The Lane

A criminal love story. A haunted past. A warrior's code.

Jack Hopkins returns to Dublin after losing the love of his life, Akiko, in Okinawa. Trained in the ancient art of Shorin-ryu karate, Jack has built a quiet, solitary life teaching martial arts, writing, and simply surviving in the wake of his grief. But the ghosts of the past never truly fade.

When a mysterious American black belt named Johnny Tanaka arrives, seeking more than just a sparring match, Jack is pulled into a dangerous game that forces him to confront the darkness he's tried to bury. Tanaka's presence threatens not only Jack's carefully constructed peace but also the loyalty of his friends and the life he's fought so hard to rebuild.

Set against the gritty backdrop of 1980s Dublin, where the streets pulse with the energy of music, history, and a city torn between tradition and change, The Lane is a story of love, loss, and the unbreakable bond forged through martial discipline. As Jack grapples with betrayal, honor, and redemption, he must also face the shadowy past that haunts him, drawing him into a deadly confrontation where both his mind and body will be tested like never before.

At its heart, The Lane is a tale of personal transformation, exploring themes of grief, resilience, loyalty, and the quiet strength found in discipline, friendship, and the warrior's code. For fans of martial arts fiction, complex emotional depth, and unforgettable characters, this novel delivers a gripping journey that will stay with you long after the final page.