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Book Details:
Title: The Devotion of Suspect X
Author: Kiego Higashino
Genre: Psychological fiction, thriller
Publisher: Minotaur Books
Print Length: 320 pages
Source: A copy from the local library
Blurb:
The critically acclaimed international bestselling novel by one of Japan's premier storytellers, Keigo Higashino's The Devotion of Suspect X marks the first book in his beloved Detective Galileo mysteries.
"One of the great mystery and thriller books of all time!" (Time)
Yasuko Hanaoka is a divorced, single mother who thought she had finally escaped her abusive ex-husband Togashi. When he shows up one day to extort money from her, threatening both her and her teenaged daughter Misato, the situation quickly escalates into violence and Togashi ends up dead on her apartment floor. Overhearing the commotion, Yasuko's next door neighbor, middle-aged high school mathematics teacher Ishigami, offers his help, disposing not only of the body but plotting the cover-up step-by-step.
When the body turns up and is identified, Detective Kusanagi draws the case and Yasuko comes under suspicion. Kusanagi is unable to find any obvious holes in Yasuko's manufactured alibi and yet is still sure that there's something wrong. Kusanagi brings in Dr. Manabu Yukawa, a physicist and college friend who frequently consults with the police. Yukawa, known to the police by the nickname Professor Galileo, went to college with Ishigami.
After meeting up with him again, Yukawa is convinced that Ishigami had something to do with the murder. What ensues is a high level battle of wits, as Ishigami tries to protect Yasuko by outmaneuvering and outthinking Yukawa, who faces his most clever and determined opponent yet.
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My Review:
This is the first Japanese novel I've ever read, and I picked it up based on a friend's recommendation. I went in expecting a good murder mystery, and the book definitely delivered!
What's interesting is that we know from the very beginning who committed the murder. The real mystery lies in how a high school mathematics teacher goes to extraordinary lengths to hide the truth and protect the woman he loves. When things don't go as planned, he even considers taking the blame himself.
That's already a fascinating plot, but there's much more to the story than meets the eye. Just when you think you have figured things out, the story takes an unexpected turn.
One small challenge for me was remembering the Japanese names, but since there aren't too many characters, I eventually got used to them by the time I was halfway through the book.
What Did I Love?
I absolutely loved the plot! It's unique, clever, and full of mystery. I especially liked the characters Ishigami, Yasuko, Kusanagi, and Yukawa.
Ishigami's way of building a convincing narrative to mislead the police was fascinating. The way he thinks through every detail and tries to stay one step ahead makes the story even more intriguing.
I also loved Yukawa, both for his brilliant deduction skills and for the friendship he shares with Ishigami. Their relationship adds another interesting layer to the story, especially as Yukawa tries to make sense of what is really happening.
What Could Have Been Better?
While I enjoyed the overall plot, a few incidents didn't feel entirely convincing to me. I don't want to give away any spoilers, but some of Ishigami's actions were difficult for me to understand or justify.
I also felt that the story could have explored Ishigami's feelings for Yasuko a little more. I never quite felt the depth of his love for her, which made some of his decisions harder to connect with emotionally. A few more scenes showing his feelings and the reasons behind his actions might have added greater depth to the story.
Yukawa's character is intriguing, too, but his tendency to speak in riddles can be a little frustrating at times! I also wished there were more insight into Yasuko's inner thoughts and feelings, as I sometimes struggled to understand what was going on in her mind.
And the ending? It's shocking, no doubt about that! However, I felt the story wrapped up rather abruptly, leaving me wishing for a little more time to process everything that had happened.
Overall
Despite a few reservations, this was a fascinating read with a clever plot and plenty of twists to keep me hooked. I particularly enjoyed how the mystery unfolds even though the identity of the murderer is revealed right at the beginning.
I'd definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys murder mysteries, psychological thrillers, and stories that make you think beyond the obvious. If you're looking for a mystery that focuses less on who committed the crime and more on the ingenious ways people try to conceal the truth, this one is worth picking up!
⭐ My rating: 4/5
Until next time,
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