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rcholst's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Body horror, and Murder
Moderate: Rape
Minor: Sexism and Suicide attempt
abbie_'s review
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Free review copy received from the publisher.
I know lots of people like to snuggle up with holiday-themed romances or cosy mysteries at this time of year, and usually I don't have any recommendations for this type of book... BUT. Now I do! I read The Inugami Curse by Seishi Yokomizo, translated by Yumiko Yamakazi, a couple of Saturdays ago and it was such a great read! I don't read that many straight-up mystery novels, so I really enjoyed trying (and failing) to puzzle out the mystery, catch clues, and guess the culprit. (I did not guess, Yokomizo was too clever for me.)
.
Now, this book was originally published in 1952 so there are a few places where you're like 'yep, this book is 70 years old.' The beauty of one of the main character's is very often referenced (she's RAVISHING), and there's a man with a facial injury who is not treated well at all. But overall, I didn't think it smacked of the 50s that much! The translation is quite recent and it reads very smoothly, while maintaining that classic cosy mystery vibe.
.
I really liked the method of storytelling. The detective is narrating the case after it's been solved, so he's constantly dropping hints that are both tantalising and frustrating! The kind of hints that make you go 'Oh go on then, I'll read ONE more chapter', even though your dinner is burning or your dog is glaring at you because it's five minutes past walkie time.
.
I haven't even mentioned what the plot is, but isn't that half the fun of a mystery novel? In short, there's a dead patriarch, a very confusing will and a bunch of gruesome murders. All the components you need for a page-turning mystery novel that's perfect for cosying up with on a winter's afternoon!
I know lots of people like to snuggle up with holiday-themed romances or cosy mysteries at this time of year, and usually I don't have any recommendations for this type of book... BUT. Now I do! I read The Inugami Curse by Seishi Yokomizo, translated by Yumiko Yamakazi, a couple of Saturdays ago and it was such a great read! I don't read that many straight-up mystery novels, so I really enjoyed trying (and failing) to puzzle out the mystery, catch clues, and guess the culprit. (I did not guess, Yokomizo was too clever for me.)
.
Now, this book was originally published in 1952 so there are a few places where you're like 'yep, this book is 70 years old.' The beauty of one of the main character's is very often referenced (she's RAVISHING), and there's a man with a facial injury who is not treated well at all. But overall, I didn't think it smacked of the 50s that much! The translation is quite recent and it reads very smoothly, while maintaining that classic cosy mystery vibe.
.
I really liked the method of storytelling. The detective is narrating the case after it's been solved, so he's constantly dropping hints that are both tantalising and frustrating! The kind of hints that make you go 'Oh go on then, I'll read ONE more chapter', even though your dinner is burning or your dog is glaring at you because it's five minutes past walkie time.
.
I haven't even mentioned what the plot is, but isn't that half the fun of a mystery novel? In short, there's a dead patriarch, a very confusing will and a bunch of gruesome murders. All the components you need for a page-turning mystery novel that's perfect for cosying up with on a winter's afternoon!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Ableism, Sexism, and Sexual assault
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