Books Like...

'The Borrowed' by Chan Ho-Kei, Jeremy Tiang is a crime novel that offers a unique perspective on Hong Kong society, weaving together stories that span different time periods, from the 1960s to 2014. The book follows the life and cases of Detective Kwan, providing insights into key periods of Hong Kong's modern history and the changes the city has undergone over the years. Readers are taken on a journey through decades, with interconnected stories that delve into the background history of Hong Kong, from its time as a British colony to its transition back to Mainland China.

The book is praised for its clever plots, unexpected twists, and detailed descriptions of Hong Kong's background history, making it an enjoyable and informative read. Despite some opinions about the solutions being slightly contrived and the cases being overly detailed, 'The Borrowed' is commended for its well-researched content and the way it offers a glimpse into the workings of the Hong Kong police force.

'The Name of the Game is a Kidnapping' by Keigo Higashino revolves around a kidnapping plot involving a rich company executive's runaway daughter and a confident yet insecure protagonist with a perfection complex. Initially seeming like a dry and overused staged kidnapping story, the narrative takes a turn towards the end, building suspense that crescendos to a satisfying conclusion. The story is set in the historical period of 2000 in Japan, featuring fax machines, bulletin boards, and feature phones, where people were not so aware of being tracked.

The writing style of the book has received mixed reviews, with some readers praising Higashino's ability to create a fast-paced and clever narrative that offers a provocative look at Japanese corporate culture. However, others have criticized the translation of the book, pointing out inconsistencies and questionable word choices that detract from the overall reading experience.

'Journey Under the Midnight Sun' by Keigo Higashino is a complex and intricate Japanese crime novel that spans two decades, from 1973 to 1992. The story follows the lives of two central characters, Ryo and Yukiho, as they grow up and approach middle age, with connections and coincidences hinting at something more beneath the surface. The novel is precise, focused, and fast-paced, with well-developed characters, unexpected twists, and a fascinating plot that brings everything together like a fine clockwork mechanism at the end.

Higashino's writing style in 'Journey Under the Midnight Sun' is described as different from his Detective Galileo series, offering a unique take on the crime genre. The book initially feels disjointed due to its serialization in a magazine, but as the story progresses, threads start to pull together, suspicions arise, and a building sense of menace keeps the reader engaged. With a labyrinthine plot, numerous twists and turns, and a dark turn towards the end, the novel keeps readers gripped and eager to unravel the mystery.

'Newcomer' by Keigo Higashino is a murder mystery novel featuring Detective Kaga who investigates the murder of a woman living alone in a small Japanese neighborhood. The story unfolds through multiple viewpoints of the people in the community, showcasing the detective's meticulous and methodical approach to solving the case. The book delves into the everyday lives of ordinary folks, emphasizing the interconnectedness between the residents of the precinct and the impact of the murder on the community.

The writing style of 'Newcomer' is described as gentle, calm, and affectionate. The novel focuses on the small mysteries in the everyday lives of the characters, with an emphasis on empathy towards them. Detective Kaga is portrayed as a caring and observant investigator, who not only seeks to uncover the truth behind the murder but also understands the broader implications of the crime on the people involved. The book offers a glimpse into contemporary Japanese culture and presents a unique perspective on detective work and human relationships.

Malice by Keigo Higashino is a murder mystery novel where the actual murderer is revealed early on, leading to a story of uncovering the true motive behind the murder. Detective Kaga is portrayed as meticulous and determined to understand the reasoning behind the crime, delving into the past of the characters involved to unravel the mystery. The novel is praised for its intricate plot, alternating perspectives between the detective and suspects, and its psychological examination that shocks and illuminates.

'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.

Jane Harper's The Lost Man is a mystery suspense novel set in the harsh Australian outback. The story follows the Bright family, focusing on the death of middle son, Cameron, and the unraveling of family dynamics and secrets following his mysterious demise. The narrative delves into themes of isolation, family relationships, and the unforgiving landscape of the outback, culminating in a slow-burning exploration of the characters and their past.