around Tokyo. On top of that, in my own life, I personally know people who are very similar to many of the characters in the book. (Including a couple of the many spooks and gangsters that play heavily in the story.)

If Hugh had not done an impeccable job making these characters believable, any expat living in Japan reading this wouldn't be able to identify with them - as they would have come across as stereotypes or caricatures.

Fortunately the author succeeded in developing characters that were completely - almost too - believable.

Furthermore the technology, politics and current events referred to in the book all match up with the plot's time frame too - the months just before and just after the financial crash of 2008. Hugh obviously did his research and it paid off - adding even more layers of realism to the story.

I'm absolutely positive readers who enjoy mysteries, action thrillers and spy novels who have never stepped foot in Japan would enjoy this at least as much as I did. Besides being a truly absorbing read, At The Sharpe End will also leave them with a very realistic image of some aspects of Japan - and life as a foreigner here.

(Though not the image those abroad may have imagined.)

My only concern is that the story did not leave an obvious opening for a sequel (or did it? - very clever ending!), as I'm already missing the characters since I finished the book.

Here's hoping Mr. Ashton has something in mind for the future...

If you like a very good thriller set in modern Tokyo, then this book is for you.

As a foreigner who has been in Tokyo for over 20 years, I found the Tokyo background authentic. Rather than superficial cliches about Japan to increase sales, the author gives us deep and vivid Tokyo backdrop. For example, the policeman visiting Sharpe's home accurately portrays the mannerisms of this type of individual. With the possible exception of the affectionate Japanese female all the characters in the novel are life like, engaging and identifiable.

It is fast paced and enjoyable. Unlike many thrillers the twists and turns are not overly contrived and have some logic to them. The author has very clearly done his homework by carefully going over the plot.

I really hope the author writes more of this type of novel as I would like to read another one.

I couldn't remember putting a request in for this book and when I received it, I was even more confused since an action/espionage book isn't my usual cup of tea. But the author was gracious enough to send me a printed copy rather than make me read it online, so I promised I would read it once I wrapped up some others in my stack.

Then I read the plot - it involved a computer blogger? reporter? consultant? I guess a bit of all those...and stolen software programs and technology and *yawn*

But no...not really "yawn." In fact, I was really surprised. Maybe the protagonist isn't a ex-military action hero or so suave with the ladies, but the plot and story seem (with some stretch) plausible. Better yet, Ashton writes a quick-moving story. The writing is precise and the story is exciting and even though it's really covering an array of topics I usually have zero interest in reading about, I found myself eager to get back to my work commute for more than the reason of getting home, but to have time to read a bit further about Sharpe and the rest of the crew.

I thought Ashton did an amazing job of making characters who should have been unlikable likable and then throwing them back into the despicable category. He manages to do this with multiple characters and he did so with real skill. I was very impressed with this book and don't see any reason it's not being published by a major publisher for a shot at the best-seller list.

› Go to Amazon.com to see all 20 reviews  4.1 out of 5 stars