Malice
Publisher,Abacus
Publication Date,
Format, Paperback
Weight, 260 g
No. of Pages,
Shelf: Fiction Books / Literature / Asian Fiction / Literature
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Acclaimed bestselling novelist Kunihiko Hidaka is found brutally murdered in his home on the night before he's planning to leave Japan and relocate to Vancouver. His body is found in his office, in a locked room, within his locked house, by his wife and his best friend, both of whom have rock solid alibis. Or so it seems.
Police Detective Kyochiro Kaga recognizes Hidaka's best friend. Years ago when they were both teachers, they were colleagues at the same high school. Kaga went on to join the police force while Osamu Nonoguchi left to become a full-time writer, though with not nearly the success of his friend Hidaka. But Kaga thinks something is a little bit off with Nonoguchi's statement and investigates further, ultimately executing a search warrant on Nonoguchi's apartment. There he finds evidence that shows that the two writers' relationship was very different than the two claimed. Nonoguchi confesses to the murder, but that's only the beginning of the story.
RATING: 4.7 / 5.0
Acclaimed bestselling novelist Kunihiko Hidaka is found brutally murdered in his home on the night before he was scheduled to leave Japan and relocate to Canada. His body is found in his office, in a locked room, within his locked house, by his wife and his best friend, both of whom have rock solid alibis.
Akui (Malice) was published in 1996 by the Japanese author, Keigo Higashino. It was translated into English in 2014 by Alexander O.Smith. Kiego Higashino has won major Japanese awards for his mystery books with many of them being turned into movies.
This was an excellent read! Every author has their own modus operandi and Kiego Higashino takes on a divergent approach with this mystery novel; focusing on the psychological element rather than pure suspense.
As the story is set in 1996, its framework comes down to intricate old fashioned detective work. The narrative is exceptional and the characters are fascinating.
The quality of the translation to english made this a quick read as it was simple and straightforward. Nonetheless, it is a testament to both the author and translator that the story kept me intrigued, engaged and engrossed throughout the entire book.
I only wish I could have read this book in Japanese.
Such an amazing novel with a great storyline. It was a good read that will keeps you on the edge of your seat.