`A fine debut - fast-paced and bleak, with a vivid setting and gut-wrenching twists.' MICK HERRON

`[An] impressive first thriller . . . the action is fast, copious and often unexpected.' The Times

`The vivid setting and skilfully plotted story is compelling and hard to put down.' Daily Express

`One of the most impressive debut crime novels of the year.' Shots Mag

`A vivid and noirish tale of an Englishman abroad discovering that you can run from everything but yourself. James Buckler is one to watch.' SIMON BECKETT, bestselling author of The Chemistry of Death

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The funny thing with suffering is just when you think you've suffered enough, you realize it's only the beginning.

Alex thought running away would make everything better. Six thousand miles from the mistakes he's made and the people he's hurt, Tokyo seems like the perfect escape. A new life, a new Alex.

The bright lights and dark corners of this alien and fascinating city intoxicate him, and he finds himself transfixed by this country, which feels like a puzzle that no one can quite explain. And when Alex meets the enigmatic and alluring Naoko, the peace he sought slips ever further from his grasp.

After all, trust is just betrayal waiting to happen and Alex is about to find out that there's no such thing as rock bottom. There's always the chance it'll get worse . . .

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`This is character-driven fare, but with a vivid sense of place that positively leaps off the page.' Crimetime, Barry Forshaw

`Intriguing and highly compelling . . . Most definitely one of the most original and satisfying novels I have read this year.' reflectionsofareader.blogspot

`Wow! Are you sure this is really a debut novel? . . . absolutely fantastic and had me totally hooked.' aloverofbooks.wordpress