Who Would Like This Book:
If you’re a fan of classic whodunits, especially those locked room puzzles that keep you scratching your head, this one’s a treat! Set in prewar Japan, the book offers an intriguing mix of Golden Age detective style, a tantalizingly impossible murder, and fascinating cultural details. Readers who love clever plot twists, references to other famous mysteries, and eccentric detectives will find a lot to celebrate here. It’s especially fun if you’re already into classic mysteries by the likes of Agatha Christie or John Dickson Carr.
Who May Not Like This Book:
This book probably isn’t for you if you crave deep character development or emotional storytelling. The writing style is old-school and leans heavily on facts and the crime’s mechanics, leaving the characters feeling a bit distant or underexplored. Some readers found the narrative detached and the solution too far-fetched, so if you prefer your mysteries to be emotionally rich or highly realistic, this one might not win you over.
About:
'The Honjin Murders' is a classic Japanese locked room mystery set in 1937 and first published in 1946. The story revolves around the powerful Ichiyanagi family celebrating the wedding of the heir when a murder occurs in a locked room. Detective Kosuke Kindaichi is called in to solve the case with his open-minded approach and analytical skills. The narrative pays homage to classic fiction, with a focus on creating a complex and seemingly impossible puzzle for the readers to unravel. The book offers a glimpse into prewar Japanese society, customs, and traditions, while also delving into the mechanics of locked room mysteries.
The writing style of 'The Honjin Murders' is described as a mix of classic Golden Age crime novel elements with a Japanese twist. The story is intricate, short, and beautifully told, providing an entertaining mystery with a cleverly crafted plot. Despite the lack of compelling characters, the book is praised for its strangeness, clever locked room mystery, and the author's affection for the locked room mystery genre. The solution to the mystery is highlighted as particularly clever and enjoyable, making it a worthwhile read for fans of the genre.
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From The Publisher:
One of Japan's greatest classic murder mysteries, introducing their best loved detective, translated into English for the first time
In the winter of 1937, the village of Okamura is abuzz with excitement over the forthcoming wedding of a son of the grand Ichiyanagi family. But amid the gossip over the approaching festivities, there is also a worrying rumour - it seems a sinister masked man has been asking questions around the village.
Then, on the night of the wedding, the Ichiyanagi household are woken by a terrible scream, followed by the sound of eerie music. Death has come to Okamura, leaving no trace but a bloody samurai sword, thrust into the pristine snow outside the house. Soon, amateur detective Kosuke Kindaichi is on the scene to investigate what will become a legendary murder case, but can this scruffy sleuth solve a seemingly impossible crime?
Ratings (16)
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Reader Stats (35):
Read It (16) | |
Want To Read (15) | |
Not Interested (4) |
What can you read after
The Honjin Murders?
About the Author:
Seishi Yokomizo (1902-81) was one of Japan's most famous and best-loved mystery writers. He was born in Kobe and spent his childhood reading detective stories, before beginning to write stories of his own, the first of which was published in…
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