The Devotion of Suspect X
A murder mystery from the masterful Higashino Keigo-sensei, the Devotion of Suspect X is the third book of his 'Detective Galileo' series and arguably one of the most mind boggling murders in the world of crime fiction. At the very outset, Keigo-sensei shows us the murder itself. We see how it happened, who did it and the motives behind it. The reader is then presented with a greater challenge: what is the perfect way to hide a murder?
Salvation of a Saint
Another gem from the 'Detective Galileo' series, Salvation of a Saint follows largely the same detectives as they attempt to unravel a seemingly perfect murder. Is it possible to commit a murder from another city all by yourself? The reader is told who the murderer is at the very beginning, and then thrown in the dark with the detectives as they try to piece together the crime.
What strikes you first is the writing style. Simple and evocative, the translations by Alexander O. Smith reflect a writing style that reminds you of the discomfort of being in a bare, windowless room on a hot, sunny July afternoon with only a small table fan to provide some measure of relief. Don't get me wrong, I don't mean that it is difficult to read, only that the memory of it lingers. Note that there are is no flowery brandishing of the brush, but neat, straight, crisscrossing lines that form a maze with a most definite exit.
The content of the writing is thought-provoking. The books are a cultural experience if one is not Japanese nor has ever been there. We are given glimpses of the life of the average, modern-day Japanese person and of a culture that very different from what we know. Although translated in English, they retain the peculiarities of a new language and culture: such as in the politeness that often across. Are the Japanese ordinarily such a polite people?
The books also offer interesting discussions on the human psyche, such as the motives behind the murder, the circumstances that influence certain actions or conclusions about a situation. What I found particularly intriguing was the question about the determination and resolve required to carry out a murder. Very few authors can make a reader look beyond the facts of the murder and peer into something much deeper and darker than mere facts.
As for the plot itself, there are no loopholes and the story is sound. The narrative is well-edited and flows at a natural pace, neither too fast nor too slow. Keigo-sensei possesses the rare ability to truly distinguish his characters from one another. In the questions asked by the detectives and the answers they receive, we are presented with the point of view of someone completely unaware of the 'how, why, who' of the murder (though the readers themselves already know this). The bystanders, witnesses, friends present a one-sided view that clearly lacks a comprehensive understanding of the situation. The different viewpoints keep the books, which reconstruct the incident over and over again, from getting repetitive or boring. On the contrary, keeping up with physicist Yukawa's ideas is a challenge in itself.
Finally, for the reader who likes to solve the case along with the detectives, the answer is probably there in what you are reading but rather impossible to discern. Good luck though!
If there are any flaws in the books, it is that the writing can be a little too bare sometimes and that Detective Kusunagi doesn't seem to be quiet as smart as I'd like to think he is. Moreover, people who are a little impatient may find it hard to get through the first few chapters as Keigo-sensei lays down the foundation for the murder. Bear with it. It won't last for too long and in the description of everyday lives, he's giving you clues. Besides, there's a sure reward for your patience: an answer that lives up to your expectations.
Although I have only read two of his works, I can say with some confidence that Higashino Keigo is not a writer that should be missed. The two books mentioned above are amazing examples of both sound plot and solid writing. Perhaps I should try other Japanese authors. A Murakami Haruki that I read also used a similar simple, almost bare writing style, though the content was rather dark and depressing. Some people might consider such a style of writing bland, but I rather enjoy it. Besides, as a law student, I know bland. This is not it.
Next on my list: Manatsu No Hoteishiki by Higashino Keigo and Out by Natsuo Kirino.
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