Scan barcode
hoppyread's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
any_green's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
4.25
prima's review against another edition
emotional
informative
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
aed4n92's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
valerie87's review
5.0
A Midsummer’s Equation is the third book in the Detective Galileo series by Higashino. So far, there have been 4 books in the series translated into English.
This was my favorite in the Galileo series. Personally, I could not figure out this case. It kept me on edge and I was surprised with the direction it went. I also really enjoyed getting to spend more time with Manabu Yukawa (aka Detective Galileo). Since Yukawa is visiting Hari Cove, the location where the murder occurs, much of the book is focused on him. I loved this and I feel it’s one of the reasons the book was so good.
Yukawa is considered to be an eccentric physicist and is such an interesting character. He’s very intelligent and says how he feels. Yukawa is an old college friend of Detective Kusanagi from the Tokyo PD. Although they are friends, Yukawa is often complaining about him.
“… Kusanagi often has ulterior motives for the things he does. Actually, often isn’t quite right. Always is the word I was looking for. He always has an ulterior motive.”
In the other 3 books in the series, Yukawa does not play as big a part, even though the series is named after him. I never realized I’d like him so much!
If you haven’t read any of Kusanagi’s books, I highly recommend the Detective Galileo and Detective Kaga series!
This was my favorite in the Galileo series. Personally, I could not figure out this case. It kept me on edge and I was surprised with the direction it went. I also really enjoyed getting to spend more time with Manabu Yukawa (aka Detective Galileo). Since Yukawa is visiting Hari Cove, the location where the murder occurs, much of the book is focused on him. I loved this and I feel it’s one of the reasons the book was so good.
Yukawa is considered to be an eccentric physicist and is such an interesting character. He’s very intelligent and says how he feels. Yukawa is an old college friend of Detective Kusanagi from the Tokyo PD. Although they are friends, Yukawa is often complaining about him.
“… Kusanagi often has ulterior motives for the things he does. Actually, often isn’t quite right. Always is the word I was looking for. He always has an ulterior motive.”
In the other 3 books in the series, Yukawa does not play as big a part, even though the series is named after him. I never realized I’d like him so much!
If you haven’t read any of Kusanagi’s books, I highly recommend the Detective Galileo and Detective Kaga series!
riskayourina's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
sad
tense
medium-paced
5.0
pbbsalmon's review against another edition
3.0
Pros
- Interesting backstory, where similar to what transpired in The Devotion Of Suspect X, which was actually alluded to in this book, people could sacrifice so much for love.
- Heartwarming interactions between Yukawa and Kyohei. We see another more relatable side of detective Galileo in this book as he got closer to the 10-year-old boy.
- Kusanagi’s findings unfolded in a persuasive, riveting way
Cons
- Too many characters, especially the number of police officers and detectives present. There are so many names thrown around that are unnecessary for the readers to memorize.
- The book was too lengthy. The same content could have been delivered in a shorter book. I feel too much time was spent on setting up the crime scene in the beginning of the book.
- Detective Galileo made some deductions that were not exactly convincing. For example, how could he hypothesize that Naomi was the killer, rather than Setsuko?
In short, a pleasurable read but not as compelling as The Devotion of Suspect X
- Interesting backstory, where similar to what transpired in The Devotion Of Suspect X, which was actually alluded to in this book, people could sacrifice so much for love.
- Heartwarming interactions between Yukawa and Kyohei. We see another more relatable side of detective Galileo in this book as he got closer to the 10-year-old boy.
- Kusanagi’s findings unfolded in a persuasive, riveting way
Cons
- Too many characters, especially the number of police officers and detectives present. There are so many names thrown around that are unnecessary for the readers to memorize.
- The book was too lengthy. The same content could have been delivered in a shorter book. I feel too much time was spent on setting up the crime scene in the beginning of the book.
- Detective Galileo made some deductions that were not exactly convincing. For example, how could he hypothesize that Naomi was the killer, rather than Setsuko?
In short, a pleasurable read but not as compelling as The Devotion of Suspect X
dzipages's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Baca buku ini mengingatkan aku dengan buku Kesetiaan Mr. X dan Angsa Kelelawar. Di mana kita membaca kisah pengorbanan seseorang untuk melindungi orang yang dicintainya dan sebuah keterikatan korban dengan kliennya.
Khas tulisan Keigo sensei, yang tidak hanya menitikberatkan pada penyelidikan, tapi juga ada bumbu drama sentimental di dalamnya, bikin kita merasakan emosi dari para tokohnya dengan baik, dan bersimpati sekalipun dengan tersangkanya
Khas tulisan Keigo sensei, yang tidak hanya menitikberatkan pada penyelidikan, tapi juga ada bumbu drama sentimental di dalamnya, bikin kita merasakan emosi dari para tokohnya dengan baik, dan bersimpati sekalipun dengan tersangkanya
heidenkind's review against another edition
3.0
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: meeting a former schoolmate is never a good sign in these novels
jhd016's review against another edition
4.0
Keigo Higashino honestly does perfect mysteries. After finishing my fourth mystery from him this year, he just doesn't miss when creating the mix of character drama, suspense, and sleuthing that goes into a compelling mystery story. The setup is always simple but as each layer unfolds the mystery develops into a deceptively complicated puzzle to crack. He lays out the twists for you to guess and figure out piece by piece along the way but obfuscates how it all comes together well. A Midsummer's Equation didn't feel as mindblowing or meticulous as The Devotion of Suspect X or Malice, it had a procedural feel that was still satisfying but maybe not as fresh or unique as some of his other translated works.