A bewildering locked-room murder occurs as an amateur crime writer investigates strange events in the Chizurui mansion in this prizewinning classic Japanese mystery The 1st book in English from Akimitsu Takagi since his “Clever, kinky, and highly entertaining” The Tattoo Murder Case (Washington Post) This ingeniously constructed masterpiece, written by one of Japan's most celebrated crime writers and translated into English for the first time, is perfect for locked-room mystery fans who can’t resist a breathtaking conclusion. In the Chizurui family mansion, a haunting presence casts a shadow over its residents. By night, an eerie figure, clad in a sinister Hannya mask is seen roaming around the house. An amateur murder mystery writer, Akimitsu Takagi, is sent to investigate — but his investigation takes a harrowing turn as tragedy strikes the Chizurui family. Within the confines of a locked study, the head of the family is found dead, with only an ominous Hannya mask lying on the floor by his side and the lingering scent of jasmine in the air as clues to his mysterious murder. As Takagi delves deeper into the perplexing case, he discovers a tangled web of secrets and grudges. Can he discover the link between the family and the curse of the Hannya mask? Who was the person who called the undertaker and asked for three coffins on the night of the murder? And do those three coffins mean the curse of the Hannya mask is about to strike again? The Noh Mask Murder’s legendary ending offers locked-room mystery fans the perfect coda to an ingenously constructed mystery.
Akimitsu Takagi
Akimitsu Takagi was a Japanese author known for his detective novels and historical mysteries. His most notable works include "The Tattoo Murder Case" and "The Informer." Takagi's writing style is characterized by meticulous attention to detail and intricate plots that keep readers engaged until the very end. He made significant contributions to the mystery genre in Japan, blending elements of traditional detective fiction with historical settings and cultural themes. "The Tattoo Murder Case" is considered Takagi's most famous work, showcasing his skill in crafting suspenseful narratives and complex characters. Takagi's work continues to influence contemporary Japanese crime fiction and remains popular among fans of the genre.