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bookswithlydscl 's review for:
The Noh Mask Murder
by Akimitsu Takagi
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I am a fan of translated Japanese crime mysteries and especially enjoy those with a more historical focus so this book was an ideal read for me. Set post WW2, we see amateur crime writer 'Akimitsu Takagi' (love this author self-insert) investigate the strange events in the Chizui mansion where a haunting presence casts a shadow over its residents and in rapid succession bodies start to pile up.
This murder mystery is truly a classic locked room premise clearly influenced by Agatha Christie and holds up alongside her classic Golden Age stories. It's a suitably gothic and atmospheric tale written in an epistolatory style - made up of letters and a journal, which, despite being written originally in 1950, feels timeless and the style doesn't feel out of place amongst modern works published by Janice Hallett for example. The circumstances of the war do provide some plot elements but isn't a major focus of the narrative in the same way that, for example, The Meiji Guillotine Murders does in relation to post-shogunate era Japan so you don't need to know too much about Japanese history or culture to get to grips with the story.
I really enjoyed the little history notes about Noh theatre and how the plays played an important part in the story without being alienating to readers that may not be familiar with them. In fact, overall I would say that this is an ideal introductory story for readers wanting to get into Japanese mysteries.
I read this in two sittings over the course of one day as I just didn't want to put it down. It's well paced and clever enough to keep you guessing whilst also making you think that you've got it all figured out to then deliver an almighty punch at the end to give you a closing that is ultimately satisfying and gratifying. The writing is pretty verbose in places but also fits well with the journal style and for me clicked with the understanding about the ultimate who, how and why.
If you want a cleverly plotted and well paced murder mystery this book could tick the boxes for you.
Thank you to Netgalley and Pushkin Press for a digital review copy of "The Noh Mask Murder" in exchange for my honest and voluntary review.
This murder mystery is truly a classic locked room premise clearly influenced by Agatha Christie and holds up alongside her classic Golden Age stories. It's a suitably gothic and atmospheric tale written in an epistolatory style - made up of letters and a journal, which, despite being written originally in 1950, feels timeless and the style doesn't feel out of place amongst modern works published by Janice Hallett for example. The circumstances of the war do provide some plot elements but isn't a major focus of the narrative in the same way that, for example, The Meiji Guillotine Murders does in relation to post-shogunate era Japan so you don't need to know too much about Japanese history or culture to get to grips with the story.
I really enjoyed the little history notes about Noh theatre and how the plays played an important part in the story without being alienating to readers that may not be familiar with them. In fact, overall I would say that this is an ideal introductory story for readers wanting to get into Japanese mysteries.
I read this in two sittings over the course of one day as I just didn't want to put it down. It's well paced and clever enough to keep you guessing whilst also making you think that you've got it all figured out to then deliver an almighty punch at the end to give you a closing that is ultimately satisfying and gratifying. The writing is pretty verbose in places but also fits well with the journal style and for me clicked with the understanding about the ultimate who, how and why.
If you want a cleverly plotted and well paced murder mystery this book could tick the boxes for you.
Thank you to Netgalley and Pushkin Press for a digital review copy of "The Noh Mask Murder" in exchange for my honest and voluntary review.