This is a solid mystery out of Japan, nominated for the 2012 Edgar Awards for 'Best Novel'. This mystery has a bit of a twist in that you know the murder/murderer up front & the rest of the novel is a cat & mouse game between police & suspect(s). Even knowing the set-up from the beginning, Higashino throws some twists & turns in there, making it surprising even when it seems like you already know everything. I also appreciated & enjoyed the Japanese atmosphere (setting, character traits, etc...) of the novel. I've read that Higashino enjoys a huge following in Japan (similar to Stephen King in the US) & I can see why... this is an easy-to-read, fairly smart murder mystery with likable characters (& more of an emotional core than I expected) & enough twists to keep the story interesting & engaging. If you're in the mood for a mystery, this is one to check out.Stacia's books
Favorite books: Historical fiction, steampunk, modern fiction, classics, some non-fiction, magical realism, surrealist works, satire, travel/exploration/adventure stories
This is a solid mystery out of Japan, nominated for the 2012 Edgar Awards for 'Best Novel'. This mystery has a bit of a twist in that you know the murder/murderer up front & the rest of the novel is a cat & mouse game between police & suspect(s). Even knowing the set-up from the beginning, Higashino throws some twists & turns in there, making it surprising even when it seems like you already know everything. I also appreciated & enjoyed the Japanese atmosphere (setting, character traits, etc...) of the novel. I've read that Higashino enjoys a huge following in Japan (similar to Stephen King in the US) & I can see why... this is an easy-to-read, fairly smart murder mystery with likable characters (& more of an emotional core than I expected) & enough twists to keep the story interesting & engaging. If you're in the mood for a mystery, this is one to check out.
