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Detective Galileo #3
The Devotion of Suspect X
Yasuko lives a quiet life, working in a Tokyo bento shop, a good mother to her only child. But when her ex-husband appears at her door without warning one day, her comfortable world is shattered.
When Detective Kusanagi of the Tokyo Police tries to piece together the events of that day, he finds himself confronted by the most puzzling, mysterious circumstances he has ever investigated. Nothing quite makes sense, and it will take a genius to understand the genius behind this particular crime...
When Detective Kusanagi of the Tokyo Police tries to piece together the events of that day, he finds himself confronted by the most puzzling, mysterious circumstances he has ever investigated. Nothing quite makes sense, and it will take a genius to understand the genius behind this particular crime...
298 pages, Hardcover
First published August 29, 2005
About the author
Keigo Higashino
172 books6,724 followersAssociated Names:
* Keigo Higashino
* 東野 圭吾 (Japanese)
* 東野圭吾 (Traditional Chinese)
* ฮิงาชิโนะ เคโงะ (Thai)
Keigo Higashino (東野 圭吾) is one of the most popular and biggest selling fiction authors in Japan—as well known as James Patterson, Dean Koontz or Tom Clancy are in the USA.
Born in Osaka, he started writing novels while still working as an engineer at Nippon Denso Co. (presently DENSO). He won the Edogawa Rampo Prize, which is awarded annually to the finest mystery work, in 1985 for the novel Hōkago (After School) at age 27. Subsequently, he quit his job and started a career as a writer in Tokyo.
In 1999, he won the Mystery Writers of Japan Inc award for the novel Himitsu (The Secret), which was translated into English by Kerim Yasar and published by Vertical under the title of Naoko in 2004. In 2006, he won the 134th Naoki Prize for Yōgisha X no Kenshin. His novels had been nominated five times before winning with this novel.
The Devotion of Suspect X was the second highest selling book in all of Japan— fiction or nonfiction—the year it was published, with over 800,000 copies sold. It won the prestigious Naoki Prize for Best Novel— the Japanese equivalent of the National Book Award and the Man Booker Prize. Made into a motion picture in Japan, The Devotion of Suspect X spent 4 weeks at the top of the box office and was the third highest‐grossing film of the year.
Higashino’s novels have more movie and TV series adaptations than Tom Clancy or Robert Ludlum, and as many as Michael Crichton.
* Keigo Higashino
* 東野 圭吾 (Japanese)
* 東野圭吾 (Traditional Chinese)
* ฮิงาชิโนะ เคโงะ (Thai)
Keigo Higashino (東野 圭吾) is one of the most popular and biggest selling fiction authors in Japan—as well known as James Patterson, Dean Koontz or Tom Clancy are in the USA.
Born in Osaka, he started writing novels while still working as an engineer at Nippon Denso Co. (presently DENSO). He won the Edogawa Rampo Prize, which is awarded annually to the finest mystery work, in 1985 for the novel Hōkago (After School) at age 27. Subsequently, he quit his job and started a career as a writer in Tokyo.
In 1999, he won the Mystery Writers of Japan Inc award for the novel Himitsu (The Secret), which was translated into English by Kerim Yasar and published by Vertical under the title of Naoko in 2004. In 2006, he won the 134th Naoki Prize for Yōgisha X no Kenshin. His novels had been nominated five times before winning with this novel.
The Devotion of Suspect X was the second highest selling book in all of Japan— fiction or nonfiction—the year it was published, with over 800,000 copies sold. It won the prestigious Naoki Prize for Best Novel— the Japanese equivalent of the National Book Award and the Man Booker Prize. Made into a motion picture in Japan, The Devotion of Suspect X spent 4 weeks at the top of the box office and was the third highest‐grossing film of the year.
Higashino’s novels have more movie and TV series adaptations than Tom Clancy or Robert Ludlum, and as many as Michael Crichton.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 8,618 reviews
May 24, 2023
Both unusual and familiar, The Devotion of Suspect X is an unassuming mystery with an astonishing approach.
It is a book that will toy with the very definition of the concept of 'spoilers:' it begins with a few hours in our main characters' daily routines, then quickly jumps into an emotional scene that results in murder. I admit that I was doubtful; how was I to stay interested in a mystery where I already knew the answers to the 'who-what-where-why-when?' But Hiashino is quite masterful, drawing a veil over the disposition of the body. The reader is left in a unique position of knowing more than the police about where the investigation should end, but discovering clues with the police as they work backwards.
The narrative follows both the police investigation and the viewpoint of the perpetrator(s), leaving me marveling at the chess game. Something in it puts me in mind of Agatha Christie, although it could be that she's just the one I always think of when it comes to non-gory murder and a more nuanced form of suspense. It is a book that is as much about characters and social protocols as much as mystery, but don't let that frighten you away. There's a distinct whiff of literary-fiction about this as well, a story that is also about the everyday lives and the future dreams of the characters.
My complaints are very small; there was a preponderance of characters whose names began with 'K,' and I believe at least two had first and last names with 'K.' A switch from first to last name use depending on who was talking proved initially confusing and left me glad I could flip back a few pages. The ending... sigh. Appropriate, but leaving me ambivalent. The air of melancholy is too strong for me to want to add this to my library, thus the less than 5 stars.
The fact that this was a best-seller in Japan left me bemused. According to the author's GR page, "The Devotion of Suspect X was the second highest selling book in all of Japan— fiction or nonfiction—the year it was published, with over 800,000 copies sold." I find this especially interesting when I think of themysteries thrillers that routinely top American best-seller lists. This is almost the exact opposite kind of story, and for me, a far more fulfilling one. It leaves me curious to check out Higashino's other works.
Four and a half bento boxes.
Update: Thanks to a great discussion with Starch ( their review I realize what kept me from the five stars.
Thanks to the Carols and Vivian for having left such thoughtful reviews that intrigued me enough to request it!
It is a book that will toy with the very definition of the concept of 'spoilers:' it begins with a few hours in our main characters' daily routines, then quickly jumps into an emotional scene that results in murder. I admit that I was doubtful; how was I to stay interested in a mystery where I already knew the answers to the 'who-what-where-why-when?' But Hiashino is quite masterful, drawing a veil over the disposition of the body. The reader is left in a unique position of knowing more than the police about where the investigation should end, but discovering clues with the police as they work backwards.
The narrative follows both the police investigation and the viewpoint of the perpetrator(s), leaving me marveling at the chess game. Something in it puts me in mind of Agatha Christie, although it could be that she's just the one I always think of when it comes to non-gory murder and a more nuanced form of suspense. It is a book that is as much about characters and social protocols as much as mystery, but don't let that frighten you away. There's a distinct whiff of literary-fiction about this as well, a story that is also about the everyday lives and the future dreams of the characters.
My complaints are very small; there was a preponderance of characters whose names began with 'K,' and I believe at least two had first and last names with 'K.' A switch from first to last name use depending on who was talking proved initially confusing and left me glad I could flip back a few pages. The ending... sigh. Appropriate, but leaving me ambivalent. The air of melancholy is too strong for me to want to add this to my library, thus the less than 5 stars.
The fact that this was a best-seller in Japan left me bemused. According to the author's GR page, "The Devotion of Suspect X was the second highest selling book in all of Japan— fiction or nonfiction—the year it was published, with over 800,000 copies sold." I find this especially interesting when I think of the
Four and a half bento boxes.
Update: Thanks to a great discussion with Starch ( their review I realize what kept me from the five stars.
Thanks to the Carols and Vivian for having left such thoughtful reviews that intrigued me enough to request it!
March 27, 2024
Nope. No, this isn't your typical detective-murder-hunt-the-rat book. This is almost a psychological thriller where the answer has been thrown to the reader from the very first page yet it gives the thrill with amazing twists and turns as to why the character did what he did.
The title has been so aptly given. It explains everything! Damn this book is so good. The mathematician genius clashing with his old school mate, another Physics genius. Everything is out there. Nothing much to solve to find who who did the obvious or the reasons behind it. It's the intense character study and presentation that made the book so damn amazing. Yes, shortcomings are there when things tend to fly above your head when these two seemingly geniuses talk about the same things. I don't think it was even necessary. But still....wow...I was wowed...and wowed still.
For a book like this, if I try to write something about the story or the plot it will just ruin everything. So I won't. But I guarantee you it's a very different read with indepth character study and reasons why and what of the event that happened. Ah, the devotion. Seriously, it's all about this devotion.
This book is crazy good madness.
The title has been so aptly given. It explains everything! Damn this book is so good. The mathematician genius clashing with his old school mate, another Physics genius. Everything is out there. Nothing much to solve to find who who did the obvious or the reasons behind it. It's the intense character study and presentation that made the book so damn amazing. Yes, shortcomings are there when things tend to fly above your head when these two seemingly geniuses talk about the same things. I don't think it was even necessary. But still....wow...I was wowed...and wowed still.
For a book like this, if I try to write something about the story or the plot it will just ruin everything. So I won't. But I guarantee you it's a very different read with indepth character study and reasons why and what of the event that happened. Ah, the devotion. Seriously, it's all about this devotion.
This book is crazy good madness.
July 11, 2016
The Devotion of Suspect X is a must-read for anyone who appreciates police procedurals, mysteries, math, Japan, literature . . . I could go on. The Devotion of Suspect X is the third in the Detective Galileo series, but I didn't once have the impression that I lacked background or relationship information gleaned from the initial 2 books. In fact, there were no references to prior cases or mysteries to suggest that earlier books existed. If not for the publishers blurbs on the book, I'd not have guessed they did.
So why is The Devotion of Suspect X an excellent read?
1. The lead detective, Kusanagi, is a normal, standard, by-the-book, thoughtful, straight arrow. What distinguishes this novel from other police procedurals is Kusanagi's friend, Yukawa, a physicist. Yukawa solves the mystery and cares deeply about the outcome. Because ....
2. Ishigami, a high school math teacher whose brilliance and devotion to math are here allocated to assisting his ordinary, likable next door neighbor in covering up a murder, by employing masterful misdirection to focus the police on time-wasting, unimportant questions and issues. His efforts to motivate apathetic high school students won my respect and, at the same time, my pity. Otherwise, he's not an easy character to get to know or to feel anything about, except that Yukawa's concern for him makes the reader care. Nonetheless you respect his genius.
3. The ending is one of the best I've ever read. The mystery is solved 20 pages before. It doesn't matter. There's many a thriller or mystery novelist who get an A+ for plot, but don't have a clue how to write a compelling ending. I read the last several paragraphs a few times over - they were just that good.
4. Japan. The style of this novel is insanely plot-driven and at the same time calm, quiet, methodical, and thoughtful. No screeching tires. No bickering between the detectives. No threatening with guns. In an alternative universe where Lee Child is raised and lives in Japan, this might be the series he'd have written instead of the Jack Reacher books (which I also love, for different reasons, and which are culturally and quintessentially American).
Off to find my next Detective Galileo book....
So why is The Devotion of Suspect X an excellent read?
1. The lead detective, Kusanagi, is a normal, standard, by-the-book, thoughtful, straight arrow. What distinguishes this novel from other police procedurals is Kusanagi's friend, Yukawa, a physicist. Yukawa solves the mystery and cares deeply about the outcome. Because ....
2. Ishigami, a high school math teacher whose brilliance and devotion to math are here allocated to assisting his ordinary, likable next door neighbor in covering up a murder, by employing masterful misdirection to focus the police on time-wasting, unimportant questions and issues. His efforts to motivate apathetic high school students won my respect and, at the same time, my pity. Otherwise, he's not an easy character to get to know or to feel anything about, except that Yukawa's concern for him makes the reader care. Nonetheless you respect his genius.
3. The ending is one of the best I've ever read. The mystery is solved 20 pages before. It doesn't matter. There's many a thriller or mystery novelist who get an A+ for plot, but don't have a clue how to write a compelling ending. I read the last several paragraphs a few times over - they were just that good.
4. Japan. The style of this novel is insanely plot-driven and at the same time calm, quiet, methodical, and thoughtful. No screeching tires. No bickering between the detectives. No threatening with guns. In an alternative universe where Lee Child is raised and lives in Japan, this might be the series he'd have written instead of the Jack Reacher books (which I also love, for different reasons, and which are culturally and quintessentially American).
Off to find my next Detective Galileo book....
February 4, 2022
I am SPEECHLESS. NO doubt this is one of the best Japanese thrillers..
March 24, 2023
This is one of the best crime novels I ever read.
No wonder this book is rated high above 4 stars in the reviews.
I did not feel bored at all with any chapters of the story.
I felt perplexed when attempting to guess the outcome of the crime.
I was surprised by the end of the story.
I must say the author is very creative and imaginative in writing this meaningful crime novel.
No wonder this book is rated high above 4 stars in the reviews.
I did not feel bored at all with any chapters of the story.
I felt perplexed when attempting to guess the outcome of the crime.
I was surprised by the end of the story.
I must say the author is very creative and imaginative in writing this meaningful crime novel.
September 11, 2018
The classic whodunit works by misdirection, same as a magic trick. As is the case with the magician, so with the mystery writer - the more the skill in the smoothness of execution, the more mystifying the trick seems. But unlike the magician (who never tells), the author tells everything in the end: as the clever detective reveals how the public have been duped by the villain, the reader is also equally dumbfounded. The success of the mystery is in direct proportion to the amount of mystification.
In this novel, Keigo Higashimo presents a clever variation. The murder happens during the first and second chapters, and we immediately know who committed it! Yasuko, a single mother living alone with her daughter is forced to kill her ex-husband in self-defence. When she plans to turn herself in, her neighbour Ishigami, a reclusive mathematical genius who is obsessed with her, prevents it. He concocts a seemingly unbreakable alibi for mother and daughter: however, unfortunately for Ishigami, the physicist and amateur sleuth Manabu Yukawa, his former classmate and genius of equal standing is on the case. What follows is a absorbing cat-and-mouse game between the two, with really devastating denouement.
The core of the mystery is not new - I can remember the same plot device used in at least three more stories by other authors (no, I won't reveal which stories they are!). I should have seen the ending coming, but I was taken in by a simple ploy by the author. There is a big plot hole - the police immediately zeroing in on Yasuko and her daughter is unbelievable - but we can condone that in such a tightly written story.
What fascinated me, and raised this book to four stars, was the tussle between the mathematician - who delights in creating insoluble puzzles - and the physicist interested in tweaking out nature's laws from her behaviour, and building mathematical models for the same. The P=NP problem - whether it is easier to work out a solution to problem by oneself, or to check whether another's solution for the same is correct or not - seems to me fascinating.
----------------------------------------
PS: I read this book because of the Malayalam blockbuster movie Drishyam ("Visual"), rumoured to be plagiarised from it. While the movie is in all probability inspired by this story, it is not a copy, and a refreshingly new take on the "unbreakable alibi".
In this novel, Keigo Higashimo presents a clever variation. The murder happens during the first and second chapters, and we immediately know who committed it! Yasuko, a single mother living alone with her daughter is forced to kill her ex-husband in self-defence. When she plans to turn herself in, her neighbour Ishigami, a reclusive mathematical genius who is obsessed with her, prevents it. He concocts a seemingly unbreakable alibi for mother and daughter: however, unfortunately for Ishigami, the physicist and amateur sleuth Manabu Yukawa, his former classmate and genius of equal standing is on the case. What follows is a absorbing cat-and-mouse game between the two, with really devastating denouement.
The core of the mystery is not new - I can remember the same plot device used in at least three more stories by other authors (no, I won't reveal which stories they are!). I should have seen the ending coming, but I was taken in by a simple ploy by the author. There is a big plot hole - the police immediately zeroing in on Yasuko and her daughter is unbelievable - but we can condone that in such a tightly written story.
What fascinated me, and raised this book to four stars, was the tussle between the mathematician - who delights in creating insoluble puzzles - and the physicist interested in tweaking out nature's laws from her behaviour, and building mathematical models for the same. The P=NP problem - whether it is easier to work out a solution to problem by oneself, or to check whether another's solution for the same is correct or not - seems to me fascinating.
----------------------------------------
PS: I read this book because of the Malayalam blockbuster movie Drishyam ("Visual"), rumoured to be plagiarised from it. While the movie is in all probability inspired by this story, it is not a copy, and a refreshingly new take on the "unbreakable alibi".
October 19, 2022
(3.75) Good detective/murder mystery, good ending but the "after ending" ruined it a bit.
Will read more by the author.
Will read more by the author.
December 5, 2023
Wow, we're in December and I have unrated books from July. Panic attack incoming.
I believe it was my first Japanese mystery and I was very pleasantly surprised. My main concern before starting, was that I would be bored since I knew who the killer was from the blurb. I should not have been worried since the writer kept me interested throughout the novel and there were enough twists and turns to keep things exciting. The cat and mouse game between two very special minds was fantastic. I am looking forward to reading more of Galileo's investigations. I think they are only 3 more of them translated in English from the 9which were written but I will be content with what I can get.
I believe it was my first Japanese mystery and I was very pleasantly surprised. My main concern before starting, was that I would be bored since I knew who the killer was from the blurb. I should not have been worried since the writer kept me interested throughout the novel and there were enough twists and turns to keep things exciting. The cat and mouse game between two very special minds was fantastic. I am looking forward to reading more of Galileo's investigations. I think they are only 3 more of them translated in English from the 9which were written but I will be content with what I can get.
April 2, 2021
مدتها بود کتاب پلیسی به این خوبی نخونده بودم. از اول تا آخرش هیچ کجا افت نکرد. ترجمهی خوب و تمیزی هم داشت
May 14, 2023
رواية جريمة يابانية , وبعكس الروايات البوليسية لن تبحث هنا عن القاتل فأنت ستتابع عملية القتل وتعرف جيدا من قام بها ومن ساعد القاتل . انت تعلم كيف تمت الجريمة وأسبابها ، ولن تملك سوى التعاطف مع القاتل ، ربما الشئ الذى لم تعرفه هو كيف بالتحديد تمت هذه المساعدة ؟ هذه معلومة ليس الآن وقت معرفتها 😉
لذا لن يكون لك هنا دور فى البحث عن القاتل دورك هنا سيكون متابعة الاحداث ، متابعة ياسوكو وابنتها و جارها إشيغامي مدرس ونابغة الرياضيات من جهة ، ومتابعة تحقيق الشرطي كوساناغي من جهه اخرى ، و ستتابع ايضا الخبير الفيزيائي يوكاوا صديق كوساناغي والذي له موهبة في الأبحاث البوليسية .وستعرف ان يوكاوا ليس فقط صديق لكوساناغي لكنه ايضا على معرفة قديمة ب إشيغامي منذ ايام الجامعة ورغم انقطاع سبلهم الا انه كان يقدره ويحترمه وشعر بالسعادة حين التقت سبلهم مرة اخرى.فهل تدخل ياكوا سيؤدى الى فشل مخطط إشيغامي؟ ام ان تدخله لن يؤثر ؟
لكن ربما تتسائل لماذا ساعد إشيغامي ياسوكو فى ابعاد الشبهات عنها وفعل ��لكثير من اجلها ؟؟
هل انت فى حاجة للسؤال بالطبع لانه يحبها لكنه حب من طرف واحد ، هو جارها ويحرص كل يوم ان يشترى وجبته من المطعم الذى تعمل به حين تكون موجودة لكنه لم يصرح لها بحبه . وبالطبع وجد فى مساعدتها فرصته للتقرب منها . لكن ، هل سيظل على مساعدته لها ؟ والى اى مدى سيذهب لمساعدتها؟ الى اى مدى سيجازف من أجلها ؟ وهل سيتغير موقفه اذا علم انها لن تحبه وانها ربما ستلجأ وتحب رجل آخر ؟
ستتابع وانت فى تشوق هل ستكتشف الشرطة الحقيقة ؟! وكيف ؟ ام لن تكتشف ذلك وتنجو ياسوكو من الاتهام؟ هل سيتم اكتشاف ضلوع إشيغامي في مساعدة ياسوكو ؟
حين يساعد نابغة فى اخفاء الجريمة ويساعد نابغة اخر فى حل الجريمة ، ستشعر انك فى شبه معركة مابين الاثنين ؟ هل سينجح مخطط إشيغامي في حماية ياسوكو ام سينجح يوكاوا فى مساعدة صديقه كوساناغي فى كشف الجريمة؟؟ وكيف سيتعامل يوكاوا فى ضلوع اشيغامي في هذه الجريمة ؟؟ ام لن يتوصل لذلك ابدا ؟
وسيفاجئك الكاتب فى الجزء الاخير ، ستستغربها كثيرا ولن تستطيع ترك الرواية قبل ان تنهيها لتفهم ماحدث بالظبط .
كان تقييمى في الغالب سيكون ٣ نجوم لكن الجزء الاخير جاء وانتزع منى النجمة الرابعة .
.ألد أعدائنا هي الأفكار المسبقة لأنها تحول بيننا وبين رؤية ما يوجد أمام أعيننا
الجهل بالحقيقة بإمكانه ان يكون خطيئة .
كيغو هيغاشينو ، ينعم بشعبية عارمة في اليابان حيث يتربع على عرش الكتابة التشويقية ، ويعد ثاني أكثر كاتب مقروء بعد موراكامي العظيم . رواية تفاني المشتبه به x هى اول عمل يترجم الى اللغة العربية .
فهل سيتم ترجمة عمل آخر له ؟ ام ستكون هذه الرواية الاولى والاخيرة لانه لم يحظى بشعبية فى العالم العربي ؟
ستكون خسارة حقيقية إن تم تجاهل هذا الكاتب .
شكرا للمترجم محمد بنعبود وللمركز الثقافي العربي على ترجمة هذه الرواية ، ولتعريفنا بهذا الكاتب
٢٩ / ٨ / ٢٠٢٠
لذا لن يكون لك هنا دور فى البحث عن القاتل دورك هنا سيكون متابعة الاحداث ، متابعة ياسوكو وابنتها و جارها إشيغامي مدرس ونابغة الرياضيات من جهة ، ومتابعة تحقيق الشرطي كوساناغي من جهه اخرى ، و ستتابع ايضا الخبير الفيزيائي يوكاوا صديق كوساناغي والذي له موهبة في الأبحاث البوليسية .وستعرف ان يوكاوا ليس فقط صديق لكوساناغي لكنه ايضا على معرفة قديمة ب إشيغامي منذ ايام الجامعة ورغم انقطاع سبلهم الا انه كان يقدره ويحترمه وشعر بالسعادة حين التقت سبلهم مرة اخرى.فهل تدخل ياكوا سيؤدى الى فشل مخطط إشيغامي؟ ام ان تدخله لن يؤثر ؟
لكن ربما تتسائل لماذا ساعد إشيغامي ياسوكو فى ابعاد الشبهات عنها وفعل ��لكثير من اجلها ؟؟
هل انت فى حاجة للسؤال بالطبع لانه يحبها لكنه حب من طرف واحد ، هو جارها ويحرص كل يوم ان يشترى وجبته من المطعم الذى تعمل به حين تكون موجودة لكنه لم يصرح لها بحبه . وبالطبع وجد فى مساعدتها فرصته للتقرب منها . لكن ، هل سيظل على مساعدته لها ؟ والى اى مدى سيذهب لمساعدتها؟ الى اى مدى سيجازف من أجلها ؟ وهل سيتغير موقفه اذا علم انها لن تحبه وانها ربما ستلجأ وتحب رجل آخر ؟
ستتابع وانت فى تشوق هل ستكتشف الشرطة الحقيقة ؟! وكيف ؟ ام لن تكتشف ذلك وتنجو ياسوكو من الاتهام؟ هل سيتم اكتشاف ضلوع إشيغامي في مساعدة ياسوكو ؟
حين يساعد نابغة فى اخفاء الجريمة ويساعد نابغة اخر فى حل الجريمة ، ستشعر انك فى شبه معركة مابين الاثنين ؟ هل سينجح مخطط إشيغامي في حماية ياسوكو ام سينجح يوكاوا فى مساعدة صديقه كوساناغي فى كشف الجريمة؟؟ وكيف سيتعامل يوكاوا فى ضلوع اشيغامي في هذه الجريمة ؟؟ ام لن يتوصل لذلك ابدا ؟
وسيفاجئك الكاتب فى الجزء الاخير ، ستستغربها كثيرا ولن تستطيع ترك الرواية قبل ان تنهيها لتفهم ماحدث بالظبط .
كان تقييمى في الغالب سيكون ٣ نجوم لكن الجزء الاخير جاء وانتزع منى النجمة الرابعة .
.ألد أعدائنا هي الأفكار المسبقة لأنها تحول بيننا وبين رؤية ما يوجد أمام أعيننا
الجهل بالحقيقة بإمكانه ان يكون خطيئة .
كيغو هيغاشينو ، ينعم بشعبية عارمة في اليابان حيث يتربع على عرش الكتابة التشويقية ، ويعد ثاني أكثر كاتب مقروء بعد موراكامي العظيم . رواية تفاني المشتبه به x هى اول عمل يترجم الى اللغة العربية .
فهل سيتم ترجمة عمل آخر له ؟ ام ستكون هذه الرواية الاولى والاخيرة لانه لم يحظى بشعبية فى العالم العربي ؟
ستكون خسارة حقيقية إن تم تجاهل هذا الكاتب .
شكرا للمترجم محمد بنعبود وللمركز الثقافي العربي على ترجمة هذه الرواية ، ولتعريفنا بهذا الكاتب
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April 21, 2015
Not only is THE DEVOTION OF SUSPECT X a multi-faceted cultural reading experience, but it also acutely complements the familiar psychological suspense/thriller/mystery genre by infusing Japanese philosophy. Keigo Higashino shrewdly and subtly induces the reader to contemplate the immeasurable complexities of the human psyche by questioning what motivates one human being to judge who is worthy of life, and who is not.
Tetsuya Ishigami’s daily schedule is precisely what one would expect of a Japanese mathematics’ teacher. His unsuccessful attempts to motivate visibly bored and apathetic students discourage Ishigami, and his one true passion of solving a complex mathematical formula, lies outside of the classroom within the confines of his small apartment. A barren life carved out of necessity dramatically changes when Yasuko and her daughter Misato introduce themselves as his new neighbors. He imagines a fantasy life with them, listening to mother and daughter through the thin apartment walls, and his daily walk to school includes a stop to purchase his boxed lunch at the small shop where Yasuko works. Within this fictitious context, Ishigami surprisingly exhibits a fierce desire to protect both mother and daughter, and so begins a bizarre tale that originates with the unexpected arrival of Yasuko’s nefarious ex-husband Togashi.
To divulge the minute intricacies of this suspenseful tale would require *spoilers.* Ishigami’s masterful, methodical, and devious scheme demands a skillful exposé by the incongruous, yet highly likeable duo of Dr.Yukama and Detective Kusanagi, the intrepid investigators who are destined to unravel the shocking and mind-boggling conundrum. Imperial University graduates in different fields, Ishigami, Yukama and Kusanagi, seem equally matched; Ishigami, unappreciated mathematical master of a methodical crime committed to protect Yasuko and Misato, and Yukama, preeminent master of rare intuitive observations of human frailties, and Kusanagi, resolute advocate of justice match their unparalleled wits to a stunning unbelievable conclusion. The factual drama predominantly hinges on the intellectual “cat and mouse” chase between Ishigami, “Buddha” at University and Yukama, affectionately known as “Professor Galileo” by the police.
Initially, the translation was a bit stilted, but once engrossed in the book, it was hardly noticeable. In addition to the utterly fascinating and distinctive premise, the cultural milieu depicted an informative contemporary view of Japanese life.
Tetsuya Ishigami’s daily schedule is precisely what one would expect of a Japanese mathematics’ teacher. His unsuccessful attempts to motivate visibly bored and apathetic students discourage Ishigami, and his one true passion of solving a complex mathematical formula, lies outside of the classroom within the confines of his small apartment. A barren life carved out of necessity dramatically changes when Yasuko and her daughter Misato introduce themselves as his new neighbors. He imagines a fantasy life with them, listening to mother and daughter through the thin apartment walls, and his daily walk to school includes a stop to purchase his boxed lunch at the small shop where Yasuko works. Within this fictitious context, Ishigami surprisingly exhibits a fierce desire to protect both mother and daughter, and so begins a bizarre tale that originates with the unexpected arrival of Yasuko’s nefarious ex-husband Togashi.
To divulge the minute intricacies of this suspenseful tale would require *spoilers.* Ishigami’s masterful, methodical, and devious scheme demands a skillful exposé by the incongruous, yet highly likeable duo of Dr.Yukama and Detective Kusanagi, the intrepid investigators who are destined to unravel the shocking and mind-boggling conundrum. Imperial University graduates in different fields, Ishigami, Yukama and Kusanagi, seem equally matched; Ishigami, unappreciated mathematical master of a methodical crime committed to protect Yasuko and Misato, and Yukama, preeminent master of rare intuitive observations of human frailties, and Kusanagi, resolute advocate of justice match their unparalleled wits to a stunning unbelievable conclusion. The factual drama predominantly hinges on the intellectual “cat and mouse” chase between Ishigami, “Buddha” at University and Yukama, affectionately known as “Professor Galileo” by the police.
Initially, the translation was a bit stilted, but once engrossed in the book, it was hardly noticeable. In addition to the utterly fascinating and distinctive premise, the cultural milieu depicted an informative contemporary view of Japanese life.
December 29, 2016
This has been one of the top thrillers I have read this year and this story is like nothing I have ever read. I will talk more about this in my review.
Firstly this is originally a Japanese novel and has been translated into English. The translation is done pretty well and the flow of the story is really good.
Basic Plot: A crime is committed and then a plan is formed to cover-up the crime.
"What they needed was a perfect defense based on perfect logic."
What happens when the investigation is being done by a genius and the cover-up by a mastermind.
This book was like an intense chess match and after each move from one end there was another counter-move from the other end.
The twists in the last few chapters had my mind reeling. I think part of the main twist in the book is somewhat similar to a twist in one of Agatha Christie's novel
The final end was like a punch in the gut. It made me sit back and think about everything that happened in the book and if the ending any different would have been more satisfying. Not sure, maybe this is the best way it could have ended...
Firstly this is originally a Japanese novel and has been translated into English. The translation is done pretty well and the flow of the story is really good.
Basic Plot: A crime is committed and then a plan is formed to cover-up the crime.
"What they needed was a perfect defense based on perfect logic."
What happens when the investigation is being done by a genius and the cover-up by a mastermind.
This book was like an intense chess match and after each move from one end there was another counter-move from the other end.
The twists in the last few chapters had my mind reeling. I think part of the main twist in the book is somewhat similar to a twist in one of Agatha Christie's novel
The final end was like a punch in the gut. It made me sit back and think about everything that happened in the book and if the ending any different would have been more satisfying. Not sure, maybe this is the best way it could have ended...
June 8, 2018
Wowwww I loved this so much. It was so great watching this puzzle come together.
Watch my full review: https://youtu.be/_8bLtNauZyA
Watch my full review: https://youtu.be/_8bLtNauZyA
June 29, 2023
7 stars approximated to 5.
Two geniuses are meeting in the book The Devotion of Suspect X, two old friends.
One is helping the police to solve a murder, another is doing everything to mislead the same police and to protect a woman he loves.
I was very impressed listening to this story. There wasn't a moment for me to be bored. The writer for sure is a genius himself to write such a book.
I would give this book 7 stars if I could.
Two geniuses are meeting in the book The Devotion of Suspect X, two old friends.
One is helping the police to solve a murder, another is doing everything to mislead the same police and to protect a woman he loves.
I was very impressed listening to this story. There wasn't a moment for me to be bored. The writer for sure is a genius himself to write such a book.
I would give this book 7 stars if I could.
February 11, 2024
Have you ever wondered what it takes to commit the perfect crime? How far would you go to protect someone else?
These are the questions that haunt the characters of The Devotion of Suspect X, a gripping and ingenious thriller by Keigo Higashino.
Keigo Higashino is one of the most renowned and acclaimed mystery writers in Japan, and The Devotion of Suspect X is his best-selling and most celebrated work. It is part of the Detective Galileo series, featuring the brilliant physicist Manabu Yukawa, who helps the police solve baffling cases. The book won several awards and was adapted into successful movies in Japan, Korea, China and India. It is a unique crime novel that challenges the conventional formula of the genre by presenting a how-done-it, rather than a whodunit. The book is a different kind of mystery, where the reader is not looking for clues to identify the culprit, but to see the logic and strategy behind the cover-up.
The story revolves around Yasuko Hanaoka, a divorced, single mother who works at a lunch box shop. She thought she had finally escaped her abusive ex-husband Togashi, but 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. Yasuko decides to come clean with the police, but she is afraid that Misato, who hit Togashi first, would be involved in the crime. Ishigami, who lives next door and heard the commotion, comes to her rescue. He quickly figures out what happened and offers her his help. He convinces her to follow his plan, which involves creating a fake alibi, disposing of the body, and planting false clues.
“Which is harder: devising an unsolvable problem, or solving that problem?"
Ishigami is a genius who can devise unsolvable problems, but he could not foresee that his old friend Yukawa, the infamous Detective Galileo, would be assisting the police in the investigation. Yukawa recognizes Ishigami's involvement in the case and becomes fascinated by the puzzle that he has created. He is determined to solve it and reveal the truth, but he also respects Ishigami's intellect and motives. From then, it’s a thrilling cat-and-mouse game of a genius vs genius, where two brilliant minds clash in a game of logic and deception. The suspense lies in the unfolding of the police inquiry and the ingenious plan that Ishigami has devised to outwit them. When one puzzle is solved, another one emerges.
One of the strengths of the book is the clever and ingenious plot, that keeps the reader hooked and guessing until the very end. The author, Keigo Higashino, is a master of creating complex and captivating worlds of logic and deception. The book explores the themes of devotion, obsession, and redemption, and shows how love can be both a motive and a weapon. The book also raises some ethical and moral questions, such as what is justice, what is truth, and what is the value of human life.
The only letdown for me is that some parts of the book are repetitive and did not advance the plot. You get to hear the reasoning again and again, but just from different people. Some of the details were too convenient and unrealistic. For example, I found it hard to believe that the police would make Yasuko their prime suspect despite the fact that she had not seen Togashi for over a year, while Togashi was an in-debt, unemployed, and violent man who possibly had many enemies. And, maybe this is my ego speaking, but I think I could do it better than Ishigami.
Fans of crime fiction will find this book irresistible, as it is a refreshing and innovative take on the classic mystery genre.
July 28, 2016
Đây là tác phẩm có cảm giác được viết bởi Shakespeare : tràn ngập tính kịch và tràn ngập bi kịch
Thiên tài ẩn dật sống 1 cuộc đời chẳng ra sao. Bi kịch của anh là “chẳng có lý do gì để chết” nhưng anh vẫn chuẩn bị sẵn thòng lọng cho mình bởi “chỉ là anh không có lý do gì để sống thôi”
Thế rồi khi con lắc sắp dừng lại sau quá trình dao động điều hòa của nó thì 1 lực đẩy rất nhẹ chạm vào. Nó tiếp tục hành trình lắc qua lắc lại nhưng theo 1 biên độ khác. Thay đổi cuộc đời sau 1 tiếng chuông
Thỉnh thoảng đôi khi những thứ xấu xa, thủ đoạn nhất cũng là những gì đáng thương, đáng trân trọng, đáng cảm thông nhất.
Tại sao con người có thể ác đến thế là 1 câu hỏi khó để trả lời nhưng dễ hiểu
Dù sao vẫn trân quý anh trên 1 góc độ nào đó khó đoán định
Rốt cuộc trái tim đã thắng, không những thế còn thắng đậm
Bị mê hoặc bởi tiếng gào...
update sau khi xem xong phim : lại 1 bộ phim chuyển thể cực kỳ xuất sắc nữa cộp mác Keigo :3 nghe nói bản Hàn đóng bị chê thậm tệ là sặc mùi ngôn tình, cái hội sến súa màu hường ấy thì biết cái khỉ gì mà cũng đòi làm phim trinh thám tâm lý xã hội, thật là chổng mông vào nghệ thuật :|
Thiên tài ẩn dật sống 1 cuộc đời chẳng ra sao. Bi kịch của anh là “chẳng có lý do gì để chết” nhưng anh vẫn chuẩn bị sẵn thòng lọng cho mình bởi “chỉ là anh không có lý do gì để sống thôi”
Thế rồi khi con lắc sắp dừng lại sau quá trình dao động điều hòa của nó thì 1 lực đẩy rất nhẹ chạm vào. Nó tiếp tục hành trình lắc qua lắc lại nhưng theo 1 biên độ khác. Thay đổi cuộc đời sau 1 tiếng chuông
Thỉnh thoảng đôi khi những thứ xấu xa, thủ đoạn nhất cũng là những gì đáng thương, đáng trân trọng, đáng cảm thông nhất.
Tại sao con người có thể ác đến thế là 1 câu hỏi khó để trả lời nhưng dễ hiểu
Dù sao vẫn trân quý anh trên 1 góc độ nào đó khó đoán định
Rốt cuộc trái tim đã thắng, không những thế còn thắng đậm
Bị mê hoặc bởi tiếng gào...
update sau khi xem xong phim : lại 1 bộ phim chuyển thể cực kỳ xuất sắc nữa cộp mác Keigo :3 nghe nói bản Hàn đóng bị chê thậm tệ là sặc mùi ngôn tình, cái hội sến súa màu hường ấy thì biết cái khỉ gì mà cũng đòi làm phim trinh thám tâm lý xã hội, thật là chổng mông vào nghệ thuật :|
February 17, 2022
When Yasuko Hanaoka was a single mother to her little daughter Misato, she met and married Shinji Togashi - a luxury car salesman.
The family was happy and lived well until Shinji's employers discovered he was a thief and fired him. After that Yasuko took a job as a bar hostess....
.....and larcenous Shinji sat home, ate and drank, and took all his wife's earnings.
If Yasuko protested, Shinji beat her, and he also frightened his young step-daughter.
Eventually Yasuko managed to divorce Shinji, but he continued to harass her and ask for money. To get away from her ex-husband, Yasuko moved and took a job in a boxed lunch shop, hoping to ditch creepy Shinji for good.
However Shinji tracked his former wife down at the shop, made noises about getting back together, and made implicit threats about Misato - now a pretty teenager.
Yasuko is trying decide what to do about Shinji when he unexpectedly shows up at her apartment. Yasuko is upset, Misato is freaked out, and Shinji ends up dead on the floor.
As it happens Yasuko's next door neighbor Tetsuya Ishigami - a brilliant math teacher - has a crush on Yasuko. He's too shy to speak to her, but stops at the boxed lunch shop most days, to see her and order a meal.
Ishigami is home during the altercation between Shinji and Yasuko and her daughter, and he hears the hubbub leading to Shinji's death. Since Ishigami is secretly in love with Yasuko, he offers to help the ladies. They agree, and Ishigami does what he does.
When the homicide victim is found near a river, Detective Shunpei Kusanagi gets the case.
As usual Kusanagi consults his physicist friend Manabu Yukawa (aka Detective Galileo), a brainy fellow who's helped solve crimes in the past.
It so happens that physicist Yukawa and math professor Ishigami were at university together decades ago, and the physicist comes to suspect the mathematician had some hand in the crime. This leads to a 'battle of the brains', with Yukawa trying to discover what REALLY happened to victim Shenji, and Ishigami trying to preserve the cover up.
This is clever psychological thriller that will appeal to readers who like puzzles. I figured out a tiny bit of the plot, but got a big surprise at the climax.
You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot....
September 25, 2020
খুন করাটাই কঠিন নাকি বরং খুন করে সেই খুনটাকে ধামাচাপা দেওয়াটাই সবচেয়ে বড় চ্যালেঞ্জিং ব্যাপার! কে বড় মাস্টারমাইন্ড? যে খুন করে? নাকি যে খুন করে পুলিশের প্রতিটা পদক্ষেপ ভেঙ্গেচুরে গুড়িয়ে দিয়ে একটার পর একটা অ্যালিবাই তৈরি করে নিজেকে অনেক দূরে রাখতে পারে?
সত্যি বলতে চমৎকার একটি বই পড়লাম যা থ্রিলারের রোলার কোস্টারে ভ্রমণ করাবে।
যে বইটির মাধ্যমে জাপানিজ থ্রিলার বইয়ের দিকে মানুষের চোখ পড়ে বা টনক নড়ে সেই বই হলো "দ্য ডিভোশন অফ সাসপেক্ট এক্স"। এই বইটি ইংরেজিতে অনুবাদ হওয়ার পরেই জাপানিজ বই নিয়ে হই রই পড়ে যায়। এরপর একের পর এক অনেক মাস্টারপিস বই অনুবাদ হয়েছে। তাই নিঃসন্দেহে বলা যায় এই বই ইংরেজি সাহিত্যে জাপানিজ বইয়ের দুয়ার স্বরূপ।
সালমান ভাই বাংলা অনুবাদে দারুণ কাজ দেখিয়েছেন এতো সুন্দর অনুবাদ উপহার দেওয়ার জন্য উনাকে একটা ধন্যবাদ দেয়াই যেতে পারে।
সত্যি বলতে চমৎকার একটি বই পড়লাম যা থ্রিলারের রোলার কোস্টারে ভ্রমণ করাবে।
যে বইটির মাধ্যমে জাপানিজ থ্রিলার বইয়ের দিকে মানুষের চোখ পড়ে বা টনক নড়ে সেই বই হলো "দ্য ডিভোশন অফ সাসপেক্ট এক্স"। এই বইটি ইংরেজিতে অনুবাদ হওয়ার পরেই জাপানিজ বই নিয়ে হই রই পড়ে যায়। এরপর একের পর এক অনেক মাস্টারপিস বই অনুবাদ হয়েছে। তাই নিঃসন্দেহে বলা যায় এই বই ইংরেজি সাহিত্যে জাপানিজ বইয়ের দুয়ার স্বরূপ।
সালমান ভাই বাংলা অনুবাদে দারুণ কাজ দেখিয়েছেন এতো সুন্দর অনুবাদ উপহার দেওয়ার জন্য উনাকে একটা ধন্যবাদ দেয়াই যেতে পারে।
September 5, 2022
Subtle, skillful, sad.
& quite unlike anything else I have ever read.
This made me think of two intelligent people playing a game of chess. Shogi is also known as Japanese Chess
Thanks to real life friend Peter for pressing this in my hands,last time I was in the library.
Read it now.
& quite unlike anything else I have ever read.
This made me think of two intelligent people playing a game of chess. Shogi is also known as Japanese Chess
Impossible to review without spoilers, impossible to stop thinking about.
Thanks to real life friend Peter for pressing this in my hands,last time I was in the library.
Read it now.
May 5, 2019
إنه ذلك النوع من الروايات التي تأسر حواسك برغم طبيعتها السلسة من غير مبالاغات الِاثارة والتتبيلة التي تستخف بعقل القارئ ،أي نعم أنك أمام جريمة قتل يحاول الجاني إخفاء أثرها إلا أن المسألة تتعقد بشكل يدعو للمضي قدماً نحو نص جميل وممتع
نمط الحياة اليابانية وما يميزه يبرز بجمالية من خلال منطق إحترام الذات ومسؤولية الشخوص تجاه مجتمعهم وهنا تظهر الفوارق التي تسلبك روح الإحباط إذا ما قارنتها مع مجتمعاتنا البدائية في تعاملها مع أفراد المجتمع ،هذه الرواية صدرت في اليابان في عام 2005 وترجمت لأول مرة إلى العربية في عام 2019 جميلة وسلسة وتستحق القراءة
نمط الحياة اليابانية وما يميزه يبرز بجمالية من خلال منطق إحترام الذات ومسؤولية الشخوص تجاه مجتمعهم وهنا تظهر الفوارق التي تسلبك روح الإحباط إذا ما قارنتها مع مجتمعاتنا البدائية في تعاملها مع أفراد المجتمع ،هذه الرواية صدرت في اليابان في عام 2005 وترجمت لأول مرة إلى العربية في عام 2019 جميلة وسلسة وتستحق القراءة
July 1, 2017
What a fantastic book ! Brilliant plot narration by the author. One of the best books in the thriller genre I have read so far. It is about a murder and how the protagonist helps the culprit cover up the crime recreating the crime scene (not disclosing the details here). The climax is absolutely surprising and it definitely keeps the reader on tenterhooks.
I wonder if the Hindi / Malayalam movie "Drishyam" was inspired by this book. Enjoyed this immensely !
I wonder if the Hindi / Malayalam movie "Drishyam" was inspired by this book. Enjoyed this immensely !
September 11, 2019
Primer libro que leo de Keigo Higashino. La trama empieza siendo interesante, pero va decayendo con el avance hasta volverse monótona. Se da vueltas sobre lo mismo una y otra vez y, que conste que todo es pertinente a la investigación.
Me han gustado todos los personajes, tanto los genios universitarios como las mujeres y los policías.
El ambiente está bien creado. Un poco soso para mi gusto. No le saca provecho al ambiente "negro" japonés y se centra más en la cotidianidad.
Hay una historia de amor muy bonita que es la verdadera protagonista de la novela.
Y, aunque hay un buen giro en la trama, el final se le va un poco de las manos.
Interesante.
First book I read by Keigo Higashino. The plot begins being interesting, but it is declining with the advance until it becomes monotonous. It turns around the same thing over and over again, and it is clear that everything is relevant to the investigation.
I liked all the characters, both university geniuses and women and police.
The environment is well created. A bit bland for my liking. It does not take advantage of the Japanese "black" environment and focuses more on everyday life.
There is a very beautiful love story that is the true protagonist of the novel.
And, although there is a good twist in the plot, the end is very complicated.
Interesting.
Me han gustado todos los personajes, tanto los genios universitarios como las mujeres y los policías.
El ambiente está bien creado. Un poco soso para mi gusto. No le saca provecho al ambiente "negro" japonés y se centra más en la cotidianidad.
Hay una historia de amor muy bonita que es la verdadera protagonista de la novela.
Y, aunque hay un buen giro en la trama, el final se le va un poco de las manos.
Interesante.
First book I read by Keigo Higashino. The plot begins being interesting, but it is declining with the advance until it becomes monotonous. It turns around the same thing over and over again, and it is clear that everything is relevant to the investigation.
I liked all the characters, both university geniuses and women and police.
The environment is well created. A bit bland for my liking. It does not take advantage of the Japanese "black" environment and focuses more on everyday life.
There is a very beautiful love story that is the true protagonist of the novel.
And, although there is a good twist in the plot, the end is very complicated.
Interesting.
June 7, 2017
I have to say this book was a delight!! The plot was very good!! I had to google some stuff, lol, but I learned a few things I didn't know before this book. Thanks to my Goodreads friend, LaTonya for the recommendation.
November 7, 2011
I've read perhaps ten or so Japanese crime novels seen maybe fifteen Japanese crime films, have read some non-fiction about the Japanese underworld, and have been to the country. All of which is to say that while I'm not fluent in the culture, I didn't come to this story completely unversed in it either. Unfortunately, this particular book seems to be a case of a publisher trying to find the next big international crime thriller hit, and releasing a book with some major flaws.
The story revolves around a divorced single mother who works the counter at a small takeout place. When her nasty ex-husband tracks her down and tries to milk her for money, things get violent and she and her daughter end up killing him in the fight. Facing the prospect of jail and foster care, they accept the offer of their quiet neighbor Mr. Ishigami to make their problem disappear. The unremarkable middle-aged neighbor is a high-school math teacher with no friends or family, but a genius-level brain. He's been nursing a crush on his neighbor and is ready and willing to cover up for her. (All of this is on the book jacket, so I'm not spoiling anything.) The bulk of the book involves the police investigation that follows, and whether or not Ishigami is going to be able to maintain the deception. Now, to the flaws:
First, the entire book is predicated on the police honing in on the ex-wife as the only suspect. This despite their being divorced for a number of years, and him being an unemployed, nasty character of no fixed address or means, who had embezzled money from a previous employer. The obvious notion that he could have had any number of enemies, especially underworld ones, is never examined the police. Why? Because it would have completely torpedoed the premise of the book, so instead it's just...ignored.
OK, I'm willing to overlook one large hole if a book makes it worth my while Unfortunately, a massive coincidence is unleashed which is also central to the story. The police detective assigned to the case happens to regularly consult with a brilliant physicist (named Yukawa, presumably in tribute to the Nobel laureate), in the manner of Inspector Lestrade consulted with Sherlock Holmes. And it just so happens that not only did Yukawa go to university with Ishigami, they were friends! This makes him literally the only person in the entire world both smart enough and familiar enough with Ishigami's manner of thinking to potentially unravel his plan. I mean, I'm all for suspension of disbelief in my entertainment, but that's just silly.
And yet I kept reading, just to see how the story would conclude. It's not a bad puzzle, although the big twist toward the end didn't exactly shock me. There had been plenty of deliberate mentions of a particular group of people in the book, so I knew one of them would be playing an important role at some point. There's one final twist at the end that is a purely tonal one, shifting it from what could be considered a happy ending to a tragic one. It's not a choice I would have made, but it's in keeping with a lot of Japanese crime stories, so I guess it works in that context. All in all, I'm kind of baffled that a book with such serious flaws could have been such a hit, spawning a TV crime series featuring Yukawa and a film adaptation of the book (Suspect X).
The story revolves around a divorced single mother who works the counter at a small takeout place. When her nasty ex-husband tracks her down and tries to milk her for money, things get violent and she and her daughter end up killing him in the fight. Facing the prospect of jail and foster care, they accept the offer of their quiet neighbor Mr. Ishigami to make their problem disappear. The unremarkable middle-aged neighbor is a high-school math teacher with no friends or family, but a genius-level brain. He's been nursing a crush on his neighbor and is ready and willing to cover up for her. (All of this is on the book jacket, so I'm not spoiling anything.) The bulk of the book involves the police investigation that follows, and whether or not Ishigami is going to be able to maintain the deception. Now, to the flaws:
First, the entire book is predicated on the police honing in on the ex-wife as the only suspect. This despite their being divorced for a number of years, and him being an unemployed, nasty character of no fixed address or means, who had embezzled money from a previous employer. The obvious notion that he could have had any number of enemies, especially underworld ones, is never examined the police. Why? Because it would have completely torpedoed the premise of the book, so instead it's just...ignored.
OK, I'm willing to overlook one large hole if a book makes it worth my while Unfortunately, a massive coincidence is unleashed which is also central to the story. The police detective assigned to the case happens to regularly consult with a brilliant physicist (named Yukawa, presumably in tribute to the Nobel laureate), in the manner of Inspector Lestrade consulted with Sherlock Holmes. And it just so happens that not only did Yukawa go to university with Ishigami, they were friends! This makes him literally the only person in the entire world both smart enough and familiar enough with Ishigami's manner of thinking to potentially unravel his plan. I mean, I'm all for suspension of disbelief in my entertainment, but that's just silly.
And yet I kept reading, just to see how the story would conclude. It's not a bad puzzle, although the big twist toward the end didn't exactly shock me. There had been plenty of deliberate mentions of a particular group of people in the book, so I knew one of them would be playing an important role at some point. There's one final twist at the end that is a purely tonal one, shifting it from what could be considered a happy ending to a tragic one. It's not a choice I would have made, but it's in keeping with a lot of Japanese crime stories, so I guess it works in that context. All in all, I'm kind of baffled that a book with such serious flaws could have been such a hit, spawning a TV crime series featuring Yukawa and a film adaptation of the book (Suspect X).
August 13, 2017
Perhaps a cultural mismatch for me: I found the pace of the book far too slow, the romantic element Victorian at best, and the idea of that brilliant physicists and mathematicians would be also brilliant in sleuthing unrealistic.
The Japanese setting is interesting. The book has good twists at the end, but the plot takes way too long to get there.
The Japanese setting is interesting. The book has good twists at the end, but the plot takes way too long to get there.
August 26, 2021
امتیاز واقعی ۳/۵
داستانی که از همان ابتدا قاتل و مقتول و صحنه جنایت مشخص میشوند ولی باز هم پایانی غافلگیرکننده دارد
داستانی که از همان ابتدا قاتل و مقتول و صحنه جنایت مشخص میشوند ولی باز هم پایانی غافلگیرکننده دارد
June 24, 2023
3.5 stars
Read
March 23, 2021Oh, this is clever. Keigo Higashino has a really nice line in playing with form in his murder mysteries, and this is another inverted one (like Newcomer). Here, we know who did the murder, and the mystery is how on earth the cover-up is made to work (and if they'll get away with it). I did not see the answer coming. Readable if plain translation, and a chewy set of characters make this terrific murdertainment.
February 9, 2020
Such a surprising and twisty ending! Would've loved a little more description in the writing and not all the characters felt that well-developed, but the tension throughout the whole book was excellent.
March 3, 2016
Jusqu'à la toute fin, j'ai cru que ce roman était une simple histoire policière très agréable à lire. L'intrigue était originale et intelligente, avec une construction rarement vue dans d'autres titres du genre, et une ambiance propre à la culture japonaise, mais sans émotions fortes. Et puis il y a eu les explications, et j'ai tout vu d'un autre oeil, avec la gorge toute serrée. Je suis très touchée par "le dévouement" en question, qui dépasse ce que l'on peut imaginer au départ, et les dernières pages... Ça me serre le coeur. Tant d'absolu dans cet amour !
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