Deshi (Connor Burke Martial Arts Series #2)

by John J. Donohue

Overview

Asian scholar and black belt artist Connor Burke labors as a deshi—a student under the tutelage of a master warrior— a practice that draws him into the execution-style murder of a Japanese businessman in Brooklyn. Connor’s brother, an officer in the NYPD, enlists him to decipher the strange calligraphic writing left by the victim at the crime scene. The enigmatic message leads Connor to the lethal samurai heritage of a mysterious martial arts sensei, the foreboding world of a Tibetan clairvoyant, and finally the unknown wilderness of an elite mountain temple—where Connor’s deadliest challenge awaits.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781594392498
Publisher:	YMAA Publication Center
Publication date:	08/15/2013
Series:	Connor Burke Martial Arts Series , #2
Edition description:	2nd ed.
Pages:	330
Product dimensions:	5.00(w) x 8.00(h) x (d)

About the Author

A nationally know expert on the culture and practice of the martial arts, John Donohue has been banging around dojo for more than 30 years.

Fascinated with the themes of human action and potential he uncovered in his research, John began thinking about the fictional possibilities inherent in the world of the martial arts.

John has always been fascinated with other cultures and was attracted to the Asian martial disciplines because of their blend of philosophy and action. He began studying Shotokan Karatedo in college. He joined practical training with more formal education, completing a Ph.D. in Anthropology from the State University of New York at Stony Brook.

Fusing the way of the pen and the way of the sword, while writing John has trained in the martial disciplines of aikido, iaido, judo, karatedo, kendo, and taiji. He has dan (black belt) ranks in both karatedo and kendo.

Editorial Reviews

The execution-style murder of a Japanese businessman, who's shot through the temple while engaged in calligraphy at his Brooklyn home, dramatically opens Donohue's intriguing second martial arts thriller (after 2003's Sensei). Dr. Connor Burke, a history scholar and black belt, gets enlisted by his NYPD detective brother Micky, who's his spiritual polar opposite, to decipher the calligraphic writing left by the victim at the crime scene. The inked message implicates followers of a revered Tibetan lama in this and two other murders. Charged with protecting the lama, who's at the center of a conflict involving a rising charismatic sensei (aka teacher), political threats in Tibet and competing martial arts disciplines, Burke journeys to the lama's reclusive mountain retreat, where he's stalked by a hulking Korean-American named Han. Using an economy of words that echoes the uncluttered atmosphere of the dojo, the traditional Japanese training hall, Donohue glides effortlessly between the disciplined, mystical culture of the martial arts community and the chaotic thrum of the streets. Peppered with musings of Eastern philosophy, gritty cop lingo and occasional understated humor, this mystery with its fresh protagonist will appeal to all kinds of readers, not just martial arts aficionados. Agent, Jacques de Spoelberg. (Feb. 21) Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.

Publishers Weekly

When murder darkens the dojo, martial artist Burke needs all the right moves. Japanese-American businessman Edward Sakura is the first in a series of homicide victims. But wheeler-dealer Sakura has followed the Way of the Brush. For 30 years, he has faithfully practiced calligraphy, and in the moment before his assailant pulls the trigger, Sakura uses his brush for one last time to exact vengeance from the grave. Enter series hero Connor Burke, serious martial arts student. An advanced black belt in karate like his author, Burke credits his salvation to what he's learned from Yamashita, his sensei. After years of training, he's an extraordinary fighter, but his redemption transcends mere physicality. So attuned is he to the spiritual side of martial arts that Yamashita regards him as the stuff senseis are made of. Connor's older brother, Mickey the homicide cop, similarly impressed, turns to Connor, hoping he can convert the Sakura calligraphy into a workable lead. Eventually, Connor comes through, discovering in the Zenlike clue links to the Chinese secret service, to an iconic sensei with feet of clay, and, most important, to the elusive, furiously sought inka, a MacGuffin in a kimono. After his lean and literate debut (Sensei, 2003), Donohue produces a talky disappointment more interested in proselytizing than storytelling.

Kirkus Reviews

Martial arts student Connor Burke is asked by his brother to step into a murder investigation when a unique clue is left by the victim--a brush stroke of Japanese calligraphy. Barrett Whitener brings Burke's first-person point of view to life with a tone of humility and determination, adding brush strokes of his own, such as a wavering note of fear as danger comes nearer. When delivering action outside Burke's narrative, he gives it a “noirish” detachment. While his Asian accents are too heavy, the overall result is strong. This adept blend of mystery and martial arts should fascinate listeners as it draws them into Burke's world. J.A.S. © AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine

DEC 05/JAN 06 - AudioFile