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A review by ineffableverse
The Devil's Flute Murders by Seishi Yokomizo
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
The story unfolds in post-war Japan, circa 1947. The narrative begins with the apparent suicide of Hidesuke Tsubaki, a famous composer and flutist. While tragic, the grim discovery only spirals into a complex web of mystery when Hidesuke's daughter, Mineko Tsubaki, suspects foul play. She enlists the aid of private detective Kosuke Kindaichi. Disheveled and bumbling, with an understated brilliance, he is clearly a nod to the iconic character 'Columbo'.
The narrative soon takes a turn when a murder occurs in seemingly impossible circumstances. Steps can be heard in empty rooms; Hidesuke's most ethereal, eerie tune keeps playing … This conjures a haunting and claustrophobic atmosphere that adds to the intrigue. Kindaichi, with his keen eye, navigates the intricate maze of the Tsubaki family's secrets, while red herrings and dubious alibis keep the reader guessing.
Seishi Yokomizo is known for his intricate and detailed narratives, and this novel is no exception! Rooted in the 'honkaku' genre, it pays homage to classic Western crime novels, while vividly painting Japan's unique cultural landscape. The Western reader who is not familiar with Japanese names might despair: There's a plethora of characters to keep track of! But thankfully, the novel starts with a few pages that list their names and their role in the story.
This might not be the right novel for readers who prefer fast-paced, straightforward narratives, but it's a feast for the connoisseur of complex whodunits, complex and rich in cultural depth. Over the years, I have come to adore the Japanese genre 'honkaku', which is defined by fiendishly clever puzzles and locked-room mysteries – with the clear mission statement that every mystery needs to be solvable by the reader! All the necessary clues are there, you just have to read with an eye for the details.
In essence, «The Devil's Flute Murders» is an excellent addition to the realm of mystery literature. It invites the reader into a world where every detail matters, encapsulating the essence of a genre that delights in the intellectual pursuit of unraveling the truth hidden within an intricate plot.
The narrative soon takes a turn when a murder occurs in seemingly impossible circumstances. Steps can be heard in empty rooms; Hidesuke's most ethereal, eerie tune keeps playing … This conjures a haunting and claustrophobic atmosphere that adds to the intrigue. Kindaichi, with his keen eye, navigates the intricate maze of the Tsubaki family's secrets, while red herrings and dubious alibis keep the reader guessing.
Seishi Yokomizo is known for his intricate and detailed narratives, and this novel is no exception! Rooted in the 'honkaku' genre, it pays homage to classic Western crime novels, while vividly painting Japan's unique cultural landscape. The Western reader who is not familiar with Japanese names might despair: There's a plethora of characters to keep track of! But thankfully, the novel starts with a few pages that list their names and their role in the story.
This might not be the right novel for readers who prefer fast-paced, straightforward narratives, but it's a feast for the connoisseur of complex whodunits, complex and rich in cultural depth. Over the years, I have come to adore the Japanese genre 'honkaku', which is defined by fiendishly clever puzzles and locked-room mysteries – with the clear mission statement that every mystery needs to be solvable by the reader! All the necessary clues are there, you just have to read with an eye for the details.
In essence, «The Devil's Flute Murders» is an excellent addition to the realm of mystery literature. It invites the reader into a world where every detail matters, encapsulating the essence of a genre that delights in the intellectual pursuit of unraveling the truth hidden within an intricate plot.