The Honjin Murders by Seishi Yokomizo
The Honjin Murders by Seishi Yokomizo is a classic locked room murder mystery which takes place in a small rural village in Japan. Originally published in 1946, The Honjin Murders is the first of Yokomizo’s novels to feature quirky amateur detective, Kosuke Kindaichi. The detective would go on to feature in over 70 of Yokomizo’s novels. Unfortunately, few of these have been translated into English.
Kenzo Ichiyanagi and his bride, Katsuko, are found murdered on their wedding night in the annexe of the Ichianagi family home. A sword is discovered thrust into the snow outside, but there is not a footprint to be seen in the surrounding area. The families of the two victims are unable to fathom the tragic fate which has befallen the newlyweds. How could such a gory crime have been committed without evidence of a break-in? Suspicious, the locals begin to suspect the sinister masked man who had been asking questions around the village and was now nowhere to be found. The uncle of the murdered bride decides to call the ‘scruffy sleuth,’ detective Kindaichi to the scene, fearing that the crime would go unsolved due to lack of evidence.
Recommended for fans of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Agatha Christie and M.C. Beaton, Yokomizo leaves the reader guessing right up until the final moments. The mystery is enthralling and convoluted, the characters are unique, and the reveal is unpredictable and creative. The Honjin Murders is the perfect read to liven up a rainy afternoon or a quiet weekend.
Submitted by Laura.
