It races at a breakneck pace that absolutely cold not have been maintained had not Vol 1 provided a firm foundation. As the shady networks linking corporations to syndicates are brought to light, the stakes rise, and some of the professionals we have watched try to fight their way through this crisis will lose everything—some even their lives. The English language edition of Lady Joker shows that translation is a high art form worthy of our deep respect and appreciation—especially given the need to bring Takamura’s industry-specific terminology and precision to life.

LADY JOKER, VOLUME 2 | Kirkus Reviews

This book would make no sense if you outlined it, but as an artifact in it's entirety its an indisputable masterpiece. A volcanic eruption is quite another, for, as the journalist who does a framing voice-over narration for Brooks’ latest puts it, when Mount Rainier popped its cork, “it was the psychological aspect, the hyperbole-fueled hysteria that had ended up killing the most people. Volume 2 focuses on the fall out for all involved: the victim, the police investigators, the journalists and the perpetrators themselves. For some people, I think this is going to be an instant favorite because of the ponderous pacing and really thoughtful prose (the translators seem to have done an excellent job), but I urge you to read the sample if you have doubts to see if you think it would work for you. Known as Lady Joker, the men make their first attack on the beer company when their demands are not met.

Like all literature, readers will take what they want from Takamura's critique of Japanese society, but at the heart of the epic novel is a gripping crime story where the actual crime itself is almost secondary to the psychological ripples it sends through the boardrooms, police stations, press offices and homes of anyone connected.

Lady Joker, Volume 1 by Kaoru Takamura: 9781641293945 Lady Joker, Volume 1 by Kaoru Takamura: 9781641293945

Despite its lengthiness and detailing, this was actually a straightforward crime plotted retelling to me. And she was the central character in If It Bleeds, a novella in the 2020 collection of the same name. Lady Joker is an incisive statement on the cost of corporate greed and the drive of what always amounts to a few brave people to see it put paid. I have come to the conclusion that I could live with out one, just immersed myself in this recognisable but slightly strange world. With respect to the audiobook, actor Brian Nishii has narrated a wide range of titles and has a golden, resonant voice that was a pleasure to listen to.This is not a straightforward mystery, and if the reader is expecting one, they will probably be frustrated by the amount of detail which tends to slow down the plot. Journalists and news organizations arrive like scavengers ready to pounce on the latest information. Hannah, the maid, who has hooked up with Summer the preceding week and become obsessed by her, is determined to uncover the truth, but things get increasingly complicated when a local child disappears and the police are involved.