Tengu: The Mountain Goblin

by John Donohue

Book Overview

Japan] An intelligence analyst is murdered on temple grounds.

Manila] Two embassy guards go missing and a bizarre execution video is discovered by a special-forces team.

New York] Martial arts expert Connor Burke is hired as a consultant for an elite US Army training program.

Mindanao Philippines] A young Japanese ethnographer from Harvard University is kidnapped by a terrorist cell of Abu Sayeff.

A renegade martial...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1594391238
• ISBN13: 9781594391231
• Release Date: October 2008
• Publisher: YMAA Publication Center
• Length: 300 Pages
• Weight: 0.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.1" x 7.9"

Customer Reviews

Worth the Read!

It would seem that writing a mystery with a martial arts hero would have a limited audience - but not with the Connor Burke series and especially with this newest story. I know next to nothing about martial arts, but completely enjoy the way Donohue writes and find his characters witty and well-written. This is the 3rd book in the series and the hero as well as his teacher and brother return to help him. The story, centering around finding Burke's sensi, has enough twists and turns to hold anyone's interest and the use of terms and definitions means you can take away some additional knowledge of the martial arts.

Great Book!

Excellent book, full of excitment and martial reference. I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in a Martial Arts Thriller.

an excellent mix of fact and fiction

The Connor Burke thrillers are an interesting mix of in depth knowledge of martial arts mixed with heavy action. This book is along the lines of the Doc Ford series by Randy Wayne White (see Sanibel Flats (A Doc Ford Novel)) - an excellent mix of reality into a fictitious story. Donohue is well versed in his knowledge of martial arts and the art of the sword and he writes about this aspect with much intimacy. His early descriptions of sword etiquette are written with care and tenderness along the lines of how an art critic would describe a wood-block print. In contrast, the action is rough and visceral pushing the edge of reason, but never getting close enough to be unbearable. Donohue's main characters are not polished and suffer the foibles of mortal man. This makes it interesting to track their personal growth. However, for the third book in this series, it would be good to see a little more character development by the characters. Donohue tries to tie the end of the book up too quickly, and does not give enough page space to secondary and minor characters. But this is a personal belief, as I am a bit impatient when it comes to books in series. I am in no way letting this opinion detract from my rating of this book. My desire to see if Connor can develop more personally and spiritually will make me look forward to the next book that much more. This book is action packed, and is difficult to put-down. Definitely worth reading.

Best of the series

While Sensei and Deshi were both excellent reads, Donohue has truly raised the bar in Tengu, the third installment of his groundbreaking Connor Burke series. Reminiscent of Barry Eisler's spectacular Rain Fall, this action-packed thriller depicts a gritty realism that only a seasoned martial artist can accurately portray. Appealing characters, engaging dialogue, exotic locations, and extraordinary insight into Asian martial traditions all bring the fascinating story to life. Once you start reading this marvelous book it's damnably hard to put back down. Highly and wholeheartedly recommended!