The skeletal remains of Saori Namiki are found three years after her disappearance. They are found in the home of a woman connected to Kanichi Hasunuma, a man suspected of murdering a young girl over two decades earlier, though he was not convicted because of lack of evidence. DCI Kusanagi of the Tokyo police is determined not to let that happen again. Then another death occurs and there are a number of suspects with motives but all have an alibi. Manabu Yukawa (a.k.a. Det. Galileo), a physics professor, is consulted and he uncovers hidden relationships and tragic events that led to murder.
Dr. Yukawa will remind readers of Hercule Poirot; certainly they share the same intelligence and ability to see clues and connections the police miss. Yukawa, however, has more kindness and compassion. There’s a type of locked room mystery and the reader may think of Murder on the Orient Express. In fact, the Agatha Christie novel is directly referenced so the parallels are intentional.
The book is typical of Higashino’s mysteries: lots of twists and turns, secret relationships among characters, connections between past and present events, a detailed final reveal. Yukawa comes up with theories which are modified when new information comes to light. A reader will think s/he knows the truth until a new clue suggests s/he doesn’t.
An additional element I enjoyed is the insight into Japanese culture. Saori’s family owns a restaurant so references to Japanese cuisine are frequent. The custom of gift-giving is mentioned: when Yukawa is invited for a drink, he comments, “’You invited me for a drink, but I see no sign of a gift.’” Readers also learn about the Japanese judicial system; for instance, the statute of limitations for certain crimes becomes relevant.
Though there are clues and foreshadowing, most readers will not be able to unravel all the complexities. The book certainly maintained my interest throughout. I look forward to further translations of Higashino’s novels.
Note: I received a digital galley from the publisher via NetGalley.
No comments:
Post a Comment