Step into the shadowy world of John Rain, where a half-Japanese, half-American assassin navigates a life of deadly precision and moral complexity. Created by Barry Eisler, the John Rain series is a gripping blend of espionage, action, and introspection that follows a killer who makes his hits look like natural deaths. With a knack for jazz, whiskey, and evading enemies, Rain’s thrilling adventures will keep you on edge!
From Tokyo’s neon-lit streets to the jungles of Southeast Asia, this series delivers high-stakes intrigue with a deeply human core. Ready to meet a hitman with a heart? Let’s dive into the world of John Rain.
How John Rain Began
Barry Eisler, a former CIA operative turned novelist, crafted John Rain from a vivid image that struck him in 1993 while living in Japan: two men tailing a third through Shibuya’s bustling streets, poised to kill. Drawing on his martial arts expertise, CIA training, and love for Tokyo’s vibrant culture, Eisler birthed Rain in 2002 with A Clean Kill in Tokyo. His goal? To create a nuanced assassin who’s as compelling in quiet moments as he is in action-packed showdowns.
Eisler’s real-world experience infuses the series with authenticity, from Rain’s surveillance tactics to his judo skills honed at the Kodokan. The character’s mixed heritage, reflecting Eisler’s fascination with cultural duality, adds depth to a hero who feels at home nowhere yet thrives everywhere.
The Heart of John Rain
The series spans thirteen novels, each a standalone thrill ride. In A Clean Kill in Tokyo, Rain’s latest job entangles him with Midori, a jazz pianist and the daughter of his target, sparking a rare emotional connection that challenges his detached existence. A Lonely Resurrection sees Rain attempting to retire, only to be pulled back by a dangerous killer threatening Japan’s political balance. Winner Take All takes Rain to Brazil, where the CIA lures him into targeting an arms dealer, testing his moral code. The Killer Ascendant pits Rain against a rogue CIA operative holding his friend Dox hostage, forcing him to confront his loyalty and limits.
Themes of identity, redemption, and isolation pulse through the series. Rain’s biracial background mirrors his internal conflict, caught between worlds and wrestling with his violent nature. Eisler’s vivid settings—Tokyo’s rain-slicked alleys, Paris’s chic cafés—act as characters themselves, grounding the fast-paced plots. The first-person narrative immerses readers in Rain’s paranoid mindset, blending gritty action with introspective moments, like his love for single malt whiskey or jazz’s soulful rhythms.
Eisler’s style is cinematic yet intimate, with martial arts sequences that feel authentic and dialogue that crackles with tension. Fans compare the series to a grittier James Bond, with Rain’s moral code—no women, no children, no secondary teams—setting him apart in the assassin genre.
Why John Rain Resonates
The John Rain series has carved a niche in espionage fiction, earning the Barry Award and Gumshoe Award for its sharp storytelling. Fans on platforms like Goodreads praise its blend of realism and emotional depth, with Rain’s flawed humanity resonating deeply. The series’ crossover with characters like Livia Lone and Dox creates a rich, interconnected universe, delighting readers who crave epic, interwoven narratives.
Its influence extends beyond books, inspiring a 2009 Japanese film, Rain Fall, and a planned TV series with Keanu Reeves. Eisler’s bold move to self-publish after reclaiming his rights also made waves in the indie publishing world, cementing his legacy as a trailblazer. John Rain endures because it offers more than thrills—it’s a study of a man seeking peace in a world that won’t let him go.
- First Book: 2002 (A Clean Kill in Tokyo)
- Total Books: 13
- Awards: Barry Award, Gumshoe Award
- Author’s Background: Former CIA operative, judo black belt
Grab A Clean Kill in Tokyo and dive into John Rain’s electrifying world of spies, secrets, and soulful jazz!