Category Archives: Japan

The Ritual on the Island of the Dead

Posted on August 15, 2018 by J P Catton

The following is the opening chapter from Zoe Drake’s supernatural thriller, “The Mists of Osorezan”. Learn more about Zoe Drake here!  Ahead of them lay the island of San Michele, the Isola di Cimitero. The sight filled Professor Weiss with … Continue reading →

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The Mysteries of Osorezan

Posted on August 9, 2018 by J P Catton

What is the mysterious location in northern Japan known as ‘Osorezan’? Why does it have such an enigmatic reputation? Experience its eerie, uncanny atmosphere for yourself … with this excerpt from Zoe Drake’s supernatural thriller, “The Mists of Osorezan”!   … Continue reading →

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Five Reasons For Japan’s Haunted Summers

Posted on July 24, 2018 by J P Catton

Guest post by Zoe Drake! In western countries, ghost stories are traditionally associated with Autumn (namely Halloween) and sometimes Christmas (thank you, BBC adaptations of M. R. James short stories – for depriving me of so much sleep). In Japan, … Continue reading →

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The Mystery of Japan’s Three Imperial Treasures

Posted on June 10, 2018 by J P Catton

(ABOVE: Artist’s impression of the Sanshu no Jingi) As a tie-in to the “Sword Mirror Jewel” Giveaway, we look at the sword, mirror and jewel of the trilogy’s title, known in Japanese language as the Sanshu no Jingi, and their … Continue reading →

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J-Horror meets H. P. Lovecraft – in “The Mists of Osorezan”!

Posted on April 16, 2018 by J P Catton

The following is an excerpt from the novel “The Mists of Osorezan”, a supernatural thriller written by Zoe Drake.  Synopsis: It begins with a series of unconnected mysteries … Aomori, Japan: A young girl dies during the testing of a revolutionary … Continue reading →

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Murder and Intrigue in Tokyo’s Sin City

Posted on April 16, 2018 by J P Catton

The following is an excerpt from the novel “Dead Hand Clapping”, a crime thriller with supernatural elements, written by Zoe Drake.  Synopsis: Tokyo, January 2002. The world is still in shock after 9/11 and Japan is in a state of paranoia, … Continue reading →

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“Zero Sum Game” – Science Fiction Adventure in a Japanese setting!

Posted on April 8, 2018 by J P Catton

The following is an excerpt from “Zero Sum Game”, a science fiction novel set in Hiroshima, west Japan.  To find out more about Cody L. Martin – go here! Hina Takamachi is leading the ordinary life of a Japanese schoolgirl … Continue reading →

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A Japanese Ghost Story from “Dark Lanterns”

Posted on April 4, 2018 by J P Catton

This is an excerpt of a story from “Dark Lanterns”, a collection of 15 ghost stories set in modern Japan, written by Excalibur author Zoe Drake. Find out more about Zoe Drake here!           FALLEN THROUGH … Continue reading →

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The War of the Yokai starts here!

Posted on April 4, 2018 by J P Catton

The following is an excerpt from “Voice of the Sword”, Book 1 of the YA Fantasy trilogy “Sword, Mirror, Jewel”, based on events and characters from Japanese mythology. To find out more about the trilogy – go here! I have … Continue reading →

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“The Sakura Strategy”

Posted on March 29, 2018 by J P Catton

EXCERPT FROM THE “SWORD, MIRROR, JEWEL” FANTASY TRILOGY BASED ON JAPANESE MYTHOLOGY: We soon entered the bustling streets of the second block of Aioicho, in the Honjo district, and looked out cautiously upon the soiled, transient beauty of the Low … Continue reading →

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