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A review by duskx
Salvation of a Saint by Keigo Higashino
4.0
“Salvation of a Saint” by Keigo Higashino is a mesmerizing journey into the depths of human cunning, where the impossible becomes possible. The novel poses a tantalizing question: “Can one poison a specific person’s drink from a distance, leaving no trace?” This question forms the backbone of a plot that is as intricate as it is captivating.
The story unfolds around the death of Yoshitaka Mashiba, a wealthy businessman found dead in his home, poisoned by arsenic-laced coffee. The prime suspect is his wife, Ayane, who had every reason to want him dead. However, she was hundreds of miles away in Hokkaido when the murder occurred in Tokyo. This conundrum forms the crux of the narrative, challenging both the characters and the readers to unravel the mystery.
Higashino masterfully crafts a “howdunit” tale, shifting the focus from the identity of the culprit to the method of the crime. The reader is led through a labyrinth of clues and diversions, each tiny action and abstract conversation a potential key to solving the puzzle. The experience is akin to stepping into the shoes of a detective, piecing together the evidence to uncover the truth.
The novel’s strength lies in its ingenious murder scheme, a testament to Higashino’s creativity and attention to detail. The plot is so meticulously crafted that even the most observant readers may find themselves second-guessing their deductions. It’s a mind-bending plan that only a meticulous and obsessive person could execute, leaving me in awe of its audacity and precision.
“Salvation of a Saint” is a cerebral challenge that will captivate readers with its original premise, elegant prose, and surprising conclusion. It’s a standalone novel in the Detective Galileo series and a worthy successor to “The Devotion of Suspect X”. Both novels showcase Higashino’s talent for crafting complex narratives that keep readers on their toes. If you’re a fan of puzzles and logic, “Salvation of a Saint” is a must-read. It’s a testament to Higashino’s status as one of Japan’s most popular and prolific writers, and a shining example of the “howdunit” genre at its best.
The story unfolds around the death of Yoshitaka Mashiba, a wealthy businessman found dead in his home, poisoned by arsenic-laced coffee. The prime suspect is his wife, Ayane, who had every reason to want him dead. However, she was hundreds of miles away in Hokkaido when the murder occurred in Tokyo. This conundrum forms the crux of the narrative, challenging both the characters and the readers to unravel the mystery.
Higashino masterfully crafts a “howdunit” tale, shifting the focus from the identity of the culprit to the method of the crime. The reader is led through a labyrinth of clues and diversions, each tiny action and abstract conversation a potential key to solving the puzzle. The experience is akin to stepping into the shoes of a detective, piecing together the evidence to uncover the truth.
The novel’s strength lies in its ingenious murder scheme, a testament to Higashino’s creativity and attention to detail. The plot is so meticulously crafted that even the most observant readers may find themselves second-guessing their deductions. It’s a mind-bending plan that only a meticulous and obsessive person could execute, leaving me in awe of its audacity and precision.
“Salvation of a Saint” is a cerebral challenge that will captivate readers with its original premise, elegant prose, and surprising conclusion. It’s a standalone novel in the Detective Galileo series and a worthy successor to “The Devotion of Suspect X”. Both novels showcase Higashino’s talent for crafting complex narratives that keep readers on their toes. If you’re a fan of puzzles and logic, “Salvation of a Saint” is a must-read. It’s a testament to Higashino’s status as one of Japan’s most popular and prolific writers, and a shining example of the “howdunit” genre at its best.