The Japan Series is a trilogy that incorporates Japanese culture and history in mystery.

Starting with a Japanese Ghost manifesting in the home of a Minnesota social studies teacher, Jimmy Swenson, the series has the same social studies teacher go to Japan on a pilgrimage only to find in the third novel that there is much to learn and this pulls Jimmy on an exploration of his roots in Europe–in order to find his path in life.

Pilgrimage, the second book of the series, was completed on May 8, 2025.

Continuing his journey began in Japanese Ghost in America, Jimmy Swenson, a social studies teacher from Minnesota in the USA, returns to Japan to explore his life’s purpose on a pilgrimage. Along the way, new friendships are made amidst harrowing experiences with a secretive group–both of which help turn Jimmy toward what he has been seeking all along, finding his purpose in life through…

Pilgrimage by Daniel O’Brien

Pilgrimage Review: From someone who has read all of my books!

*As an avid fan of historical fiction (and a former classmate of Daniel’s), I was excited to read this second installment of his series about Japan! His ability to weave together his love of Japan and the history and culture of the country with suspense and intrigue makes this a great read! I am anxiously awaiting the third book!! Carla Olson

Interested in this book? Get it at Kirk House Publishers, the Local Publisher that I have partnered with.

Book one in the Japan Series: Japanese Ghost in America

Both are also ebooks & available at Amazon

Jimmy is introduced in Japanese Ghost in America. In the novel he meets with a Ghost and they have to go to Japan to figure out what this Ghost from the Heian Period (794-1185 CE) is doing still on earth 800 years later.

Daniel O’Brien’s first book is Star Points: Connections New and Old.

It can be found at lulu.com.