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A review by afi_whatafireads
Beast in the Shadows by Edogawa Rampo
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Well goddamn?
That almost got me spiraling.... and I often question myself why do I always pick up books like this at 2AM? And this book did not disappoint. Albeit short, it got me into a state of frenzy, of relentless deductions and into the darkness that was not expected. There's a reason why Rampo is a household crime thriller name. This book was dark and horrifying and it lets you question yourself, what is right and what is wrong, until the very end.
That almost got me spiraling.... and I often question myself why do I always pick up books like this at 2AM? And this book did not disappoint. Albeit short, it got me into a state of frenzy, of relentless deductions and into the darkness that was not expected. There's a reason why Rampo is a household crime thriller name. This book was dark and horrifying and it lets you question yourself, what is right and what is wrong, until the very end.
"However, there are many instances in which the benevolence of a virtuous man and the guile of a fiend have resided together in one person. Indeed, the more benevolent and appealing to others a person is, the easier it is for the devil within to find disciples.
Dark to its very core, Beast in The Shadows is a "who-dun-it" that blurred into the line between fiction and reality. A crime-detective author's life had changed when met a woman who had asked for her help with an ex threatening letters. A number of events happened that lead to deaths that were questionable.
This story will get you on the very edge of the seat from the start to the very last page. Even at the last pages, my mind is still wondering and processing what the heck had just happened and was everything real? It got me questioning what was right and was wrong, and in which parts of the stories that had not be directed into thinking that it can be as such. This is my first read from Rampo, and I kid you not I was not dissapointed. His writing was not only beautiful and poignant, it leaves you with a deep sense of dread and leaves readers wanting more. The proses were not as tight as other books I've read that you could leave you spiraling, and yet, it still left me breathless after finishing a chapter.
The case for me was peculiar and the revelation was astounding. Astounding due to the fact that its so short but so well-written. Nothing in this story seemed real, and again, you'll be questioning everything. I won't be saying too much, but goddamn, this was such a thrilling read (definitely not something you should pick up at 2 bloody AM).
Dark, poignant and a very interesting read. The darkness of humans in which lust, desire and the blurred lines of fantasy and reality had made me hooked to the story till the very end. Goddamn, a short but definitely a read that I will not forget for a very long time.
Personal Ratings : 4🌟
(Read this for #JanuaryinJapan)