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A review by lilifane
The Decagon House Murders by Yukito Ayatsuji
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I am hard to please when it comes to murder mysteries. But this one pleased me.
I actually did not expect to love it this much because it took me a little time to get used to the writing at the beginning. But once I got used to it, I flew through the book. I was glued to the pages. And it's such a short book, but oh boy, so many things happen. Many gruesome things as well, so be warned. I loved the structure of the book, the two parallel plots and mysteries, the pacing. Even though I think the characters could have had more depth and backstory, I liked them all and cared for them. Even in this short amount of time. The setting and atmosphere were amazing.
And the plotting? Holy sh**!
I love when an author manages to surprise me. And although I had the right idea (literally one page before the reveal) I still would have suspected the wrong person. But looking back, everything makes so much sense. And I love that we get a complete explanation in the end, that's so satisfying.
I actually did not expect to love it this much because it took me a little time to get used to the writing at the beginning. But once I got used to it, I flew through the book. I was glued to the pages. And it's such a short book, but oh boy, so many things happen. Many gruesome things as well, so be warned. I loved the structure of the book, the two parallel plots and mysteries, the pacing. Even though I think the characters could have had more depth and backstory, I liked them all and cared for them. Even in this short amount of time. The setting and atmosphere were amazing.
And the plotting? Holy sh**!
I love when an author manages to surprise me. And although I had the right idea (literally one page before the reveal) I still would have suspected the wrong person. But looking back, everything makes so much sense. And I love that we get a complete explanation in the end, that's so satisfying.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Medical content, Confinement, Death, Fire/Fire injury, and Murder