Books Like...

A retired homicide detective is found dead near the sea wall in a coastal town, prompting investigations by local and Tokyo detectives. The plot unfolds with intricate and beguiling twists, revealing a surprise cause of death and a web of family secrets. The story is set in Hari Cove, a struggling resort town, where the eccentric physicist Yukawa, also known as Detective Galileo, is staying at a local inn and gets involved in solving the mysterious death alongside a fifth-grade boy named Kyohei.

'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.

Set in Japan in the 1940s after the second world war, the mystery begins with the gathering of a clan after the death of the patriarch. When the will is read, the family is shocked to learn the bizarre legacy left to them bizarre murders follow shortly. These murders are well paced with just enough detail to keep the reader on their toes guessing what will happen next. The peculiar last will of a silk tycoon starts the trouble. The lawyer who drew it up is murdered, then more violence ensues, clearly inspired by the will. The Inugami family, whose members can benefit from the will only under certain precise conditions, seem to be under a curse. Several of the characters are guilty of appalling cruelty. Others are singularly unlucky. Shameful secrets are revealed as the plot unfolds. Present horrors are fueled by an abnormal carnal drama in the past.

'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.

In 'Salvation of a Saint' by Keigo Higashino, the story revolves around the murder of a wealthy businessman, Yoshitaka Mashiba, who is poisoned with arsenic. The prime suspect, Yoshitaka's wife Ayane, has an ironclad alibi, leaving the detectives puzzled. With the help of the brilliant physics professor Yukawa, the investigators delve into the intricate details of the crime, focusing on how it could have been committed rather than who did it. The narrative unfolds with twists and turns, revealing the clever methods used in the murder and keeping the readers engaged in solving the mystery alongside the detectives.

The book is praised for its minimalist suspense thriller style, with a clear suspect and subtle clues that keep the readers guessing about the how of the crime rather than the who. The characters, particularly the female police officer and the dynamics between the detectives, add depth to the story. Higashino's storytelling captures the essence of Japanese lifestyles and cultural nuances, providing readers with an immersive experience in solving the seemingly perfect crime.

'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.

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 Tokyo Zodiac Murders' by Soji Shimada is a classic Japanese honkaku subgenre murder mystery novel set in Tokyo, Japan. The plot revolves around the unsolved mystery of the Tokyo Zodiac Murders which occurred in 1936, where an artist plans to create a Frankenstein-like figure named Azoth using body parts from his female family members. The story follows amateur detective Kiyoshi Mitarai and his partner Kazumi Ishioka as they investigate the case forty years later, delving into astrological symbolism, alchemy, and intricate clues to solve the locked room mystery. The book is known for its fair play approach, where the author provides all the clues for readers to solve the mystery before the solution is revealed at the end of the book.

The writing style of 'The Tokyo Zodiac Murders' is described as detailed, analytical, and engaging, focusing on intricate plotting and clues. The narrative unfolds through dialogues between characters, challenging readers to solve the mystery alongside the detectives. The book offers a unique blend of traditional Japanese setting, complex characters, and a clever premise that keeps readers hooked with its diabolical plot and unexpected twists, making it a compelling read for fans of the crime and mystery genre.

In 'The Devotion of Suspect X', a math genius named Ishagami helps a woman, Yasuko, hide the murder of her ex-husband out of infatuation for her. The lead detective, Kusanagi, seeks help from his friend, physicist Yukawa, leading to an intellectual battle between two geniuses trying to construct the perfect crime and solve it using logic. The plot involves a murder, cover-ups, and unexpected twists that keep the reader engaged. The characters are well-developed, and the story provides an interesting glimpse into Japanese culture.

The book presents a murder mystery where the perpetrator is known from the beginning, focusing on how the police and their consultant unravel the crime. The plot is engaging, with intellectual skirmishes between the characters adding depth to the story. The writing style is described as quick-paced and readable, making it a fun and stimulating read for those interested in mysteries and cover-ups.

Around the World in Eighty Days by Jules Verne is a classic adventure tale following Phileas Fogg, an English gentleman who makes a bet that he can circumnavigate the world in only 80 days. Accompanied by his French servant, Passepartout, and unknowingly pursued by one Detective Fix, Mr. Fogg embarks on a journey filled with storms, attacks, and bank robberies as they make their way around the globe. The story is a delightful romp around the world, featuring fantastical adventures and a diverse range of characters encountered during their travels.

The plot of the book revolves around the challenges and obstacles faced by Phileas Fogg and Passepartout as they race against time to complete their journey. The writing style is engaging and entertaining, with a touch of humor sprinkled throughout the story, keeping readers on the edge of their seats and providing a glimpse into different cultures and locations around the world during the 19th century.