Published by Little Brown, 9 October 2014.
ISBN: 978-1250035608
Bestselling novelist Hidaka is
found in his office, in a locked room within his locked house, by his wife and
his best friend, who both have alibis – or so it seems ...
Just
the contents page tells you this novel is going to be something different: 1
MURDER Osamu Nonoguchi’s Account; 2. SUSPICION – Kyoichiro Kaga’s Notes etc.
The story is told in the first person throughout, initially alternating between
an account written by Hidaka’s best friend and fellow-writer, Nonoguchi, and
the notes written by investigating detective Kaga. Kaga and Nonoguchi were
teachers together before each chose a different career, and the past turns out
to be very important in the final solution, as Kaga interviews old aquaintances
of both writers. There’s no blood, but a good deal of psychological nastiness,
the ‘malice’ of the title. The novel is built around a series of twists as
Kaga’s investigation of each of Nonoguchi’s accounts uncovers another layer of
reality, and the drawn-out duel between the two men makes compelling reading.
The Japanese background didn’t affect the plot, but I enjoyed little cultural
differences, like people bowing.
An
intensely-focused journey to find out the truth, and a treat for lovers of
classic detection focused on character and clues.
-------
Reviewer:
Marsali Taylor
Keigo Higashino
was born February 4, 1958. He is a
Japanese author chiefly known for his mystery novels. He served as the 13th
President of Mystery Writers of Japan
from 2009 to 2013.
Marsali Taylor grew up near Edinburgh, and came to Shetland as a
newly-qualified teacher. She is currently a part-time teacher on Shetland's
scenic west side, living with her husband and two Shetland ponies. Marsali is a
qualified STGA tourist-guide who is fascinated by history, and has published
plays in Shetland's distinctive dialect, as well as a history of women's
suffrage in Shetland. She's also a keen sailor who enjoys exploring in her own
8m yacht, and an active member of her local drama group. Marsali also does a regular monthly column
for the Mystery People e-zine.
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