A review by afi_whatafireads
Newcomer by Keigo Higashino

dark emotional mysterious reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

At this point, Keigo is a full-proof author that I will never ever ever doubt of his works. This one was as good and lord, it gave me FEELS at the end that almost made me teared up finishing it.


"My job as a detective should go beyond that. People who've been traumatized by a crime are victims, too. Finding ways to comfort them is also part of my job."


Who wouldn't fell in love head over heels with Kaga after reading this, cause I surely did :')
(But since I met Yukawa from Gallileo series first, Kaga is my second next to Yukawa lol)

Right back to my thoughts. Honestly, with mystery books, I prefer if you guys go in blind. Don't even read the synopsis, if its written by Keigo freaking Higashino? Its BOUND to be good. That I can promise and assure you. With this book what I like is that you can never expect what goes in Kaga's head to be honest, and half the time, you're going.... is he for real :') But eccentric characters like him are the most just and sharp even if they look sloppy. Kaga reminds me a lot of Kindaichi from The Honjin Murders and both had set to become some of my favourite character in Japanese Crime Thrillers that I follow.

Honestly, this book is more than just a crime mystery. That goes without saying to all Keigo's books. Each of his works are more than the crime itself. Yes, solving a crime is a good, but, Keigo has also shown how important it is to have compassion in doing and solving the work. Whilst the victim had died, the people around them can be affected as badly as they are living and the dead had passed to the other world. Whilst the title made sense (again Keigo is always clever in naming his books), I love that this one reads like a slice-of-life; with episodes from different families and a whole community of characters which made the stories more heartwarming in a sense. Its also smart how it all came together at the end.

At this point, you'll get tired of me telling to pick up Keigo's works; but really, please do so. Its an amazing story, with an amazing cast, and with values that we seem to forget sometimes after living in the world for quite some time. Recommended and one that can quickly take you out of a reading slump if you are in one :)