REVIEW
By Brian Barrett, Readers’ Advisory Librarian
It is fascinating to read how Ishigami attempts to stay one step ahead of the police by misdirecting them at every turn. The plot is flawlessly constructed and tension mounts as the motivations of each character are slowly revealed. The writing style is straightforward with clear prose and vivid description. The reader gets to experience everyday life in Tokyo, such as the public transport system, crowded apartment buildings and police procedure. Twists and turns abound as one needs to pay close attention to the details to see if the unassuming math teacher will outwit the clever physicist. The interaction between these two intriguing characters is captivating, with even the most tedious conversation occasionally divulging important clues.
Fans of police procedurals and mysteries set in other nations may enjoy this gripping story. Enormously popular in Japan, this mystery was recently translated into English and has been nominated for the 2012 Edgar Award for Best Mystery Novel.