The Inugami Curse

Like The Honjin Murders, this book is a entertaining Agatha Christie style manor murder mystery but set in postwar Japan.
Really enjoyed reading this and I'm already looking forward to the next installment of the Detective Kosuke Kindaichi series.

Imagine a classic British Golden Age mystery, but set in 1940s postwar Japan. This is a terrific mystery with a mansion filled with a wide range of suspects, hidden identities, family secrets, four gruesome murders and numerous twists. The detective is idiosyncratic and appealing. The author was a leading Japanese mystery writer in the 1970s sndc1980s
I’ve read one other mystery by Yokomizo and after reading this I’m looking forward to reading more.

The second classic mystery from Seishi Yokomizo. Pushkin Press continues to broaden horizons of English-speaking fans of mystery. They have a great series, which moves from strength to strength. An impressive achievement. Hopefully, we will have many new names to discover in the future.

I loved this book, originally written in Japanese and recently translated into English, it brings with it all the culture, style and opens up for us the world of Japanese storytelling.
The story was very involved and had many twist and turns, and just when one thinks the solution is at hand, out pops another difficulty. The only issue I had was getting the names sorted in my head due to the unfamiliarity of Japanese names, no doubt the same that is had by others with our english names.
The story is very different, flows along really well and is very enjoyable - one I couldn't easily put down, with a satisfying, if sad ending.

I received this book from Netgalley for an honest review. I hadn’t heard of this author before but I thought the premise sounded interesting so I wanted to give it a try, and I’m so glad I did! It took me a few pages to get into the rhythm of the writing - it’s obviously a translation from its original language, but it doesn’t take long to adapt to that.

The story is set just after World War Two, although it’s relatively vague with the dates. This must be the fifth or sixth in the original series, as it refers back to some previous adventures, but I didn’t think this affected my enjoyment of this story at all, it’s fine to read it as a stand-alone story. The story starts with the death of an elderly businessman, who is much admired in his local area, as he has built his fortune up from humble beginnings and brought prosperity to the local area. When his will is read, it’s discovered that he has set up a complex hierarchy with regards to the inheritance that he leaves behind, and it sets up his descendants to start plotting against each other to try and succeed in inheriting the fortune.

I really enjoyed this story, the characters were interesting, and it wasn’t a straightforward murder mystery - there were lots of twists and turns and it came to an interesting conclusion. It wasn’t obvious from the outset how it was going to end, which kept my attention throughout the story. I would definitely seek out other stories by this author as this intrigued me.

I would say - don’t be it off by the long list of characters at the beginning. I found it a wee bit overwhelming, but then I just threw myself into it and it was relatively easy to work out. The descriptions are a bit flowery, but again, I find this relatively common in translated works and you get used to it as part of the rhythm of the writing.

A strong mystery, and I’d definitely recommend it!

This started out slow, but before you can say chrysanthemum (you'll find out, lol) shit got weird and creepy. An isolated winter setting and a rich family seething with secrets. To top it off, an oddball private detective named Kindaichi, who first appeared in The Honjin Murders. Although these books are standalones, I'll definitely be reading that one too. Set in the 1940s, I loved the atmosphere and period details. I greatly enjoyed this.

This is the second of the Pushkin publications of translations of the crime novel of Yokomizo. Originally published in 1972 it again showcases his character the super intelligent crime investigator Kosuke Kindaichi. It is perhaps more assured than the earlier “The Honjin Murder” but once more puts a murder in both its then current, but also its historic place. There are layers of complexity and of characters that are unravelled as the story progresses before Kindaichi will conclude the nature of the crime and the perpetrators who are directly, or indirectly, responsible.
In 194- Sahei Inugami, wealthy eccentric business man and head of his clan will die. Unmarried, he had 3 children by three separate concubines leaving three grandsons – Kiyo, Tomo and Take. But in his household there is also the extremely beautiful young woman, Tamayo, granddaughter of an old friend who had acted as his sponsor and guide as a young, family and friendless man. Lawyer Kuozo Urudate holds the will but is instructed not to read it until grandson Kiyo is traced and returns from service in the Japanese army (somewhere in Burma). When one of his staff is found murdered (attracting Kindaichi’s attention) it is believed that the will may have been secretly read in spite of this.
The will itself had undoubtedly been designed to escalate discord among the family. Kiyo finally returns home (masked, with serious facial injuries) and it is read. It is extremely complicated with a series of conditions reflecting a variety of options that will operate if some or all die within the next 3 months. Individual inheritances are possible, but if the terms are not met these assets will be transferred to the Inugami Foundation. Tamayo will inherit all the business and family heirlooms provided that within 3 months she marries one of the grandsons. If the chosen one refuses to marry her he is disinherited. If all three refuse to marry her, or pre-decease her in the 3 months, she is free to marry who she chooses. If she dies within the 3 months the businesses will go to Kiyo, but his cousins will only be given the business posts held by their fathers in the firm (thus depriving them of their livelihoods). However there is a requirement to try and track the otherwise unknown Shizuma Aonuma. The daughters - who will inherit nothing - are both furious at being disinherited, but set in competition to each other through their sons. Their contempt for Tamayo (an outsider) is verbal and vitriolic – she remains substantially calm.
Needless to say this is a murder mystery and as the months progress the grandsons will start to die. It looks like Tamayo is either involved or is being deliberately compromised. But there appear to have been attempts on her life since the will was unofficially read. Kindaichi watches and thinks it through. It appears that another unknown man has appeared in the area too. Strange and contradictory things happen. BUT nothing more can be said here without acting as a “spoiler” to the plot.
The story will quietly unroll itself. Violence will happen; many characters will not show themselves in anything approaching a good light. It will become clear why Inugami has created such a bitter and divisive will – and then Kindaichi will explain it all. But the murders will have taken place and all will have to finally live with the consequences of their actions. It is of course historic crime fiction so it will feel a little dated and ritualised. But with a good sense of time and place (and back history behind) it is an entertaining one. Not too easy to work out “whodunit” too early. Enjoy

I love a good murder mystery with Poirot and Holmes being my favourites, so I was pleasantly surprised to chance upon Detective Kosuke Kindaichi who is cast from the same mould. A quirky detective novel, this begins at quite a sedentary pace then quickly turns into a gore-fest with a clever dénouement. Brilliantly written and exquisitely translated. I’ll definitely be seeking out his others.

Having read The Honjin Murders, I really enjoyed the characters and story but wasn’t too keen on the flashback/famous author angle of the narrative. So I was very pleased that The Inugami Curse by Seishi Yokomizo disposed of that construct and let the story flow on its own.

And it’s another pretty good story. As this is the 6th Detective Kosuke Kindaichi novel, this one takes place in 1940s Japan, after the end of WWII. The wealthy patriarch of the Inugami Clan dies, leaving behind a strange will with many twisted provisions and permutations involving illegitimate daughters and their sons, missing WWII veterans making their way home, a beautiful granddaughter of the patriarch’s mentor, and an unknown stranger mentioned in the will whom no one knows. Kindaichi is brought in by a lawyer because the lawyer fears that the provisions will lead to murder, and before Kindaichi can talk to him his fear comes true – the lawyer is the first one murdered.

Although that’s the first, it is definitely not the last, as the three potential suitors of the mentor’s beautiful granddaughter (one of whom must marry her) start to get killed in quite spectacular fashions. As more and more of the story is unspooled, we learn of unspeakable cruelty, petty rivalries, secret liaisons, secret offspring, mysterious strangers in town, hidden identities, and true evil that will sacrifice all to get what they want.

A Gothic, old-school murder tale with a Japanese twist. A quick enjoyable read, can’t wait for the next translation in the series.

I requested and received a free advanced electronic copy from Pushkin Press via NetGalley. Thank you!

I saw this book in the Sunday Times referred to as the Japanese Agatha Christie, which intrigued me from the start as she is one of my favourite mystery authors. Apparently there another 77 books waiting to be translated into English and if they are as good as this one then that's a real treat waiting to happen. Stick with this book, it may feel slow at the start but the pace picks up with vengeance. Read and you won't be disappointed.

"The Inugami Curse" is a really entertaining and satisfying detective story similar in character to many of Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes stories and with an equally eccentric, but Japanese, detective. The translator is to be congratulated on giving us a great read in English.

This is the second of Seishi Yokomizo's detective novels to be translated into English and one of 77 (yes!) of his detective stories featuring detective Kindaichi. I am looking forward to reading the first one translated and shall wait very impatiently for more to be available in English.

With many thanks to the publisher and to Netgalley for giving me a copy of the book in exchange for this honest review.

With my current fetish for Japanese crime I read The Honjin Murders and The Inugami Curse by Seishi Yokomizo back to back, which introduce the shambling, head-scratching private investigator Kosuke Kindaichi. Very much in the tradition of, and relecting the Japanese obsession with, the locked room mystery genre, both books are cleverly plotted, replete with red herrings and mind tickling twists in the narrative. I slightly preferred The Inugami Curse (trans. Yumiko Yamakazi) as the other book seemed a little more slight in its plotting, but would heartily recommend both as a sterling introduction to this author. As an aside, The Honjin Murders (trans. Louise Heal Kwai) also includes in the story a go-to list of other Japanese mystery writers which I have started exploring, and am looking forward immensely to the next Yokomizo to be produced by Pushkin Vertigo.

3.5 stars. I really enjoyed my introduction to Kosuke Kindaichi in The Honjin Murders, and was keen to read more of his adventures. Enter The Inugami Curse, the second novel in the series to be translated by Pushkin Vertigo, which like the earlier book blends a highly readable mystery with insights into traditional Japanese culture. As the novel opens, Kindaichi arrives in the lakeside town of Nasu, north of Tokyo, after receiving a worrying letter from the lawyer Wakabayashi. The powerful businessman Sahei Inugami has recently died, sending shockwaves through the local community, for whom he was a figurehead. Everyone is breathlessly waiting for his will to be read, to reveal how his fortune will be divided. Each of Sahei's three daughters waits, hawk-like, with their husbands and children in tow. But Wakabayashi has seen the will and knows it will have the power to rip the family apart in blood and fury. Kindaichi initially believes Wakabayashi's predictions to be overblown, but when the lawyer is poisoned moments before their meeting, he realises someone in the Inugami clan will stop at nothing to secure Sahei's fortune. And this, alas, is only the first of the murders...

Sahei Inugami's will cannot be read until all members of the family are present, so the clan have been impatiently awaiting the return (from the war) of Kiyo, son of Sahei's eldest daughter Matsuko. But, when this promising young man finally arrives, the family are horrified. Kindaichi sees the reason with his own eyes at the reading of the will: a horrifying war wound has destroyed the centre of the young man's face and he now wears a sinister rubber mask. And there are further shocks to come, this time courtesy of the will itself. For Sahei Inugami has left his fortune, not to his family, but to the mild-mannered Tamayo, granddaughter of his great benefactor, who has grown up within the household - sidelined and distrusted by the other members of the family. Now that distrust transforms into hatred, for Sahei's grandsons Kiyo, Také and Tomo can only receive a share of his wealth if they win Tamayo's favour and her hand in marriage. To make matters worse, if Tamayo should die then everything will go to the mysterious Shizuma Aonuma, Sahei's illegitimate son. The Inugami were never the most tightly-knit family, but now their ambition and ire has been channelled in a new direction - and one that proves murderous, as Sahei's grandsons start to suffer horrifying accidents...

Yokomizo has a vivid and frequently ghoulish imagination, and you do wonder why a murderer would go to the lengths shown here - lengths which are highly-coloured and dramatic, but rarely any more effective than a simple bop over the head with a hammer in a dark corner. Yet the colour makes the story more engaging and more shocking, every detail adding new complexity to the case and challenging Kindaichi's brilliance to its utmost. Sharp-eyed readers will spot clues that help to unravel at least part of the mystery, but the whole truth is carefully concealed until the final curtain. Along the way, we find ourselves witnessing the impact of a manipulative old man upon his divided and lethally competitive family. Was Sahei Inguami simply seeking to cause mischief after his death, and to prolong the cold contempt in which he famously held his daughters? Or is there more to his bizarre stipulation? Perhaps, finally, a chance to put things right?

These books are so much livelier than most of the Japanese fiction I've read, aided by a dynamic translation by Yumiko Yamazaki. If you've been enjoying the British Library Crime Classics series, which resurrects forgotten Golden Age classics, I can't recommend these contemporary Japanese stories enough. You'll find yourself drawn into a tale that's more macabre, theatrical and intricate than most Western equivalents (though I make an exception for the author of Castle Skull), and there's lots of social historical context to add colour. Now we just have to keep our fingers crossed that Yamazaki and Pushkin Vertigo are already working on translations of the next books in the series, which I've sure will be every bit as diverting as the two so far.

This review will be published on my blog on Monday 4 May 2020 at the following link:
https://theidlewoman.net/2020/05/04/the-inugami-curse-1951-seishi-yokomizo

In 1940s Japan, the wealthy head of the Inugami clan dies, and his family eagerly await the reading of the will. But no sooner are its strange details revealed than a series of bizarre, gruesome murders begins. Detective Kindaichi must unravel the clan's terrible secrets of forbidden liaisons, monstrous cruelty, and hidden identities to find the murderer, and lift the curse wreaking its bloody revenge on the Inugamis. And so the adventures of the quirky and interesting Japanese detective continue. This takes place in 1940’s Japan and this was translated so perfectly that none of the vivid portrayal of that era was lost. The mystery of the Inugami family unfolds with perfect timing and held my interest from start to finish. Thank you NetGalley for the advanced readers copy for review.

The Inugami Curse is the second of Seishi Yokomizo's Kindaichi series in this new set of English translations. The head of the Inugami clan has recently passed and left a very odd will behind. Once the will is finally read a series of murders start to occur. Kindaichi is an independent detective who is contacted by a lawyer because he believes that some murders are going to occur (he does not realize just how right he is). Over the next couple of months people in line to benefit from the will are killed. One of the great things about this detective is that there are things he missing even in the end.

Sometimes there are issues reading foreign novels from a combination of different writing styles and not great translations. This is NOT one of those instances. The translations is perfect for the American reader. It is one of those books that reads so easily and quickly. It just kept me wanting to read more and more. I definitely recommend this series for reader of detective stories.

First of all, the translator YuMiko YaMazaki has done an amazing job of translating this Japanese crime novel into English. The translation flowed well and YuMiko was able to weave the cultural significance with explanation for foreign readers like me seamlessly. There were no bulky footnotes or long explanations in the back, it was all in the story.

The story itself is a well thought and planned out murder mystery that keeps the reader on their toes unable to guess 'whodunnit' until Seishi decides to reveal. At the core, the story is a murder mystery with seemingly inexplicable occurrences which is why I assume Seishi Yokomizo has been compared to Agatha Christie and John Dickinson Carr.
I have not read a murder mystery before so this was a new experience for me. I enjoyed the story and it was fun to try solve the murders but ultimately, the story is very of its time in terms of the female characters, attitudes to marriage and class divides. The novel was originally published in 1951 and set in rural Japan so with that in mind, it makes complete sense. Having said that however, this novel did not age as badly as some others of the time and in fact I imagine will appeal to modern audiences.

The cover design is also great, I have seen that the other Seishi title Pushkin Vertigo is releasing has a similar style.

Thank you to Pushkin Press and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader's Copy!

Available August 25th 2020

Japanese noir fiction is a brand of its own and Seishi Yokomizo is its respected master as he proves in The Inugami Curse. Set against the gorgeous lakes and forests of Nasu, Japan, this is one hell of a murder mystery. When Sahei Inugami passes away, he leaves his vast inheritance to Tamayo and gives her three months to marry one of his three grandsons. As grief and murder follows the cursed Inugami clan, it is up to the affable and witty Detective Kindaichi to solve the crime. Along the way, we learn more about Sahei's storied past, the half he managed to keep out of national papers.

What I enjoyed the most is the understated manner of writing. It is genteel, yet gruesome, yet impactful. Every single clue means something and as the story slowly unveils itself, you find yourself falling deeper into its spell.

A rich businessman dies and leaves a diabolical will that pits throws his family into a spiral of murder and revenge. Yokomizo has been called "Japan's Agatha Christie" and The Inugami Curse definitely has that feel.

The Inugami Curse is a classic mystery novel based in Japan and one of the many adventures of the private detective Kosuke Kindaichi. This time he has to unravel a series of killings after the head of a successful family dies and leaves an unusual will. Often touted as the Japanese answer to Agatha Christie, it is not hard to see why the comparison is made. The author weaves a delicate web of suspicion and fear amongst the characters, and creates a will so nuanced that it baffles the reader. The question of inheritance and retribution is a big one in this novel, and this is what makes it tear away from the Christie comparisons in my opinion. It must be recognised that this is set in Japan and not the UK, different cultural norms and values are in play and this creates motivations for the characters that I have never encountered in a Christie novel. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would happily read another of Kindaichi’s cases!

Sahei Inugami, a self-made millionaire died at the age of 81, leaving 3 daughters and an illegitimate son. Although he never married the mothers of any of his daughters.

The family have been waiting for the reading of his will but there is one clause that says it cannot be read until Kiyo, Sahei’s first grandson returns from war or until the first anniversary of Mr Inugami’s death.

Eight months after Sahei’s death, Kosuke Kindaichi, a private investigator, arrives at Nasu lakeside Inn, situated opposite the Inugami estate. He received a letter of concern from Toyoichiro Wakabayashi of the Furudate Law office in Nasa. He had asked Kindaichi to carry out an investigation on deaths that he felt certain were due to take place within the Inugami family.

At that moment, Kindaichi watched as Tamayo, Sahei Inugami’s beautiful ward rowed out across the lake and began to sink in the boat. He ran from the inn to rescue her, as did many other people, including Monkey, her “protector”.

Following this, Kindaichi returns to the inn where he finds Wakabayashi dead from poisoning.

As Kiyo returns to Japan, the reading of the will can take place and so Tamayo is set to inherit the whole fortune, so long as she marries one of the Inugami grandsons.

Now begins a series of murders through the family and it’s up to Kosuke Kindaichi to solve the mystery and prove who the killer is.

Despite this being a mystery, it’s written in a very gentle, serene manner. It’s a very well written book, traditional in its style and grammar.

I liked it and would rate it 4 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟

Thank you to the author and publishers Pushkin Press for an ARC in exchange for an independent review.

I really enjoyed this mystery, and might even say it was my favorite of all the recent Pushkin Japanese mystery translations released.

The simplest comparison is Agatha Christie, and though not as strong a character as Poirot, Kindaichi is a pleasant detective to follow along with, trying to find answers before the next murder occurs.

A lovely Sunday afternoon read for the sunny days, whether we choose to stay home, or are forced to do so.



https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50362362-the-inugami-curse?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=gz8gMLNBYw&rank=1

Pushkin Press is my favourite publisher for books just like this and introducing English readers to excellent writing from abroad. This book is a similar to Agatha Christie but is a more of a 'grown up' tale.

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for giving me an ARC!

4.5 rounded up to 5 stars, and I really hope the Publisher decides to translate more by Yokomizo!

So first up: you will not be able to figure out who the killer is, that is how well crafted this mystery is. I was right, but at the same time I was wrong in ways I didn't even think of. That twists were so intricately done that I do not think anyone would be able to see it coming, and predict the full extent of the plot twists.

The reason it isn't a full 5 is because I feel like the explanation section, did drag on a bit and cover the same parts over and over. But the ride it took to get there was definitely worth the time it took to read!

Since it is a mystery in a long-running series, you don't need to read all the other ones thankfully, and there doesn't seem to be a ton of recurring characters so you should be fine! Also our MC while not having a ton of personality, it still an enjoyable POV through which we see most of the story.

The Inugami Curse is the second book I’ve read by Seishi Yokomizo, featuring his scruffy private investigator Kosuke Kindaichi. Like the first book, The Honjin Murders, this novel is a twisty murder mystery, filled with family secrets and jealous relations. I picture Mr Kindaichi as resembling Columbo, probably because he is always a bit dishevelled and has a habit of ruffling his hair while thinking. The plot is very Golden Age traditional murder mystery, but the story is firmly rooted in Japan with traditional Japanese clothing, tatami mats and musical instruments featuring strongly.

This is turning out to be a really great series of mysteries. With more than thirty books in the original Japanese series, I hope that more are translated into English.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing a review copy in exchange for honest feedback.

Was so excited to read this. I recently read The Honjin Murders and absolutely loved it, so I was expecting to feel the same about this... spoiler alert: I did! I really recommend this for fans of the classic mystery authors like Agatha Christie and Doyle, you will love this!

Extremely creepy historical Japanese murder mystery featuring the famous Detective Kosuke Kindaichi - these can be read out of order, and would appeal greatly to fans of mystery, murder mystery, and historical Japanese fiction.

My thanks to Pushkin Vertigo for an eARC via NetGalley of ‘The Inugami Curse’ by Seishi Yokomizo. It was originally published in Japan in 1951 and has recently been translated from the Japanese by Yumiko Yamakazi.

“Ch-Chief, w-w-what’s going on? W-why is that c-c-corpse sticking up in the air upside down?” - Detective Kindaichi, ‘The Inugami Curse’

The macabre cover image of red clad legs sticking up through ice initially drew me to this novel. I also have enjoyed a number of works of modern Japanese crime fiction and was intrigued by what I had read about Seishi Yokomizo’s writing that includes seventy-seven works featuring Detective Kosuke Kindaichi.

Set in post-war Japan, the plot focuses upon the the wealthy Inugami clan. When the head of the clan dies his family eagerly awaits the reading of the will. Yet everyone is shocked when its strange details are revealed. After this, a series of bizarre murders takes place.

Detective Kindaichi has been asked to assist in unravelling the terrible secrets of the clan in order to assist in identifying the murderer and break the curse.

This was an intricately plotted, fiendishly twisty murder mystery in the classic style. It proved an enjoyable read.

Seishi Yokomizo is acknowledged as the King of Golden Age crime fiction in Japan and I am very pleased that Pushkin Press has published this and another of his Detective Kindaichi mysteries, ‘The Honjin Murders’, which I plan to read in the near future. Hopefully more of his novels will be published in English.

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for giving me an ARC!

I don't read much of Japanese literature, which absolutely doesn't mean I don't enjoy it when I do. Therefore, The Inugami Curse was probably the first Japanese detective story that I ever read, and now I want to read more!

Initially, it was hard for me to get into the story, the beginning was rather slow, but once the action took up the reading experience got much better. Family drama is one of my favourite tropes within this kind of novels, so following such a wide cast of characters fighting over inheritance was interesting, to say the least.

Overall, it is a well crafted and engaging mystery. And even though the mystery was not too hard to figure out, I had so much fun with this novel and definitely would pick up something else by the author.

Kindaichi is a shambling, eccentric private detective. He is approached by a representative of a large law firm to help deal with an emerging crisis. Before he can do almost anything, the man who approached him is dead.

The law firm acts for Inugami, a major business founded by one of the wealthiest men in Japan. When the founder dies, the law firm's principal asks Kindaichi to be present when the will is read. Inugami's will turns out to be a complex, fiendishly twisted arrangement that seems designed to create trouble and set all members of the family at one another's throats. Soon enough the trouble begins and the inevitable fallout from the will starts to take shape.

I enjoyed this novel. The plot device was something different, with some memorable characters and Kindaichi was a clever and perceptive protagonist. I did find it a tad melodramatic at times, but otherwise it was a really good read.

Entertaining and quite warped detective novel set in post-war Japan with a vile family fighting over an inheritance, and one of them setting out to murder the rest. It's a very well constructed mystery in a completely implausible way (it's always a bit of a bad sign when the detective is remarking "well, that was a bizarre series of coincidences) but, you know, murder mystery, go with it.

Classic Crime.....
Classic crime from Japan. Cleverly and intricately plotted. When the head of the incredibly wealthy Inugami clan passes his family gathers for the reading of the will. Thus begins a series of bizarre and disturbing murders. A gruesome puzzle, well executed with an interesting detective in Kindaichi. A treat from the Golden Age of crime.

I do love the Pushkin Vertigo series and this is an excellent thriller set in 1940's Japan. As usual these stories tend to be about plot rather than character development but I found the mystery intriguing and the plot compelling. The story is a well constructed puzzle with The Inugami family and all their tensions and secrets at the heart of it. Yokimizo has a knack for conjuring atmostphere through visceral descriptions of landscape, body language and weather. I also have to say the translation is excellent!

Yokomizo is a classic for a reason. His mysteries are intricately plotted with unexpected twists and this one is no exception. Featuring a wide cast of suspects and even more possible motives, this is a lovely twist and turn borne out of an odd will. While the murders are grisly, the characters are all more shocked than you are.

I have a large selection of Pushkin Vertigo books in my collection and have never been disappointed with any of them. They certainly have a knack of picking really interesting and unusual novels to publish!

I was really intrigued by The Inugami Curse as I hadn’t read anything by a Japanese author since reading Ring by Kōji Suzuki many years ago. The story is set in the 1940s and as a result had more of a classic crime feel about it. I thought the tense atmosphere came across really well in the translation, as the family argue over inheritance and the reading of a will.

It had quite a quirky feel about it, despite being quite detailed and intricate. For me this was probably down to Detective Kindaichi, who I really enjoyed as a character, and I would love to read more from the series!

First of all, the book cover is brilliant. I am Amazed! I love the mystery/detective theme of the book. This is my first time reading a Japanese Detective story and I must say, i'm very impressed. This book follows a detective and is part of the Inugami Clan book installment. The characters are easy to follow, easy to know. The settings are my most favorite. It is nonetheless beautiful read.

Un classico della letteratura gialla, e il mio primo incontro con Seishi Yokomizo, autore che ha segnato la storia del crimine letterario giapponese.
Ed è il tipo di giallo cerebrale che mi piace e mi intrattiene, una sfida intellettuale che non pretendo di vincere ma che amo vedere svolta sulla pagina.
Penso che ritornerò presto in Giappone in compagnia di questo stropicciato detective.

Much better than the first installment - partly because it is longer, so the author has bigger space to play with his ideas; partly because I feel that he was not trying so hard to play according the Western canon (the rules are still observed, but the feeling is more Japanese-like, including not only the traditions, but also the emotions and morals of the time). Also, there is a romance!

The mystery is very catchy, easy to read.
I have enjoyed the old school feels (even if the Japanese (sexual) behaviour is anything but), the elegant writing and the easy way the author got me engaged.

I received an ARC of this book thanks to NetGalley and publisher Pushkin Press in exchange for an honest review.

The Inugami Curse is the story of a wealthy family who gets thrown into disarray when the contents of the patriarch's will get revealed. To the family's shock, the money gets left to a seemingly unrelated female guest of the house, with additional caveats that she must marry one of the grandsons within a set time period. The only way to escape this clause is if all three grandsons die, or if the woman herself dies.

The setup to this book is a lot more complicated than the Honjin Murders, though this also allows for a lot more interpersonal conflict and character interactions. It is an intriguing mystery once you get into the swing of it, with lots going on and plenty of dramatic reveals throughout. I particularly enjoyed the sense of threat throughout. It's like an Agatha Christie with more bite, with the rich family members all treating each other with suspicion and gruesome deaths round every corner.

Overall, I am thoroughly enjoying these translated mysteries and I really hope for more in the future. They're a great way to branch out your murder mystery tastes, and it's always good to read more detective fiction from the golden age

Overall Rating: 4/5 stars