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 behind.
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?
Translated into English for the first time this is a classic “locked room” mystery with fascinating insight into another culture, plus an intriguing puzzle at the heart of it.
The family drama is central to the puzzle and this has all the hallmarks of Christie with some involving prose- kudos to the translator ( Louise Heal Kawai) who makes it flow beautifully along keeping you hooked in and wanting to know the solution…
Which when it comes is cleverly satisfying.
Very enjoyable, another great translated novel from Pushkin Here- recommended.
You can purchase The Honjin Murders (Pushkin) Here.
Happy Reading!
