Seishi Yokomizo

Translated by: Louise Heal Kawai

A gorgeous deluxe paperback of Japan's greatest murder mystery, from the father of Japanese classic crime and author of Murder at the Black Cat Café.

“The premise alone is dazzling [and] the solution to this mystery came as a complete surprise.” — The New York Times

In the winter of 1937, the village of Okamura is abuzz with excitement over the forthcoming wedding of a son of the grand Ichiyanagi family. But amid the gossip over the approaching festivities, there is also a worrying rumour—it seems a sinister masked man has been asking questions around the village.

Then, on the night of the wedding, the Ichiyanagi household are woken by a terrible scream, followed by the sound of eerie music. Death has come to Okamura, leaving no trace but a bloody samurai sword, thrust into the pristine snow outside the house. Soon, amateur detective Kosuke Kindaichi is on the scene to investigate what will become a legendary murder case, but can this scruffy sleuth solve a seemingly impossible crime?

Yokomizo is perhaps the most popular and beloved crime writer in his country’s history. His classic mysteries are a treat for any fan of Golden Age whodunits, taking the reader all over post-war Japan, from remote mountain villages to pirate-plagued islands to the bustling streets of Tokyo.

Featuring stunning French flaps and a beautiful, wintry wrap-around cover, this deluxe gift paperback will delight Yokomizo fans old and new seeking the ingenious puzzle plot that started it all!